If you hurt your back or spine, you know how difficult and disruptive it can be. The pain, limited movement, medical bills, and missed work can be hard to manage. Trying to get compensation through a legal case can feel like a tough task. At Strickland & Kendall, we get it, and we’re here to help. We’ll be there to guide you through this tough time. One of the most important things you can do is document your injury the right way to build a strong case
Why Documentation Matters
In any back or spinal injury case, having evidence is key. The better your documentation, the stronger your claim. It shows how significant your injury is, what treatment you’ve needed, and how it has changed your life. Without proper documentation, insurance companies or defense lawyers may argue that your injury isn’t serious, which could lead to a much smaller payout.
Medical records, photos, and personal notes can help show the full extent of your injury. Back injuries, especially spinal ones, can have long-term effects. Good documentation can make a big difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
At Strickland & Kendall, we’ve seen how thorough documentation can change the outcome of a spinal injury case. It gives you the leverage you need to be covered for medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care. The faster you start documenting your condition, the stronger your case will be.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Seeking a doctor as soon as possible is the first thing you should do after a back or spinal injury. The pain might not be bad at first, but back injuries can become worse over time. By seeking medical attention immediately, you not only will begin your recovery but also start an official medical record that proves your injury is real and needs treatment.
This initial visit is critical for your case. Your doctor will document your symptoms, visible injuries like bruising or swelling, as well as recommend treatments. These records are integral for proving your injury to insurance companies or in court.
Waiting too long to see a doctor can give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injury isn’t serious. Getting treated quickly can prevent this and help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you are unsure about where to start after your injury, our team at Strickland & Kendall can guide you in documenting your case from day one.
Keep a Log of Symptoms and Treatments
Medical records don’t tell the whole story. You should also keep a personal lof of your daily symptoms and how the injury is affecting your daily life. This can be powerful evidence. It shows how your pain changes over time and which things are more difficult for you to do after the injury.
For example, did back pain keep you from getting out of bed today? Were you unable to lift objects or perform tasks that you could do normally before? These details will help to show how serious your injury is.
Make sure you are also keeping record of every doctor’s visit, therapy session, and treatment. Save the bills, prescriptions, and reports. Having everything well-documented and well-organized can help your lawyer a ton. It will help them to prove just how much your injury has cost you–both physically and financially.
Take Photos of Your Injury
Photos can be very helpful in a back or spinal injury case. They provide clear, visual proof of your injury, and can often speak louder than words.
If your injury has visible signs like bruising or swelling, take clear photos. Take pictures from different angles and in good lighting. If your injury isn’t visible, you should still take pictures of things like medical equipment or treatments you’re using. These photos help show the full extent of the injury in ways that words can’t.
When combined with medical records and personal notes, these photos will help tell the whole story of your injury and how it has impacted your life.
Get Expert Medical Testimony
In some cases, expert medical testimony can make a big difference. While a doctor’s records are important, sometimes reaching out to a specialist is needed to explain how severe your injury is and what the long-term effects might be.
Specialists like orthopedic surgeons or physical therapists can give detailed testimony about your condition. They are able to explain your treatment plan and whether you might need extended care. This would help prove the extent of your injury, especially if it is likely to last for a long time.
Report Your Injury to Your Employer or Relevant Parties
If you were injured at work, it’s important to report the injury to your employer right away. Filing an injury report helps you get workers’ compensation and creates a formal record of the incident. Explaining the injury in detail, like how it happened and the symptoms you’re experiencing, can go a long way. This report may be needed throughout your case.
If your injury happened outside of work, like in a car accident, make sure to report it to the police if needed. Gather witness statements and other documentation related to the accident to help strengthen your claim.
Keeping copies of all these records will make sure you have everything you need when it’s time to present your case.
Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Help
After you have reported your injury, you might get a call from insurance adjusters. While it might seem harmless to talk to them, you should be careful. Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible, and adjusters are trained to find out anything to lower your settlement.
Without legal help, you could say something that hurts your case or accidentally accept a low settlement offer. Before you speak to any insurance adjuster, make sure you talk to a spinal injury lawyer. They can guide you and make sure your rights are protected.
At Strickland & Kendall, we can handle all communication with insurance companies for you. We make sure any settlement offers are fair and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Spinal Injury Lawyer Early
The sooner you involve a lawyer in your case, the better things will be for you. A lawyer can help you organize your documents, deal with the insurance companies, and ensure you take all the right steps to make your case stronger.
At Strickland & Kendall, we specialize in spinal injury cases. We’ve helped many clients get the compensation they deserve. We can help guide you through the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating, so you can stay focused on healing.
Coping with a back injury is difficult enough before the added stress of gathering evidence for your case. But, taking the right steps early on, can increase your chances of getting fair compensation.
At Strickland & Kendall, we’re here to support you. Our experienced spinal injury lawyers will help make sure your case is strong and well-documented. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you need. If you’ve suffered a back injury, reach out to us today for a free consultation.