Fitness tracker evidence has begun to make an appearance in personal injury claims. Fitness trackers have become so popular as an aid to help with exercise regimens. Along with the popularity, they have also come to the attention of the legal industry and insurance companies that there may be a treasure trove of documented health data to point to in accident injury cases.
Most people use their fitness trackers to monitor and record their activity levels while working on their health and exercise regimens. These gadgets give a documented record of the level of activity and endurance of an individual and may also record heart rates, sleep patterns and other health data.
This information could prove to be a valuable tool along with doctor’s and therapist’s opinions, which could be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.
Fitness Tracker Evidence Used in Personal Injury Case
The first court case using fitness tracker evidence in a personal injury claim took place in 2014. The personal injury case took place in Canada and evidence from the fitness tracker was used to show that the plaintiff, who had previously been a personal trainer, had substantially lower activity levels than would be expected for someone their age and profession. An analytic company used the data from the fitness tracker and compared it to the general population in determining that the plaintiff’s activity levels were below average. The fitness tracker was one element of evidence used to show that the plaintiff deserved compensation for their accident injury.
It is important to note that while fitness trackers were used in this case to support a plaintiff’s injury claim they could also be used by insurance companies to deny claims and/or be a type of self-incriminating evidence.
In March 2015 a Pennsylvania woman’s fitness tracker was used against her in a criminal case. Her story was proven to be untrue as incriminating fitness tracker evidence was used against her and she was charged with filing a false report. Understanding this, it is always important to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney who is best qualified to help you traverse all the legal issues involved in a personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Attorney for Sound Advice on Fitness Tracker Evidence
The idea of using fitness tracker technology is fairly new for the courts to consider and could make an impact in a personal injury claim, either for good or bad. Generally, determining a plaintiff’s physical injury is quantified through medical records. This is why it is important if you have been injured in any type of accident that was not your fault to get medical attention immediately so you have a record of your injury, treatment, and any ongoing problems associated with the injury.
If you or a family member has been injured it is also very important to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney who can look at the circumstances of your case and help you determine your best course of action. Personal injury attorneys usually offer a free initial consultation so you can feel confident about discussing your case and receiving important information without any out-of-pocket expense.
Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney Joel Baskin on Your Side
Call the offices of Joel Baskin, Atlanta personal injury attorney today to schedule your free initial consultation about your accident injury claim.
Joel has been giving accident injury victims the personal attention and help they need for over two decades in the Atlanta area. He has two convenient offices in Cobb and Fulton counties.