“I can’t do anything for myself.”
After a serious accident, everyday tasks that were once taken for granted can suddenly become impossible. Getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, preparing meals or moving around the house may require help.
You may need domestic assistance, nursing care or other professional support. In some cases, family members may have to step in to provide care.
But who pays for that care?
If someone else is legally responsible for your injury, the cost of necessary care and assistance may form part of your personal injury claim.
Domestic assistance after an accident
You may need help with cleaning, cooking, shopping, laundry, gardening or other household tasks that you can no longer manage because of your injuries.
Nursing and personal care
More serious injuries may require assistance with bathing, dressing, medication, mobility and other personal needs. Depending on your condition, you may require a caregiver, nurse or other trained professional.
What about care provided by family?
A family member may provide hours of care without sending you a bill. That does not necessarily mean that the care has no value when assessing your claim.
The nature and amount of assistance you require should be properly assessed, including whether those needs are likely to continue in the future.
Looking beyond the immediate aftermath
For some people, care may be needed for weeks or months. For others, an injury may result in a long-term or permanent need for assistance.
A personal injury claim should therefore consider not only the care you need today, but the care you may reasonably require in the future.
If you have suffered a serious injury and can no longer manage independently, the cost of your care should not be overlooked when assessing your compensation claim.
