Moss Bluff Wrongful Death Lawyer

Moss Bluff Wrongful Death Attorney

If someone else’s misconduct ultimately caused the death of your family member, you can file a wrongful death claim to hold them accountable and receive compensation. Speak with a qualified Moss Bluff wrongful death lawyer to properly seek justice for the death of your loved one.

Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in LA

According to 2024 mortality data from the CDC, unintentional injury deaths were the third-highest cause of death, with over 197,000 wrongful deaths reported. This is a rate of 58.1 deaths per 100,000 people.

When another party or person’s reckless or negligent actions cause the wrongful death of someone, they must be held responsible and face consequences. An experienced Personal Injury Lawyer can help families pursue justice and accountability during this difficult time. When you file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a family member, the recovered damages and long-term benefits you can potentially receive include:

• Economic losses. These quantifiable damages include loss of income and future income, lost benefits, loss of inheritance, medical expenses prior to death, property damage, and funeral and burial costs.
• Non-economic damages. These qualitative losses can be difficult to attach an exact amount to and typically require supporting evidence such as skilled evaluations, testimonies, and other proof that speaks to the family’s pain and emotional loss.
• Punitive damages. Louisiana only allows punitive damages, which are meant to punish the perpetrator and deter future wrongdoing, to be awarded in certain scenarios. Relevant circumstances include drunk driving fatalities, deliberately dangerous acts, and extreme negligence.

Examples of non-economic damages include the victim’s pain and suffering before death, the mental anguish of the surviving family members, loss of consortium for the surviving spouse, and loss of the care, guidance, and nurturing the deceased offered.

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

If a loved one was the victim of another party’s fatal negligence, you should hire a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to hold the liable party responsible and receive the proper benefits and compensation. Insurance companies might try to offer low settlements quickly to save money.

A wrongful death attorney can give your case care and attention. As your legal representation, your lawyer also speaks on your behalf and advocates in your interests.

Look no further than Sanchez Burke, LLC, a trusted law firm based in Calcasieu Parish, when searching for a qualified and skilled Moss Bluff wrongful death attorney. We have successfully assisted countless families through difficult wrongful death proceedings, helping them receive justice as well as the compensation and benefits necessary to move forward. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating wrongful death laws, procedures, and expectations.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in LA?

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Louisiana is one year from the date of death or two years from the day the injury or damage was sustained, whichever is longer. This means that you can lose your right to seek compensation if you don’t file a wrongful death claim within this time period.

There may be some exceptions to this statute of limitations, so it’s advised that you verify the deadline of your case with a qualified attorney right away. You should consult a lawyer as soon as possible to have sufficient time to build the case.

Where Are Wrongful Death Cases Processed?

A wrongful death claim in Moss Bluff is most likely to be handled by the 14th Judicial District Court for Calcasieu Parish. The main courthouse is located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Legal venues can vary depending on your case, so be sure to confirm any addresses with your wrongful death law attorney.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Law

What Are Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Louisiana?

Some of the common causes of wrongful death in Louisiana include:

• Motor vehicle crashes, including passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Traffic accidents where the victim was a pedestrian
• Fatal workplace incidents, such as industrial equipment failures, construction accidents, and toxic exposure
• Premises liability fatalities occur when a property is improperly maintained or not safe
• Fatal dog bites or other attacks from another person’s pet
• Medical malpractice, such as avoidable medication errors, surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, and more

What Are the Types of Wrongful Death Settlement Distributions?

The types of wrongful death settlement distributions vary based on your case. The main forms of settlement distribution are lump-sum, structured, and hybrid.

A lump-sum settlement delivers the full compensation at once, while a structured settlement has periodic payments, and a hybrid settlement structure is a combination of the two. There are also options for trusts for beneficiaries who are minors or have disabilities.

Which Relatives Can File for Wrongful Death in Louisiana?

Which relatives can file for wrongful death in Louisiana is limited. The surviving spouse and children of the deceased have priority.

If there’s no surviving spouse or children, the parents of the deceased have priority to receive compensation, as long as the parent did not abandon their child during their minority. If no spouse, children, or parent can receive compensation, siblings, grandparents, and other dependents or beneficiaries may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take in Louisiana?

A wrongful death case in Louisiana can take anywhere between a few years and multiple years to fully settle, depending on various factors. More complex cases, like when there are multiple parties, difficulty proving liability, or significant damages, generally take longer to resolve. It’s important to take the time needed to properly address a complex case such as wrongful death, and it’s easiest to do this with the help of an experienced attorney.

Let Us Help You Through This Difficult Time

At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we understand how challenging it is to deal with a loved one’s passing, not to mention trying to handle a wrongful death claim at the same time. We are here to help you honor your loved one’s memory and find a sense of peace through taking action and holding the negligent party responsible. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.