July is ‘Good Care Month’ and an opportunity to raise the profile of the care sector, it’s wonderful carers and those in need of regular care.

In this blog we shine the spotlight on care after injury…

When a loved one has suffered a debilitating injury following an accident, it is likely that they will require care from a loved one, their partner, parents or children or indeed their friends. The level of care that they require each day will depend on the type and severity of the injury that they have sustained. This will also determine how long they will require the care for.

Looking After Someone After Serious Injury

Caring for a loved one after they have suffered an injury can be stressful and emotional as you attempt to juggle your day-to-day responsibilities whilst caring for someone who is heavily reliant upon you.

Often the journey to recovery is complicated, with patients experiencing ups and downs with their physical recovery but also their emotions after experiencing not only physical but psychological trauma too.

Care can include taking control of their medical care, such as driving them to hospital appointments, collecting prescriptions, administering medication and changing dressings. But it can also include a lot of personal care such as helping them to get up and around the house, making their meals, helping with washing and dressing, not to mention the housework.

Tips For Caring

• Being organised and keeping to a set structure is key to juggling newfound responsibilities. If you are caring for someone with the help of others then create a rota, use a notes system to handover and diarise all medical appointments.

• Keep a log or diary to record any symptoms, feelings or issues. This way you can easily remember anything you need to raise at doctors’ appointments. You can also use this to record medication given or notes if you are sharing the responsibility of caring with other family members or professional carers who are visiting whilst you are not there.

• Make use of help from professionals by attending appointments, asking questions and using their services. There are many support groups for both you as a carer and your injured loved one to make use of. Sometimes sharing problems, tips and knowledge can make you both feel less alone.

• Speak to your employer if you are still working alongside taking care of a loved one. Your employer is more likely to be understanding and flexible if they know what is going on in your personal life.

• Get the equipment you need as soon as possible. If the person you are caring for is unable to walk unaided or needs help getting in and out of bed or the bath then it is important that you do not suffer an injury yourself.

• Patience and understanding are key qualities to have when you are looking after someone recovering from serious injuries. There may be times when they are angry, upset or frustrated and these emotions can be taken out on whoever is closest to them. Take a moment to recognise that their behaviour is a reaction to their difficult situation and not aimed at you.

• Keep a record of expenses incurred to care for someone. This can include mileage, parking charges, prescriptions, private medical appointments and equipment to adapt the house.

• Research their injury to widen your understanding. This may help you care for them more effectively and understand how they will be feeling on the road to their recovery.

• Trust your instincts if something does not seem right and seek medical attention if you are concerned about your loved one’s recovery or their mental state of mind.

• Remember to take some time for yourself when you can. This is especially important if you are responsible for caring for someone 24 hours a day. Your mental health will benefit from taking breaks, socialising and practicing some self-care when the opportunity arises.

What Care Can You Claim For?

If your loved one is recovering or is likely to have long term affects from an injury that was not their fault, then they may be looking to make a personal injury claim.

Compensation for a personal injury claim is not limited to pain, suffering and loss of amenity known as the ‘general damages’ aspect of the claim. But includes expenses also known as ‘special damages’ which can include a claim for not only paid care, but gratuitous care.

If you need to hire a carer or nurse to provide regular care, then the costs incurred can be included as part of your claim. The line becomes a little blurred when a friend or family member have been providing care which is known as ‘gratuitous care’. This is where it is important to retain detailed notes and evidence of the care received in order to assist in recovering this aspect of your claim. It is helpful for notes to be kept of the type of care that you have received, the number of hours the care has been provided for as well as the number of weeks/months this is provided. Carers should also record details of the mileage travelled and retain receipts for any expenses incurred.

Making an Injury Claim

If you or someone you care for has experienced an injury that was not their fault then please speak to our dedicated Personal Injury Team who can assess the merits and guide you on the next steps to make a claim for compensation.

Call us on 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant who is online 24/7 to take your questions.

We operate on a no win, no fee arrangement with injury claims and will give you honest, clear feedback on the strength of your case.

Other articles you may be interested in reading:

Personal Injury Claims During Lockdown

6 Signs That You May Have a Personal Injury Claim

Injured in a Public Place

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.  The law may have changed since this article was published.   Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.