Working Through the Grieving Process: Losing a Child
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer. There isn’t a pain on this planet that can compare to that of losing a child. After all, children aren’t supposed to die and no parent should ever have to bury their child. When it does happen, there are some tips parents and family members may find helpful for coping with such an enormous loss.
Everyone’s Pain is Different
One of the biggest problems that arise from the death of a child, particularly one that involves traumatic injuries, is that it may strain relationships among family members and friends to the breaking point. One parent may see their lost child in the eyes of their spouse. Parents may disagree with what to do with their child’s room. Remember that every family member had a different relationship with the child and, therefore, every family member’s pain is different. Whether the child passed quickly or had a long battle with a terminal illness filled with comorbidities, do not try to understand someone else’s pain. Everyone is feeling something slightly different. Offering support without claiming to understand is all that is necessary.
Don’t Force a Conversation
When a child passes as a result of a wrongful death, everyone will want to process what has happened differently. Just because one person is ready to talk about what has happened does not mean that other people are ready as well. Each person will process the tragedy at their own pace. Therefore, do not force anyone to talk about what has happened. Forcing someone to relive what has happened, particularly if a catastrophic personal injury was involved, could lead to serious psychological damage with symptoms similar to PTSD. Sometimes, a simple “I’m sorry” or “I’m here for you” is all that is needed. Don’t force someone to talk if they aren’t ready to do so.
Don’t Lose Confidence
When a family loses a child, it is appropriate for the parents and caregivers to question their abilities to raise and mentor a child; however, it is important for parents to remain confident in their abilities. Parents who have lost a child, particularly if it was due to an inherited condition, could feel incredibly guilty. It might be helpful to work through these feelings of guilt with a mental health professional. Even if the feelings of guilt are valid, they should be let go with time. This is even more important if there are siblings in the picture who both want and deserve the attention of their parents. Learning when to ask for help is important not just for the individual but for those around them as well.
Contact a Compassionate Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer. If you, or a loved one, have lost a child from a wrongful death tragedy, please call my office at (916) 921-6400 for friendly, free advice. Anyone calling from outside of the local Sacramento area should feel welcome to use my toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.
I am a member of the California Chapter of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This is a group of top rated trial attorneys in the country. Our injury lawyer has settled cases or won verdicts in excess $1 Million Dollars.
Some of my verdicts and settlements can be viewed here.
My client reviews and ratings are located on Avvo, Yelp, and Google.
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