Suffering an injury can impact your life in ways that you might not expect. One of these is preventing you from performing tasks that you may have been planning for. Knowing what to expect may help you be better prepared for the future.
Changes your home may need
Limited mobility can make bathing, cooking and climbing stairs more difficult. The right modifications depend on how you use the space, but common examples include:
- Grab bars beside the toilet and inside the shower
- A wheelchair ramp at the main entrance
- Wider doorways and a walk-in shower
- A stair lift or a first-floor bedroom conversion
- Lower kitchen counters for easier access
Together, these features might improve safety, simplify daily activities and support greater independence.
Costs your settlement can cover
When an injury creates a need for one of these projects, a settlement or court award may include the expense. A claim accounts for completed renovations and future work, allowing compensation to extend beyond immediate medical bills.
California defines economic damages as objectively verifiable financial losses. Future remodeling expenses generally require proof that you will reasonably need the modification, along with a reliable estimate of its cost. Amounts already spent must likewise stem from the injury rather than an unrelated upgrade.
Steps your family should take
Photos taken before remodeling show how each affected area looked. Your medical records may describe how the injury affects you. Written recommendations from a doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist can explain why the changes are necessary.
Contractor estimates provide an expected price. Contracts and invoices list the charges, while receipts confirm how much you paid.
Consulting with an attorney may clarify how the expense fits into your claim. This review can also identify missing information before you pay for the work yourself.