After any serious accident, it’s important to undergo a medical evaluation and consult an accident attorney. These steps are vital in ensuring you can identify hidden injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and obtain compensation or damages from the negligent party. Going through this process with a TBI is that much more challenging, but learning how to cope with your new condition can help.
Keep Up with Your Treatment
The single most important thing you can do for yourself as you learn how to live with a TBI is to stay in touch with your doctors. Dealing with a TBI involves treating the physical injury, but it also involves dealing with the changes to your cognitive and emotional health. This typically requires attending regular counseling sessions with a therapist who specializes in treating people with traumatic brain injuries.
Rely on Your Attorney, Family, and Friends
Immediately after your accident, be sure to visit an experienced TBI lawyer in your area. An attorney can help you take the initial steps in seeking damages and applying for government benefits. This help will ensure you can better manage the financial consequences of your injuries. You will also need practical help and emotional support. Your loved ones can help you adjust to life with your TBI, and they can offer encouragement. While it will be difficult to accept that you’re not as independent as you were prior to your accident, the help of your loved ones can help you rebuild your life.
Use Phone Apps to Help You Get Around
Depending on which parts of your brain were injured, your memory, concentration, and other cognitive abilities will be impaired. Downloading phone apps can help you live a little more independently by making it easier for you to get around. Use a calendar to set alarms so you won’t miss important appointments, such as doctor’s appointments and meetings with your TBI lawyer. You should also use a GPS to help you find your way to those appointments and back home. Even if you’re in a familiar area, you may not remember your way around.
Label Everything in Your Home
You should add labels to the things you frequently use in your home so you won’t get frustrated or confused. For example, labeling light switches will help you remember which light switches and light fixtures correspond with one another. Print out instructions for using appliances, such as the microwave or air fryer. You should also print out a reminder to take important things with you as you leave the house. Leave your keys next to the reminder to ensure you will always read them. This will prevent you from forgetting your phone, keys, wallet, or purse.
Once you hire an accident attorney with experience in handling TBI cases, it’s important to follow their advice. Just as your doctor will help you treat your medical condition, your attorney is there to help you deal with the legal and financial aspects of the situation. Their help will make it possible to protect yourself as you adjust to life with a TBI.
