The Role of Chronologies in Litigation
A well-crafted medical chronology can make or break a case. Judges, juries, and attorneys rely on timelines to understand the sequence of events, the onset of injury, and the causal links between treatment and harm. But not all chronologies are created equal.
Best Practices
- Organize by encounter: Present each ER visit, surgery, or office note in context, not just as raw dates.
- Highlight causation points: Mark the medical events that tie directly into allegations or defenses.
- Flag missing information: Identify gaps in care or incomplete records, so counsel knows what to subpoena.
- Use plain language: Replace jargon with clear summaries that a jury can understand.
Attorney Value
Strong chronologies save time in depositions, streamline Plaintiff Fact Sheets, and provide leverage in settlement negotiations. They also help attorneys anticipate defense arguments by showing the full clinical picture.
Conclusion
At MedJuris Partners, we build chronologies that aren’t just summaries — they’re litigation tools. Clear, defensible, and strategically aligned with case themes.