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