How personal injury can set your life back
Personal injury in an accident can turn your life upside down. While most people will only notice your physical injuries, you could find yourself with psychological problems and with so much to sort out that you feel overwhelmed. Don’t panic – there are many services available to help you, plus practical ways that can make it easier to cope day to day. Making use of these can make your recovery faster and easier so that you can get back to focusing on the things you love.
Physical injury
The most common injuries caused by accidents are fractures, bruises (sometimes severe), sprains and strains. Talk them through with your doctor so that everything is on record in case you decide to take legal action if a person or organisation is responsible for causing the injuries. As well as direct treatments to help your injuries heal, you could be prescribed painkillers to make it easier to cope with daily living. If referred to a physiotherapist he or she will give you advice about how to look after yourself and what you need to do to get your body back in shape. Leg sleeves can provide useful support as you get back on your feet, and having the right leg support reduces the risk of repeat injury.
If you’ve broken major bones or suffered permanent injury, talk to your doctor about getting an occupational therapist to visit you at home and, if appropriate, at the place where you work. Your occupational therapist can help arrange any modifications in the home that would make it easier for you to cope, and your local council might pay for some of them.
Psychological injury
The psychological damage caused by an accident can be just as debilitating as the physical damage. Sadly, many people hesitate to report problems of this sort because they feel ashamed, so they don’t get the help they need and end up becoming progressively worse. With specialist help, there’s a much better chance of making a complete recovery. If the waiting lists for NHS counselling in your area are too long, talk to a solicitor and find out if you might have a case for securing a compensation payment to cover the cost of the therapy you need.
Your finances
Talking to a solicitor can also be a good idea if you’ve lost out financially because of the accident – for instance, because your property has been damaged or you’ve been unable to work. This is precisely the kind of loss that compensation payouts are designed to cover, so it’s well worth looking into your options – after all, you shouldn’t be left struggling because of somebody else’s carelessness.
Your personal life
Finally, you should be aware that accidents can have a serious impact on your personal life. You may find yourself having mood swings and taking out your stress on those close to you, whilst they may be struggling with the after-effects of being afraid they might lose you. The right kind of counselling can help you repair your relationships.
Coping with the aftermath isn’t something you have to do alone. Get the right help and you’ll find it all much easier.