It is crucial that those professionals are aware of the impact of trauma, enabling them to provide necessary support in a way that prevents re-traumatisation. As a personal injury lawyer who specialises in assisting victims to navigate the civil claims process, a trauma-informed approach is the most effective way to support clients, and it can be achieved by adhering to the following principles.
Safety
People should feel safe throughout all their interactions with those assisting them, both on a practical and an emotional level. On a practical level, consider where meetings take place, and perhaps offer to travel to the person's home, where they may feel most comfortable. On an emotional level, think about what you can do to help people feel safe. This can often be achieved by making yourself relatable, perhaps by sharing something about who you are and what is important to you.
Trust
Trust is the foundation of all relationships, and excellent communication will be essential to building that trust. Always do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. Be clear, predictable, and consistent, while also being flexible and understanding. Be human in your reactions, and if someone is upset, take a break. Make it clear you always have their best interests at heart.
Choice
Ensure people have control by providing choice. Control and choice are often lost with trauma, so it is important to allow these where possible. There will almost always be a choice to be made, whether about when or where a meeting takes place.
Trust is the foundation of all relationships. Do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. Be clear, predictable, consistent, and human in your reactions.
Nicola Edgar, Partner, Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Collaboration
Professionals and those impacted by trauma should work collaboratively towards the common goal of providing excellent care and service. As lawyers, we collaborate with various professionals, colleagues, and our clients. It is important that the client understands our advice, including the options available to them and the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Only then can you work collaboratively towards your common goal. Your client will retain control by being involved in the process, understanding the issues and complexities involved, and any barriers that may arise.
Empowerment
Acknowledging and accepting people’s feelings helps to empower them to take control and make sense of things. In a legal action, people should feel empowered by having taken steps to seek justice and, on the conclusion of that process, they should be in a position to positively reflect on having done so, regardless of the outcome.
A trauma-informed approach will ensure those you are assisting receive the best support possible, making it important to carefully consider your approach and adapt it to prevent any re-traumatisation. This will ensure that each person receives the unique help and support they need.
This blog was written by Nicola Edgar of Morton Fraser MacRoberts for Road Safety Week 2024.
The theme is After the crash – Every road victim counts. Click here to find out more and sign up to take part.
Views expressed in blogs are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Brake, the road safety charity, or its employees.
Nicola Edgar
Partner, Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Nicola Edgar is a Partner at Morton Fraser MacRoberts. She is an accredited specialist in personal injury law and has been certified by the Law Society of Scotland as a trauma-informed lawyer. She specialises in pursuing civil claims for compensation, focusing on high-value, complex claims.