Ways to Help Support Someone Recovering from a Serious Injury

Posted on April 18, 2023 in Personal Injury

When someone you love gets severely injured in an accident, it can be heartbreaking to watch them suffer. While you cannot take their pain away, there are several things you can do to support them through this challenging time.

Offer Emotional Support

Recovering from a serious accident can be physically and emotionally draining. While you cannot fix your loved one’s physical condition (that’s the doctor’s responsibility), you can support them emotionally by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Be a good listener. You might struggle over what to say when someone is critically injured. Rather than worry about choosing the right words, focus on being a good listener.
• Be patient. Serious injuries take a long time to heal. Be patient with your loved one and give them the time they need to heal.
• Be empathetic. Empathy is the ability to appreciate how someone else feels. When you are with your loved one, try mentally putting yourself in their shoes. What would you want someone to help you with if you were injured?

Help with Daily Tasks

Your loved one has a lot on their mind, so help them by handling daily tasks. Here are some examples:

• Help with cooking
• Clean their home
• Go to the grocery store
• Drive them to a doctor’s appointment

Encourage Physical Activity If Appropriate

Depending on where they are in their recovery, physical activity can help your loved one’s medical and mental recovery. Here are some examples:

• Go for a walk
• Attend physical therapy
• Participate in activities

Offer Practical Support

You can help your loved one through practical ways that meet their unique needs at this time, such as the following:

• Help with medical appointments
• Research their injuries and appropriate treatment protocols
• Offer financial assistance

What Should I Avoid When Supporting Someone Recovering from a Serious Injury?

While you can take many proactive steps to help your loved one during their recovery, there are also certain things you should refrain from doing. You should:

• Avoid talking only about their injury. While it’s natural to discuss their injury, try to avoid making it the only topic of conversation. Talk about their interests, cherished memories, or other positive thoughts.
• Avoid making assumptions. Every injury and recovery process is different, so avoid making assumptions about what your loved one can and cannot do. Instead, ask them what they need and how you can support them.
• Avoid dismissing their emotions. Recovery from a serious injury can be emotionally challenging, so avoid dismissing their emotions or telling them to “just get over it.” Validate your loved one’s emotions and offer continued encouragement.

Talk to Our Experienced South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Another way you can help your loved one is by talking to the experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm. We offer compassionate counsel to accident victims and help them pursue compensation from those who hurt them. Contact The Melonakos Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Michael Melonakos

Michael Melonakos is a Greenville-based personal injury attorney known for his experience representing both accident victims and major insurers. After years with top Atlanta defense firms, he now uses his insider knowledge to help Upstate clients maximize their injury claims. Michael is committed to compassionate service and is actively involved in the Greenville community.