Proving the Cause of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons that adults in the U.S. seek medical care. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20% of adults have chronic pain each year, with 8% facing chronic pain and substantial restriction of life activities for more than six months. Chronic pain can manifest in many different ways, from headaches, neck and back pain to arthritic and neurogenic pain. Chronic pain is a societal problem, leading to lower quality of life, anxiety and depression, higher opioid use and addiction rates, and low productivity.
Unfortunately, because chronic pain is more prevalent as we age, it can be challenging to show that an injury or accident is the cause of your chronic pain, particularly if the pain didn't begin right away. But an experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your care and show the source of your pain in court.
Medical Record
Often the best way to show the source of chronic pain is your medical records. There is no specific test to measure pain, but your records will show when you sought medical treatment for your pain and when it started. If you sought treatment for an injury from a car accident or a fall, your medical records probably show this as the onset of your chronic pain.
Expert Testimony
Your attorney will use the testimony of an expert witness, a medical expert in your type of injury in court. This witness is a medical expert who can provide credible testimony about your injury and pain as they normally occur, validating your claims.
Daily Journaling
After an injury, it's a good idea to keep a pain journal. Every day you should note your physical symptoms, your injuries, and record your pain levels. You can refer to this journal in court, allowing you to provide evidence of the date your pain began, how your injuries progress, and levels of your pain. These details give you more credibility on the stand.
While it can be easy to lose hope when faced with pain nearly every day, we may be able to help. If you or someone you love is facing chronic pain from an injury, you need to speak with a skilled Rhode Island personal injury attorney. Give Inman & Tourgee a call at 401-823-9200 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
