My lawyer told me to stop over-explaining my pain levels to the judge

Ngl I spent my first hearing trying to describe every ache in detail, but my new attorney said judges tune out after 30 seconds of that. She had me write down just three concrete examples of daily life limits, like how I can't lift my 8lb kettle anymore, and it made the whole appeal way smoother. Anyone else get told to simplify their testimony?

3 comments

3 Comments

susan_adams1d ago

My doctor said judges actually respond better when you just say "severe pain" instead of listing every symptom.

robert6591d ago

Wait, are you sure that's for judges or for disability examiners? lol. From what I've seen, judges actually want specifics because "severe pain" sounds too generic and could be interpreted as you exaggerating. Like, if you say "severe pain" without saying it's a sharp stabbing feeling that makes you drop things, they might just think you have a mild ache. A buddy of mine had his claim kicked back because his lawyer said he just wrote "back pain" with nothing else. Now he lists when it happens, what makes it worse, and how it limits his daily stuff.

emery2901d ago

Nah, judges want details not vague stuff.