Accidents and mishaps are a part of life, but they can sometimes change a person’s life forever, having long-term effects on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional state. However, your life is yours to live, and for that reason, you need appropriate assistance in legal, medical, and psychological matters to assume charge again. If you’ve suffered from a catastrophic injury, we’ll take you through the aspects you need to take seriously to regain control over your life.
Table of Contents
Defining Catastrophic Injuries
As per 34 USC §10284(1), your injury is classified as catastrophic if it permanently prevents you from performing any gainful work. Such injuries come with long-term, often permanent, damages. They include traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, and burns. Additionally, you might have post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety following a catastrophic accident.
Taking Control Over Your Life
Catastrophic injuries can make one feel like they’ve lost everything, and we’re no one to argue that. However, acceptance is the only way ahead. If you or your loved one is in such a situation, make sure you focus on the following:
1. Legal Assistance
Emphasizing legal assistance is necessary, as otherwise, the damages done will never be compensated for. Navigating through insurance claims can be a grueling process when your loved one or you are injured, and a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company much better.
Legal aid is especially significant if a third party needs to be held accountable for the injury; for example, if the victim was a construction worker working on a project, an employee walking on a wet office floor, or an injured party in a car accident that they didn’t cause. In such a case, the responsible party will also have to pay the attorney’s fee, so you do not have to worry. Contact catastrophic injury lawyers at your earliest convenience and seek the compensation you deserve for past, present, and future treatments.
2. Medical Assistance
Ignoring medical assistance will probably be the most harmful thing you do after a catastrophic injury. You need to stay motivated and know that your life will get easier with time with the proper help.
Remembering what parts of your body got hit in the accident can be a painful process, so instead, focus on monitoring your movement carefully. From twitching facial muscles to slow breathing or having difficulty swallowing, all signs are important, and your doctor needs to know them.
Many patients require surgeries and are put on medication for extended time periods. Consider the alternatives to surgery if your doctor is sure about them; it’s better to get opinions from multiple healthcare providers in this regard. Attend the physiotherapy sessions your doctor keeps telling you to have. Get assistive devices and consider hiring a nurse for some time.
3. Psychological Assistance
Catastrophic injuries can damage one’s self-esteem more than the exterior damage the world sees. Depression, PTSD and anxiety are not uncommon in these cases. Psychological assistance is vital for the road to recovery. If your loved one is going through a situation like this, be understanding and give them time. Maintaining contact with a psychiatrist and a psychologist will likely be essential. Unlike many physiological wounds, psychological problems only escalate with time, so keeping track of every small behavioral and emotional change is necessary. This is especially important if the victim suffered a blow to the head in your accident, as a traumatic brain injury can be behind strange behavior.
Endnote
Catastrophic injuries can be incredibly hard to navigate through for victims and their loved ones alike. You need to remember that time and assistance will make things better for you in the days to come. Focus on healing or helping the victim heal. Take time off and plan things ahead with a calm mind, as losing yourself in the emotional chaos will only delay the recovery process. Remember that this turmoil will pass, and you’ll find contentment again.