Record Keeping Vital to Prevailing in Injury Case

Individuals who suffer an injury or are involved in an accident through no fault of their own are protected by a variety of laws that allow them to potentially recover monetary damages to cover out-of-pocket expenses, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. It’s important to remember, however, that good recordkeeping greatly increases the chance that the law will work for you.

In a nutshell, the more details you have about your injury, the better off you will be in a trial. Therefore, it’s important to start keeping records even before you see an attorney. You’ll need to keep a record of:

• Medical visits and procedures, including the reasons for them, any diagnoses, medications prescribed and bills documenting out-of-pocket costs

• Any pain, inabilities, limitations, notes on days you were unable to work and similar items

• Notes on how you feel physically on a daily basis. It’s also important to detail any improvements or deterioration in your condition

• Conversations with anyone concerning any aspect of your injury and case

• Details of anything you remember about the incident

• Bills related to the case, such as medical and pharmacy expenses, as well as “incidental” items, such as transportation costs

• A listing of doctors’ names, along with complete contact information

• Relevant photographs that document both your injury, as well as any disability it has caused or healing that has resulted

• Letters pertaining to any claims made to your insurance carrier, as well as your company’s disability or workman’s compensation carriers

• Any legal papers you are served with or receive

• Names and contact information for all witnesses

You can find these and other tips in our FREE book Personal Injury Law for Dummies

Source: Personal Injury Law for Dummies