Emotions On Trial: Effects Of A Personal Injury Lawsuit

Enduring a catastrophic personal injury can scar someone both emotionally and physically for life. Medical bills pile up, life as the victim knew it may be over, depression often sets in, and the fear that things will never be good again can be an all consuming fear. It can also put a strain on family members and relationships as these people watch a loved one going through a personal hell.

Oftentimes just as the coping and the overcoming process has started, the legal process is beginning as well in instances where the victim was injured as a result of another party’s negligence or actions. A personal injury lawsuit can take a toll in its own fashion. A victim will be asked countless times to relive and rehash what may be the worst moment of his or her life. The trial may drag out for an extended period of time, serving as a constant reminder of the tragedy. The mental and emotional effects of the legal process can be daunting obstacles no doubt, but there is hope, and there are ways to effectively cope with this specific part of the process.

Grief

Grieving is a normal and natural part of the healing process. It can be painful and taxing on many levels. Grief is also very different and very personal for each individual. There is no set pattern. There is no set timetable. A lengthy legal proceeding can either help or hurt, depending on what you decide to make of it. A trial may actually be a good opportunity to confront the facts from the accident, and if you have a good attorney, that person may turn into a confidant as well. Your legal journey is not only a quest for justice, but also for self healing. Constantly reminding yourself of that along the way can make an otherwise arduous process much less of an emotional strain.

As you are forced to talk about your accident and the circumstances surrounding your injury, it is a good idea to start a journal. This allows you a place to keep and record your thoughts and memories that you may not be ready to share with others yet. Eventually you will be, but getting them out of your system and onto paper that first time is just as important as the first time you verbalize your thoughts and fears.

Once you are able to open up verbally about your accident, tell your story to people you trust, and tell it often. Just as someone who endures physical therapy will tell you, the first time is the most difficult, and then you get used to it and you see progress the more you do it. Commit to repeating your story over and over again to people close to you. They understand that it is part of the healing process.
Grief is simply the body, mind and heart responding to a tragic event. There is no need to feel shame or guilt because of your grief.

Anger

Towards the end of the grieving period, often overlapping it, feelings of helplessness and anger may set in. Anger towards the person who is to blame for the accident. Anger towards the legal system. Anger at the world for handing you this situation. It is important to vent this anger in the right manner.

If possible, participate in physical activity. Studies have shown physical activity to be a viable outlet for releasing and reducing feelings of anger. It is important to try to identify where your anger is coming from specifically, and make a plan to cope with your anger. There will be good days and bad days for sure, so having a plan in place is an essential step.

Going through a legal trial can often spur feelings of anger and rage, especially if the victim must confront the person responsible for the damages in court. This person is out to avoid financial penalty and in some cases jail time. Knowing the truth and seeing this person vehemently defending themselves can be a painful and anger inducing time. As a way to mentally “get away” from the trial, start looking for advocacy work you can get involved in within your community. If you were the victim or a car accident involving a drunk driver, consider going to a local high school or college to share your story with others. Doing something positive with your anger and good for the community is a great way to temporarily leave the courtroom behind.

Depression and Anxiety

Should things not turn out in your favor in a court of law, it is not uncommon to experience depression. A number of factors may play into this. Perhaps not getting the financial settlement you needed is going to put a huge monetary strain on you for years to come. Watching someone not get the punishment they truly deserve can be a devastating blow to your psyche. Just knowing that if only the jury or judge could get inside your mind for one minute and relive everything from your perspective can be a frustrating thing.

If you experience depression the worst thing you can do is to hide it. It can be physically and mentally debilitating, but it is very treatable and there are counselors everywhere waiting to help those in this position. Allow yourself to be helped.

Make it a Positive

Surviving a horrific accident and then going through a lengthy personal injury trial can have significant and horrific emotional effects on you, if you let it. Use the resources that are out there. Draw close to friends and family- don’t push them away. Confront the hardest parts head on. It might be the hardest thing you have ever done at first, but it will get easier. Do your research and find an attorney you trust that specializes in personal injury cases. Confide in them and know that they are on your side. Lastly, turn your misfortune into an opportunity to help others through an awareness program or other community outreach. You may feel helpless, but you can inspire others.