Abstract
Research has noted poor psychosocial outcomes among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are involved in litigation. While part I of this two-part qualitative study report examined litigation-related stressors that constitute barriers to recovery, part II explores ways litigants facilitated well-being and recovery both during and after litigation. Qualitative analysis reveals overarching themes related to support from others in the form of emotional help and validation, as well as the use of compensatory strategies which assist in litigation. Statements spontaneously made about financial compensation shed light on information that may be helpful for potential litigants to consider. Findings suggest medical and legal professionals should comprehensively educate TBI litigants about the legal process to maximize informed decision-making. Further, specific compensatory strategies, education, and supports are noted to assist in minimizing negative outcome often noted among TBI litigants.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported in part by a grant from APA American Psychology-Law Society Division 41. We thank the late Joshua Cantor, Ph.D., for his contributions and assistance with research design. We also thank Pascale M. Josama and Tausif Billah for the assistance with establishing trustworthiness of coding responses.
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Matsuzawa, Y.K., Dijkers, M.P. The Experience of Litigation After TBI. II: Coping with Litigation After TBI. Psychol. Inj. and Law 8, 88–93 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-014-9212-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-014-9212-0