Getting hurt at work can be one of the most traumatic experiences that can happen to you and your family. When you are injured, you may not be able to work. This can make it difficult to pay your bills. Therefore, there are some important steps that you must take in order to protect your family during these trying times. Here are five steps you can take to protect your family after you are hurt.
Know How Much Money You Have
The first thing that you should do is make an assessment of the money that you have. You will want to know how much you have to pay for your upcoming bills. You will also want to know how long that money will last. If you are not able to work after your injury, then you will want to stretch out that money as long as possible. Don’t count on money that you don’t know for sure is coming in. Only budget with the money that you know that you will have in your possession.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you are injured at work, you will need to hire a top personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation that you deserve. For instance, if you live in Houston, you will want to perform an internet search for a “Houston personal injury lawyer.” You should consult with the lawyer about your case to see if they will be the best fit for your needs. A good personal injury lawyer will be able to know what steps to take in order to get you the compensation that you deserve. Also, a good personal injury lawyer will be able to push back against any attempts by your employer to minimize the injury or refuse responsibility.
Prioritize Your Bills
During these trying times, you will have to prioritize which bills need to be paid first. Chances are that you will not have the money to pay all of your bills on time. It is a good idea to contact your creditors and talk to them about your situation. Some of these creditors will be able to work with you. Other creditors will still want their payment on time. The more bills that you can defer the better. However, if some of your creditors will not take a delay in payment, offer a partial payment. Carefully explain your situation and that you will be able to pay, in full, in the future.
Get a Loan to Cover Expenses
If you need to make critical payments, that can not be pushed back, then you may have to consider getting a loan to cover your expenses. Try to talk to your local bank about getting a personal loan. Many local banks are good about helping out their customers. Your local bank is also likely to give you the best rate on your loan. You can explain that you were injured on the job and that you are pursuing compensation from your employer. This may play a factor in getting your loan approved quickly so you can cover your bills before they are due.
Cut Your Budget
You will have to cut your budget during this time. If your budget is already tight, this will be a challenge. However, you will have to do it. In any budget, there are a few dollars that you can cut here and there. In some cases, you may have some recurring costs on your debit or credit card that you have forgotten about. Be sure to check every single one of your expenses and try to get your spending down by at least 10%.
Being hurt on the job will also have negative effects on your family. During these trying times, you will want to do your best to protect your family from the financial fallout. You can protect your family’s finances by knowing how much money you have, contacting a personal injury lawyer, prioritizing your bills, getting a loan, and cutting your budget. With the right planning, you will be able to get passed this tough situation and keep your family safe.
