If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of an injury due to someone’s neglect, you’ll most likely be filing a personal injury lawsuit. The burden of proof falls upon you and your legal team in California, so you’ll need to have all your ducks in a row for a successful case. The more medical evidence you have of your injuries, the higher your chances are of receiving the maximum compensation.
San Diego County residents injured in an accident can contact an Escondido personal injury lawyer to discuss their case. To get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is the way to go.
How to Document Your Injuries in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
California State law states that the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit must prove that their injuries are a direct result of a negligent act and that the injuries are valid and life-changing. This is done by providing the defendant and the court with what’s referred to as medical evidence.
Before you can file a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll need to work with your legal team and collect all the evidence available to prove that your injuries are valid and as severe as you claim them to be. This is done by gathering various types of information. This can be a time-consuming process, so it’s vital to get started as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in California is 2 years from the accident date.
Medical Records
One of the most important pieces of medical evidence required for a personal injury lawsuit is copies of your medical records. This includes any and all visits to healthcare professionals that are related to your accident. Emergency room visits, consultations with medical experts, physical therapy appointments, test results, and other medical records documenting your treatment are all required medical records.
If the accident or your injuries were severe enough to cause you to experience emotional issues, request copies of your treatment plan from your mental healthcare professional. Any documentation from healthcare professionals ensures you’ll be compensated for all expenses.
Medical Bills
You’ll need copies of all medical bills to determine compensation for past, current, and future medical care. Other than medical bills for treatments such as chiropractic care, doctor’s visits, and other necessary parts of your treatment plan, you should also retain other bills related to your accident and injury. These can include caregiver wages, expenses related to commuting to medical treatments, and items purchased, such as crutches, braces, or medications.
Police Reports and Witness Statements
Although technically not medical evidence, retaining all police reports and witnesses’ statements can help establish negligence. Photos of the accident or accident scene can also benefit a successful personal injury lawsuit. Documentation of any time taken off from work can also help to determine proper compensation for your injuries.
Injury and Medical Appointments Diary
Maintaining an up-to-date and accurate injury diary can be beneficial to your case. Consider writing down every appointment related to your accident. Doing so ensures you’ll remember each expense and know who to request medical records and bills from. The days and months after an accident can be stressful, so keeping a written record of everything is key to a successful lawsuit.
Your injury diary should also include any changes to your treatment plan, prognosis, and any newly developed aches, pains, or mobility issues. These things can be difficult to remember, so keeping a diary of events and feelings can help you to recover additional damages.
Documenting Your Injuries in California Personal Injury Cases: The Bottom Line
To be compensated for injuries received due to a negligent act in California, you’ll need to hire an experienced attorney who will file a personal injury lawsuit. Your legal team will first want many documents, including copies of your medical bills, treatment plans, and any other document proving your injuries are severe enough to warrant a lawsuit.
This process can take time, so hiring an attorney immediately after your accident is imperative. The documents required will establish that you’ve been injured and help determine how much to request in compensation for your damages.
