When individuals experience the death of a person they’re close to, whether it’s a relative, friend, parent, or sibling, they undergo intense feelings of anger, grief, and loneliness. However, when the negligence of someone else caused the death, these feelings can be overwhelming and eventually result in trauma.
Wrongful death in a family can take a toll on everyone and cause them to succumb to long periods of depression and apathy. While there is no easy way to overcome the wrongful death of a loved one, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
1. Pursue justice
Being angry, depressed, or lonely cannot heal the wounds caused by grief, but seeking justice can. Your family has the right to receive compensation for the death of your loved one. All you have to do is hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who can prove the reckless or negligent actions of another person caused the death of your loved one.
With the right representation, you can receive compensation for:
• Lost income
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
Although money can’t turn back time and bring your loved one back, it can help alleviate the challenges your family faces after your loss.
2. Put a support system in place
Since the grieving process involves numerous emotions and reactions, it’s wise to establish strong ties with people who can help you throughout the process. You may be a strong individual, but you can’t grieve alone. You need a support system that can push and motivate you through the tough days while helping you make arrangements for your loved one’s death, e.g., funeral plans.
If you don’t have anyone close, you may want to consider talking to a therapist. They’re experts in grief and loss and can teach you coping mechanisms that ensure you mourn your loved one the right way.
3. Get answers that will allow closure
After losing a loved one, starting the healing process can be difficult, and most people tend to ignore the pain, thinking it will go away. Unfortunately, this only drags out the grieving process and can cause anxiety and panic attacks when not addressed.
To avoid this, it’s wise to start the healing process by seeking closure. Usually, this entails finding out the circumstances that resulted in your loved one’s death. Luckily, a personal injury lawyer can help determine what happened leading up to the accident, giving you specific details and your options for seeking justice.
4. Set new routines and minimize triggers
Establishing new daily routines can help family members get through loss by minimizing feelings of frustration and panic. For instance, if your loved one made breakfast, fill the gap with another family member or friend.
If there are children involved, keep their schedule consistent after the loss to prevent them from acting out. Remember, children react to loss differently from adults, so disrupting their routine can adversely affect their behavior.
Alternatively, minimize triggers by staying away from things that set off your symptoms. For example, speaking to a lawyer about your wrongful death case can trigger feelings of loneliness and anger. So, have another family member consult with your lawyer or wait until you’re ready to speak about your loss openly.
However, keep in mind that in California, the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim is two years after the death.
Need a personal injury attorney?
At Guy Levy Law, we understand that filing a lawsuit is the last thing on your mind after losing a loved one. But, pursuing justice can help you hold the negligent party liable and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
