When someone in the family is seriously injured, it can really take its toll on everyone in the household. There have been a number of studies that show caregivers of those who have suffered a debilitating injury can experience feelings of distress, burden, anger, anxiety and depression.
A serious injury will have an impact on the entire family, but the way in which it affects everyone will depend on who is actually injured. For example, if the main breadwinner is injured, the family may experience financial loss on top of nearly losing their loved one. If a child is injured, parents may feel inconsolable, responsible, and just worried sick.
While it is impossible to prevent every accident or serious injury, the key to dealing with it when and if it happens is to recognize just how stressful the situation can actually be ahead of time.
So, what happens first?
The immediate aftermath of a serious injury can be quite confusing. Family members are immersed into the world of hospitals, doctors, and unfamiliar life-saving machines that are foreign to their daily lives. A good day can be followed by a setback and the future can seem uncertain. For many, this is an emotionally devastating period.
During this early period, it is acceptable, and even advisable, to ask for help. Seek out the assistance of family and friends to help handle chores, errands, and even cooking – many people are surprised to find that they have such a reliable support system already in place. Don’t be afraid to ask others to feed the dog, babysit, drive in a carpool, mow the lawn, or even cook meals.
The family’s reaction to injury
Unfortunately, stressful situations such as a serious injury can impact the entire family negatively, causing a disruption to familial relationships and normal interactions. When a child is injured, parents may be unsure as to how to assist in the crisis. When a parent is injured, a child may lash out and refuse to go to school – the possibilities are endless and everyone will react differently.
Remember, this is also a time of coping and family members that experience a shared distressing event handle things differently. In the end, many become closer and appreciate each other even more, but when a close relative undergoes a serious injury, it can change their loved ones’ attitudes, feelings, behavior, and beliefs.
As each family member struggles to deal with the situation, communication may break down and household schedules will be disrupted. Understanding common distress reactions is an important aspect of handling the situation effectively, and knowing that some responses may clash with others.
Family life later on down the road
Every family is different, but it is important to try and get back to normal as quickly as possible after a traumatic event. Sure, it will take time for parents to let go of their fear and worry less about their children when they are away from home, but time does often heal these wounds. Feelings of anger are also normal, but often subside on their own – however, there is also help out there, when needed.
When someone in the family is injured, there are going to be changes, and sometimes, existing coping mechanisms just won’t work. Individuals should take time out for themselves, try and stick to a regular schedule, get regular exercise, and try to maintain a sense of humor. For those even more negatively affected, attending a support group or seeing a therapist may be well worth it. Just remember, recovery – for both the injured party and his or her relatives – takes time.
Legal assistance with personal injury
Aside from emotional and psychological assistance, there is legal help that families can get when someone is injured. When someone else’s neglect or actions have resulted in a serious injury, it may be advisable to file a personal injury claim. In many cases, victims and their families are entitled to financial compensation.
The principle of any personal injury claim or settlement is not only who was at fault but also the amount of one’s damages. Damages are the compensable losses suffered because of the injury – such as loss of income. Compensation may also cover medical expenses as well as pain and suffering.
If it is unclear as to whether a case should be filed, doing a quick search online for something like San Antonio personal injury attorney will elicit plenty of results. Contact an attorney to find out more about whether or not a claim should be filed and what sort of compensation might be possible. Just remember, there is often a statute of limitations on when a personal injury case may be filed.