Advocating for a Loved One Who Has Experienced a Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are often life-changing events that effect not only the victim but their loved ones, as well. Car accidents, slip and falls, and motorcycle accidents are some of the ways that can lead to trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries, that can upend your day-to-day life. Advocating for an injured loved one as a friend or family member can make a tremendous difference in their life. That show of love and support goes a long way in one’s recovery.

Dealing with the fallout from a catastrophic injury can be overwhelming for you and your loved one. A loved one may not be in a good place to seek legal counsel after a catastrophic injury, but having a representative that is experienced with administering these claims on your behalf can alleviate the pressure to help them focus on their health. A Minnesota catastrophic injury attorney will help you gather necessary documents, collect evidence, explain your options moving forward, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that your loved one will get the compensation necessary to cover current and long-term medical costs. If you are in this situation, call or text the attorneys at 612-INJURED at (612) 465-8733. The consultation is free, and you do not pay unless we win.

How to Help

There are a number of ways you can help advocate for your loved one, such as:

Take Them to Their Appointments

Getting to necessary appointments and having the peace of mind that transportation will not be a concern is significant. A victim of a catastrophic injury can find commuting to doctor’s appointments daunting and even impossible without the help of others. Your presence can also allow you to advocate on behalf of your loved one while there, keeping track of information, asking questions, and showing support. Your attorney can help make sure the out-of-pocket expenses for these trips are record and reimbursed.

Communicate with Healthcare Professionals

The acute period after an accident can include several appointments across healthcare professions. You can help your loved one by keeping in contact with doctors, physical therapists, and mental health professionals and track surgeries, therapy, and other appointments to best help their recovery. You may not know the types of doctors you should be getting connected with, or what questions to ask, but speaking with your attorney will help you feel prepared and confident when you’re talking with health professionals.

Include Socially

The difficulties that one can experience with a catastrophic injury can make it very difficult to leave their home to socialize. In addition, the depression and anxiety that often accompany catastrophic injuries can also be a contributing factor for isolation. Make a conscious effort to keep them included in plans. Provide transportation for them to make it to outings. Even taking the time to visit once a week can go a long way in their recovery.

Document What Is Happening

A case is not settled immediately after an accident. It takes time to understand the long-term prognosis of an injury and build a case. Documentation is essential. If it is immediately after an accident and you are in such a position, you can take pictures and write notes on what details you can gather. Help your loved one keep track of what their attorney requires for the case. Keeping your attorney updated will allow them to make a formal record on your behalf. These steps can help ensure that they can get the maximum compensation for their injuries.

Celebrate Accomplishments

Physical therapy can be long and grueling. Along the way, there are accomplishments both big and small. These milestones can be a very big deal to your loved one. Make it a big deal to you too. Find ways to celebrate these markers. Make it a celebration. There are many ways to do this, but whatever you choose, showing that it is also a big deal to you will help lift their spirits which can be very healing.

Create a Routine

While this is important for those with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), it can also be helpful for those with other catastrophic injuries. After a catastrophic accident, the world can feel very chaotic. Having a routine can be comforting and makes sure that needs are being met. This should include checking in with your attorney regularly, and making sure they know where your loved one is at on their path to recovery. Try creating a schedule that both your injured loved one and family can follow.

Prepare for Future Needs

Catastrophic injuries can often necessitate special help, equipment, and/or home modifications to help the injured live as normally as possible for longer durations or even permanently. These expenses are factored into the settlement. There are so many different things you need to consider when preparing for the future. Consulting with your attorney can help you identify any gaps in your plan. Helping to coordinate getting these needs fulfilled can be very helpful for someone recovering after an accident.

Help Them Establish Some Independence

Learn their limitations and help them help themselves. A sense of independence can be very empowering. By knowing what they can and cannot do and creating an environment where they can do tasks for themselves, your loved ones can slowly work back to a place where they feel more normal after an accident.

Be There

Sometimes, the most important thing you can do in this situation is to be there for your loved one. Just as important as physical help is emotional support. Listening to their concerns, empathizing, and showing that you are present for them is a substantial act that is crucial to their wellbeing. The more administrative work that you can shift onto your attorney, the more time you will have to focus on your loved one.