Due to the lack of protection provided by motorcycles, it’s common to suffer catastrophic, life-altering injuries in a motorcycle accident. Often, it’s not just the accident victim who suffers in the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident. It’s common for these injuries to be trying on family members and other loved ones as well.
When a motorcycle accident victim suffers a catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, the victim’s family members tend to experience the physical, psychological, and financial burdens associated with providing care during the rehabilitation and recovery period. In many instances, it can be difficult to know what to say and do in order to provide the support your loved one needs during this difficult time.
The following tips will help you show your support for a loved one who has suffered a catastrophic injury in a motorcycle accident:
- Get involved in the rehabilitation process — Be present at doctor appointments, participate in physical therapy sessions whenever appropriate, and engage your loved one in recommended at-home rehabilitation activities.
- Make sure the home is a safe and comfortable environment — Make any necessary modifications to your loved one’s home that facilitate independent functioning.
- Maintain a structured schedule — Help establish a schedule that maintains the proper balance for your loved one. This schedule should encourage consistent active behavior without resulting in fatigue, exhaustion, and frustration. Help steer your loved one towards activities he or she enjoys and that can be performed with reasonable success based on current physical and mental limitations.
- Write things down — It’s common for brain injury victims to experience memory loss. To address this issue, create a system where important reminders are jotted down on lists or post-it notes that are easily visible throughout the house. This will help your loved one access this important information independently without constantly needing others to provide verbal reminders.
While it’s important to be there for your loved one as much as possible, you also need to take some time for yourself. Make sure other friends and family members are also taking an active role in providing support for your loved one. Ideally, everyone should take shifts so all caregivers receive a break once in a while. If necessary, bring in a professional caregiver.
The road to recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and difficult. By being available to listen to your loved one’s needs and provide support, you can help make recovery goals more achievable.
The attorneys at Golomb Legal have more than three decades of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases for injury victims in the Philadelphia area. Our lawyers understand the challenges you and your loved one are facing right now, and we’ll stand by your side every step of the way to help your loved one recover the compensation he or she deserves.
Pease contact Golomb Legal using the form at the left side of the page or call (855) 889-5389 today to schedule your free motorcycle accident consultation. We serve clients in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.