According to the Louisiana Civil Code, a wrongful death claim will occur when an individual dies due to the fault of another. The death can be caused by another individual or occur as a result of wrongdoing by an entity such as a corporation. An accident or a purposeful action can lead to wrongful death. Thus, it covers everything from recklessness to negligence to intentional conduct.
A wrongful death claim can be equated to a personal injury claim, with a key difference that the injured individual is no longer available to fight their own case in court. Instead, family members of the victim must file the claim to seek damages.
If you suffered due to the wrongful death of a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation. A compassionate wrongful death attorney in Lafayette can help you determine the validity of such a claim and help you get the best possible outcome.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Lafayette?
Under Louisiana law, there are specific categories of people who can file a wrongful death claim in court in the event of a fatal injury. They include the decedent’s:
• Spouse or children
• Parent or parents in the absence of surviving spouse or children
• Siblings in the absence of surviving parents, spouse or children
• Grandparents if there are no surviving siblings, parents, spouse or children
For each of these categories, the deceased’s family members who are related by adoption can also file a wrongful death claim just as family members related by marriage or blood may.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 777-7777
Damages Estates Can Collect
Economic and non-economic losses may both be covered by wrongful death damages claims. Specific, measurable losses are counted as economic losses. These can include:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Medical expenses including costs of emergency care associated with the deceased individual’s final injury or illness
- Loss of benefits and income
- The value of lost household services
Losses resulting from a wrongful death that cannot be supported with proof such as a receipt or bill are categorized as non-economic. Pain and suffering endured by the deceased individual in their final moments, loss of companionship, loss of guidance, loss of care, and loss of emotional support experienced by the family due to the untimely death can be categorized as a non-economic loss.
In the absence of any surviving family members who can pursue this claim in court, the executor or personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate can bring a claim to seek damages for losses incurred by the estate. A well-versed Lafayette wrongful death attorney can evaluate a claim to determine what losses may be available.
Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Iberia Parish Wrongful Death Lawyer
How Wrongful Death Claims Work in New Iberia
The Louisiana Civil Code §2512.2 states that a wrongful death claim may be filed when a person passes away due to the negligent actions of another person or entity. Such a claim may be considered valid when negligence or recklessness by another party is proven to be the direct cause of death.
Any accident which could have served as grounds for a personal injury suit had the deceased individual survived may also serve as grounds for a wrongful death suit if the consequences of that accident were fatal. There are still several key differences between different forms of wrongful death cases. A case involving a car crash versus one centering around premises liability may play out differently. A knowledgeable wrongful death attorney from New Iberia could help you navigate through whatever legal processes are relevant to your case.
How to File a Claim in New Iberia
The state of Louisiana grants a short statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim. According to Louisiana state law, the estate of the deceased loved one has only a one-year prescriptive period in which to file wrongful death claims. It is essential to file any wrongful death claim in a timely manner.
Whenever a loved one passes, there may be an untold amount of financial hardship in the form of protracted medical bills prior to death, funeral expenses, and loss of wages. A tenacious Iberia Parish attorney may be able to help recover these wrongful death damages for the estate, and potentially additional compensation for interpersonal and emotional damages.
Who is Able to File a Wrongful Death Suit?
Notably, Louisiana only recognizes a few classes of survivors who may file a claim for wrongful death damages. A spouse or child takes first priority for filing a claim, followed by any surviving parent or parents. If no one in the previous categories is available to file, the surviving siblings of the deceased may file suit. The state could recognize surviving grandparent or grandparents if no other parties are available, as dictated by Louisiana Civil Code § 2315.2. An Iberia Parish wrongful death lawyer could help a person understand if they have grounds for filing a wrongful death claim.
Click to contact our Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyers today
Speak with a Lafayette Wrongful Death Attorney Today
When your family member dies in a fatal accident or fatal injury, it can lead to immense turmoil and pain along with extensive financial and other losses. Though money cannot make up for the loss, it can help you cover the extensive financial losses.
This is why it is essential to consult with a compassionate Lafayette wrongful death lawyer who understands what your family is going through. They can be an important ally through this difficult time to help you get the justice you deserve.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
