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.

woman hugging eachother

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.

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Why 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:

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Our Attorneys Have Relevant Knowledge and Experience

Our New Orleans wrongful death lawyers 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.

5

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.

We 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.

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Recoverable 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.

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.

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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
  • A governmental body that failed to provide a warning about a road hazard that caused the accident
  • The designer of a dangerous roadway
  • A manufacturer, distributor, or installer of a faulty part of the driver’s vehicle

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.

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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.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

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

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.

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

A
Annabelle D.

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

R
Rhonda C.

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

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

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

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

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

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

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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.

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