For many families, Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season. It is a time of gratitude, togetherness, family and food — a season to gather around the table, share stories, and reflect on what truly matters. And to begin preparing for the upcoming most wonderful time of the year. But when your world has been shattered by the loss of a loved one or a catastrophic injury, the holidays can feel anything but thankful.
If someone’s negligence caused a tragedy that changed your life or the life of your loved one, this time of year can be especially painful. The empty chair at the table, the memories of happier holidays “before”, or the physical and emotional challenges you’re facing after a serious injury — all of it can make gratitude feel out of reach.
At the Akron-Canton law firm Plakas Mannos, we’ve stood beside countless families facing unimaginable loss. We know that when someone else’s careless actions cause harm, the holidays can magnify the grief and force you to feel the depth of your loss. And while no amount of empathy or justice can replace what was taken, understanding your legal rights and options — and seeking accountability — can bring a sense of purpose, peace, and strength to you and your family, even in the most difficult of times.
1. Acknowledge Your Pain — and Feel Free to Share How the Holidays Are Different with Your Legal Team
Grief doesn’t follow a calendar. You don’t have to force joy when your heart is heavy. Whether you’ve lost a loved one to a wrongful death due to a car accident or trucking accident or medical malpractice, or are adjusting to life after a catastrophic injury, give yourself permission to feel what you feel. If this holiday is feeling extra difficult, you can always journal how this holiday is different and how you are feeling, and you can provide these thoughts to your legal team to help them better understand the magnitude of your loss, and how your life has changed.
2. Find Ways to Honor Your Loved One or Your New Reality
Sharing stories, photos, or videos about your lost loved one at the table can turn grief into remembrance, as can donating to a cause your loved one cherished. If your life has been forever changed by a serious accident, consider new traditions that recognize your strength and resilience. These small acts can help bring meaning to pain. And again, keeping your legal team in the loop on how you are coping with – and trying to heal from – your injury or loss is always helpful.
3. Lean on Your Support System — and on Professionals Who Can Help
You don’t have to face this alone. Many times, healing can be advanced by talking to a counselor who understands and can help you cope with your grief. And if your loss or injury was caused by negligence — a car accident, medical malpractice, workplace incident, or unsafe conditions — speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and your future.
4. Reclaim a Sense of Control Through Justice
When your life changes because of someone else’s negligence, the legal system can be a path toward accountability and healing. A skilled catastrophic injury or wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured — giving you the stability and peace of mind you deserve.
Here for You and Your Family This Holiday Season
This Thanksgiving, our team at Plakas Mannos holds close the families who are struggling to find light in the darkness. The holidays can be so hard after loss — but you don’t have to navigate them alone. We see you, and we are here for you.
If your family has suffered a wrongful death or catastrophic injury due to negligence, call Plakas Mannos today. Our compassionate and experienced legal team of catastrophic injury attorneys will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to help you find justice and healing. Let us help you protect your family’s future and begin finding peace this holiday season.
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