Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Have Won Millions for Clients

We know that it’s a big step to trust any lawyer with a wrongful death case. You won’t get a do-over, and your financial future (as well as that of your family) will be riding on the case. So, when you hire a wrongful death attorney in Lafayette, LA, it’s important to choose one who has proven they can fight and win.

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over one billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. That includes a $23,000,000 wrongful death judgment. We can’t promise you an eight-figure damage award in your case, but we can promise you we will fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Can I Prove Wrongful Death?

It can be challenging to prove that a wrongful death occurred. A wrongful death claim implies the decedent passed away due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. To prove wrongful death, one must show that:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care to the decedent.
  • The defendant breached the duty of care by being negligent.
  • The defendant’s negligent actions contributed to the decedent’s untimely death.
  • The decedent’s death led to economic and/or non-economic losses.

Because a wrongful death lawsuit is filed in civil court, the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. The plaintiff must provide clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is more likely than not to be the cause of the victim’s death. Evidence in a wrongful death case can include:

  • Photos of the accident scene
  • Surveillance video footage
  • Any bills or receipts relating to the accident
  • Police report
  • Medical records
  • Witness testimony

Our Lafayette wrongful death attorneys can help you gather evidence for your case, discover the responsible party, and demand compensation from them.

How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is heartbreaking and overwhelming. A wrongful death lawyer can step in to guide you through this difficult time, giving you the support and expertise you need to pursue justice. Here’s how we can help:

1

Explaining Your Rights

A wrongful death attorney in Lafayette will help you understand your legal options and explain what compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional pain. We are here to make the process less confusing.

2

Investigating What Happened

Your lawyer will dig into the details of your case to uncover the truth. This might include gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements, or bringing in experts to help strengthen your case.

3

Identifying Who’s Responsible

Figuring out who is at fault can be tricky. Your attorney will analyze the evidence to pinpoint the responsible party and hold them accountable.

4

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, and they often want to pay as little as possible. A wrongful death lawyer will handle all communication with them, so you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

5

Calculating What You’re Owed

Your lawyer will make sure all your losses are considered, from financial costs like funeral expenses to the emotional toll of losing someone you love.

6

Representing You in Court

If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer will take your case to court and fight for you. We present the evidence and tell your story to get you the justice you deserve.

7

Offering Support and Guidance

Beyond the legal work, a wrongful death lawyer is there to support you. They’ll handle the hard stuff so you can focus on grieving and healing.

8

Moving Forward Together

A lawyer is more than just legal help—they’re an advocate who’s dedicated to honoring your loved one’s memory and helping you find closure. You don’t have to face this alone.

Under What Circumstances Can You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

CC §2512.2 states that a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed when a person passes away due to the fault of another. Such a lawsuit may be considered valid when negligence or recklessness by another responsible party is proven to be the direct cause of death.

Any accident that could have served as grounds for a personal injury suit had the deceased individual survived may serve as grounds for a wrongful death suit if the consequences of that accident were fatal. A wrongful death case can come from any fatal personal injury accident.

There are several key differences between different forms of wrongful death cases. For example, a case involving a car crash and one centering on premises liability may play out very differently. Help from a wrongful death attorney from Lafayette Parish is essential for success.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

H
Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Trudy Dupuy is a wonderful asset to the team. She does an amazing job.

A
Annabelle D.

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

M
Matt Picard

New Orleans

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients!

C
Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

k
kelly

Lake Charles

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - profession...

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

M
Melody Johnson

New Orleans

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

P
Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

L
Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

T
Tracie M.

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had ...

Mr. DC and Amber have always been available to answer my questions and concerns. I have never doubted that they were working on our side and have had our best interest and our well being as a priority. I would recommend them to friends and family. My case had some extenuating circumstances and they both worked diligently to help us. I am very thankful for their service and dedication to us.

M
Michel Lanclos

New Orleans

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

T
Tracie Martin

Alexandria

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

S
Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica wa...

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. She took the time to explain each step of the process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and made sure I always felt supported and informed.
Her dedication and attention to detail were clear throughout, and it was evident she genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to Erica’s hard work and expertise, my case went smoothly and successfully.
I highly recommend Erica Ducote to anyone in need of a skilled, reliable, and compassionate paralegal. She truly goes above and beyond!

m
maddie jo

Marksville

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and incredibly responsive. He took the time to explain every step of the process in clear terms and always made sure I felt informed and supported.

His attention to detail, strong communication, and genuine dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. Derek went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, and I’m truly grateful for his hard work.

If you’re looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, reliable, and truly cares about his clients, Derek Hebert is an outstanding choice.

B
Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

S
Sandi W.

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is ...

Courtney Marsh is professional and passionate about her clients! Her communication skills are top notch and she has been amazing to work with! She is truly a blessing!

T
Tori E.

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, and goes above and beyond for everyone in her life. She is a true gem! To know her is to love her!! Anybody would be lucky to have someone like Toni in their corner.

S
Sarah Jorden

Marksville

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other thing...

I highly recommend Alexis Davis and this lawfirm. She is the true definition of professionalism, respect, understanding, patient, and many other things. Her detailed skills are very delightful. She goes out of her way to check on us, make sure we don't have any questions, and she is always on point. She moves very quick and always goes above and beyond for us to make sure we understand the process. I am so glad I ran into Laborde Earles and Alexis. Everyone will know about this company for sure and Alexis

R
R.S.

Lafayette

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

S
Stephan C.

Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

M
Melanie B.

Eryn Laughlin is a good employee, we love her!

a
anonymous

Car Accident

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions ...

I was very pleased with the attention and detail that was given by Karely with Laborde Earle’s Injury lawyers. She answered all of my questions and concerns, and her professionalism was top notch. Her phone etiquette, and calm and caring attitude was outstanding.

G
Gail

Baton Rouge

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan C.

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail is unmatched.
She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
You can tell she genuinely cares about her work and the people she helps.
If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

B
Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attor...

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and you'll never doubt that he'll get the job done!

K
Kaitlin H.

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one re...

Elizabeth Lachney I absolutely hands down the best. She is very professional, knowledgeable and most importantly she is very respectful. She is one reason why we use Laborde Earles Law Firm. They make you feel like family!

T
Tiffany Bardwell

New Iberia

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

s
skylar bachman

New Iberia

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a high level of reliability. Jillie consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is handled efficiently and with care. Her knowledge and work ethic make her an outstanding professional, and I would highly recommend her!

j
jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

C
Christine G.

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

R
Rhonda C.

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

H
Hazel G.

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

L
Lisa S.

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. Her communication is clear, and she truly cares about delivering results. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

M
Mimi

Lake Charles

Syntera was Very professional and courteous. Answered my concerns.

L
Lisa G.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situat...

I’m so grateful for the help I received from Renee McCaslin. From start to finish, they were kind, professional, and truly cared about my situation. They made everything easy to understand and handled every detail with care. I felt supported the whole way through. I highly recommend Renee McCaslin to anyone looking for a paralegal who goes above and beyond.

R
Rosann Roberts

Lake Charles

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

Wesley’s professionalism and compassion truly set him apart. He made a stressful situation so much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of his hard work. I highly recommend Wesley and the entire Laborde Earles team. They really do put their clients first.

J
Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

What Are Some Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases?

Wrongful death is caused by another party's negligence. That’s where the term “wrongful death” comes from. The deceased is dead and would still be alive if not for the negligence or recklessness of another party. Some common examples of the kinds of negligence that can lead to wrongful death include:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Improper or irresponsible use of firearms
  • Workplace accidents born out of improper or inadequate safety procedures
  • Reckless driving
  • Defective products

Bear in mind that this is just a partial list of reckless or negligent behavior that can lead to the wrongful death of a loved one. Regardless of the cause, our wrongful death attorneys in Lafayette will pursue the negligent party and mount a determined effort to recover damages on your behalf.

Only Certain People Can File Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim is like a personal injury claim, with the key difference being that the injured individual is no longer alive to fight their case in court. Instead, the victim’s family members must file the claim to seek damages. 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 a 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 category, the deceased’s family members related by adoption can also file a wrongful death claim, just as family members related by marriage or blood may. 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.

branded accent

What Are Executors and Personal Representatives?

When someone dies, their property goes through a process called probate. The remaining property is called the estate of the deceased. An executor or a personal representative is the legal representative of the deceased for probate purposes. An executor is a named person in a will that the deceased named to handle their affairs before they died. A personal representative is a person appointed by a court to handle the same tasks as an executor if there wasn’t a will or an executor was not named. For wrongful death claims, family members have a higher level of standing to start a wrongful death claim than executors and personal representatives.

woman hugging eachother

How Much Is an Average Wrongful Death Settlement?

The amount of compensation recovered during a wrongful death case varies. No two cases are the same, so there is no way to compare your case to another or determine an “average” settlement. The amount of compensation you could receive depends on factors such as:

  • Damages incurred
  • If the case is settled or goes to trial
  • The decedent’s age and future earning potential
  • The percentage of financial support the family relied on the victim for
  • Circumstances surrounding the accident
  • The number of dependents the decedent had

A lawyer from our firm can help investigate the details of the incident that led to your loved one’s death. We will evaluate the circumstances to help you go after a fair settlement for your loss.

Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death damages can cover both economic and non-economic losses. Specific, measurable losses with a fixed dollar amount are economic losses. These can include:

  • Burial expenses 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
  • Pain and suffering your loved one experienced before their death
  • Property damage

Losses resulting from a wrongful death that cannot be supported with proof, such as a receipt or bill, are non-economic. These damages may include:

  • Pain and suffering endured by the deceased individual in their final moments
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of guidance
  • Loss of care
  • Loss of emotional support
  • Loss of consortium

These damages can be challenging to prove because they have no clear dollar amount. However, our wrongful death lawyer serving Lafayette can calculate them accurately for your case.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File, so Don’t Delay

Louisiana grants a short statute of limitations to file wrongful death lawsuits. 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 lawsuits.

It is essential to take legal action promptly. If you miss this deadline, you risk losing your opportunity to seek financial compensation for your loved one’s death. Whenever a loved one passes, there may be an untold amount of financial hardship in the form of lingering medical bills, funeral expenses, and wage loss. A Lafayette wrongful death lawyer from our firm may be able to help recover these wrongful death damages for the estate and for the survivors.

No Upfront Cost for the Legal Representation You Need

The emotional and economic toll of losing a loved one is the worst kind of one-two punch. For surviving family members, the economic impact of medical bills and funeral expenses can keep them so worried about making ends meet that they don’t seek the legal representation they deserve. The last thing anyone in this tragic situation wants is a legal bill.

Our personal injury lawyers believe in helping people in times like this. That’s why our firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency basis. That means we won’t charge you a fee for taking your case if we don’t win it. So, now that you know there is no economic barrier to letting us take your case, we sincerely hope you’ll take the next step and call us to discuss your legal matters.

Get Help From a Lafayette Wrongful Death Law Firm 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. Money cannot compensate for the personal loss you’ve suffered, but it can help you cover the extensive financial losses. Let us help you through the legal process of this difficult time.

Contact Laborde Earles for a complimentary consultation, during which we can help you determine the best course of action for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not charge for our services unless we win your case.

Our Legal Team We fight for our own.

Meet Our Team

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 777-7777.