Help at home after an injury
Track Household Help After an Injury
30-second answer
Write down the household tasks you normally did and what changed after the injury. Record who helped, what they did, and any payment. Include unpaid help. Keep facts separate from estimates. A log does not promise payment.
Legal information from the Law Office of Arta Wildeboer · Updated
Do this now
- 1List the tasks you did before the injury. Note how often you did them and who shared the work.
- 2Record each affected date and task. Describe what you could still do and what needed help.
- 3Name the helper and note the time spent on each task. Mark estimates clearly.
- 4Save real receipts and payment records. Mark unpaid help as unpaid; do not make up a bill.
- 5Update the log as your ability changes. Keep personal care separate from replacement chores, and note any overlap.
Avoid this
- Do not count the same work twice under different labels.
- Do not assume a relative’s missed wages set the value of the help.
- Do not backdate entries or film private care to build a claim.
Save these
- Pre-injury routine and shared duties
- Dated task log and helper names
- Original messages you lawfully have
- Real invoices, receipts, and payment records
- Care instructions and changes in ability
Common questions
What if a relative helped for free?
Record what happened and mark it unpaid. No payment does not mean there is nothing to review. The type, need, and value of the help still matter.
What if a task went undone?
Record the task and why you could not do it. Do not invent a helper or a payment.
Is help bathing the same as doing laundry?
No. Keep care provided to you separate from chores you used to do. Ask about care needs and the legal category; not every favor is nursing care.
Should I wait until the log is complete?
No need to wait. Ask about claim deadlines now. Keep adding accurate entries while the claim is reviewed.
Want more detail?
Read the full explanation
Household Help After a California InjuryOfficial resources
Questions about your situation?
Talk with Arta Wildeboer
A short guide cannot account for every fact. A free consultation can help you understand the next step without pressure.