Guidelines To Recover From a Relative’s Wrongful Death Experience

It is never easy for a family to undergo the challenges that follow a wrongful death experience. It takes time to accept the fact that a loved one’s death could have been avoided if another person wasn’t negligent or reckless. There have been several such incidents in England and other parts of the UK.

In April 2024, BBC.com reported how Sheila Brill from Bristol had to experience the wrongful death of Josephine, her daughter. The reason was medical negligence during her birth in London. Josephine didn’t get the correct supply of oxygen during labor, which caused her death because of a terrible brain injury. 

The negligence also consisted of questionable interpretation of the fetal heart rate and no monitoring from the consultant obstetrician’s end. Such tragic incidents are challenging to deal with. In this article, we will focus on how to recover from a wrongful death experience.

The Trauma That a Wrongful Death Brings

Every family will find it tough to emotionally process a wrongful death experience. It includes feelings of suffering, grief, helplessness, guilt, and anger. Often, some family members might suffer from depression, and PTSD, and develop acute anxiety disorder as well. The stress of the legal battles leaves one with less hope and adds to the existing trauma.

Wrongful deaths are prevalent across the globe. Something similar happened in Arkansas last year. In December 2023, 5newsonline.com reported about the unfortunate loss that Randy Dewayne Rogers witnessed. He sued 22 defendants, consisting of Columbia County, a local medical center, and the sheriff’s office after he lost his father in police custody.

Randy James Rogers, his father, lost his life because of a heart attack when he was at Columbia County Jail, in July 2022. Before that, he complained repeatedly about his chest pain and wasn’t provided with the required medication. Hence, the lawsuit alleges civil rights violations and negligence.

People were aware of Roger’s heart complaints and complications, yet they failed to offer correct care. The paramedics weren’t able to save him after a late response. The lawsuit filed by his son consists of charges of wrongful death, medical malpractice, and emotional distress.

Similar incidents might also occur in Rogers, a city in Arkansas. If you face any such predicament here, you need to consult a personal injury lawyer in Rogers, Arkansas, to address the legal procedures. Only a lawyer can help you navigate the legal domain, present your case, and attain both justice and compensation for you.  

They also provide you with accurate legal guidance and ensure that you don’t do anything irrational out of rage.

Steps to Recover 

Life goes on. So, even when you lose someone very close and dear who could have been saved, it’s tough to move on from that. It is true that in the beginning, you will be overwhelmed with emotions of loss, grief, sadness, denial, and anger. But gradually, you need to work towards your recovery. Here’s how you go about it:

Acceptance Can Help Heal Better

It’s necessary to accept that your loved one is no more and that they have undergone an unwanted death. You need to stop reasoning and arguing with anyone and know that the mishap has taken place. 

That means knowing that an external party’s action led to your loss. It might make you feel helpless and weak, but it’s necessary to have complete acceptance of what has happened. Once you do this, you will be steered towards action to set things right, by seeking legal recourse to start with.

Taking Legal Action

Know that proving that the defendant is guilty will take time and precise action in court. Keith Law Group states that it is necessary not to take on this battle all by yourself. Getting in touch with a lawyer is crucial. 

They will study the case and will ask you to arrange for the necessary evidence and witnesses. You can also submit the required medical records and healthcare data you have.

Your lawyer will study it all and use facts to develop a solid case. Once that’s done, they will present it in court in a way that highlights your suffering because of the defendant’s neglect. That way, the guilty party can get reprimanded, and you can obtain the settlement payout to cover the losses.

The damages that you can cover using the compensatory amount are:

• Medical costs for any emergency or ongoing treatment your relative received before death.
• Burial and funeral expenses.
• Loss of retirement contributions.
• Loss of benefits such as healthcare insurance.
• Loss of any household services.

Arrange a Memorial Service

You can’t bring back your loved one. But you can keep them alive in your memories and know how they have impacted others. Therefore, arranging for a memorial service is a good way to mourn the loss of a loved one. That way, you don’t lose yourself to grief. Instead, you use the good memories of your relatives to inspire you to find a purpose and look forward to your life ahead.

Self-Care and Seeking Support

This is essential while you are coping with the loss and also fighting the legal battle. There will be moments of complete emotional breakdown and a lack of faith and hope. Allow yourself to feel dejected and weak in any judgments. Be gentle with yourself, and speak to a therapist if you deem fit.

Alternatively, you can also join a local support group or an online community and share your experience. When you see people with similar experiences and hear their stories of recovery, you get hope and the belief to fight back.

Summing up, no one wants to lose a loved one because of a wrongful death. The thought that the concerned person could have been saved otherwise can haunt you your entire life. But you can’t control life, and such mishaps happen. If you find yourself struggling with one, look up the steps to recover discussed above and follow what you find best.

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