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4 Stages in the Grieving Process of a Wrongful Death | Georgia Injury Lawyers

4 Stages in the Grieving Process of a Wrongful Death

Whether you've lost a loved one due to a person's negligent behavior (wrongful death), or they've been taken away simply from natural causes, their passing can undoubtedly be difficult to grasp.

When dealing the death of a loved one, particularly a wrongful death, as it usually strikes without warning, it's expected that you'll pass through various stages of grief. Still, each individual might experience these emotional states differently, and there certainly isn't one specific way to mourn. Just know that having these feelings is perfectly normal, and they often show themselves in the order listed below.      

Stage 1: Denial

Denial is the most common, major mental state that people find themselves in when encountering a sudden or tragic loss. At this stage, they have not fully rationalized that their family member or friend will never come back. Some experts believe that so many people experience "denial" first, because they are not ready to deal with the pain of completely realizing that their loved one will never return.   

Stage 2: Sorrow

Weakness, frustration, emptiness, hopelessness, and apathy about everything else in life are common during this stage. It's not unlikely to be "okay" one minute, and then burst out into a crying fit, the next.

Stage 3: Rage

After the depression stage comes to a close, individuals often experience feelings of intense anger. Specifically, anger toward the negligent party of their loved one's wrongful death, and sometimes anger toward God (if they happen to be religious). Strangely, during this stage, individuals often feel angry at the deceased for leaving them behind, despite the fact that it usually was not their choice to have their life taken. This is another clear sign the griever is not yet fully "rational."   

Stage 4: Acceptance

Finally, the griever is able to come to terms with the loss of their loved one, as a result of a wrongful death, and has resolved many of their unstable feelings about it. Although they will continue to miss the departed, the griever can now go about their daily life in a normal fashion, and the loss is no longer all-consuming.   

If you've lost a loved one to a wrongful death, don't hesitate to contact Bruce A. Hagen. Bruce A. Hagen is a highly experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney, that can not only bring you the justice you deserve, but the emotional support you need during a time like this.