When you get injured on the job, you may worry about how your absence from work will impact your family. If your family depends on your income, paying the bills could become more difficult.
But there are other ways families can feel the impact of on-the-job injuries beyond just the financial burdens. The requirements of caregiving and also the injured party’s mental health and recuperation may affect the family dynamic just as much.
Workplace Injury and Your Family
If you have been hurt on the job, it’s worth considering how your injury could affect your family in three major areas:
- Emotionally
- Physically
- Financially
The Emotional Impact of a Workplace Injury on Your Family
People who get injured on the job can become frustrated by their circumstances. If they have limited mobility or haven’t fully recovered from the injury, they may feel frustrated or even angry about their situation. They may resent having to rely on family members for the smallest bit of assistance, such as using the bathroom.
These stressors can affect everyone in the family. Tempers may flare. People may use angry words in front of children. Or someone out of work may become depressed and not even pay attention to family members, resulting in deep hurt. The best way to deal with emotional stress is for the family to keep open lines of communication and be realistic about expectations. Make sure caregivers have an outlet beyond nursing the loved one back to health.
The Physical Impact of a Workplace Injury on Your Family
When a worker’s injury limits their ability to move around, they rely on those around them for assistance. This can add a new dynamic to family interaction.
For instance, a teenager who recently got their driver’s license may be enlisted to take the injured worker to doctor’s appointments and might need to help the person in and out of the car. It could impact the driver’s physical well-being if they are not strong enough to perform such duties.
The physical impact of an injured family member can extend to the home, too. The family may need to add ramps or other tools to the home to ensure the injured person can get around.
The Financial Impact of a Workplace Injury on Your Family
The financial impact of a work injury on families can have long-lasting consequences, though there are ways to address it. When you become injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. These payments cover part of your regular wages in addition to your medical bills.
Seeing those bills pile up each month can lead to stress, and workers’ comp is a way to avoid financial burdens as well as mental ones. To ensure you get the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to, consult with the attorneys at Frommer D’Amico.
We only take workers’ comp cases and only work with employees. We also charge lower fees. Contact us today to set up a free initial consultation by calling 717-400-1000 or getting in touch online.