If you are wrongfully injured in an accident, you deserve fair and just compensation – no matter what. Unfortunately, women oftentimes have more trouble receiving adequate compensation for their personal injuries than men.
Obviously, simply reading that sentence, you can see how wrong that is.
Injuries don’t discriminate, and the physical and mental turmoil that occurs after an accident doesn’t only affect men. So, why aren’t women being compensated fairly? More importantly, what can women do to fight for the compensation they deserve?
The Problem With Discrimination
At the scene of an accident, police officers and medical personnel aren’t going to take care of a man over a woman just because of gender. They’re going to treat everyone equally and deal with the most seriously injured people first. So, why does it seem like equality stops after the emergency is over and bills start rolling in?
A lot of it may have to do with your doctor.
Studies have shown that women’s health and pain issues are often taken less seriously than men’s. Women tend to wait longer in medical waiting rooms, they are misdiagnosed more often, and they are regularly prescribed fewer pain medications after surgery than men.
Simply put, if you’re a woman, it can be difficult to get a doctor to acknowledge your pain. That can already wreak havoc on your physical and mental health, but it can also cause problems when it comes to compensation. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence in a personal injury case is the professional opinion of a medical professional. If your doctor tries to downplay your injuries or ignores your pain, you might not get the compensation you deserve.
Make sure you have a strong relationship with your medical provider. If you’re worried they’ll downplay your pain, try some of the following to stand up for yourself:
- Keep a detailed record of your symptoms
- Be confident
- Bring a friend or family member with you to appointments
- Read your post-visit summary
You’ll need as much evidence as possible to prove the justification of compensation. If you’re worried your doctor’s observations will work against you, keep as many of your own records as you can.
Why Is Compensation Important?
The issue of women not receiving the care they need or not being taken seriously is nothing new. Unfortunately, that’s created an even larger social issue. Many women choose to “ignore” their own problems or downplay them because they already know they won’t receive the care, attention, or support they deserve.
This is systemically wrong, but until the healthcare industry makes drastic changes, it’s likely to continue.
Don’t let yourself fall into this trap if you’ve been injured in an accident. Understand why compensation is so important. If you were seriously injured, things about your lifestyle may have to change. You might not be able to work for a while, you might not be able to be as physically active as you once were, and you might need extra help with the most basic of tasks.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you might even have trouble moving around your own home. You can make things more accessible around the house by investing in:
- Ramps
- Stair chairs
- Brighter lighting
- Shower and bathtub modifications
- Medical alert services
However, all of these things cost money. If you have to hire a caregiver to help you with things, it’s even more expensive.
Receiving compensation for the accident can help to pay for all the things you’ll need after leaving the hospital or getting initial treatment. Without it, you might struggle to afford the basic necessities that will make your life easier.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a woman who has recently been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to take action. Whether you feel like your doctor isn’t listening or you’re worried that you’re not going to get the compensation you deserve, the best thing you can do immediately is to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer.
Working with an attorney who understands your needs and rights will boost your confidence and give you a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. If you’re concerned that you’re not being treated fairly or that your compensation is too low, consider hiring a female personal injury attorney. They may have a better understanding of what you’re going through. Plus, you might feel more comfortable opening up to them, and it’s always empowering to see women fighting for other women.
No matter the extent of your injuries, the mental and physical effects of an accident can last a very long time. Don’t suffer in silence or settle for less than you deserve. Don’t let your pain be dismissed. Work with medical professionals you trust, document everything, and find a lawyer who understands what you’re going through and is willing to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Author information: Indiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
