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Back to life thanks to close cooperation
21.10.2024 | Miryam von Büren-Fiechter, Raphael JekerA tragic road traffic accident suddenly ripped young architect Simona away from her everyday life. Thanks to her determination and the close cooperation between the case manager, insurance providers and her employer, she has finally managed to get back to (working) life.
Back to life thanks to close cooperation
In intensive care following a road traffic accident
Simona P.*, a 34-year-old architect from Bern, had been doing her dream job for several years. One morning, as she cycled to work, she was involved in a serious road traffic accident. With multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury, she underwent emergency surgery in hospital and was kept in intensive care for weeks.
Case management thanks to accident insurance
After the accident, Simona faced a long and difficult road of rehabilitation. Under the Accident Insurance Act (UVG/AIA), insured persons are entitled to comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation, in addition to the daily benefit. During this time, Simona was supported by the case management team of Helvetia collective accident insurance – her employer's insurance. The case manager coordinated the necessary medical treatments and therapies. Throughout this difficult process, the case manager supported Simona with great sensitivity and excellent social skills and – with Simona's consent – also involved her employer.
«In case management, we ensure that all parties involved pull together.»
Invalidity insurance for reintegration
In parallel, invalidity insurance (IV) was involved as a precautionary measure, as Simona was going to be unable to work for a long time due to her injuries. In accordance with the statutory provisions, insured persons are entitled to integration measures from the IV scheme, which can improve their capacity to earn. Simona also benefitted from this, and this support was another important element in creating new future prospects for her.
Occupational benefits make for a secure future
Simona's pension fund played a major role, too. The employee benefit institution reviewed financial participation in case management and ensured that she continued to be insured even while unable to work in accordance with the LOB. Meanwhile, the case manager continued to ensure the flow of information between the insurers involved.
«We focus on a person's existing resources and not on current constraints.»
A ray of hope
After months of intensive medical care, Simona started showing signs of progress. Thanks to the continuous support of case management, she gradually found her way back to professional life. Her determination, commitment and willingness to cooperate accelerated her recovery, and after 18 months she was ready to think about returning to work. With significant support from her employer, she was able to resume work on a phased basis. Her employer was understanding, offering her flexible working hours and the option of working from home initially, which helped with Simona's recovery.
Back to independent living
Simona's story is a striking example of how important close cooperation is between all parties – coordinated by case management. Invalidity insurance and occupational benefit schemes also played an important role in partnering with accident insurance, promoting reintegration with targeted measures in addition to medical care. However, the decisive factors were the determination of the young woman involved in the accident and the trust placed in case management and all the parties involved. Simona has fought her way back to everyday life and can now continue her career as an architect in stable health.
