Wrongful deaths often result from negligence and violent attacks by other people or animals. If you lose a loved one due to such issues, you may claim compensation using an insurance claim against the liable party. It is also possible to sue for damages in a Louisiana court.
A Gretna wrongful death lawyer can represent you and pursue justice. Continue reading to understand how the attorney may help and the damages they can claim from the at-fault party. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help.
How a Gretna Wrongful Death Lawyer Will Help
A Gretna wrongful death lawyer will review your case at no upfront cost. During this process, the attorney may ask some questions to learn more about the issue leading to the fatality. Further, they might request documents and evidence related to the matter.
When your lawyer has the details they require, they will investigate the case. This process allows the attorney to establish liability. It also helps them determine if the deceased was partially accountable for the incident leading to their death.
Other ways a Gretna wrongful death lawyer will assist are:
- Gathering evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Adhering to all deadlines that may affect your claim
- Following up on your Gretna wrongful death case
- Responding to your inquiries
- Explaining wrongful death laws
A Gretna wrongful death attorney will advise you on various legal matters until your case closes. For example, they may recommend how to respond if the liable party reaches out without their lawyer present. Further, they can mention the mistakes that may affect your claim rights and advice how to avoid them.
The claim process often involves depositions and meetings with insurers. A Gretna wrongful death lawyer will represent you during such sessions. They can also explain what to expect and how to respond to questions asked during the meetings.
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.
ClientLiability in a Gretna Wrongful Death Case
Liability for wrongful death may fall on various parties based on how your loved one died. If the fatality resulted from medical negligence, their healthcare provider could be accountable. However, a driver or trucking company will be liable when a fatality occurs during or after a car crash.
Other parties that can be accountable for wrongful death are:
- Nursing homes
- A premises owner
- An employer
- A defective product manufacturer
- A car manufacturer
A Gretna lawyer will hold various parties accountable if they were negligent and caused your loved one’s death. The lawyer may also sue institutions that failed to protect the victim, contributing to the fatality.
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 | ClientThe Evidence You Can Use in a Wrongful Death Claim
The proof relevant to a Gretna wrongful death claim will depend on the cause of death. It may also vary based on the damages you sustained due to the fatality.
One item your lawyer may present as proof in a wrongful death case is a police report. This document will provide more insights into how your loved one suffered injuries and succumbed.
While the information in a police report will vary based on the cause of death, it will include some essential details. Such are:
- The date and time an incident occurred
- A brief description of the event
- The nature of sustained harm
- Fatalities resulting from the incident
- Parties liable for damages based on police investigations
- The location of an accident
Video surveillance footage can be vital evidence in a wrongful death case. Your lawyer will determine if death or injuries occurred in the view of cameras. They will then get the footage and analyze it to evaluate if it supports your case.
A medical record is another item your Gretna wrongful death lawyer may present as proof. This file may connect the injuries your loved one sustained with their fatality. It could also show the treatment and medication they used to manage the sustained harm before succumbing.
More evidence a lawyer could use in a Gretna wrongful death claim are:
- Images of sustained injuries
- Building maintenance records
- Reports by an accident reconstructionist
- Forensic reports
- Witness testimonies
- Receipts of costs incurred before and after the death
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCommon Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Gretna
Wrongful deaths can occur due to various reasons, often related to negligence. Road accidents are a prevalent issue leading to fatalities on the spot or during treatment. Such incidents happen due to negligent motorists, bad weather, and poor road conditions. They may also result from:
- Unroadworthy vehicles
- Mechanical failure
- Poorly secured cargo
- Tired drivers
Premises liability can lead to wrongful death in many ways. For example, poorly maintained building sections may cause falls and fatal injuries. The victim may also die if they hit their head hard or fall on sharp objects.
Negligence by building owners can trigger health problems and cause wrongful death. For example, toxic mold and paint may cause asthma attacks and kill the victim.
Other issues that may lead to wrongful deaths are:
- Workplace accidents
- Human trafficking
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Harmful pharmaceutical products
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog attacks
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.
ClientThe Damages You Can Claim for a Wrongful Death
When claiming compensation for wrongful death, you may seek several damages. An attorney will assess the value of each injury based on severity and the number of effects on your personal life. After that, they may claim reimbursement for:
- Past medical costs
- Lost financial contributions
- Lost future income and wages
- Burial and funeral costs
A loved one’s wrongful death may affect your emotions and cause pain. A Gretna lawyer will claim compensation for various non-economic damages and collect evidence linking them to the fatality. Some items they may seek against the liable party are:
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Mental health injuries
- Reduced quality of life
- Grief
- Lost guidance
- Lost companionship
- Anger
Since pain and suffering damages do not have an economic value, your lawyer will use alternative methods to evaluate them. For example, they may consult psychiatrists to determine the costs of treating mental health conditions.
The attorney could also seek reimbursement based on the financial losses associated with non-economic damage.
Work With a Gretna Attorney From Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
A Gretna wrongful death lawyer will handle all the legal work related to your case. They will also help fill out paperwork and explain the relevance of each procedure. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we will offer the legal assistance you need so you can mourn your loved one.
Our attorneys will also recommend legal actions suitable for your case. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a free case review.
