Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one — especially when that loss was caused by someone’s negligence or misconduct. We know there’s no amount of compensation that can bring your loved one back, but we also know how critical it is to hold those responsible accountable and fight for compensation grieving families need to secure their futures.
If your loved one’s death was caused by someone’s negligence, contact our experienced Louisiana wrongful death attorneys today for a free consultation.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Louisiana
When someone’s careless actions lead to the loss of a loved one, Louisiana law recognizes your family’s right to seek answers and accountability. Seeking legal action is a way to secure your family’s future while sending a clear message that what happened can’t happen again.
Proving these cases is not easy because you need to show that someone else’s actions or failure directly led to your loss. Maybe it was a business that ignored safety protocols, someone who chose to drive impaired, or a medical provider who neglected their responsibilities. That’s where having an experienced attorney makes all the difference. We’ll help find out exactly what happened and fight to protect your family’s interests every step of the way.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?
Louisiana law strictly defines who has the right to file a wrongful death claim in a specific order of priority:
- The deceased’s spouse and children have the first right to file a claim.
- If the deceased had no surviving spouse or children, the parents may file.
- If no spouse, children, or parents are alive, the deceased’s siblings may pursue the claim.
- If no spouse, children, parents, or siblings survive, the grandparents may file.
Louisiana does not allow more distant relatives, such as cousins, aunts, or uncles, to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Additionally, adopted children, parents, siblings, and grandparents are treated the same as biological family members under this law. However, a parent who abandoned their child during childhood loses their right to file.
Strict One-Year Filing Deadline
Louisiana has a strict statute of limitations for wrongful death claims—families must file within one year of the date of death. If a claim is not filed within this period, the right to seek compensation is lost forever. This makes it crucial to consult an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to ensure the claim is properly filed within the legal deadline.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Louisiana
Our team sees so many tragic losses that could have been prevented. We’ve helped Louisiana families seek justice after losing loved ones due to:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal collisions caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or other negligent behaviors
- Workplace Accidents: Particularly in high-risk industries like construction, offshore oil work, and industrial jobs
- Medical Malpractice: Including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or failure to provide appropriate treatment
- Defective Products: Dangerous consumer goods, defective auto parts, or unsafe machinery leading to fatal injuries
- Violent Crimes: Deaths caused by criminal behavior because of negligent security or other preventable circumstances
Each case is unique, requiring careful investigation to determine the cause and identify the responsible parties.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Surviving family members may be entitled to recover both financial and non-financial damages, including:
- Funeral and Burial Costs: To cover the expenses of laying a loved one to rest.
- Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for lost wages and the future earnings the deceased would have provided.
- Emotional Pain and Suffering: For the overwhelming grief and trauma experienced by surviving family members.
- Loss of Companionship: Addressing the emotional void left by the deceased’s absence.
- Medical Bills: Covering costs incurred before the death, such as hospital stays or treatments.
Our team can make sure these damages are fully accounted for to provide families with much-needed financial relief.
Signs You May Have a Valid Wrongful Death Case
If you’re unsure whether you have grounds for a wrongful death claim, consider the following:
- Negligence or Wrongful Actions: The death resulted from someone else’s reckless or intentional behavior
- Evidence Exists: There are indications of unsafe conditions, negligence, or misconduct
- Hardships Follow the Death: Your family faces significant emotional or financial challenges as a result
Consulting a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney is the best way to evaluate the specifics of your situation and determine the strength of your case.
How Dudley DeBosier Supports Grieving Families
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to easing the burdens families face after losing a loved one. We take a compassionate and client-first approach to every case, handling the legal process so you can focus on grieving and healing.
This includes:
- Conducting thorough investigations into the incident to gather evidence.
- Identifying all liable parties to ensure accountability.
- Negotiating with insurance companies or defendants to secure fair compensation.
- Preparing cases for trial, when needed, to pursue justice in court.
We understand the emotional toll this process takes and work tirelessly to provide the support and advocacy our clients need.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers?
At Dudley DeBosier, we treat every client like family, because to us, they are. Our firm is known across Louisiana for delivering results, thanks to our:
- Proven Success: A strong track record in wrongful death and personal injury cases.
- Experienced Team: Nearly 200 team members dedicated to high-quality representation.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We have a reputation for treating our clients like family, always looking out for their best interests.
- Contingency Fee Policy: Our fee is contingent on outcome, which means you can focus on grieving and healing while we focus on achieving justice.
Contact Dudley DeBosier: Louisiana Wrongful Death Attorneys<
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers is here to help you seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation.
