In a split second, a car accident can completely upend your world and that of your family. This is especially true if you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury like those that affect the brain and spinal cord. Most people in those circumstances suffer from physical limitations that disrupt their day-to-day living, and the physical and emotional pain dealt to them can be completely overwhelming. Then there are the financial losses. With lost wages, expensive medical bills and an uncertain financial future, this can cause you and your loved one great hardship.
With so much pressure thrust upon you, it might be easy to give in to despair. Don’t. There may be legal avenues open to you and your family that could lead to the recovery of compensation for your losses. To succeed on one of these claims, you’ll need to prove certain legal elements, such as negligence and causation. A skilled attorney can help you gather this evidence.
But outside of that, there are steps you can take to help get a handle on living life with a catastrophic injury.
- Allow yourself time to mourn: Suffering a catastrophic injury means that you’ve lost a little bit of yourself and the life that you once enjoyed. Allow yourself to grieve that loss. After all, you can move on until you accept what has happened to you.
- Be patient with yourself: With a catastrophic injury, there are parts of your life that you’ll have to relearn. This can be frustrating, but you need to allow yourself to make mistakes and accept that it’s going to take time to get to where you want to be.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Asking for help doesn’t mean that you’re weak. Instead, it shows that you recognize your limitations. By seeking out help, you give yourself the support you need to remain strong while continuing to grow in your development. So, whether it’s from friends and family, a mental health professional, or a legal advocate, know when you need these individuals’ assistance and don’t be afraid to reach out to them when the time comes.
- Expect change: Whether it’s in the form of how you live your life, the medical and technological advances that may make your life easier, or coming to terms with changing family dynamics after your accident, you’ll need to embrace change. Doing so isn’t always easy, of course, which is why you should be accepting of your feelings, be communicative, and seek out help when needed.
- Be prepared to fight: You might expect life to be a constant struggle after suffering a catastrophic injury. Although it can certainly be challenging at first, it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming as to be soul-crushing. Know what you want for your future can help you create that vision. These goals could pertain to any aspect of your life. When it comes to securing finances, of course, it may mean pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. You don’t have to face these matters on your own. Skilled professionals can help you develop strategies that work for you and fight for what you deserve.
Many people feel cheated after suffering a catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, especially if it was due to a driver’s negligent actions. But, by gathering eyewitness accounts and documentation, including police reports, employment logs, accident investigation findings, and medical records, you can be on the path to success. An experienced legal advocate can help you develop the legal arguments you need to support your claim and further your efforts to reclaim your life.
