What Is a Personal Injury Journal, & Why Do I Need One?

If you were seriously hurt through no fault of your own, it’s wise to start a personal injury journal as soon as possible. This journal will serve as a detailed log of the hurdles you face on the long road to recovery.  

While economic damages can be tracked with bills, receipts, and invoices, non-economic damages are intangible, making them hard to prove or even record. Writing in a designated injury journal allows you to document your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life, so you can include them in your damages claim.  

What Should I Write in My Personal Injury Journal? 

The purpose of your collective entries is to demonstrate the extent of your non-monetary losses. With that in mind, you should write about your physical, emotional, and mental states each day.  

You should also record every doctor’s appointment you attend and each treatment you undergo. If you experience any negative side effects, make sure to log those, as well.  

Finally, jot down any challenge, no matter how small, that you wouldn’t have faced had you not been injured. Whether you’re unable to keep up with a hobby you used to love or you must hire someone to help with the housework, it’s worth writing about in your journal.  

How Often Should I Write in My Personal Injury Journal? 

It’s advisable to write in your journal every single day. Even when nothing noteworthy happens, a brief entry about how you’re feeling will provide value. If lots of entries have the same sentiment, they’re going to demonstrate a pattern that the insurance adjuster won’t be able to ignore.  

The easiest way to ensure your write in your journal every day is to incorporate the task into your daily routine. After brushing your teeth every night, for example, grab a pen and jot down your thoughts on the day you just had.  

Are There Any Other Ways to Illustrate My Non-Monetary Losses? 

When it comes to demonstrating non-economic damages, detailed journal entries are probably the most widely accepted form of proof; however, there are a few other kinds of evidence you can use to supplement your claim.  

For example, your legal team may advise you to undergo a psychological assessment. As long as it’s conducted by a reputable expert, the evaluation should yield results that the insurance adjuster cannot dismiss.   

Your personal injury attorney may also want to depose loved ones and colleagues. Those who knew you fairly well before the accident can speak on the changes they’ve noticed in your mood, behavior, and demeanor since, thereby corroborating your own version of events.  

Discuss Your Claim with a Personal Injury Attorney in California  

If you want to take action against a reckless or negligent party, turn to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for strategic guidance every step of the way. We have helped thousands of accident victims and their loved ones secure the funds needed to make their lives whole again. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or complete our Online Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in California.