Timelines for Dummies An understandable, idiot-proof product makes preparing chronologies easy.

By Paul R. Kiesel

CaseMap litigation-support software has a little brother - TimeMap. MCaseMap, a litigation tool that allows litigators to organize facts and documents in a database and link them to issues in the case, was missing one ingredient: the ability to display the detailed database information in a graphic timeline format. TimeMap now fills this gap. TimeMap is simple, easy-to-use software that creates a time chart either from scratch or by using data previously entered into CaseMap. TimeMap is especially useful in complex proof situations. Take, for example, a case in which a motorist involved in a collision develops medical complications. The insurer denies coverage, claiming the condition is pre-existing. Counsel must present understandable evidence that the prior condition and treatment is unrelated to the current problem. In this situation, CaseMap can be used to index the plaintiff's every medical record and diagnostic test, going as far back as the plaintiff's medical history. CaseMap can create summaries of medical visits, arranged by subjective complaints, objective findings, assessments and insurance plan for literally hundreds of medical appointments. A TimeMap graph can demonstrate over many years, through many medical visits, the frequency of related complaints. This information can be extremely persuasive to a fact finder. Knowledge of only three systems is required to operate TimeMap: fact boxes, text boxes and a time scale. Fact boxes create the flags that denote the events in the chronology. Counsel can add an unlimited number to the chart. Text boxes create titles and legends. The user can use the default text box ("Enter Title Here"), or create a title and add additional boxes. The time scale is created automatically when dates are entered in the fact boxes. The product can be used on litigation matters in at least two ways: to help brainstorm ideas and see how they fit together, and to illustrate how a series of events can lead to a finding of liability.