Five Key Pieces Of Evidence You Need For Your Personal Injury Case
Any time you file a personal injury lawsuit, the burden is on you (and your lawyer) to show that you were injured, that injury was the fault of someone else, and that the injury caused you damages -- monetary and otherwise. How will you demonstrate these things? Well, in most cases, you need to present the judge with evidence that clearly shows each element. Here are five key pieces of evidence that are needed in most any personal injury case.
1. Medical Records
If you do not have medical records to prove that you were injured, then it's really just your word against the defendant's. Call up each doctor or hospital that provided you with treatment after your injury, and request to have a copy of your records sent to your lawyer.
2. Pictures or Videos
You'll also need either some photos or videos that show that the injury did occur at the fault of the other party. The exact form of this evidence can vary. For instance, if you fell in a store, surveillance video footage of the fall may be your evidence. If you were cut by a bike that someone repaired incorrectly, photos of the bad repair may be what you need.
3. Receipts
Personal injury cases don' just cover your medical bills. They can also cover your out-of-pocket costs such as the money you spend on pain relievers, bandages, and the like. Save these receipts as they are evidence of your expenses and will ensure you are paid the amount you deserve.
4. Work Records
Part of most personal injury cases is proving that you suffered from a loss of wages as a result of your injuries. So, you'll need records from work that show what days you missed and how much pay you missed out on as a result of missing that time. Your employer's human resources department should be able to provide this evidence for you.
5. Records of the Injury
If you scraped your knee and it was better three days later, you don't have a very strong personal injury case. On the other hand, if you broke your leg and it has taken months to heal, you are probably entitled to a lot more compensation. Take photos of the injury as it progresses. These are proof of your healing time, which may help your attorney claim more damages for pain and suffering.