Getting injured can be a scary experience, and as the weeks after the event unfolds, it can be depressing and defeating too. Whether due to someone else’s negligence, a sports accident, or a car accident, support from loved ones is key to getting through it.
If you have a loved one who has experienced a serious injury that has changed how they live their life, being there for them can mean the difference between a swift recovery and an injury that lingers. Here are a few ways you can support them in the ways they need it the most.
Have a loved one who insists on handling their personal injury case by themselves? Although they may receive what seems like a hefty payout, they have the potential to receive three times more money if they hire an attorney to handle their case. Encourage them to talk to a lawyer and remind them that in many cases, an attorney won’t receive payment unless they make a recovery in their case.
Some symptoms don’t show up until days or even weeks after an accident. In other cases, your loved one may have gone to the doctor initially, but has since tired of keeping all their appointments.
No matter what the reason for their hesitancy, you should find ways to encourage them to go to the doctor immediately after the injury and for any checkups their doctors recommend. Offer to give them a ride to the doctor’s office, pick up their prescriptions, and sit with them in the waiting room. If they don’t feel like they are doing it alone, they are more likely to go.
Sleep is essential for health during the best of times. It’s especially important when recovering from an injury. Encourage your loved ones to get plenty of rest at night and dial back their activities during the day. When spending time together, suggest restful activities, like catching up at a coffee shop or watching a movie on Netflix.
For example, don't tell them to let you know what they need, because they probably won't. Instead, do something, like drop off food or mow their lawn, without them having to ask. Avoid telling them you know how they feel and don't go into long stories about your personal experience with an injury unless they ask. Instead, empathize by saying things like, "I am sorry that happened to you," and encourage them to talk about how they feel.
Be There in Meaningful Ways
Being there to listen is one way to be emotionally supportive, but there are many ways you can be there for a loved one after an accident. The key is to do things that your loved one likes and would appreciate. A few examples include:
If you have a loved one who has experienced a serious injury that has changed how they live their life, being there for them can mean the difference between a swift recovery and an injury that lingers. Here are a few ways you can support them in the ways they need it the most.
Help Them Find an Attorney if Appropriate
Not all serious injuries require an attorney, but there are instances when talking to an attorney can be helpful. If your loved one suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, they should talk to a lawyer. If they are hesitant, help them find an attorney and schedule a consultation.Have a loved one who insists on handling their personal injury case by themselves? Although they may receive what seems like a hefty payout, they have the potential to receive three times more money if they hire an attorney to handle their case. Encourage them to talk to a lawyer and remind them that in many cases, an attorney won’t receive payment unless they make a recovery in their case.
Encourage Them to Go to the Doctor
There are a lot of signs in everyday life that you need to visit the doctor. It’s easy to put off going to the doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms, but it’s also easy to put off going to the doctor after being injured.Some symptoms don’t show up until days or even weeks after an accident. In other cases, your loved one may have gone to the doctor initially, but has since tired of keeping all their appointments.
No matter what the reason for their hesitancy, you should find ways to encourage them to go to the doctor immediately after the injury and for any checkups their doctors recommend. Offer to give them a ride to the doctor’s office, pick up their prescriptions, and sit with them in the waiting room. If they don’t feel like they are doing it alone, they are more likely to go.
Encourage Rest
Being injured makes life difficult in lots of ways, but for many, it’s admitting that they can’t live life the way they are used to. Many people continue to go about their daily routine, go to work, and even exercise when instead they should be resting.Sleep is essential for health during the best of times. It’s especially important when recovering from an injury. Encourage your loved ones to get plenty of rest at night and dial back their activities during the day. When spending time together, suggest restful activities, like catching up at a coffee shop or watching a movie on Netflix.
Know What to Say
Supporting a loved one through an injury also means knowing what to say. Many people mean well when they say certain things, but those things can end up making an injured person feel worse.For example, don't tell them to let you know what they need, because they probably won't. Instead, do something, like drop off food or mow their lawn, without them having to ask. Avoid telling them you know how they feel and don't go into long stories about your personal experience with an injury unless they ask. Instead, empathize by saying things like, "I am sorry that happened to you," and encourage them to talk about how they feel.
Be There in Meaningful Ways
Being there to listen is one way to be emotionally supportive, but there are many ways you can be there for a loved one after an accident. The key is to do things that your loved one likes and would appreciate. A few examples include:- Cooking or going out to dinner
- Running errands for them
- Checking in every day with a phone call or a text
- Helping around the house by doing dishes or laundry
- Playing a game or doing a puzzle
- Sending them flowers or a snack basket
