Nothing can replace the loss of a loved one. Those left in the painful wake of losing a loved one need time to grieve and heal without having to worry about finances or anything else for that matter. However, if there are circumstances involved that might make it a wrongful death, a family member or loved one that is dependent or emotionally bound to the victim is entitled to compensation for their loss.

The truth is, most of us are totally unprepared for dealing with grief, especially when tragedy strikes suddenly, such as in a wrongful death. Working through the emotional suffering of grief can be quite stressful and conflicting emotions such as anger, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, shame and guilt can take over during this time.

Based on years of extensive work with terminal cancer patients, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross named 5 stages in the grief cycle that most people will move through. These stages are meant to be a ‘framework’ and not an oversimplified way to compartmentalize human emotions that are fixed in stone. Each person will experience the grieving process in their own time and way, as there really is no ‘right way’ to mourn the devastating loss of a loved one.

Here are the five stages of the grieving cycle that she proposed:

1. Denial – Refusing to accept the wrongful death of a loved one, which diminishes as the individual slowly comes to terms with the impact of their loss and their painful feelings.
2. Bargaining – Begging, bartering or praying for their loved one to come back. This stage can be accompanied by feelings of guilt, such as “if only I had been a better person it wouldn’t have happened” or promising to be a better person, more loving or different if given a second chance.
3. Depression – Feelings of overwhelming hopelessness, sadness, frustration, emptiness and self pity over their loss, where symptoms such as lack of energy, inability to focus as well as crying jags are common.
4. Anger – “Why did this have to happen to me” kind of feelings surface. Feelings of anger towards ‘God,’ the victim of the wrongful death or the carelessness of others. Individual may feel angry for being left behind by their loved one or for their feelings of abandonment. They may also feel resentful at life itself, believing it to be unjust and unfair.
5. Acceptance – Individual is able to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, as a result of a wrongful death, and has resolved many of their feelings around it.

It is important that individuals are able to fully experience the first 4 stages of grief as needed, so they are able to reach the final stage of acceptance. With acceptance of ‘what is,’ the loss of a loved one can be integrated into their life, which will allow them to move forward.

If you believe that you have been a victim of a wrongful death and are suffering the painful loss of a loved one, contact a wrongful death attorney who understands the grieving process and what you are going through. Let us do the work so that you can focus on yourself during this extremely difficult time in your life. We will make sure you get the financial compensation that you are entitled to.

One Response to “The Five Steps In The Grieving Process”

1. Wrongful Death Understanding Grief What Law Firms Do To Help | Wrongful Death Attorney Lawsuit Lawyer Claims Laws Says:
   February 5th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

   [...] all wrongful death attorneys fully understand the grieving process that families go through when they have suddenly lost a loved one. During this extremely painful, [...]

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