Jason Stephens | November 4, 2022 | Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is never easy. However, grief can be worse when the death is sudden and results from an accident or other personal injury. The family must deal with the anguish of losing a loved one and the anger of knowing that the death was avoidable.
Tips for Dealing With the Unexpected Death of a Loved One
We understand that death is a part of life. At some point, we will lose family members and loved ones. The grief can be overwhelming, but when the death is unexpected, it can turn your world upside down.
As our loved ones age or are diagnosed with illnesses, we begin preparing to say goodbye. While we are never truly prepared to lose someone, losing someone who has lived a long life or has a condition we know will take their life is different from an unexpected death.
Sudden loss is unexpected. It takes us by surprise. One minute our loved one is with us, and the next second they are gone. There are other emotions mixed in with the anguish.
Processing an untimely death can be difficult. However, we all need to find ways to deal with a sudden loss that allows us to go through the grieving process. We need to find healthy and constructive ways to work through our grief.
Suggestions for ways to process a sudden death and learn to cope with and manage our new “normal” without our loved one include:
Ask for Help
Everyone benefits from a strong support system after the death of a family member. Grieving alone can prolong the grieving process and result in depression, suicidal thoughts, and isolation.
Most people need some time to process their thoughts and grieve in privacy. However, do not detach from everyone else in your life. Instead, reach out to friends, family members, and others for help and support.
Having a strong support system helps you feel safe and can give you the strength to face each day as you navigate the tragic loss you are experiencing.
Seek Professional Help
Counseling and therapy help many people cope with the grief and emotions caused by the unexpected death of a loved one. Grief counselors, trauma therapists, and other mental health professionals can help you process your feelings.
They may also refer you to physicians who can prescribe medications to treat specific conditions. Examples include depression, anxiety, and other disorders that people experience after the sudden death of a family member.
In some cases, a therapist might suggest group therapy. Meeting with grief support groups helps you know that you are not the only one dealing with the death of a loved one. Listening to how other individuals cope can give you strength and ideas for coping with your loss.
Take Care of Your Needs
In addition to your mental health and emotional needs, you also have physical needs. Some people shut down when they lose a loved one suddenly. They experience severe changes in sleep, appetite, and motivation.
Some people stop caring for their basic needs, such as bathing, changing clothes, or eating. Instead, they do nothing. Sinking into a harmful state can jeopardize your physical, emotional, and mental health.
Even though you might not feel like it, take a daily shower and get dressed. Try to eat healthy meals, even if they are small. Get the right amount of sleep for your needs.
If you notice you are having issues caring for yourself or others question you about personal care, seek immediate professional help. You could be in a depressed state which could lead to further harm.
Give Yourself Time and Permission to Grieve
In the days following a sudden death, things might be hectic. You need to make arrangements for a funeral. Many people function on adrenaline during this time.
However, you cannot operate at 110% forever. You need to take time to grieve. Therefore, give yourself the time you need to deal with the sudden death of a loved one.
Everyone processes the death of a family member in their own way.
However, there are stages of grief that everyone experiences:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
The grieving process is unique to each person. You might skip a phase or go back to a phase numerous times. It is okay as long as you give yourself permission to experience each of the above phases and the time necessary to go through each stage.
Everyone grieves in their own way at their own pace. Allow yourself to take whatever time you need to grieve fully. Use whatever coping tools and support systems help you deal with the sudden loss of a loved one.
Unexpected Death and Wrongful Death Claims
All sudden deaths are not wrongful deaths. People die because of accidents or injuries they sustain. They might develop an illness that progresses very quickly.
However, many unexpected deaths are the result of intentional and negligent acts. If your loved one died because of an accident, intentional tort, or negligence, the party causing the death might be liable for damages.
Common causes of wrongful death include, but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Premises liability incidents (slip and fall accidents, swimming pool accidents, electrocutions, fires, etc.)
- Birth injuries
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Defective products (product liability)
Nothing you do and no amount of money can bring your loved one back. However, holding the person who caused their death accountable in court can help with the grieving process. Receiving compensation for wrongful death can also help your family with expenses as you continue healing and moving forward with your lives.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth wrongful death lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000