When you're going through an injury or dealing with chronic pain, it can be easy to overlook the small moments that add up to real hardship. But those moments matter, especially when you're fighting for the compensation you deserve. It's essential to keep track of your progress, setbacks, and how your pain impacts your daily activities.
One of the hardest items of damages to prove at trial is pain and suffering, yet it is the bedrock of most injury cases. People aren't filing lawsuits simply to recover their medical bills—they're seeking compensation for everything they've lost.
Have an Impact Journal and write as much as you can about how the injuries have impacted your life:
1. How Do You Feel in the Morning?
Start by writing down how you feel at the beginning of each day. For instance, you might wake up with stiffness in your back or neck, which forces you to sit in bed longer than usual because you can't get up right away. Those extra moments in bed are time lost, and they show the difficulty of starting your day.
Example: "Woke up with stiffness in my back. Sat in bed an hour longer than usual because I couldn’t get up. Felt frustrated and defeated before the day even began."
2. Record Doctor Visits and Medication Changes
When you're managing pain, trips to the doctor can become a frequent part of life. Any changes in your treatment, such as increased dosages of pain medication, can be critical in showing how your pain is evolving.
Example: "Went to the doctor today, and they increased my dosage of pain medication. This made me realize my condition is getting worse, not better."
3. Notice the Small, Everyday Tasks That Are Now Difficult
Things you used to do effortlessly might start becoming more painful or even impossible. For instance, a trip to the park with your grandchild could reveal that pushing them on the swing, something that once brought you joy, is now painful. These small shifts are telling signs of how your injury is affecting your quality of life.
Example: "Went to the park today and realized that it hurt my arm to push my grandchild on the swing. That has never happened before. It scared me."
4. Family Activities Can Become Overwhelming
Think about how special occasions, like family gatherings during the holidays, are impacted by your pain. You may still want to participate, but the physical toll can be immense. For instance, cooking Thanksgiving dinner might be something you look forward to, but it could now leave you unable to function for days afterward.
Example: "Thanksgiving: I usually cook a large dinner, and this year was no different—except after dinner, I had to lay down. I was out of commission for the next two days and had to take ibuprofen just to move. It made me realize how much my ability to function has changed."
5. Track How These Changes Make You Feel Emotionally
Finally, it’s not just about the physical pain—there’s an emotional toll, too. Feeling like you're losing independence or that you're no longer able to participate in activities you once enjoyed can lead to frustration, sadness, and anxiety.
Example: "Feeling helpless today. Realized I can’t do what I used to without paying a price. I’m scared about what this means for my future."
Why This Matters for Your Case
When you're involved in a personal injury case, your pain and suffering aren't just statistics or doctor's notes. They are real, lived experiences. Keeping detailed records of how your injury is affecting you day-to-day will help paint a fuller picture when you're seeking compensation for your injuries.
Writing these experiences down may feel daunting, but it’s important to capture the depth and reality of your pain. You’re not only helping your case but also acknowledging and validating what you’re going through.
By tracking the physical and emotional toll of your injury, you build stronger evidence that helps ensure you receive fair compensation. Your story matters, and every moment you document brings you closer to justice.
