After an accident, many people struggle to recall the details of the incident. Unfortunately, this can affect a future personal injury claim. One way to ensure the details stay clear is to keep a personal journey of the event. While this could be a journal that is already a regular diary, it is best to create a new journal specifically devoted to recording the incident.
A personal journal kept after being injured can be extremely helpful for your personal injury case. A personal injury case may involve any of the following:
- Automobile Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Defective and Dangerous Products
- Dog Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Premise Liability
- Wrongful Death
- Social Security Disability
- Workers Compensation
How a Journal Can Help Your Personal Injury Claim
These journals should keep track of pain and other side effects of the injury you are seeking legal help with. This journal should also keep track of doctor’s appointments, prescriptions and their effects, missed work, missed social engagements, etc.
Journals can be used during settlement negotiations in certain cases to illustrate to the other side the full extent of an injury. Journals can also be used in court proceedings to help refresh your recollection of the extent of the injury you suffered.
Make Your Journal Consistent
Try to write in the journal consistently, every day. Depending on your injury or disability claim, you may need to write about different things. For instance, if you have a medical malpractice claim regarding a botched small bowel resection, you would want to journal any digestive issues. However, if you have had an automobile accident and are suffering from whiplash, you may not need to write down any digestive issues.
Write any and all missed activities due to your personal injury or disability. In certain cases, you are permitted to seek damages for pain and suffering. In those cases, a lot can be considered “pain and suffering.” If you aren’t sure, it is better to include it in your journal.
While journaling, document your injuries. If you have had surgery or a medical malpractice claim, photographs during the progression of your recovery may be helpful. Take photographs as part of your journaling as well.
Show Your Journal to Your Attorney
Provide updated copies of your journal periodically to your attorney so they can remain up to date on the case and the issues you are experiencing as a result of your claim. Contact us for other tips to protect your personal injury claim.
