Coping with the workplace fatality of a loved one

If yours is like many North Carolina households, your morning routine might include saying goodbye to family members as you or they head out to work. You might even touch base with a loved one throughout the day, such as during a lunch break. When a daily routine faces an unexpected disruption, it can be stressful, especially if the disruption is a phone call informing you that your loved one has been involved in a workplace accident.

If your spouse or, perhaps, a son or daughter suffers injury on the job, it may not only cause physical distress but emotional trauma and financial issues, as well. However, if a workplace accident results in the death of your loved one, it is devastating and difficult to cope with as you grieve the loss.

Taking one day at a time in mourning

Recovering from the shock and devastation of the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one takes time. The following list includes ideas that may help alleviate grief and provide coping mechanisms to help ease the transition of moving on in life without your loved one:

• Acknowledge and accept any and all emotions that accompany your grief.
• Remember that physical health affects emotional and mental health, so it’s important to take care of yourself regarding eating, sleeping, staying hydrated, etc.
• Do not hesitate to reach out for additional support as needed.
• Understand that each person grieves in a unique way; allowing your grief to unfold as naturally as possible may be most helpful.

It’s understandable that you would have questions regarding details of the events that led to your loved one’s death, especially when the incident took place in the workplace. Speaking to an employer and others with the authority to answer your questions can also help you process your grief.

Benefits that support families after a loved suffers fatal injuries at work

Beyond the emotional devastation of losing a loved one in a workplace accident, families who experience such loss often encounter financial distress due to funeral expenses and other financial issues that may be associated with a particular incident, such as medical care provided to a loved one before he or she died.

A deceased worker’s dependents may take steps to secure financial provisions through the workers’ compensation program to help them alleviate any financial strains they may be facing as they lay their loved one to rest. Just knowing that such benefits exist has brought emotional relief and support to many grieving families.