Have you ever had that moment during an accident where your life flashes before your eyes? Maybe it was a car crash or a work incident that suddenly changed everything. One day you’re going along as usual and the next you’re dealing with a personal injury that puts you out of work. Maybe it’s only for a few days or weeks, but what happens when a personal injury case lasts for months or years? How are you going to make ends meet in your new situation?
Injuries can be scary. And the last thing you want to be focused on is your financial situation when you should be focused on improving your health and well-being. The ugly fact is, some serious injuries can cost you your job and your livelihood. Even in the midst of newfound financial hardship, there are steps you can take to keep yourself afloat and continue on with your life. It will be an adjustment, especially if you’re now prevented from working at a job you genuinely enjoyed.
But your injury doesn’t have to keep you from living a whole, happy, fulfilling life.
You have the power to take back control of your situation and make a commitment to new, creative ways to make some extra income and lower your extraneous costs. With the support of your friends and family, you will make it through this difficult time. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you’re sure to come out on top.
Fight for your compensation
If your injury was the result of a car accident where you were not at fault, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other party involved. Many accidents are caused because of another driver’s negligence, and if you are simply the accident victim who is without blame, you may be owed fair compensation from that driver. You need to fight for the compensation you deserve. Consult a personal injury lawyer raleigh nc (or wherever you’re living) to see if your personal injury claim would hold up in court.
This doesn’t only apply for auto accidents. If you feel you were injured due to medical malpractice or you have suffered a workplace injury, seek legal advice for how to proceed.
Some lawsuits may settle for a huge sum that can help you cover medical bills as an injured client. If the verdict goes your way, that money can help you stay on your feet despite your injury case. Personal injury attorneys can be your best friends when it comes to getting the money you are owed.
Stay on top of your health care
If your personal injury case is keeping you out of work, you probably suffered a serious injury. Remember that your health is the most important thing. Even in the midst of financial hardship, it’s important to continue taking care of your healthcare and medical expenses. Again, a law firm can potentially help you cover the cost of medical care if you win the case. Otherwise, this is a good time to consider Medicaid or other public health insurance plans to help treat your needs.
Recovering from any incident whether it be a traumatic brain injury or a bone fracture means you’ll probably need some at-home treatment options. Different accessories can help you adjust to your new lifestyle along with personal attention from medical professionals as needed. The idea of paying for medical supplies may seem stressful and complicated, especially when money is tight, but the purchase price is much lower after the deduction taken out through health insurance.
There are ways to communicate with your insurance carrier and medical equipment companies to get you the care, prescriptions, and treatment you need without breaking the bank. Be open about your financial situation and professionals will work to help lower your medical expenses.
Downsizing and lowering expenses
When your finances are severely impacted by personal injury, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. One of these may be downsizing or moving to more affordable housing. This can take some of the stress off of trying to afford something that is no longer within your means.
If you end up with more stuff than space, it can be incredibly affordable to rent out a storage unit in your area. With EZ Stor it, storage is made easy and handled with the utmost professionalism. While it may not be the ideal situation, you can still have peace of mind and know that your possessions are protected and safe.
Search for creative forms of income
Even though you can no longer work at your full-time position, that doesn’t mean you can‘t earn any income. There are actually plenty of ways to earn money outside of a traditional nine to five job. And a lot of them can actually be pretty fun.
If you’re crafty, consider selling artwork or crafts online. Or if you have expertise in a specific area, can you tutor that subject or create an online class to sell? Freelance writing and editing is a good idea if you’re gifted in those areas. People even get paid to take surveys online, test out video games, or walk dogs. It may take some searching to find the perfect path for you, but the options are out there to make money in all sorts of ways.
It really is amazing how much money people are willing to spend on things. If you’re really strapped for cash, consider selling some of your belongings, clothes, and accessories. It can help with the downsizing and you can get good money for some higher-end items. If you don’t have as many things you’d like to part with, maybe even consider selling your space. Rent out your spare room or join AirBnB. It pays to take advantage of the assets you already have in reservation.
Reach out to your providers
When you’re experiencing a period of financial hardship, you know it won’t last forever. If you know you’re going to need help making ends meet for a few months, consider reaching out with a phone call to your utility providers and other bill collectors just to let them know.
If you make it clear you’re an accident victim who needs a little time to get back on your feet, they may make an exception for you for a short period. Especially if you’ve proven through past receipt that you are a trustworthy, loyal customer. A few extra months without that worry or shortages of power or turning off the water will help you and your family members focus on getting back on your feet.
Keep a positive outlook and attitude
When you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury, it can be extremely hard to look on the bright side. It can also seem incredibly unfair that that is all anyone tells you to do. That being said, there is power in positivity. Remember that nothing lasts forever. You’ll make it back up on your feet eventually because they can’t keep a good man down for long. Plus a positive attitude will keep you driven and motivated to find creative solutions for your financial situation.
The more faith you can have, the more likely it is to all work out in the end. Keep a positive outlook and attitude whenever possible. It will make all the difference.
