If you’ve suffered a serious personal injury, navigating both recovery and a legal claim can be overwhelming. While working to heal, there are steps you can take to not only enhance your quality of life but also improve the value of your personal injury case. Below are 8 strategies to strengthen your case while living life to the fullest possible.
1. Document Your Injuries Over Time
DO take serial photographs of your injuries and recovery over time, and date each photo while noting who took them. Additionally, ask your therapist or doctor if you can video your treatments. This documentary evidence is crucial in creating a visual timeline of your pain and recovery, especially since litigation may take years. Photos and videos provide the jury with a powerful way to understand the length and severity of your recovery journey.
2. Keep a Pain and Activity Diary
DO keep a diary to track your daily pain levels and how your injury has impacted your activities. Years after your injury, you might forget important moments—like missing a family event due to pain or feeling overwhelmed at work because of frequent doctor appointments. A diary serves as evidence that reflects your emotional and physical challenges, providing a record that strengthens your case.
3. Record Out-of-Pocket Expenses
DO track all out-of-pocket medical expenses, fuel costs, travel time to and from doctor’s appointments, and any other inconveniences caused by the injury. This detailed record will be invaluable to your personal injury attorney when seeking compensation. Don’t assume that anyone else is keeping track of this information—document it from day one.
4. Provide Witnesses to Your Pain
DO give your attorney the names of co-workers, friends, and family members who can testify to how your injury has affected your life. Often, those close to you will notice subtle changes—like withdrawal or frustration—that you may not recognize yourself. Having third-party witnesses with no financial stake in the outcome of your case strengthens your claim by showing the full scope of how the injury has altered your daily life.
5. Communicate with Your Loved Ones
DO talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about how you’re feeling, both emotionally and physically. While your lawyer will advise against discussing the legal aspects of your case, sharing how you feel with your support network is crucial for your mental and emotional well-being. This helps your loved ones understand your behavior and reduces the sense of isolation that can come from dealing with pain.
6. Follow Medical Advice Closely
DO adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. If a treatment isn’t working, inform your doctor and seek adjustments. If you’re not satisfied with your care, find a doctor who listens to your concerns. Stopping treatment prematurely can harm both your recovery and your personal injury claim. Remember, you know your body best, and ensuring you’re receiving proper care is essential.
7. Resume Activities to the Best of Your Ability
DO attempt to return to your regular activities as soon as it’s safe to do so. If you’re unable to work, consider volunteering in roles that suit your abilities. Engaging in activities within your limits—whether walking instead of running, or using a stationary bike if you can’t walk—shows that you’re making an effort to regain your life. Juries favor people who try to return to normalcy despite their challenges, and staying active can also benefit your mental health.
8. Avoid Social Media Pitfalls
DON’T use social media while your case is ongoing, and set your accounts to private. Even a single social media post can be misinterpreted by opposing attorneys. For example, a client who suffered from chronic pain was shown smiling in a Facebook photo with friends at an event. Although this image was taken years after the accident, the defense used it to cast doubt on the severity of his injury. Protect your case by avoiding any online activity that could be misconstrued.
Maximize Your Claim While Prioritizing Your Health
At Baratta Law, we understand that recovering from an injury and pursuing a personal injury claim can be difficult. By following these steps, you can improve the value of your case while still focusing on your well-being. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.d a loss of bodily function.
