Louisiana law allows surviving spouses, children, siblings, or parents to file a wrongful death claim following the loss of their loved one. An Erath wrongful death lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you use the legal system to recover damages.
Our lawyers recognize how emotionally taxing these circumstances can be, which is why we aim to take all legal matters off your plate. We’ll fight to alleviate any resulting financial difficulties by holding the liable parties accountable. Moreover, we provide free consultations and have a contingency-fee policy, so there’s no risk to hiring our firm.
Building a Wrongful Death Case in Erath
A wrongful death case may be warranted when misconduct, negligence, or deliberate behavior leads to a fatality. Negligence is the most common cause of wrongful death in Erath, and one example of this is car accidents. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), approximately 681 fatal collisions occurred in Louisiana in 2019.
Winning a wrongful death claim requires establishing that:
- The liable party owed the deceased a duty of care.
- The liable party failed to uphold that duty.
- The liable party’s violation of duty caused the event that killed your loved one.
You could file a wrongful death case whether the death occurred instantly or your loved one succumbed to the injuries they sustained later on.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Although car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful deaths cases in Erath, LA, they may also involve:
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bite injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Injuries sustained from workplace accidents
A wrongful death lawyer from our firm can investigate to identify the cause of your loved one’s untimely passing in Erath. This is key to determining which parties you can hold accountable through a wrongful death claim. Once you have identified the liable parties, our firm can reach out to them or their insurers.
The liable party and their insurer may not be willing to cooperate with you to reach a suitable settlement. Alternatively, the liable party’s insurer may try to get your family to accept the first offer they make. Having a lawyer by your side can protect your family from losing out on receiving the damages owed to you.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientWhat Our Lawyers Offer in a Wrongful Death Claim
When you choose Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, a wrongful death attorney will pursue the claim on your behalf. Hiring us means that you have a trusted third party representing you every step of the way—you do not have to engage actively in the case while still grieving the loss of a loved one.
Our lawyers can advise you on what you need to do and what you should not do. For example, we may strongly advise you against communicating directly with the liable party or discussing the claims process on social media. We can also explain to your family which parties can file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana, including the spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
Our team will investigate the events leading to the demise of your loved one to uncover more evidence about their passing and who may be liable. Using this evidence, we will build the strongest case possible and move it through the legal system while representing your family.
Hear What Previous Clients Have to Say
- “This is true concern and compassion for a client. I felt like not just a number, i felt their loyalty and commitment to work as best and as hard as they can to help me deal with the loss and recovery process to help me and my kids.” — Oshanda
- “They’ve really helped me navigate thru my legal proceedings. I appreciate the concern they’ve shown & their guidance in helping right the wrongs that’s been done to me & thousands of others.” — Kellee
- “Great communication. I appreciate that they check with me occasionally and keep me informed of any updates on my case.” — Jim
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientDamages You Could Recover as a Surviving Family Member
You can seek special, general, and exemplary damages as the family of the deceased. The economic damages you are able to receive will depend on:
- The medical costs incurred by the family for the treatment of the deceased prior to their demise
- Funeral costs
- The deceased’s lost earnings
- Lost expected future earnings
The court may factor in the life expectancy of the deceased when awarding economic damages. In addition, non-economic damages compensate you and your family for the intangible losses suffered. Examples include loss of companionship, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of care.
Exemplary damages only get awarded in specific cases, such as when there is evidence that the liable party was under the influence of alcohol when the fatal incident occurred. Our wrongful death lawyers can help you determine if your claims meet the criteria set for receiving exemplary damages in Erath.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Erath
Louisiana gives a one-year time limit to file a wrongful death lawsuit beginning from the date of death. Unfortunately, this gives you and your family very little time to mourn before you must begin taking legal action.
Hiring a wrongful death attorney means someone is in your corner advocating for your case even as you take time to focus on your family and grieve your loss. With enough notice of the case, we’ll ensure that your lawsuit is filed on time.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientCall Us to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case for Free
Our wrongful death lawyers can help you seek damages if you have lost a loved one due to negligence. You should not wait too long because wrongful death cases in Erath have a very short statute of limitations.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers and get a free consultation today.
