Personal Injury Journal
Why would you want to keep a journal detailing your personal injury? Although recounting the details of an injury can be emotionally draining, it is imperative that you have documentation when your claim is filed. The hours, days, and even months after your injury can be a chaotic and confusing time; you would be surprised at how easy it is to forget details that you might need in court.
All the Facts.
You may be asking yourself, “what exactly should I keep in a personal injury journal?” We are glad you asked. Some of it may be a no-brainer, like copies of all receipts and correspondence, but other parts may not be as obvious. Your journal should detail what happened, how things are going for you after sustaining the injury, if you have missed work, and all the details regarding your medical treatment.
What Happened?
While your memory is still fresh, write down a detailed account of what happened. Make notes on the time, date, and location of your accident. Include any and every detail of the incident, no matter how minor it may seem. Also ensure that you write down details about the circumstances surrounding your accident – what environmental factors were at play? Was it raining? Was the ground wet? Was your visibility impaired?
While writing down your account of the accident, also include details that you may need later. Write down names and contact information for all involved parties, including witnesses. If one of the parties made a statement, write it down. If police were on the scene, write down their names and badge numbers.
Finally, include photos! Take photos of the accident, take photos of the scene around the accident. Take photos of your injuries. Just like you cannot be too detailed in your account, you cannot take too many photos.
How’s it Going?
A personal injury does not come with a single price-tag, you need to keep track of all the hidden costs. After something happens, you might experience pain and discomfort that really impacts your daily life. What if you find yourself with reduced physical capability? Make note of it! Record all the daily difficulties and how the injury impacts your schedule.
A personal injury does not just carry a financial and physical cost; it can have a huge emotional impact too! Write down the impact it has on your mind, including any therapy or counseling you need. Your emotional state is no joke! A traumatic incident may make a bigger impact on you and your family than you think.
Missed Work?
Speaking of pay, you need to track your lost wages. If you are missing work, document the hours that you have missed along with the pay that you have not been able to receive. You should not let a personal injury deprive you of what you would have earned. If the personal injury might rob you of employment for the future, you should not have to lose out because of someone else. Journal that!
What’s Up Doc?
Log all the medications that are prescribed to you and all the doctors’ appointments that you attend. Do not just write down the direct expenses associated with your medical care; also track mileage, the guidance given by your doctor, and how your recovery is progressing. And, again, take photos of your injuries whenever something changes – For instance, if you begin to show new bruising or swelling, document it!
But Wait, There’s More!
Long-term expenses like bills from your doctor, medication, physical therapy, and other types of long-term care might count towards your compensation. You might face other expenses like transportation costs. Sometimes you might be forced to buy gear to help you get along, like crutches or a wheelchair, or even something as simple as cushions. If you would not have needed to buy it otherwise, write it down and keep the receipts!
No Recovery, No Fee
The Chris Benjamin Law Firm takes all personal injury cases on a contingency basis. You only owe attorneys’ fees after we obtain compensation for you. You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, and emotional distress.
Call Day or Night for an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney.
With good documentation and an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, you can get the compensation that you deserve. Do not fight a legal battle alone. The Chris Benjamin Law Firm will be in your corner, fighting for you. You can contact attorney Chris Benjamin by calling 816-425-2420 / 913-340-9544 or navigating to our contact page for a consultation at one of our Kansas or Missouri locations. We understand that personal injuries can happen at the worst of times, including weekends or the middle of the night. Do not hesitate to call the Chris Benjamin Law Firm regardless of the time or day. We are here to help. Leave the legal stuff to us!