The extent of harm caused by medical malpractice can fall anywhere on a spectrum of severity. Some individuals are only hurt in a minor way, while others are left disabled or with what was once a treatable condition turned fatal. Families that lose a loved one to hospital negligence can face their own hardships. Perhaps the most debilitating is the emotional impact the loss may make.
The grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one can cause shock, confusion and anger, which can all lead to deep-seeded depression. Although most individuals are able to cope with this loss in their own way, everybody progresses through the process in a different way. Although many state that there are stages of grief, they are not always a part of an individual’s unique path. Although many people are able to utilize their own coping skills, find support from friends and loved ones and practice healthy habits to enable them to accept the loss and move on with their lives, others require professional help from a psychologist.
There may be steps one can take to work through the grieving process, though. For example, an individual should consider discussing the loss with other loved ones and finding a way to accept all of the emotions that may accompany the loss. It is usually also helpful to celebrate the life of the lost loved one.
While the emotional impact of a sudden and unexpected death may be tremendous, it is not the only damage that may be caused to surviving family members. They may also face extensive financial losses due to medical expenses and lost wages. When a loved one is lost due to medical professional negligence, then it may be time to consider filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, as it may lead to the recovery of compensation for damages suffered and help a wounded family find closure and the resilience they need to move on with life.
