Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer

Lafayette Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is hard, especially when it happens unexpectedly. If you lose someone due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, you may be entitled to recover damages. A Lafayette wrongful death lawyer can help you identify potential losses and build a strong case to secure a fair settlement.

At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we understand that money doesn’t bring back your loved one, but we still believe you deserve to be compensated fairly for your losses. Our personal injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process and either negotiate a fair deal or ensure you receive one through litigation.

Wrongful Death Cases in Louisiana

Wrongful death cases arise from situations where someone loses their life due to another person’s actions or inaction. Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in the state and the country. In 2023, 222,698 people in the U.S. lost their lives due to unintentional injuries.

It’s important to note that an accidental death does not automatically lead to the family filing a wrongful death claim. You must prove that the other party is at fault for the incident. The top five causes of fatal injuries in Louisiana, specifically in recent years, were related to:

• Poison
• Firearms
• Homicides
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Suicide

Coping with the death of someone close to you is already challenging enough. A wrongful death lawyer in Lafayette can help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Lafayette

In a personal injury case, the victim can file a claim to recover damages for themselves. When someone succumbs to injuries caused by another party’s misconduct or negligence, eligible family members may have grounds to file a claim and recover damages on their behalf.

Louisiana follows an order of priority regarding who is eligible to file the claim, starting with the decedent’s spouse and children. After these family members, the order of people who can file a claim goes as follows:

1. Parents
2. Siblings
3. Grandparents
4. Executor of the estate

You typically have one year from the date of the victim’s death to file a claim and recover damages. A Lafayette wrongful death attorney can help you through the claims process to pursue a settlement that covers damages.

Recoverable Damages From Wrongful Death Claims and Survival Actions in Lafayette

The amount and the type of damages you can recover are determined by the details of your specific case. Surviving family members can recover both economic and non-economic damages by filing a wrongful death claim. This includes:

• Burial and funeral costs
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Loss of decedent’s income and benefits
• Mental anguish and grief
• Pain and suffering

They can also file a survival action to recover damages for the victim’s suffering before their passing. This includes losses such as:

• Lost wages and earnings
• Medical expenses
• Victim’s pain and suffering

It is wise to hire a wrongful death lawyer to help you identify all the possible losses for which you can recover compensation.

Local Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyers Near You

Sanchez Burke, LLC, has been representing Louisianans in complex wrongful death cases for years, so we understand what it takes to fight for a fair settlement for our clients. Over the years, our compassionate and dedicated legal team has built a strong reputation. Our team is:

• Avvo 10.0-Rated
• Rated by Super Lawyers® as Rising Stars
• Recognized in Acadiana Profile Magazine’s “Top Lawyers of Acadiana”
• Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

No matter how complicated your case may seem, you can count on our skilled team to get you through it as smoothly as possible while strongly advocating for your rights and interests.

FAQs About Lafayette, LA Wrongful Death Laws

How Can a Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer Help With My Case?

A Lafayette wrongful death attorney can assist with the claims process in countless ways, depending on your unique needs throughout the case. Your attorney can offer legal advice and evaluate the strength of your claim, as well as negotiate deals and represent you in court if you end up going through litigation. They can anticipate any challenges that may arise along the way and protect your rights.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Lafayette?

The cost of working with a Lafayette wrongful death lawyer can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the law firm you select as your legal representation. Many personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t charge anything upfront and only collect a percentage if you secure a settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Case in Lafayette?

If you wish to file a wrongful death claim after the death of a loved one, you typically must do so within one year of their death. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible to recover damages. If you file outside this statute of limitations, the other party can file a motion to dismiss, which the court is likely to grant. A Lafayette wrongful death attorney can ensure you file on time and keep you on track throughout the process.

What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Case in Lafayette?

Your chances of securing a settlement from a wrongful death claim ultimately depend on the strength of your case and whether or not you settle out of court. The majority of wrongful death cases settle through negotiations, in which case your odds of winning hinge on your ability to reach an agreement with the opposing party. If you cannot agree, you may have to enter litigation where the court determines your total compensation.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Lafayette to Secure Your Settlement

Wrongful death cases in Louisiana can be complicated, which is why it is recommended that you seek legal counsel from a Lafayette wrongful death attorney. Sanchez Burke, LLC, is dedicated to securing the maximum settlement that you are entitled to. You can set up an initial appointment with a trusted Lafayette wrongful death lawyer, and we can discuss all of the details of your wrongful death case.