How to Track the Impact of Your Accident on Your Life-  A Few Suggestions

The injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth tell every client we meet to keep records of the effect of the accident on their lives.   The clients who enjoy the best outcomes are the clients who get this advice shortly after their accident and who follow it carefully. 

The settlement process takes time.  Lawsuits take time.   If you do not keep accurate records, you will not be able to remember small losses that occur over time that can add up to significant amounts.

A very important component of the record-keeping process is to keep a calendar that records the following information:

• All accident-related appointments such as medical and therapeutic appointments;
• Sleep disruption
• Pain medications taken
• Pain reduction steps take (such as icing or elevating a leg)
• Activities missed or cut short (vacations, weddings etc.)
• Days with elevated pain
• Missed work due to accident if client is back at work
• Time and activities performed by friends and relatives due to the accident.

This type of recording is challenging.  However, it is just as, or more challenging to try to remember how many nights’ sleep you missed in the year after the accident. 

Here is an example of how we may use this information if your case goes to trial, or even at mediation or at a settlement conference.  It is extremely effective to hold up a chart for a jury showing 6 medical appointments per week for 9 months when the insurance company is suggesting that you did not “try” to get better.  This is not something you can create after the fact from memory.

Do you have an appropriate system to document the impact of your accident on your life?  Why not speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to develop a record keeping system that works for you.  The accident lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth would be pleased to meet with you to review your case and to provide you with practical advice you can use to maximize the compensation you achieve.  For more information, or to schedule a free consultation, click here.