What is the impact of losing a spouse as a result of a motor vehicle accident on the care of their children?

In Griffiths v. C.P.R. (1978), 1978 CanLII 363 (BC CA), 6 B.C.L.R. 115 (C.A.), the plaintiff claimed damages for the loss of his wife and the mother of his children under The Families’ Compensation Act, R.S.B.C. 1960, c. 138. He was also injured in the accident that claimed the life of his wife and also claimed compensation in relation to his own injuries. The loss of his wife had an unusually severe effect on the plaintiff and his inability to deal with the situation caused problems for the children. Following the fatal accident in August 1973, the plaintiff was unable to work until May of 1974. Thereafter he worked full time until December of 1974 and from the spring of 1975 until the fall of that year, but had not worked since that time at the time of trial due to concern for his children and his inability to manage family problems. He was described as depressed and utterly unable to cope with the problems of caring for his children and for the home. He had tried five or six housekeepers but none were satisfactory.