Many doctors are not great listeners. Some may simply be too busy. Others may not want to get involved in a personal injury case. The bottom line is that many doctors fail to properly document their patients’ injuries. The following list provides some guidance on what to say to doctors in order to get their attention about your personal injuries:

1. Always use the word “new.” “…following the accident, I have a constant new pain…” A description of new pain since the accident, will usually lead the doctor to only one conclusion. The accident caused the new pain.
2. Pinpoint the location. “….at the base of my skull.…” The more precise you can be, the easier it will be for your doctor to make a diagnosis. Describing the exact location can also let your doctor know if it is time to refer to you a specialist.
3. Use strong adjectives. “….a stabbing pain…” The use of strong adjectives by a patient usually ends up in the medical records, which can be of great assistance later on.
4. Rate your symptoms. “…maybe a 6 out of 10…” This provides the doctor with some idea as to the severity of your pain. Later it can be used to determine improvement with treatment, i.e. a decrease in pain from a 9 to a 1 would show improvement.
5. Tell your doctor things you cannot do. If you “can’t lift your child” or you “can’t concentrate at work,” this informs your doctor that your injuries are affecting your life.

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