Injuries from a serious car accident are often not only physical -- they can be emotional, too.  Your physical recovery will most likely involve many hospital and doctor visits, rehabilitation, therapy, and various medications.  Your emotional recovery can be just as challenging and is often hampered by feelings of being overwhelmed when you are unable to return to work.

With continued treatment you may begin to feel better and find that you are considering returning to your job.  Many accident victims believe they will feel better if they return to work, but some make the mistake of returning to work before they are fully recovered.  When and if you can get back to work is an important decision – with many of the following factors to consider.

• Medical bills may be the biggest source of stress and concern after a serious car accident.  They don't go away simply because you aren’t able to work – and paying for bills often forces accident victims back to work early so they can make ends meet. Schwartzapfel Partners in Nassau County, New York can help by reviewing your situation and advising you whether legal action against the other driver is an option.  Your medical providers may be willing to negotiate payment plans with you if they are assured that they will eventually be paid from your settlement.
• Are you declared "disabled?"  Both Social Security and the New York State Insurance Fund are options for receiving temporary benefits if you are not capable of returning to work after your injury.  If you are eligible for disability programs, a doctor may specify the time period during which you are considered “disabled” or “partially disabled."  If your car accident was not work-related, you may also be eligible for temporary cash benefits to partially make up for your lost wages.
• Unemployment benefits may be an option for you if you lost your job as a result of your accident.  Keep in mind that you cannot collect both disability and unemployment benefits, and discussing your options with an experienced personal injury attorney at Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. can make a difference in the amount of benefits you receive.  We will review your long-term medical outlook, as well as the nature of your injuries and your line of work, to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Returning to work too soon after an injury can cause you to exacerbate your injury or regress from the progress you had made.  Returning to work after temporary leave from your job when the doctor clears you may not be the right move for you.  Make sure to keep all documentation regarding your medical visits so if your doctor clears you for work before you feel physically able you'll have access to all information in the event of a dispute with your employer. An attorney is essential in this scenario; Schwartzapfel Partners can help by reviewing your injury status and advising you of any additional legal options.

You may decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the insurance company of the other driver.  The specific compensation you are eligible to receive will vary depending upon the circumstances of the Long Island accident and your injuries. Damages awarded may include: pain and suffering (both past and future), payment of medical costs (both past and future), lost wages, loss of annuity or pension, loss of household help and non-economic damages such as loss of consortium (harm to a family relationship). 

When you’ve suffered serious injury as a result of a car accident, you need Nassau County, New York lawyers of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. at your side. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well prepared to handle all your legal needs.

Call our Nassau County, New York car accident attorneys today at 1-800-966-4999 or use our convenient online contact form for a free case evaluation.  Click here for the address of our Long Island office closest to you.   At Schwartzapfel Partners, we will fight for you!