Tips For Returning To Work After A South Carolina Car Accident

Hundreds of thousands of traffic collisions happen yearly in South Carolina, leaving many injured and dead. After suffering a serious injury in a car accident, such as whiplash, broken bones, neck injury, back injury, or a traumatic brain injury, your life is bound to change drastically. Among other things, you may be forced to take time off work.

Resuming work after a car accident can present various challenges. If you suffered an injury in a South Carolina car accident and are planning to return to work, the following are some tips for you;

Tip #1: Do Not Go Back to Work Too Quickly

You need to wait until you are able to or your doctor gives you the go-ahead before returning to work. If you return before you are able to or your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you may worsen your condition. Also, if you are in the process of seeking compensation from an at-fault party, returning to work too soon may jeopardize your compensation claim. It may make it look like your injury is not as serious as you claim.

Tip #2: Get a Doctor’s Note

A doctor’s note can serve several purposes. For example, it can serve as proof of your injury for your employer, excusing the time you have been away. Sometimes, employers have a hard time believing that the time an employee took off work was a medical necessity. A doctor’s note can also help you and your employer determine what work you can and can’t do.

Tip #3: Request for Accommodations

When you return to work after suffering a car accident injury, you may find that you need to adjust your work environment so that it is possible for you to perform your job duties. You have the right to request your employer to make changes to your work environment, so do not hesitate to do so. If your doctor made recommendations regarding workplace accommodations, share these recommendations with your employer.

Tip #4: Prioritize and Divide Tasks

You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you need to take care of after returning to work. This is especially true if no one took over your work responsibilities after your accident. A wise thing to do would be to complete the most important tasks first. Additionally, it would be beneficial to divide big tasks into smaller ones and spread them over time (if permissible).

Tip #5: Seek Support From Coworkers

For example, if you need help completing difficult tasks, consider seeking the help of colleagues. Also, when you feel emotionally overwhelmed, consider sharing with coworkers.

Tip #6: Keep Up With Recommended Exercises

If you are undergoing physical therapy, attend all sessions and keep up with recommended exercises. Doing so can reduce pain and improve your ability to work.

Tip #7: Consider Seeking the Help of a Mental Health Professional                           

A car accident is a traumatic event that can cause long-lasting stress that adversely affects your ability to work. A mental health professional can help you work through the traumatic event. You can also try relaxation techniques like deep breathing techniques and meditation.

Contact a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a South Carolina car accident because of another party’s negligence, you need a skilled attorney who can handle your case and offer legal advice. Our Charleston car accident lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm can do this. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.