Understanding Chronic Pain After an Injury
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults in the United States seek medical care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20% of adults experience chronic pain each year. About 8% suffer pain severe enough to limit daily activities for six months or longer.
Chronic pain appears in many forms, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, arthritis, and nerve-related conditions. It affects more than physical health. Many people face anxiety, depression, reduced productivity, and a lower quality of life.
Because pain becomes more common with age, insurance companies often argue that an accident was not the cause of chronic pain. When symptoms develop slowly, proving the connection can feel overwhelming. A skilled personal injury attorney can help show how an accident or injury triggered ongoing pain.
Using Medical Records to Prove Pain
Medical records often provide the strongest evidence of when pain began. While no single test measures pain, treatment notes show when symptoms appeared and how they progressed.
If you sought medical care after a car accident, slip and fall, or another injury, your records may link that event to the cause of chronic pain. Consistent treatment strengthens your claim and helps establish a clear timeline.
Expert Testimony and Medical Opinions
An attorney may rely on expert testimony to explain your condition in court. Medical experts understand how specific injuries typically cause lasting pain.
These professionals can explain why your symptoms developed and how the injury likely became the cause of chronic pain. Their testimony helps validate your experience and supports your legal claim.
Documenting Pain Through Daily Journals
Keeping a daily pain journal can also strengthen your case. Record your symptoms, pain levels, and physical limitations each day.
This record helps show when your pain began, how it changed over time, and how it affects your daily life. A detailed journal can support your testimony and reinforce your credibility. It also helps connect your injury to the ongoing cause of chronic pain.
Get Help From a Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney
Living with chronic pain can feel exhausting and discouraging. You do not have to face it alone. If an injury caused your pain, legal help may be available.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Inman & Tourgee are ready to help. Call (401) 823-9200 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
