How to Document Your Injuries for a Personal Injury Claim
Victims of a personal injury suffered physical and emotional losses due to the negligence of another person. The law allows you to seek legal action against the person or parties that caused your injuries. However, it is up to you to present what your injuries are and have evidence to back them up. Here is how to document your injuries for a personal injury claim to ensure clarity and comprehensive coverage.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
The most important first step in documenting your injuries to file a claim is to get medical care. Going to the emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible enables you to clearly demonstrate that the injuries came from that accident.
At the hospital, tell the medical team what happened. They will conduct a thorough examination to rule out hidden injuries, such as soft tissue damage, whiplash, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding. They will also make sure to look for signs of traumatic head injuries.
Complete Your Follow-Up Medical Care
Whether you need to stay in the hospital or go home, follow-up is a critical step in this process. It shows you are doing all you can to heal. It also creates an ongoing medical record of the injury and any complications that occur over time. Continue to follow the doctor’s orders for treatment, rehabilitation, and not working. Keep all of your medical records, including any discharge paperwork you have.
Create a Journal to Document Other Injuries
Document your injuries and other losses in a dated journal. You can even use an app on your phone. In this journal, write down:
- All medical appointments and out-of-pocket costs you have
- Any missed hours at work and implications to earnings, benefits, bonuses, or other compensation
- Indicate your mood and pain levels each day, including any missed experiences or activities due to your injuries
- Write down any missed family activities or people whom you had to pay to help your family because of your injuries
- Document all costs related to transporting back and forth to medical appointments
- Write down any emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety involved in your day
- Document costs associated with seeking help from a therapist
Anything that occurs to you as a result of the accident and your ongoing injuries requires documentation. A journal is an effective log if you use it consistently.
Work with an Attorney as Soon as Possible
Your personal injury lawyer in Newnan will be one of the most powerful resources you have for filing a personal injury claim. Not only do they tackle the overall process of negotiation, but they will also help you get experts who can document and validate your losses. You can also expect the legal team to help you determine additional losses you may be owed that you may not have considered. Because filing a personal injury claim can be so important to get right, it is worth speaking to an attorney for a free consultation to learn what your claim may be worth.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney Now
At Kam, Ebersbach & Lewis, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of potential claim costs during a free consultation. This is the ideal way to learn more about the value of your claim and the steps you can take to ensure it is fully documented.