Why is Documentation of Injuries Important?
If you are injured in an accident, it is important to ensure that your injuries and symptoms are properly documented. First and foremost, in order for your treatment providers to provide the appropriate care, they need to be advised of all your injuries and symptoms. Secondly, proper documentation will assist you or your counsel in proving your losses and damages if you decide to make a bodily injury claim.
In any civil lawsuit, a plaintiff has the onus or is otherwise required to prove their claim by using evidence, which should show:
- The nature of your injuries and resulting pain, symptoms, suffering, and mental anguish
- Cause of your injuries
- Medical expenses incurred
- Future medical expenses needed or likely to be incurred
- Impairment or disability
- Current and future losses relating to housekeeping capacity
- Current and future losses of income or earning capacity
Accordingly, proper documentation of your injuries will often form the evidentiary foundation needed to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Seek medical attention and treatment as recommended
Your injuries may not be immediately visible and could be hidden or internal. If you start to experience any pain or symptoms after an accident, it is advisable to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.
It is important that you truthfully report all your pain and symptoms to all your care providers, which may include hospital or emergency staff, family or attending physicians, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. Your care providers will then be able to properly assess and diagnose your injuries, and recommend the appropriate treatment as necessary. It is also important to follow the advice of your care providers including attending treatment or therapy as recommended. Your care providers are obligated to record your symptoms and their findings in their clinical notes or file, which can assist you or your counsel in proving your case. It is also helpful to retain any records provided to you that relate to your treatment such as physician or care provider notes or letters, invoices, receipts, and insurance documentation.
Document your injuries with photos and videos
Most people nowadays have a readily accessible camera and video recording via a smartphone. Taking photographs or videos of your injuries may be helpful in providing objective evidence that may form an important part of your case.
Keep a daily record of your injuries or symptoms
Keeping a daily journal/diary can help show the impact of your injuries (physical, mental, and emotional) on your life. Your journal/diary may address the following:
- All your injuries and symptoms that you may suffer from
- Corresponding pain and impairment or disability
- Emotional/mental state or stress
- Impact on your family, social, and other relationships
- Impact on your recreational activities
- Impact on your housekeeping chores
- Impact on your work or work duties
- Medical appointments including physicians, specialists, and therapists seen
- Medications taken
In addition, personal injury claims often take several years before a resolution is obtained or reached. A journal/diary can help refresh your memory including what you have gone through since the accident.
Need help with a personal injury claim in Calgary?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Alberta, the experienced lawyers at Vogel LLP are here to help. Book a free consultation with us for an initial case evaluation.