If you’ve been injured due to no fault of your own and are looking to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, there are some things you must do. One of the most beneficial things you can do for your potential claim is to keep a documented pain journal. It’s not common information and most people don’t realize the value that keeping a pain journal brings to your injury lawsuit. Not to mention many don’t even know what one is.
To ensure you have all of the information you need to have a successful lawsuit, we want to provide you with the proper way to compose a pain journal.
Doctor’s Visit Tips
Following any injury, it’s essential for your health and future lawsuit to seek immediate medical attention. It’s crucial that you begin your pain journal from the moment you finish your initial doctor’s visit and continue the journal until your case has settled and a payout has been awarded. The more information you can collect and input in your pain journal, the stronger the evidence you will have.
To start your journal, you will want to include the date of the visit, the time spent, the doctor’s diagnosis, and the symptoms you are experiencing.
“OK, so I have begun my pain journal, but what exactly do I track?”
Items to Track
Some of the information you want to be sure to have in your journal includes:
- Your pain level on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe pain imaginable
- The length of time that you’ve had your symptoms
- Changes in your daily life/work-life
- Specific tasks that you are unable to perform
- Medication side effects
- The quantity of and time spent (daily) taking medication
- Changes in your emotional wellness
- Depression or anxiety
- Any time you failed to get out of bed, move, or do your normal tasks because of your pain or emotional distress
- Time off of work due to your injuries
In addition to this information, you will want to include photographic evidence. Take photographs of any changes in your injuries, including both negative and positive.
So, You Have a Pain Journal, Now What?
Once you have composed a pain journal, you want to act quickly in hiring a Memphis personal injury attorney, if you haven’t already done so. At Daniel Law Firm, our team of exceptionally versed Memphis personal injury attorneys has helped demonstrate the extent of our client’s pain for decades, allowing them to receive the maximum possible compensation. We would love the opportunity to hear your story and show what we can do for you, while you focus on recovering.
To schedule your free case evaluation, call us today at (901) 525-5555.