Why You Need to Document Daily Challenges After a Brain Injury (And How to Do It)
Recovering from a brain injury isn’t like recovering from a broken bone. You can’t simply rest for six weeks and return to normal life.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be unpredictable, invisible, and deeply personal, impacting memory, mood, concentration, sleep, and even personality.
All too often, brain injury victims face an uphill battle when seeking compensation because the most debilitating effects aren’t always visible on an MRI or CT scan.
That’s why careful, consistent documentation of your daily struggles is critical.
At Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless brain injury victims in Las Vegas and across Nevada prove the true impact of their injuries and recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s how to do it right.
Why Daily Documentation Matters
Insurance companies and defense lawyers often try to downplay the seriousness of a TBI. They’ll argue that you’re “fine” because you look fine, or that your symptoms are exaggerated.
But brain injuries are complex. And you know it better than anyone else. TBIs can cause memory loss, fatigue, headaches, sensory problems, and emotional volatility that no X-ray can capture.
By keeping detailed records of your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life, you provide powerful evidence that supports your claim. In court, a well-documented recovery journal can show exactly how your injury changed your life, day by day, hour by hour.
Start a Daily Journal (the Sooner, the Better)
The best time to begin documenting is as soon as possible after your injury. Use whatever method works best for you. This could be a notebook, a phone app, or voice memos. Consistency is more important than format.
Each day, note things like:
- Cognitive issues: trouble remembering tasks, names, or conversations
- Physical symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, balance issues
- Emotional changes: frustration, depression, anger, anxiety, or mood swings
- Sleep problems: insomnia, nightmares, or excessive fatigue
- Work and family impact: missed deadlines, misunderstandings, or withdrawal from loved ones
These entries help create a timeline of your symptoms and show whether they’re improving, worsening, or persisting over time. This can be persuasive to doctors, insurance adjusters, and juries alike.
Track All Medical Visits and Treatment Notes
Every appointment, therapy session, and prescription matters. Keep copies of:
- Neurologist and neuropsychologist reports
- MRI or CT scan results
- Physical and occupational therapy notes
- Medication lists and dosage changes
- Mental health counseling summaries
Organize everything chronologically. Even small details (like increased dosage or a new referral) help establish a consistent medical record.
Record Testimonies from Family and Friends
Often, loved ones notice changes you don’t. Ask family members, friends, or coworkers to document what they observe. This could be anything such as memory lapses, confusion, personality changes, or difficulty performing tasks.
Third-party observations are especially valuable because they come from independent witnesses who can testify to your transformation over time. Their statements help counter the insurer’s favorite argument: “They’re exaggerating.”
Keep Evidence of Lost Income and Missed Opportunities
Brain injuries can drastically reduce earning capacity. You might miss workdays, struggle to concentrate, or even lose your job entirely. Keep records of:
- Pay stubs showing lost wages
- Employer correspondence about leave or accommodations
- Missed promotions, contracts, or business opportunities
In Nevada, victims can recover economic damages (NRS 41.130) for lost income and diminished earning capacity, but only if they’re properly documented.
Capture “Quality of Life” Losses
Perhaps the hardest impact of a brain injury is the emotional toll. You might no longer enjoy hobbies, social activities, or relationships the way you once did. Keep notes or photos of what’s changed, such as canceled trips, forgotten events, or hobbies you can no longer do.
This kind of documentation can support claims for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are the areas where insurance companies notoriously underpay.
If you need help evaluating your economic or non-economic losses, contact a Las Vegas traumatic brain injury lawyer who can help build a strong case for you.
Start Protecting Your Future Today
Your journal may seem small, but it’s a powerful legal weapon. It tells the story of your recovery in a way no medical chart can.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a brain injury in Nevada, contact Mainor Ellis Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll help you build the strongest possible case so you can get the compensation to which you’re truly entitled. Call at 702-450-5000 to start a discussion.
