Life is fragile, and there is no harder way to learn this lesson than suffering a personal injury. We often take our health for granted, until it is snatched away in a flash. Whether you have suffered a personal injury from medical malpractice, a car accident, a workplace incident, or anywhere else, your whole life can change. You can gain some control back in your life, however. Here are some ways to help take your health and life back into your own hands.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
A personal injury can change your whole life. Don’t ignore the impact it has on your mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly true if you have suffered a traumatic experience. PTSD is common after a car accident or other personal injury. Your brain needs to process the events and sometimes we can’t do this alone. Look into a therapist who specializes in injuries or PTSD. There are also support groups out there, both online and in person. You can search for a group based on the type of injury (ie concussion support group) or type of accident (victims of malpractice support group).
Find Out what Your Legal Options Are
If you haven’t already, look into a personal injury attorney to find out what your legal options are. You want to act fairly quickly, as there may be a time limit to make a legal claim. Some states limit you to two years for medical lawsuits. This sounds like a lot of time, but it’s really not. Sometimes you don’t know the full extent of your injuries right away. You also need time to gather records, witness statements, evidence, etc. A few tips to keep in mind when contacting the lawyer:
- Gather all evidence you can before the appointment, even a phone appointment. You want the information in front of you so you can answer as many of the lawyer’s questions as possible.
- Find out any upfront fees so you aren’t surprised down the road. Consider what figures you are willing to work with and do your homework. Depending on the type of case, some lawyers will take their earnings only if and when they win the case.
- Be prepared to answer personal questions. It’s hard, and the personal injury is still a fresh wound, but you need to be able to answer the lawyer’s questions so they can do their job to the best of their ability. Answer honestly and in as much detail as possible.
Get Back Out In Society
It’s easy to isolate after an injury. You may be in pain (physical or mental) and you may feel like the world does not understand what you are going through. Often times in life, the hardest things to do are the most rewarding. Take baby steps if you have to, but don’t isolate yourself from the world. Start doing the things you love again, and take control back of your own life.
Personal injury can turn your world upside down in an instant, but you can still have control of your own life.
Speak Your Mind