National Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention Month

December was chosen as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, largely due to the fact that more drivers are likely to take the wheel when impaired around the holiday season. It only takes one poor decision to cause an accident resulting in injury or death. However, cognitive impairment due to intoxication is not a valid defense when the actions of the driver put other road users or pedestrians at risk.

Impaired Driving

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is a federally-recognized push to help raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Statistically, drunk driving accidents result in a death every 50 minutes on average. Over the past half a century efforts to prevent impaired driving have proven successful. In the years 2016 and 2017, there are worrying signs that deaths from impaired driving are once again on an upward trend.

While each federal administration may take a different approach to addressing the issue, all agree that the number of injuries and deaths resulting from impaired driving is an important subject to address, at a time when more Americans are likely to make that fateful decision to drive while impaired. There are various programs designed to educate and help prevent DWIs. Programs that apply specifically to Texas can be found via the official DMV website.

Long Term Injuries

Injuries from a serious motor vehicle accident are often a life sentence. You may no longer have the physical or mental capacity to remain in your chosen occupation. Even short-term loss of earnings will impact on your ability to pay your bills and medical costs. Some patients may require ongoing treatment or care, resulting in financial strain on the entire family unit.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause behavioral changes, which impact interpersonal relationships. Depression, anxiety, and outbursts of aggression are not uncommon among victims of a motor vehicle accident. In many cases, familial relationships suffer due to the stresses associated with a loved one’s debilitating injury. The victim of the accident, and any affected family members may require extensive counseling in order to cope with the challenges they will face.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths caused by an impaired driver are more complex, because they potentially involve both a criminal and civil case. As a bereaved family member, you will understandably wish to seek answers for your loss. The primary aim of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month is to highlight and raise awareness of the potentially life-altering consequences for everyone involved, when a driver makes the decision to drive under the influence.

You can never replace a loved one, but seeking compensation can help you cope with the potential financial burdens you are likely to face. Those who are left behind endure enough suffering, which is why Greening Law is here to act as your advocate if you have lost a child, partner or spouse in a drunk or drugged driving incident. We will fight on your behalf to win you fair compensation, so you can take some comfort in the fact that you and your family are financially secure. Your voice is one among many and we are here to help ensure that you are heard.

Pursuing Compensation

When you seek compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one, you are doing more than simply pursuing a financial reward. Just as businesses are held to a higher standard through litigation for negligence, bringing private citizens to account does have an impact on the behavior of others. A large part of impaired driving prevention involves ensuring those who take the risk are brought to justice, and cases are highlighted to the public.

You have a right to seek compensation for your injuries, damage to your property, or a wrongful death. As the injured party, you do not deserve to suffer further punishment when criminal charges against an impaired driver are not equal to the suffering you have endured. If bringing a case for compensation against an impaired driver makes that person think twice before ever again driving under the influence, you have made the right choice.

We fight the legal battle, so you have time for healing and renewal after an accident caused by an impaired driver. Contact Greening Law today if you have suffered injury or lost someone in a drunk or drugged driving accident. Our team will provide compassion and understanding throughout every stage of your case.

Who Does Grief Counseling for Bereaved Families?

Grief counseling can be beneficial for individuals and families that have lost someone important in their life. When the lost loved one is a parent, child or sibling, it can help to have a professional that can guide you through the grief process, especially when the death is unexpected.

Grief counseling is a specialized field of psychology, geared specifically to helping those who are struggling with grief find the coping skills they need to move on with their lives. Not all therapists, counselors or psychologists may specialize in bereavement counseling, even though most have had some form of training in the area. When trying to find the right grief therapist or counselor for your family, you should consider the different options available to best meet your needs.

Types of Grief Therapists

The title of grief therapist can be applied to many different types of counselors and education levels. A grief psychologist may have more advanced degrees than a therapist or counselor, but both may offer help for those dealing with a loss in their family. To find the right professional for your needs, consider the different types of grief therapists available.

Psychologists or Psychotherapists. A grief psychologist or psychotherapist has an advanced degree in psychology. This is often a doctorate in psychology or psychiatry. This is a specialized field; those who are psychiatrists can prescribe medications, as well as offer counseling.
Marriage and Family Therapists. For those seeking grief counseling for themselves and their spouse, or for the entire family, a marriage or family therapist may be beneficial. Seek one that specializes in grief counseling, which can help with the larger dynamics of grief within the family or couple dynamic.
Social Work Therapists/Counselors. Many social workers or human service workers are trained in grief counseling. These professionals usually work through government agencies, hospitals and other medical facilities, offering counseling for families, including bereavement counseling.
Licensed Professional Counselors. When choosing a grief therapist, look for the credentials of a licensed professional counselor. To obtain this designation, the therapist must have undergone graduate work and met certain criteria to receive a counseling license. A licensed grief counselor in Texas is more likely to have advanced education. It is important to choose a licensed counselor who has advanced training in grief counseling.

Therapy and counseling are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things when dealing with grief. Grief counseling usually refers to meeting with a professional to work through the stages of grief. On the other hand, grief therapy can involve more in-depth mental health work for those with ongoing issues in their life related to bereavement. For those in the initial stages of grief, counseling can help deal with the emotions you are experiencing.

Finding a Family Grief Counselor

There are many resources to help you find the right grief counselor for you and your family, regardless of your budget. If you have coverage for therapy through your health insurance, this can give you more options, but there are also options for those without insurance or on limited incomes. Here are some resources to help you find grief counseling for you and your family:

Non-profit organizations. Organizations like Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST) can help families find grief counseling in Texas, even those living outside of “south Texas,” including the Dallas area.
Online resource sites. There are many online websites dedicated to matching families with counseling services. Make sure to specify grief counseling in your search criteria and when considering reviews.
Department of State Health Services. Your state and local government has resources to connect families with grief counseling services. Some may offer sliding fee scales or help for those with limited incomes.
Local hospitals, hospices and medical facilities. Bereavement counseling is available through many medical facilities, including local hospitals, hospices and counseling centers.
Churches and outreach programs. Many churches and community outreach programs offer grief therapy for families. Grief centers are designed to offer group therapy for individuals and families, but if you prefer private sessions, seek a licensed grief counselor.

Family Grief Counseling for Wrongful Death

A specific area of grief counseling is for those recovering from the loss of a family member due to wrongful death. This can be more traumatic for families and involves different factors than a death from disease or aging. There are grief counselors who specifically offer counseling or therapy for families who are suffering from the loss of a loved one from wrongful death and can address the unique aspects of this type of tragedy.

Not only can losing a loved one impact your family emotionally, it can have financial implications. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you may need legal help to explore your financial options as well as grief counseling for your family. Contact our team at Greening Law, P.C. for respectful, caring advice on your legal options if you have lost a family member due to a wrongful death scenario.

Benefits of Grief Counseling After Wrongful Death

The level of grief can be more severe, especially when the death could have been prevented. For many, overcoming these types of tragedies can be hard – emotionally, mentally and financially. Grief counseling can offer insights on how to come to terms with your loss and find some level of peace to continue living your life after a significant loss.

While friends and family may want to help you through your grief, they may not understand all the implications of dealing with a wrongful death. Losing someone due to a preventable accident or medical malpractice can spur different emotions, as well as other issues, versus long-term illness or age-related deaths. It is important to have someone that is knowledgeable and experienced in this unique area of bereavement that can understand what you may be experiencing and give you tools to move forward.

Why You Should See a Grief Therapist

Grief is a natural state after a significant loss in your life and one that most people endure. However, even if you have suffered grief in the past, you may find the loss after a wrongful death to be more intense and more difficult to endure. Seeing a grief therapist can have many benefits, especially if you are struggling to understand why this happened to someone you love. Here are some of the benefits you may gain by going to professional bereavement counseling if your loved one was a victim of wrongful death.

Coping skills. Grief therapists are trained professionals that have extensive education and training in coping with grief. They understand the different emotions you may be feeling and can offer coping skills to handle these different emotions. Every person is unique in how they experience loss, especially with a wrongful death. Having someone who can give you customized coping skills for your specific difficulties can help you manage how you overcome this tragedy in your life.
Someone to listen and understand. Those going through the stages of grief need someone to listen, and HEAR their pain. While your family and friends may be sympathetic and listen, they are not equipped to hear what you are saying and offer advice on your situation. A grief psychologist or counselor can listen and advise you on the best way to move forward past your pain.
Dealing with anger. The five stages of grief coined by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969 are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. However, in wrongful death, many have a difficult time moving past anger. Death is part of life, but when someone is taken from you by the actions of another person, it can spur anger. Many of those suffering from grief due to wrongful death can be overcome by anger that can impact their ability to move on. Grief therapists can help you manage, understand and come to terms with your anger so you can move through the grieving process.
Learn to find acceptance. No amount of time, counseling or even justice can bring back the person you lost. Yet, accepting the loss is vital to take back your life. Grief counseling is a way to find a light to follow toward gaining acceptance of your loss. Allowing grief to consume your life means that the perpetrator of the wrongful death of your loved one is continuing to take from you and your family. A grief therapist can help you find your path to acceptance and a way to take back your life again.

When You Should Seek Bereavement Counseling

Not everyone needs to see a grief psychologist, but for many, it can be very helpful and rewarding. Anyone who finds it difficult to move forward after losing a loved one can benefit from grief or bereavement counseling. However, there are some that may gain more benefits than others, including:

Those struggling with depression from the loss of a loved one
Anyone obsessing with the details of the death of a loved one
Feelings of emptiness or loss of meaning in their life
Inability to reminisce or enjoy happy memories of the deceased
Those not able to work or function due to sadness/anger

Grief counseling can be the first step to putting the stages of grief behind you. It will never turn back time, but it can help you move forward and find ways to enjoy the life you have and the loved ones that are still here.

Legal Aspects of Wrongful Death

For many, the wrongful death of a loved one is more than just an emotional event. While you can receive grief counseling to move on, you may also be facing financial and other concerns due to the wrongful death of your loved one. Our experienced legal team at Greening Law, P.C. can help you pursue a wrongful death claim and handle the legal aspect of the tragedy that occurred while you focus on healing.