Do Serious Injuries and Health Issues Increase the Risk of Divorce?
A diagnosis of a serious illness or a severe injury that results in a disability or other ongoing health issues can be one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. The physical pain, emotional trauma and financial strain that may affect a person and their family in this type of situation can be overwhelming. For many married couples, these challenges can affect their relationship. Research has shown that serious health crises can significantly increase the risk of divorce.
What the Research Shows
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found a striking and troubling pattern: when a wife becomes seriously ill, the couple is significantly more likely to divorce compared to couples where both spouses remain healthy. The study, which examined marriages in which one spouse was diagnosed with a serious illness, found that a wife’s illness increased the likelihood of divorce, but a husband’s illness did not have the same effect.
Types of Injuries and Illnesses That Can Strain a Marriage
Not all health issues may have the same effects on marital stability. Certain types of serious injuries and conditions may create significant disruptions to a couple’s life. These issues can lead to strain on a relationship that may increase the risks of divorce. Common injuries that may cause marital issues include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A serious brain injury can alter a person’s personality while leading to issues such as memory loss, intellectual disabilities, and problems speaking or understanding language. These changes can be difficult for a spouse to understand or accept, and the person living with the injury may no longer seem like the same partner they once knew.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries may result in permanent physical limitations that can dramatically change a couple’s daily life, the division of household responsibilities, and their level of intimacy. The non-injured spouse may become a full-time caregiver, which can lead to stress and emotional exhaustion over time.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Whether it has been caused by an accident or a medical condition, chronic pain can affect a person’s mood, energy, and ability to participate in family life. It can lead to depression, social withdrawal, and other issues that may damage a couple’s relationship.
- Serious Illness: When a person is diagnosed with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or another illness that will require ongoing treatment, both spouses may experience emotional, physical, and financial issues that could lead to the breakdown of their marriage.
Common Situations Involving Serious Injuries
Many of the injuries that lead to marital stress are the result of accidents or situations where another party’s negligence caused a person to suffer harm. These situations may include:
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and chronic pain conditions. A person who suffers serious injuries in a crash may face months or years of recovery, or they may be permanently disabled. These issues can lead to difficulties in a couple’s marriage.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls may occur when a person is affected by dangerous conditions on someone else’s property, such as wet or slippery floors in grocery stores or restaurants. These accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, and other injuries that may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities and health issues.
- Medical Malpractice: The negligence of healthcare providers can cause patients to suffer harm due to medical conditions that have not been addressed correctly or mistakes that led to injuries. The misdiagnosis of a condition like cancer may prevent a person from receiving the proper treatment in time. A surgical error could lead to brain damage or other serious injuries. Birth injuries may cause serious harm to mothers or children. Couples may encounter marital difficulties as they recover from the injuries that occur in these situations.
- Workplace Accidents: Injuries suffered on the job can result in permanent disabilities that may affect a person’s ability to work and contribute financially to their household. Issues that affect a family’s quality of life may affect a couple’s overall relationship.
Legal Help With Serious Injuries or Family Law Issues
When a person has suffered an injury or illness because of someone else’s negligence, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can provide guidance on the options for recovering financial compensation. By addressing the financial losses and personal impact of an injury, a family may be able to avoid difficulties, and a couple may be able to prevent relationship issues that could lead to divorce. However, if divorce becomes a possibility, a family law attorney can provide representation to help a person end their marriage successfully and move forward with their life.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.