If you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own, it can be stressful to negotiate your finances, injuries, and your day-to-day responsibilities. There are several ways you could help strengthen your personal injury case, from following your doctor’s orders to speaking with a qualified attorney. In addition, you could keep a personal injury journal and document important details pertinent to your case, e.g., your pain levels, limitations to everyday activities such as cooking or driving, and your inability to get a good night’s sleep.
If you are ready to move forward with your claim, contact our personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas at Valiente Mott for a free case analysis and more information on how to get started with a journal.
What is an injury journal?
An injury journal is more specific than a standard diary. It is a detailed record of your accident and its effects on your life. It may be used as evidence in your case to increase its value, so the information must be accurate and complete. Your lawyer can advise how often to make entries and what information to include or exclude.
What to put in the journal
Focus on a few specific types of entries. First and foremost, it is a good idea to write down as much about your accident as you can remember before your memory fades. Next, discuss the daily impact your injuries have on you and your family. Las Vegas personal injury cases can result in serious health consequences and long-term pain. Notating how these injuries have changed your life can provide a clear picture of the damages you deserve. For example, shopping for groceries and cooking meals for your family may not be possible. You may not be able to pick up the kids after school. Golf outings or family vacations may also not be possible. Therefore, it’s essential to be as detailed as possible about these limitations.
Finally, include specific details about your medical treatment. It should illustrate that you followed every protocol, including physical therapy, established by your doctor–to alleviate as much pain as possible. These details will also help establish the severity of your injuries.
Use the journal appropriately
Finally, a journal can be a helpful tool—when used appropriately. However, it is crucial that you are careful about what you commit to its pages. While having a record of your injuries and recovery can be invaluable, errant details about your personal life could work against you. The defendant and their lawyers could eventually read everything you have written. Keep the tone professional. Stick to the facts—pain levels, limitations, doctor’s visits, sleep patterns. The attorney for the other side will not hesitate to take anything you write out of context and avoid details that might be embarrassing or harmful to your case.
Contact Valiente Mott today for a free consultation
If you have been injured through the negligence of a third party, a personal injury lawsuit could be your best avenue for justice. Keeping a journal to track your pain levels, limitations, and adherence to your doctor’s protocols can improve your chances of success. Contact us at Valiente Mott as soon as possible for a free consultation.
