No matter the reason, an abrupt loss of a family member is the most difficult thing a person can ever experience. It can induce a deep-rooted agony to the grieving person, especially if it’s due to an unjustified basis. Any death can cause upheaval for a family, but a sudden wrongful death deprives the bereaved family of the chance to prepare for the loss and recover from it.
In this article, you’ll know what a wrongful death is and how to recuperate from it.
What Constitutes A Wrongful Death?
To file a lawsuit, it’s necessary to know how to identify the characteristics and circumstances surrounding a wrongful death.
- A wrongful death is a type of claim or a cause of action that can be brought when one person or entity’s negligence or misconduct wrongfully causes someone’s death.
- The family of the victim is granted to file a lawsuit, especially if they’re no longer alive to bring the case.
- During the trial, the bereaved family must bring two different types of claims to recover compensations: a wrongful death claim to recover ‘the full value of life’ of the deceased and a survival claim on behalf of the deceased.
Defense Mechanisms Of A Grieving Person
After filing for legal action regarding the crime, recovering from the loss may take some time. This is because everyone employs personal defense mechanisms to deal with their pain. It’s necessary to know such reactions as they can also be used to cope with the loss.
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used by most people to separate themselves from unpleasant events or feelings, and these may include:
- Denial: A grieving person may avoid acknowledging an unpleasant truth or reality because it may be painful or threatening to them. They may also try to act as if nothing happened and feign normalcy in their lives.
- Displacement: Some people may take out their emotions on another person or object as they think it’ll be purposeless to direct them to the actual source. They may also show signs of aggression, irritability, and emotional outbursts.
- Sublimation: This may be considered a positive defense mechanism, especially when a person channels their painful and threatening experiences into positive or acceptable outlets. It’s also evident in the way people use their experiences to be better and stronger.
Helpful Tips For Coping With A Loved One’s Wrongful Death
While grieving, you may find it applicable to use some of the following strategies to help you process and come to terms with loss:
- Seek Professional Help
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed with your emotions, it may be helpful to seek professional help or psychological therapy. You can talk with a licensed psychologist who can help you cope with your feelings and get you back to your old self. Acknowledging your pain will be beneficial to help you deal with them properly.
- Allow Yourself To Heal
Healing takes time. There are days when you’ll suddenly feel depressed after being happy. It’s normal in this stage to feel like you’re on a roller-coaster ride of turbulent emotions. You should also care for your mental health and well-being to ensure your full recovery.
- Practice Self-Care
The grieving process can take a toll on your body, so make sure to take good care of it. You can also monitor your family’s health and well-being. Eating healthy food, practicing proper exercise, and getting enough sleep can help your emotional and physical health.
- Bond With Your Loved Ones
It’s vital to establish strong ties with the people around you to help you throughout your healing process. Whether it includes your family members, friends, or co-workers, it’s important to allow them to offer you support during your darkest times. The presence of your loved ones will help you in your recovery.
Final Thoughts
The sudden death of a family member can be emotionally and financially straining, but you shouldn’t let yourself be a prisoner of the past. Always try to live normally and strive to make it your driving force to be stronger. Recovering from unexpected events like these may be tough, but it’ll be worth it.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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