Steps to Recovery After a Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury by definition is one that alters your life on a meaningful level – such as by inflicting a long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement. “Recovery” from a catastrophic injury will mean different things to different people. However, you can put yourself in the best position to lead a joyful and fulfilling life with the right steps.
Get Immediate Medical Care
Catastrophic injuries require immediate emergency care. Even if your injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident, experienced lawyers for injury cases in Los Angeles suggest visiting an emergency room in case you have hidden or delayed symptoms.
For example, a serious traumatic brain injury with bleeding or swelling may only become noticeable as the situation worsens. Prompt medical attention is also important because some injuries can escalate from moderate to catastrophic if they are not treated right away, such as neck and spine injuries.
Medical care for a catastrophic injury may involve initial stabilization, x-rays or scans, emergency surgeries, and intensive care. You may also need to meet with specialists for specific types of injuries or medical treatments.
Keep Up With Recommended Long-Term Treatments
Recovering from a catastrophic injury typically requires long-term or ongoing medical treatments and interventions. For the best possible recovery prognosis, you should keep up with your recommended treatments and doctor’s appointments. This includes attending all physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions and making your health your top priority.
Look After Your Mental Health
Your physical health is not the only concern while recovering from a catastrophic injury. It is just as important to address the state of your mental, emotional and psychological health. A life-changing injury can leave you feeling depressed, anxious or with concerns for the future.
Speak to a mental health professional about what you are feeling in the aftermath of a traumatic accident. Talking to a therapist can ease your mental burden and give you healthy and proactive ways to cope moving forward. Taking proper care of your mental health can ultimately set you up for a brighter and more stable future as you navigate life with a catastrophic injury.
After a Catastrophic Injury
Get Legal Help to Secure Compensation
Seek Justice Through a Personal Injury Claim
You deserve justice if someone else caused or contributed to your catastrophic injury through an act of negligence, or the failure to act with proper care. If a reckless driver crashed into your car and gave you a brain injury, for example, it is important to hold the at-fault driver accountable for his or her actions and their long-term impacts on your life. You can achieve this goal by contacting a catastrophic injury attorney in Los Angeles for assistance filing a claim or lawsuit in California.
Find Your Support System
You have been through an extremely traumatic event that may affect you for the rest of your life. It is critical to move forward with the right support system surrounding you. You are not alone in your catastrophic injury journey. There are others who know exactly what you are going through.
You can connect with other catastrophic injury survivors through support groups, both online and in person. Trusted friends and family members can also help you feel supported, along with guidance from professional therapists and counselors. Create a self-care routine to help you get through this difficult time, such as exercise, restful sleep, journaling and relaxation.
You are stronger and more resilient than you think. With these steps, you can recover from your catastrophic injury and build a strong foundation for a happy future.