If you find yourself injured in an accident, it can be a stressful time for yourself and your family. Not only do you need to focus on your recovery, but you also will have concerns about how to make ends meet while you’re unable to work. It is important to know what kind of support your employer will give you.
You should also take steps proactively to ensure you are in a good position should you be unable to work due to illness or injury again in the future. Here are some of the critical things you need to know about taking time off work after an accident.
Get Advice From Your Doctor
Your first port of call after an accident should be to get checked out by a medical professional. Even if you are sure you have no serious injury, it is best to get an expert opinion. You should attend the hospital or dial 999 if you are in an accident and are concerned about your injuries.
After your initial treatment, you should talk to your GP about any ongoing issues you face, including mental health concerns. Your doctor will advise how long you should take off work and other steps you may need to take.
Take Care Of Your Mental Health As Well
Any accident can cause mental health issues ranging from PTSD to depression. Being unable to work can often compound mental health issues, particularly if your income is in jeopardy. Your GP can refer you to a mental health service if you feel you could benefit from counselling or therapy. They will also be able to prescribe you medications to help manage the symptoms of a mental health condition.
Stay In Regular Contact With Your Employer
You should let your employer know what is happening as soon as possible. It may be beneficial to call or have a video call with your employer to let them know about your accident and your doctor’s recommendation for how long you should remain off work. This is an excellent opportunity to find out what, if any, support your employer is willing to offer you. You should regularly check in with your employer to let them know when you expect to be back at work.
Understand Your Sick Pay
Your employer’s provision for sick pay should be set out in your contract. It is a good idea to review this to see if you can expect full or half-pay or if you will need to apply for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Read your contract and learn about what you’re entitled to and what you might need to recover to the fullest.
Consider Whether Your Current Insurance Is Suitable
You may already hold life insurance, which can be invaluable for ensuring your family’s financial security in the event of your death. This type of insurance should be taken out by anyone with significant financial obligations like a mortgage and people with young families.
You should also consider taking out Accident and Sickness Insurance that can cover you if you become unable to work. This can take much of the financial stress of an accident off your plate and help you focus on your recovery. You can find out more about this kind of insurance from Drewberry. They offer practical advice so you can understand the benefits of this insurance and find the right policy for you.
Look Into Making A Compensation Claim
If the accident you were involved in was not your fault, you might be able to claim compensation if there was someone else at fault. This could be a local council, another driver or someone else who has failed in a duty of care. It may help to discuss your case with a lawyer to determine whether you have a claim to make. Compensation can vary greatly depending on your injuries, both mental and physical, and your loss of earnings that results from the accident.
Focus On Your Recovery
It is vital to focus on your recovery after an accident. You should follow the instructions of your doctor and see specialists if necessary. You should also keep active and take into account your doctor’s guidance on exercises and activities. It can also be invaluable to keep a positive mindset. This can be challenging when recovering from an injury, but positive thinking has been proved to speed up recovery from a range of injuries and illnesses.
Get Help From Loved Ones
It can be helpful to talk to your loved ones about your accident and get their support. This could be practical support such as childcare and help with groceries or moral support by offering a shoulder to cry on. It is vital to surround yourself with positive people and influences to help you recover quickly and fully.
Transition Back To Work Carefully
Once the time arrives to go back to work, it is crucial that you take it slowly. It may be beneficial to ask your employer if you could initially return on a part-time basis to ensure you don’t stress yourself and your recovery.
