When Attorneys Should Use “Day in the Life” Personal Injury Videos

It’s a well-known adage in the world of storytelling: show, don’t tell.

This simple rule applies just as well inside the courtroom. For attorneys trying to help a plaintiff explain the impact of a catastrophic personal injury, a video showing those consequences is often far more powerful than mere on-the-stand testimony.

A jury benefits from seeing with their own eyes what the accident has wrought on the plaintiff’s life. A “day in the life” video allows a jury to witness nearly firsthand the young parent whose paralyzing injury has made caring for his toddler nearly impossible or the older victim unable to work due to the loss of a limb.?

Seeing these struggles play out is far more meaningful than only hearing them in words on the stand, according to attorneys.

“[They] can talk about this stuff, but it doesn’t have the same impact as visualizing it,” said attorney Edward J. Matonich in this article from the personal injury firm McEwan and Kestner. According to him and other lawyers interviewed for the piece, video storytelling in the courtroom can be one of the best ways to explain the pain and suffering of a personal injury victim. “You can bring the jury into the home, [showing] the full impact of what that person experiences on a day-to-day basis,” Matonich said.

Since it’s a tool that requires an investment of time and resources, you want to ensure it’s worth it for your client’s case. Here are five checklist items an attorney should consider before creating this piece of evidence.

When to use “day in the life” videos

Every personal injury suit has its own unique facets, but there are general best practices to follow to ensure that a “show don’t tell” approach is appropriate for the situation. Here are five qualities to look out for and how a video production partnership can help.?

1. The client and family are willing participants.

This is the most crucial point: without collaboration from the client and family, a “day in the life” video won’t be possible. For some, it’s painful to let a camera into their home to document the tragic consequences of their injury. But it’s important to persuade your client of the value and its role in winning back some of what was lost in the accident, through financial or other compensation.?

If your clients are nervous, we give the time and attention required to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible on camera. Whether that’s choosing the filming location of their choice or having experienced interviewers who are patient and understanding.

2. The client has a compelling, emotionally powerful story.

Video helps a story come to life. But first, verify that there is a compelling story to be told. Are there significant consequences on daily life that warrant a documentary-style observation of the client’s day? Can they and their family or friends help them show these challenges??

At Post Script, we highlight the physical and emotional challenges your client and their family face through video. By utilizing interviews and footage of typical tasks, we can craft a story that presents new evidence to the jury.

3. The case is significant enough to warrant the investment.

“Day in the life” videos require time and resources. Given the personal lift and the production company costs, you want to make sure the size of the case and the significance of the injury warrant creating a video.?

By working with a video production partner, we can help you determine the project and budget that best suits your client and their case.

4. The client's daily activities are a critical component of the case.

The nitty-gritty of the client’s day-to-day life will need to carry the story. Has something as simple as brushing their teeth and caring for their physical body become impossible without assistance? Are they unable to drive and need help to complete essential errands??

During our production process, we determine how and when we can add footage of your client performing daily tasks and the impact it has on other members of the household. Leave the details to us!

5. The case may benefit from visual evidence of difficult-to-explain issues.

Complex medical issues can be challenging to explain in words. Showing the impact on a client’s mobility or intellect can provide more clarity to the jury.?

If your client has any difficult-to-explain issues, make sure to inform us before filming begins. Then our team can determine how to best capture these elements using video so they are easy to understand.?

Making a final decision

If you’re curious whether a “day in the life” video might be beneficial to your case, it’s helpful to talk through the situation with a video production company.?

You’ll want to find a production partner that is efficient, thorough, sensitive, and available to travel wherever required. Post Script Productions prides itself on dealing tactfully with the delicate interview process with clients and their families, as well as providing full services, from coordination to completion. Visit https://postscriptproductions.com/legal-videographer to explore more or to get in touch to discuss whether a “day in the life” video is the right choice.?