No one likes to think about getting injured. Yet, we can guarantee that it’ll happen at some point.
My biggest injury was breaking my foot in 2013 and it’s still have implications (some financial!) to this day.
Only the lucky among us can avoid injury for all time. The rest of us have to deal with an accident if it happens, and all the financial responsibility that comes with it. Though financial worries are never our first thought when we get hurt, they come a close second. Of course, with the NHS hanging in there, those of us in the UK are in a better position than many countries. There’s no denying that an injury won’t set us back anywhere near as much as it would somewhere like America. But, injury can still cause some major financial setbacks. We’re going to take a look at what they are, and what you can do to lessen the blow.
The Financial Impact Of Injury
When considering financial injury implications, it’s first worth mentioning time off work. You probably won’t be able to keep working when you’re hurt. While most employers pay sick pay, that doesn’t last forever. After six months, most companies lessen the rate. If you’re off for longer than that, they may stop it altogether. And, they’d be within their rights to. They can’t keep paying you forever! And, if you’re self-employed, you won’t even have that six-month privilege. When you work for yourself, not working means not making money. It’s as simple as that. That was the case when I broke my foot. And I was thankful to have savings and a supportive girlfriend to help me through those difficult months.
Do you have savings you could use if you needed to? If not, let this be a warning and inspiration to start putting something away.
It’s also important to note that even in the UK with the NHS we still have to pay for prescriptions. You can see a breakdown of prescription charges on sites like http://www.nhs.uk. These charges may seem like small fry. But, an injury which requires ongoing medication could soon take its toll. And, that may not be the only cost you pay towards your recovery. The NHS offer initial care, but you may have to pay if you want ongoing treatment that isn’t deemed crucial. Physiotherapy is one such problem. The NHS will offer the service for so long, then refer you to much more expensive options.
How To Lessen The Blow
The easiest way to lessen this blow, if applicable to your situation is to make a personal injury claim with a solicitor like the one found on http://www.nowinnofeeireland.net/. For the most part, where there’s blame, there’s a claim. When I broke my foot it was my own fault but in the case of many injuries, there is blame to assign.
Many of us don’t like to think of this an option, but it’s a step worth taking when you consider how much your injury has cost you. Getting money back from a claim will ensure you aren’t left out of pocket as well as health. If you want to go down this route, it’s worth keeping note of everything. Keep any receipts or letters from work. If you can prove that your injury has cost you, you stand a better chance of seeing a return. 
It’s also worth noting that health insurance can help.
Of course, it’s too late to take this step after your injury. But, signing up to a good plan will ensure you don’t find yourself in the same position in the future! Some health insurances give you a few thousand for any broken bone, with the specific rate varying from provider to provider and depending on what bone you break.
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