When you suffer injury in an accident, it may be possible to bring a claim for compensation, depending on the circumstances, and this process can also enable access to rehabilitation. Receiving the right treatment and rehabilitation, at the right time, can help you achieve the best possible outcome and the earlier rehabilitation begins the better the outcome will be.
Sadly, if a claim for compensation does not exist, and you are reliant on the NHS for rehabilitation, it can be a postcode lottery as rehabilitation provision across the UK can vary greatly from one area to the next, a result of funding not being available so that hospitals and GPs can deliver timely and comprehensive rehabilitation for all.
Accessing rehabilitation as part of your claim
Accessing rehabilitation is such an important part of any claim for compensation and via interim payments, funds can be obtained early in your claim to pay for the rehabilitation you need. This also enables the doctors and other specialists treating you to more easily predict what your outcome will be and what continuing rehabilitation, care and assistance you will need in the future. This information will be used by your solicitor to ensure that a fair settlement is achieved for you, to enable future care and treatment needs to be met.
Rehabilitation prescription
On discharge from an NHS major trauma centre or hospital, you will receive a rehabilitation prescription. This document will show you what rehabilitation they believe you need, and this in turn will assist your solicitor to secure funding for private treatment from the insurers of the person responsible for your accident. . You should ask your doctor about a rehabilitation prescription if you have not been given one after you are discharged from hospital.
Its not uncommon for someone who has suffered major trauma to need further medical appointments, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical psychology following discharge and this should be detailed in your rehabilitation prescription.
Benefits of rehabilitation
There are many benefits to rehabilitation; returning to work, getting back to the hobbies and interests you had before your accident, being able to enjoy life again and getting back to looking after your family.
Everyone’s rehabilitation journey is unique, including the individuals end goal of what they wish to achieve from the rehabilitation, and it is very important your lawyer understands all your needs and listens to your concerns so that you are able to benefit from the rehabilitation provided to you.
How Major Trauma Group can help
If you have suffered injury in an incident and wish to speak to a specialist solicitor about a potential claim, contact Major Trauma Group via email (hello@majortraumagroup.co.uk), telephone (0330 311 2578) or via live chat on our website (available Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm).
The Major Trauma Group is a not-for-profit community interest company, made up of leading law firms from across the country who, together with clinicians, have pooled their knowledge and experience to assist major trauma victims and their families through the provision of legal advice and ancillary services. Initial chats with our member solicitors, are free and without obligation.
