Car accident - compensation
I was invloved in a RTA on the 24/12/08 (i was 21). The accident was not my fault.
I sustained:
- A fractured femur (right side - I've had 1 operation on it. I now how a rod in my leg. It took 10 almost 11 months for the bones to knit together fully)
- A fractured patella (right side - 1 operation. It took 6 weeks to mend)
- Multiple fractures to the cheek and eye socket (right side - I've had 2 operation and may need a third. I have 3 plates in my face.)
- Blurred vision for 1 week (right eye)
- Minor cuts and scars on my right arm
- Soft tissue damage (right knee - as well as damage to the ligaments)
17 months on i am still experiencing problems:
- hip pain (right side - sharp pains, aches most days - I've had an x-ray and bone structure wise there is nothing wrong)
- Knee pains (right knee - it is weaker than my left. Most days hurts when i bend it)
- Pains on the left side of my back (i have a massage as often as possible)
- I walk and run with a distinctive limp (i can't really call it running when really its a brisk walk)
- I had to take myself off on original painkillers (tramadol) as i was becoming more and more dependent on them (i am now on cocodamol)
Has anyone suffered these sort of injuries and pains? What can i do to help with the pain? the doc keeps giving me painkillers which i can only take after work. Is there anything i can try as an alternative to painkillers for during work hours?
for a job, i do a lot of work at height. My employers did adapt my role to suit me and my injuries better but at times i am still required to work at height.
I am worried for the future. If i am experiencing these problems now (i am 23) how will i feel/be when i am 40 or 50 or 60!
I am a very active person. I enjoy rock climbing and kayaking. I used to be an outdoor instructor.
Also, i find it very annoying when people tell me i will get lots of money from this accident. Although that would be nice, its not my main concern - my health is and how i will be in the future!
I don't want to think about the money because i dont wan to get my hopes up. i've heard stories upon stories where people have gotten from 30k to 200k (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
But maybe i should be thinking about the money - everyone else seems to be!
I don't know what to think. I am awaiting to talk to someone (and have been for 8 weeks)!
Help! please!
