What You Should Do After Being In An Accident

If you are in an accident that is either entirely or partially the fault of a third party (an individual or a company, such as your employer), you could be entitled to compensation. Injuries of this kind, in which you suffer physical, emotional or financial damages, are known as personal injury cases. When the injury is severe and leaves you with permanent damages, such as brain injury or disfigurement, it is known as a catastrophic injury. In either case, a lawyer will be able to help you seek compensation for your suffering. Remember that recovery can be a long process, but the compensation is a great first step to moving on with your life as best as you can.

Personal Injury

When we talk about personal injury claims, we are referring to damages that occur due to an accident caused (at least in part) by a third party. So, if you have been in an accident that was not your fault, and as a result, you have suffered physical, emotional or financial losses, you have a potential personal injury claim and could be awarded compensation. 

Medical bills, loss of income or continued care costs are examples of financial losses. Disability and injury are physical losses, while mental health issues, pain and suffering are emotional damages. You can also be compensated for damage to personal property, for instance in the event of a car crash caused by another driver or a mugging in which your personal effects are damaged or stolen.

Catastrophic Injury

Taking this one step further, when we talk about catastrophic injuries, we are referring to personal injuries with severe and often permanent effects. If a third party’s negligence or recklessness causes you to suffer a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, partial or total paralysis, the loss of a limb or hearing or extensive burns or disfigurement, they can be found liable for a catastrophic injury. These injuries can permanently alter your ability to work, socialize and complete day-to-day tasks.

Legal Representation

Whether you have suffered a personal injury or a catastrophic injury, you will want to hire excellent legal representation. A personal injury or catastrophic injury lawyer will be well-versed in seeking compensation for these kinds of injuries and will fight your case with compassion and determination to get you the most compensation possible.

When choosing your law firm, make sure to check out its online reputation and any testimonies you can find. This will give you a good idea of how reliable, expert and committed they are. Moreover, choose a lawyer that specializes in cases like yours. For more information, interview lawyers and tour the offices. Your choice could make all the difference between being granted compensation or not, so do not make it lightly.

Recovery and Compensation

Depending on your injuries, where on the body and how severe they are, your recovery could take weeks, months or even years. For instance, a severe brain injury has the potential to be a long-term or even lifelong problem. However, there are several ways that you can improve your quality of life and general attitude to healing or living life in a new way following a traumatic injury.

First, speak to experts and be open-minded to different approaches to therapy and healing. The medical world is forever evolving and growing and new approaches are constantly being trialed. On top of that, do not rush yourself. Healing happens in its own time. Try to be patient and accept that recovery is a process that you cannot rush or cut corners to speed it along. Be kind to yourself.

Moreover, speak to a therapist. Your compensation should cover medical bills and therapies as well as your emotional damages. With some of this compensation, consider seeking professional help to work through the psychological impacts of the accident. This could significantly improve your recovery. A healthier happier mind generally leads to a stronger body and a better outlook on life.

Hopefully, now you have a good idea of what a personal injury is, when it is a catastrophic injury, and what sort of physical, emotional and financial damages these events might incur. If you are in an accident that is not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for these damages. A personal injury lawyer will help you to fight for this compensation. On top of the money, remember to take care of yourself, be patient with the healing process and speak to a therapist if you need help to come to terms with the accident. Good luck with your recovery.