A Guide To Overcoming & Living After Traumatic Injury
We have helped many hundreds of individuals and families within the legal system after a traumatic loss. While The Corson & Johnson Law Firm does not give financial, medical, or counseling advice, we wanted to pass along some thoughts from others involved in helping after a traumatic loss:
- Traumatic injury and litigation issues sometimes share some common symptoms that can compound each other: Anxiety, loss of control, isolation, family conflicts, uncertainty, unknown territory, and more
- Recovering and stabilizing after trauma and stress is critical to long-term health and financial health
- The checklist below is a collection of information from some in the disability community you may find beneficial as you navigate your journey
TRAUMATIC INJURY
❑ Be your own best advocate; communicate with your treating doctors openly and honestly
❑ Seek multiple medical opinions when needed; complex problems sometimes take additional perspectives
❑ Work through the 5 Stages of Grief; see https://grief.com/resources/
❑ If possible, get moving; exercise or physical activity often help
❑ Don’t psychologically isolate; engage family and friends for support and joy
❑ Try self-care: many benefit from meditation, professional counseling, faith-based resources, or yoga
❑ Look for community groups for people facing similar challenges
❑ Be patient with yourself and your situation; a journal record may provide emotional benefits (but if your case is not yet resolved, check with your attorney first)
LITIGATION ANXIETIES
❑ Seek clear understanding of risks, expectations, and timing
❑ Control stressors that you can control
❑ Realize your limitations about things you cannot control; practice letting go
❑ Make the important relationships in your life a priority
❑ Share your feelings with someone trustworthy
❑ Strive for a positive attitude; you can try to shape your own perspective
❑ Eat healthy quality foods
❑ Exercise, activities, and nature are helpful
❑ Disconnect when needed and reset
AFTER THE CASE IS OVER: BUILDING A MORE SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL FUTURE
Consider engaging a qualified financial services company to guide you
❑ Pause – Let it soak in (6 months – 1 year)
- It is great to be thankful if your case is successful, but large purchases rarely create substantial lasting happiness.
- What can you do that is small but satisfying?
❑ Reflect – Build a new life vision
- What things in life make you happy? How can you re-engage with those passions?
- What are the core needs in your life?
- What are the core wants in your life?
- What are your new medical / life costs from your injury?
- What are the ongoing costs associated with purchases such as a home or a vehicle?
❑ Budget – What can you afford over your lifetime?
- Build a multi-year or even multi-decade overall financial plan
- Can you commit to living on the expected income from your resources?
- If not, when will you run out of money? Is that acceptable? How can you reshape your needs vs. wants?
- What government assistance programs can help you, if any?
❑ Privacy – Keep resources on a “need to know” basis to prevent relationship and family complications
- Who needs to know about your settlement? Who doesn’t?
- How will you deal with friends and family who ask for access to your resources? Practice saying no.
❑ Education –
- Learn more about finances, including normal market behavior and fluctuations.
- Let your expert advisors work on your behalf; experience and emotional separation is valuable.
❑ Protect – Risk mitigation and prudent management
- Work with your legal team to consider if a Special Needs Trust is right for you.
- Is a Conservator or Trustee needed?
- Understand your risk tolerance (preservation strategy)
- Consult a disability specialized insurance group and build a plan to protect you