If you have suffered a serious injury in a motor vehicle accident, you are far from alone. In fact, about 4.4 million Americans need medical treatment for the injuries they sustain in car crashes every single year.
Even though others may be going through a similar experience, everyone responds differently to injuries and treatments. Often, catastrophically injured Californians must modify their homes to accommodate a new way of life. Here are three injury-related home improvements you may have to make.
1. Ramps
If you live in a multi-level house or one that has front or back steps, you may not be able to navigate your home after your injury. This may be especially true if you use a wheelchair or crutches. Installing ramps in your home may allow you to move freely without assistance.
2. Mechanical lifts
To reach the second story of your home, you may need a chair lift. This home modification features a chair that moves along a track next to your stairs. Alternatively, you may choose to install an elevator to move you to different parts of your house. Either way, you can expect to spend thousands of dollars or more on mechanical lifts.
3. Reworked kitchens and bathrooms
Because of slippery surfaces and narrow spaces, your kitchen and bathrooms may not be ideal following your injury. From grab bars to lower countertops, kitchen and bath modifications may permit you to keep your independence.
Modifying your home can be expensive. Ultimately, if you need home modifications to better manage your post-injury life, you may be able to seek financial compensation to pay for them from the person who caused the accident.
