Steps To Take When Your On-the-Job Accident Leads to Paralysis

Going from healthy to injured and paralyzed is a heartbreaking and scary prospect.

Your life is changed, possibly forever, all because of an accident while you were on the job. When something like this happens, it can be hard to know where to begin. Our Atlanta workers’ comp attorneys have a basic guide outlining the steps you should take after your doctor has determined that you’ve suffered a paralyzing injury.

Have a Long Talk with Your Doctor

The very first thing you need to do when your on-the-job accident leads to paralysis is have a long, in-depth conversation with your doctor or medical team. Paralysis is a frightening thing to face, and you will need all the information you can get.

Learn about the injury you sustained, how it has affected your body and what your treatment options are.

If rehabilitation is a possibility, learn about what that will entail. Ask for more information about living with your injury, whether you are susceptible to secondary issues related to your paralysis and what effects using paralysis aids like a wheelchair may have on you.

Talk with a Lawyer

After you know more about your condition and your future medical needs, you should talk to an Atlanta personal injury lawyer at McAleer Law. Tell us about what happened when you were injured, and let us know what the doctors have said about your injury. We will help you determine whether you have a valid workers’ compensation claim, and we will begin working to gather all of the necessary information to start your claim.

As your claim proceeds, we will help to guide you through the process step by step. Our accident lawyers in Atlanta will keep you updated with any changes to your claim and offer you our expertise as to whether you should accept any settlements offered or consider going to court.

Get Support

Because paralysis is such a life-changing event, you should seek support from your family, friends and other individuals who are experiencing the same things you are.

Have an open, honest discussion with your close friends and family about how you are feeling, what fears you have and what kind of support you will need from them. Ask your doctor if they can recommend any support groups for you to join. You may also want to seek out a therapist who can help you to work through the emotions that will inevitably accompany your paralysis.