Moving After an Injury
You know your St. Louis car accident attorney is there to help you develop a personal injury claim and pursue monetary compensation for your related damages. But did you know there’s a whole lot more your lawyer can do for you, like connect you with a real estate agent who can help you move into a home that’s suited to your needs?
Nearly all lawyers have extensive professional networks. Ask your lawyer about the real estate agents in his or hers, because they can help you move forward in life by moving into a new home.
Factors to Consider when you’re House Hunting After an Injury
Talk to your doctor to determine your exact accessibility needs. He or she can help you determine what you need now and what you’ll need in the future, because your physical needs can change. A few common accessibility home adaptations include:
- Wheelchair lifts;
- Wheelchair ramps;
- Accessible showers;
- Lever-style faucets and door handles;
- Lower countertops and appliances in kitchens;
- Lower light switches and smart systems that can be accessed via smartphone or voice;
- Handrails in showers;
- Elevators; and
- Widened doorways.
If you’re concerned that your accessible home will be ugly, think again. There are lots of ways to make accessibility part of a sophisticated interior design. Take a look at a few houses that incorporate accessibility into their designs in a visually appealing way.
Don’t underestimate the importance of accessibility outside your home, either. When you’re living with limited mobility or unable to drive because of an injury, moving to a walkable neighborhood or a city with good public transportation options can drastically improve your quality of life.
Working with your Real Estate Agent
When you’re hunting for an accessible home, opt to work with a real estate agent who has experience working with individuals with needs like yours. The right real estate agent for you is one who knows your target neighborhood and city intimately and can direct you to the most accessible location possible. Beyond guiding you to an accessible location, your real estate agent can filter out prospective homes based on your needs, like your need for a one-story home or your need for a home that can easily have a chairlift installed.
The more information your real estate agent has about your needs, the better equipped he or she is to help you find and buy your ideal home. Before you start the house hunt, give your real estate agent the following information:
- Your budget;
- Your physical limits;
- Your accessibility needs; and
- Your housing preferences.
An Injury Doesn’t Mean an End to Mobility
Don’t think you can’t move to a new home because of your injury. In fact, moving to a new home can be one of the best choices you make after your injury because often, it means moving into a more accessible home or a more accessible neighborhood.