November 16, 2020

How to Keep a Pain Journal After an Accident

You can get compensation for pain and suffering after an accident, but first you’ll have to prove to the insurance company that you experienced significant pain. One way to do that is keep a detailed pain journal that you write in every day.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s actions, you need to speak with a reliable personal injury attorney today. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has offices throughout Illinois, and they can meet you at a place and time that is convenient. Call today at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form.

Why Do I Need to Keep a Pain Journal?

You should keep a post-accident pain journal to fully document the amount of pain you experience after a personal injury accident. It will become a piece of key evidence in your claim.

You can show your pain journal to your doctors as well as the insurance company to explain how much pain you experience as well as when, where, and the severity. Your doctors may use this information to better treat you and refer you to appropriate specialists. Medical experts that we use in the case can use the information to determine how much future medical treatment you will need. The insurance company will not be able to dispute your pain and suffering if it is well documented.

What Should I Put in My Post-Accident Pain Journal?

Your post-accident pain journal should be a complete overview of your pain and symptoms associated with it. You will want to full detail how your pain and symptoms are affecting your life.

Start by listing your symptoms. Include things like pain, fatigue, muscle tightness, and anything else you’re experiencing as a result of your injuries sustained in the accident. Give details. Explain where you are experiencing the pain and other symptoms as well as if they radiate or are centralized to one location.

Rate your pain on a scale of one to 10, with one being the least amount of pain you’ve ever experienced and 10 being the most. Be honest about your pain and document it every time it changes. If the change is a result of taking medication, make sure you record that fact as well.

Explain the activities that are affected by your pain and other symptoms. For example, if you are unable to stand for long enough to cook dinner due to pain in your lower back, then describe the situation thoroughly. You may find it difficult to look over your shoulder or go up steps due to muscle pain and tightness. Make sure you document every activity that is impacted by your condition.

You should also detail the timing of your pain and symptoms. If you experience pain more often in the morning right after you wake up, document that in your journal. Make sure you indicate how medications impact the symptoms as well.

How Often Should I Write in My Journal?

You should write in your pain journal daily and weekly. Document the severity of your pain every time it changes, but at least daily. Other things like activities affected can be detailed weekly. For the best outcome, write in it any time something different happens regarding your pain or symptoms.

What Should My Pain Journal Look Like?

You can keep a pain journal in any type of notebook or binder. You might just write in a lined notebook or you can print out a more formal chart like the Overview of Pain & Symptoms from Enjuris.

It’s important to keep your journal clean and organized. You will be writing in it frequently, so keep it someplace handy. You might want to keep it with your other accident paperwork to make sure you don’t accidentally misplace it.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for Help After an Accident

Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help you set up a post-accident pain journal. For more help, call us today at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form.