Yahoo Finance Cost of Christmas can be a headache for injured Brits
Those unlucky enough to suffer an accidental injury in the build up to the festive season are likely to also feel a financial impact, research by National Accident Helpline found.
Over half (55%) had suffered a loss of income as a direct result of their injuries, according to the research based on a survey of 1,000 Brits who had been in an accident that wasn’t their fault.
According to the Bank of England, Brits will spend an average additional £800 at Christmas to bring average monthly spending up to £3,300 per household, so any loss of income at this time of year can have a major impact.
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Financial loss was felt the most by those who had been injured in a road accident, with 58% saying they had lost income as a direct result of their injuries. Shockingly, even the majority of people who had their accident in their place of work (64%) had felt an impact on their salary afterwards.
Women were slightly more likely than men to feel a financial impact following their accident – with 58% having to cope with less money coming in each month, compared to 53% of men who felt some financial pressure.
Unfortunately, the research shows that only a fifth of Brits who needed monetary help after their accident felt they received all the financial support they needed, with a further one in five going as far as to say they received none of the financial support they required.
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With a potential need to take time off work for their recovery, it seems the majority of Brits who suffer an accidental injury are left feeling in the dark when it comes to accessing information on how best to make a claim.
Almost two thirds (64%) of those in recovery from an accident who needed compensation felt they didn’t get the full support they needed to claim.
National Accident Helpline is working with TV GP Dr Hilary Jones to raise awareness of the impact an accident can have on a person’s finances and their day-to-day life.
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“After an accident, life can be turned upside down and there’s a lot of confusion over what happens next on the way to recovery. With so much to consider, the added worry of financial pressure can cause undue stress in an already stressful situation,” Dr Jones said.
“These stresses can be amplified during the festive season, when the added cost of Christmas parties, gifts and hosting can mean that being unable to work and being out of pocket can have even more of an impact.
“Finances can be stretched at this time of year, even before an accident happens unexpectedly, and injured people shouldn’t have to worry about money – they should be free to focus on their recovery and getting back to normal.”
