Credibility means that you are believable and the Judge or Jury leans toward your version of events.
Credibility is important in work injury cases, personal injury cases and Social Security Disability cases.
The most important factors that enhance your credibility include how medical providers view you, how your documents support your claim, and how your testimony supports your claim.
Medical records provide a snapshot of what you told nurses and doctors at or near the time of your accident. This is viewed as important because you did not have time to reflect and possibly exaggerate your pain or the cause of your accident. Make sure that you go to the doctor right away and explain all your injuries, how the accident happened, and what limitations you are experiencing.
Documents such as police reports and accident reports corroborate your testimony regarding the cause of accident and how you were injured. Inconsistent testimony with these documents will harm your case.
Your testimony should be consistent with medical records and accident reports. Your testimony should be believable.
Exaggeration will damage your case.
Arguments with opposing lawyers, the Judge or Arbitrator will make you look bad and make it easier to deny or reduce the value of your case.
Questions about how to help your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.