Losing a loved one is always difficult for the surviving family. However, if a loved one passes away because of another person’s negligence, their loss can have emotional, psychological, and financial implications.
A New Orleans wrongful death lawyer from our team at Laborde Earles can work to prove the cause of your loved one’s death, identify the at-fault party, and pursue financial compensation. We have over 350 years of combined experience that we can apply to your claim, and we don’t charge any fees until your case is won.
You can count on a New Orleans personal injury lawyer to help you build your claim or lawsuit against liable parties. We can negotiate a financial settlement and take your case to court if necessary. Reach out now for the compassionate support your family deserves.
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Orleans, LA?
Hiring a wrongful death attorney means you‘ll have someone on your side who can support your family throughout every part of the legal process. Our team can find all responsible parties and help you hold them accountable for the untimely death of a loved one.
We know that filing a legal claim cannot bring back a loved one, but it can help you get a sense of closure and the funds you need to handle the financial burdens placed on your family after a deadly accident.
Our attorneys can help after many types of fatal accidents. For example, you can reach out to us if you lose a loved one after a deadly:
- Motor vehicle accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Truck accident
- Accident caused by a defective product
An experienced attorney can explain the legal actions you can take after losing a loved one. We can handle filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana and all your other legal needs.
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.
ClientWhy Families in New Orleans Choose Laborde Earles
Wrongful death is the most significant loss that anyone can suffer. When victims like you seek justice for their loss, they must choose their law firm carefully. Many clients have chosen our firm for their wrongful death claims, and they do so because:
We Show Great Passion for the Community of New Orleans
Our firm invests in the residents of New Orleans. We maintain an office on St. Charles Avenue and spend time and resources on projects benefiting Crescent City. When you hire us, you hire a firm with deep compassion for our fellow New Orleanians.
We Get Results
We have won for our clients in several wrongful death cases. These results prove that your attorneys can get your desired results when negotiations or trials arrive.
We Place Our Clients’ Interests First
It is not always easy for a law firm to put the client’s interests above its own. When we give you our word, we honor our commitment to you. You will make the case-defining decisions, such as whether to accept a settlement offer. While we are here to help, we will place your interests first in every case-related matter.
Our Attorneys Have Relevant Knowledge and Experience
Our New Orleans wrongful death attorneys have tried cases similar to yours. As a result, we understand applicable laws and protocols. We are also familiar with the civil justice system. This experience and training should be reassuring, considering the high stakes of your case.
Our Law Firm Has Ample Resources
When you hire us, you will have the full support of those resources. Our investigators and paralegals will assist in your case. We may also hire experts to testify, reconstruct your loved one’s fatal circumstances, and help in other ways.
With our team handling your case, your only focus should be on recovery. We will handle the legal side of your case in its entirety.
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 | ClientClient Testimonials for Our Law Firm
Our client testimonials provide further insight into why clients choose us for their wrongful death claims in New Orleans:
- “They are very quick to get back to me. They are always polite and friendly and helpful. They helped me to get all the info I needed to have. I would definitely refer them to whoever needs a lawyer!!”– Carol Lohse, former client
- “I really consider my attorney and paralegal like family. They both are continuously fighting on our behalf. I trust them to get my family and I the best results!”– Myrah Holland, client
- “I have had nothing but great service with this firm. They have handled my case as well as taking on my mother’s case as the firm she was working with were very unprofessional and impossible to get ahold of.”– Kori Peeters, client
These reviews are the product of our firm’s dedication to clients. You should expect the same kind of client service should you hire us for your wrongful death case.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWe Can Prepare Your Wrongful Death Case
While your family members are coping with their emotional recovery, our team will work on filing your case on time. We can compile the information we need to fight for compensation on your behalf, such as:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Accident report
- Injury report
- Death certificate
A wrongful death attorney in New Orleans, LA, may also request copies of your loved one’s tax forms or other income records and their will or estate plan. In addition, we can collect statements and testimony from anyone who witnessed the circumstances that caused their death.
If you are interested in filing a wrongful death claim, a New Orleans wrongful death lawyer from our firm will start your case as soon as you become a client.
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.
ClientRecoverable Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim
When you unexpectedly lose a loved one, the individual’s death may have a long-lasting financial impact on you and other surviving family members. In wrongful death cases, a family loses the deceased member’s financial contributions and their loved one’s support, guidance, and contributions to the family’s dynamic.
According to CC Art. 2315, you may be able to seek financial recovery for:
- The decedent’s medical expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s income
- Loss of the decedent’s value to the household
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of society
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
A New Orleans wrongful death attorney might also secure coverage for your emotional and mental anguish. Our team can explain how wrongful death damages are calculated and determine a fair value for your claim.
Verdicts and Settlements for Our Clients
Our lawyers have more than 350 years of combined legal experience. They will relentlessly pursue compensation and justice for you and your loved ones. In addition, we have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Receiving Compensation in a Wrongful Death Settlement
So, how are wrongful death settlements distributed? There are a few different ways you could receive a wrongful death settlement. One is a lump-sum payment. In this kind of payout, the family can receive a single, complete payment to cover their settlement amount. All parties involved in the case must agree on this amount.
Another way to pay out a wrongful death settlement is a structured settlement. With this method, the family will still get the full settlement amount, split into multiple payments. The payments will occur over time (likely monthly). All parties involved in the case must also agree on this kind of payout.
Which Payout Method Is Best for Your Family?
Both the lump-sum settlement and the structured payout have advantages. However, the most significant benefit of the structured settlement is that it can provide a family with steady financial support.
The most significant advantage of the lump-sum payment is that it allows a family to pay off large expenses immediately. This kind of payout could allow immediate financial relief and flexibility for you and your family. A lawyer from our firm can help you decide between pursuing a lump-sum payment and a structured settlement.
Who Can You Sue for a Wrongful Death?
You may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against an individual, employee, company, or agency. For instance, in a car accident case, you can bring a wrongful death lawsuit against one or more parties, possibly including:
- A negligent or reckless driver
- The designer of a dangerous roadway
- A manufacturer, distributor, or installer of a faulty part of the driver’s vehicle
- A governmental body that failed to provide a warning about a road hazard that caused the accident
You might sue multiple parties if they all contributed to the incident. For example, if multiple parties were involved in your loved one’s death, a lawyer from our firm can help identify each party.
You can learn more about how a wrongful death lawsuit works with our team.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Action in Louisiana?
Losing a family member will impact the entire family and a wide circle of friends and colleagues. Louisiana law restricts who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. CC Art. 2315.2 generally entitles the following family members to receive financial compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one:
- The decedent’s surviving spouse
- The decedent’s surviving children
- The decedent’s surviving parents
Under certain circumstances, if no other qualifying individuals exist, the decedent’s surviving siblings, grandparents, or other relatives may be entitled to financial recovery. If you believe you could be eligible for a wrongful death action, our legal team can discuss your case with you.
A lawyer for wrongful death can begin your case by defining your relationship with the decedent and establishing your right to receive financial compensation. Your lawyer may also evaluate your losses and calculate the financial value of your family’s potential compensation claim.
You Might Avoid Going to Court
After your attorney establishes a value for your compensation claim, they may negotiate a financial settlement with the party whose negligent actions led to your loved one’s death. If your lawyer can reach a financial settlement, you will need to:
- Sign paperwork that permanently relieves the at-fault party of any further financial responsibility
- Agree to the proposed settlement offer
Only you and your surviving loved ones can accept a wrongful death settlement.
An attorney from our firm can play a key role in your settlement negotiations. They can help ensure you do not accept a settlement offer made too hastily or one that does not fairly cover the financial impact of your loved one’s death.
We Fight for Wrongful Death Victims Like You
Our team is committed to helping your family seek justice for your loved one’s death. We understand your family may still be grieving and need time to settle personal matters, so we want to lend our support and take the lead in your case.
To allow your family to cope with your loss, we can:
- Prepare your lawsuit
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Build a comprehensive case file
- Keep you updated on your case
- Represent your case at trial if needed
Our team is committed to the success of your compensation claim. If your family lost a loved one because of another person’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you might be entitled to collect financial compensation for your loss.
We know how hard it is to prove wrongful death, so turn to us for professional support.
How We Can Help You and Your Family Seek Justice
You should not have to suffer financially for someone’s reckless actions. However, you could receive compensation for your financial losses, emotional suffering, and other damages.
Holding the other party accountable might prevent another family from experiencing a similar tragedy. For example, if your loved one died because of a habitual drunk driver, your actions could be the wake-up call that the drunk driver needs.
Pursuing fair compensation and justice can help you and your loved ones find closure and peace. So let an attorney from our firm assist you in your pursuit of justice.
Time Limits on Your Wrongful Death Claim
The loss of a family member takes time to process and accept, and you might have difficulty coping with their death. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on the statute of limitations for a wrongful death action. Our firm can handle the legal process while you recover from your loss.
According to CC Art. 2315.2, you generally have limited time to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party whose negligence led to your loved one’s death. Filing your lawsuit soon, you may allow us to meet the deadline and maintain your case. The sooner you act, the sooner we can begin collecting evidence to support your lawsuit.
Talk to Us After the Loss of a Loved One
Contact us today for a free consultation. A New Orleans wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help you and your loved ones understand your legal rights in your wrongful death claim.
You do not have to pursue compensation and justice alone. Call Laborde Earles today for a free consultation. We can use our extensive experience to assist you after a tragic event that results in the loss of a loved one.
