The headaches are constant. Simple tasks that once came easily now feel impossible. As you struggle with the physical and emotional toll of your traumatic brain injury, gathering evidence for your case may feel like the last thing you can handle. Our Richmond brain injury lawyers understand what you’re going through. We've helped hundreds of Virginia TBI victims document their injuries and secure the fair brain injury settlement they deserve. Here's our step-by-step guide to building a strong case for full TBI compensation.
Start a Daily Symptom Journal
A thorough TBI symptom journal creates a clear picture of how your injury affects your life.
Physical Symptoms
Begin by recording physical symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and sleep disturbances. Rate your pain levels on a scale of 1 to 10, noting the time of day symptoms occur, their duration, and any triggers you identify.
Cognitive Challenges
Pay close attention to cognitive difficulties. Document specific instances of memory problems, like missed appointments or forgotten conversations. When you have trouble focusing or completing familiar tasks, write down what happened and how it impacted your day. Include examples of workplace challenges and how they affect your job performance.
Emotional Difficulties
Emotional changes are equally important to document to support your claim for TBI compensation. Record instances of mood swings, anxiety episodes, or feelings of depression. Describe how these changes affect your relationships and daily activities. Ask family members to share their observations about behavioral changes they notice, as third-party perspectives can strengthen your case.
Daily Activities
Keep detailed notes about activities you can no longer do or must modify due to your injury. Include both work-related tasks and personal activities like hobbies or exercise. This documentation helps demonstrate how your injury has impacted your quality of life, helping you maximize your VA brain injury settlement.
Create a Medical Treatment Timeline
Your medical documentation should tell the story of your injury and recovery journey.
Initial Evidence
Start with records from the day of your injury, including ambulance reports and emergency room records. Gather hospital admission, discharge paperwork, and daily medical notes from your stay.
Ongoing Medical Records
Follow-up care documentation is crucial. Save all appointment summaries, specialist consultation reports, and therapy assessments. Keep a record of medication changes and their effects. Request copies of all medical imaging results and their interpretations.
Organize these records chronologically, creating a clear timeline of your treatment. This organization helps demonstrate the extent of your medical care and supports your compensation claim.
Document Your Financial Losses
Every expense related to your traumatic brain injury matters.
Medical Bills
Keep all medical bills from every provider who treats you, including neurological rehabilitation and occupational therapy sessions. Save insurance statements and correspondence about your care. Track prescription costs, including receipts for both medications and medical equipment.
Additional Costs
Don't overlook indirect expenses. Keep receipts for transportation to medical appointments and parking fees. Document home or vehicle modifications needed because of your injury. If you've had to hire help for daily tasks, save those receipts as key brain injury evidence, too.
Lost Wages
Lost income documentation is essential. Get written verification of missed work days and reduced hours from your employer. If your injury has affected your earning capacity, gather evidence showing how your career trajectory has changed.
Record Daily Life Changes
Your brain injury likely affects every aspect of your daily routine. Write about changes in your sleep patterns and how they impact your day. Document modifications to your work schedule and any accommodations you need. Describe new difficulties with personal care, household tasks, or daily activities.
Note changes in your ability to use technology, like computers or phones. If reading or watching TV has become challenging, document these changes. Keep a record of social activities you've had to give up and how this affects your relationships.
Track Your Support Network
Traumatic brain injuries often require significant support from others. Document who helps you and how, whether it's family members providing care or professional caregivers you've hired. Note changes in your relationships, particularly with your spouse, children, and close friends.
When gathering brain injury evidence for your case, remember to keep records of mental health support, including counseling sessions and support group participation. Document how your social life has changed and what new support systems you've developed.
Collect Strong Visual Evidence Showing Your TBI
Visual documentation powerfully demonstrates your injury's impact. Take regular photos of visible injuries as they heal. Record videos showing physical limitations or difficulties with daily tasks. Document any medical equipment or mobility aids you need.
Photograph home modifications required for safety or accessibility. Create before-and-after comparisons of activities you now struggle with. These visual records help others understand your challenges.
Get Legal Help Securing Richmond TBI Compensation
At The Mottley Law Firm in Richmond, we understand that gathering evidence while dealing with a brain injury can feel overwhelming.
Our legal team can help manage this process, ensuring no crucial documentation is missed. We've recovered millions in compensation for Virginia brain injury victims and know exactly what evidence insurance companies and juries need to see. Let us help you negotiate a fair brain injury settlement covering all your losses and damages.
