A critical component of any spinal cord injury case in Chicago is supporting evidence. While compensation may be available from the at-fault party, it can be difficult if not impossible to receive without the support of thorough documentation. For help holding the at-fault party accountable for your spinal cord injury, reach out to an attorney today.
The Importance of Medical Evidence and Testimony
A lawyer prepares for a spinal cord injury case by deposing and gathering evidence from any of the doctors that treated that patient. The goal is to to make sure everyone involved in the case, as well as the jury, has a thorough understanding of the nature of the injury and the type of treatment provided by the doctors. Independent medical experts may be retained by the plaintiff’s attorney to give opinions on the nature and extent of the injury and the course of treatment.
It is also important to evaluate the future impact of the injury on the victim’s life. For example, a victim may need multiple surgeries in the future. Even if these treatments have not yet been performed, their value is recoverable in a personal injury action. Calculating fair compensation for future treatments may require the knowledge of a medical expert or accountant. The last thing a spinal cord injury victim wants to do is walk away from their case without being adequately compensated for future damages.
Other Evidence in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
While medical records and testimony are crucial, they are not the only important pieces of evidence in a spinal cord injury case. These injuries can have a tremendous impact on the victim’s quality of life, and they deserve fair compensation for emotional losses as well as financial. When pursuing payment for pain and suffering or other noneconomic damages, attorneys may use testimony from the injured individual, their friends, and their family members.
Other necessary evidence is documentation used to establish liability. It is important to clearly show that the defendant’s actions caused the victim’s injury and other losses. Additionally, an attorney must show that all medical treatment provided to the victim was reasonable and necessary to cure all of their injuries
Whenever possible, the victim plays an important role in gathering and presenting this evidence. They should be aware of and involved in their own care so that they can competently testify about it. One of the most powerful things in front of a jury, or even at deposition, is having a victim understand their injury, understand their treatment, and be able to recall details. They come across as credible and intelligent, and they make for an excellent witness.
Talk to a Chicago Attorney About Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Gathering and presenting the evidence necessary to pursue compensation for your injuries can be a daunting task. At a time when you are still recovering from your injuries, you should not have to worry about speaking to witnesses, gathering surveillance footage, and compiling documents. Fortunately, an experienced Chicago attorney could help gather powerful evidence for your spinal cord injury case. To schedule a consultation, call now.