A serious personal injury can have devastating effects. Not only is the victim in pain, but they may be unable to work, which could lead to financial difficulties. Some personal injuries require special medical equipment, including wheelchairs. Unfortunately, very few homes are equipped to handle wheelchairs, walkers or special beds designed to treat an injury. After you have been injured because someone else was negligent or careless, there are tips for handling the fallout of personal injury.
Ramps and Accessories
There are many accessories and portable ramps available today that can help you manage if you have been confined to a wheelchair due to your injury. You can invest in a foldable ramp with a travel bag that fits in your vehicle so that you can access areas that are not handicap accessible.
There may also be temporary ramps that can be installed in your home as you recover from your injuries. There are also other items that can be installed in your home temporarily that can aid in maneuvering if you are in a wheelchair or must use a walker, such as handles in bathrooms or lift chairs for stairs. Power wheelchairs and the like can also make your life much easier compared to manual designs.
Hire an Attorney
After you have been injured in an accident, it is critical to contact an attorney. Hiring an attorney does not mean you plan to sue the person responsible. In fact, most personal injury claims are settled without litigation. An attorney will review your case and provide you with advice on what steps to take to protect your rights and work with the other party as well as the insurance companies to get you the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Seek Medical Attention
Many times, after an accident, someone who is hurt decides not to visit a doctor because they feel the injury isn’t severe enough for treatment. The fact is, serious injuries may not be apparent immediately after an accident due to adrenaline. There have been instances where someone who was injured was unaware they had a serious injury for hours, days or even months later.
A medical professional can provide a thorough examination and determine if there are injuries that have not manifested yet. They will provide documentation and record what they find so that you have the information in writing when you deal with the insurance companies.
Financial Matters
After you have been injured due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reimbursement for medical expenses. This is another reason you need to discuss your case with an attorney in order to get your case settled quickly.
According to Debt.org, 46 percent of all bankruptcies are due to outstanding medical conditions, some of which were due to personal injuries. In many cases, creditors will work with you if you reach out to them immediately after your accident to let them know what has happened. Keep them informed throughout the recovery process. You may want to provide them with your attorney’s information so they may confirm that you are undergoing treatment and working with an attorney to reach a settlement with the responsible party.
There is no question that personal injury can be devastating, especially when the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness. There are steps you can take that can help protect your family finances and get the assistance you need as you recover from your injuries.
Research has shown that stress can extend the healing time after injury, which is why turning to experts such as medical equipment suppliers and attorneys is the best way to handle the fallout from a personal injury.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
