Keeping a Pain, Symptom, and Treatment Diary
An injury can take a major toll on a person. It may impact you financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you were injured due to another party’s negligence, you likely deserve compensation. You can display your medical bills in order to receive compensation for the expenses you have incurred as a result of your injury. But how do you quantify the other things? How do you put a price tag on the pain you feel? Or on the loss of independence you are experiencing? One thing some lawyers suggest is to keep a pain, symptom, and treatment diary.
What Is a Pain, Symptom, and Treatment Diary?
A pain, symptom, and treatment diary is a diary you can keep while you are recovering from your injury. It can take the form of a traditional hand-written diary, a typed document, a spreadsheet, or a detailed calendar.
What Is It Used For?
There are many reasons to keep a pain, symptom, and treatment diary. It can help your attorney better understand your injuries and the impact they have had on you. Additionally, it is a good way to remain organized throughout your case. It can be important to keep track of these things so you can refer back to them.
What Do I Put in It?
The only rule when it comes to a pain, symptom, and treatment diary is to be honest. If you exaggerate or lie about the extent of your injuries, you risk losing credibility. Instead, you should pinpoint your pain. What hurts and where? On a scale of 1-10, how badly does it hurt? What kind of pain are you feeling: piercing, aching, throbbing, etc. Another important aspect is to discuss the way your injury has impacted your everyday life. For example, did you have to cancel plans today because your pain was too great? Were you unable to play with your children or fulfill your household chores? These are all topics you will want to discuss in your diary. This can help your attorney better understand how your life has been impacted and how much compensation you may deserve as a result.
If you have any questions about keeping a pain, symptom, and treatment diary, reach out to our firm today.
Contact Our Experienced Texas Firm
No matter your circumstances, if you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, you need not suffer alone–our firm is here to help you through every step of the legal process so that you can focus solely on what matters most: healing, so you can live a happy, productive life for years to come. If you are ready to move forward with your personal injury claim, all you have to do is reach out to The Law Offices of Steve Brannan today and we will begin the claims process.