We help families get answers
When a death is caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief is compounded by anger, financial strain and unanswered questions. Your family may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. Compensation may account for medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, the loss of your loved one’s contributions to the household, and the loss of their care, companionship, love and guidance.
TODO: attorney to confirm the old page's statement that the firm "has handled hundreds of wrongful death claims across the country" before it is used.
We work to hold those responsible accountable through the civil courts, and to help your family understand:
- Why did this happen?
- Could it have been prevented?
- What can be done to keep it from happening to another family?
Wrongful death and survival actions in Louisiana
TODO: attorney to verify the legal statements in this section, including the order of beneficiaries.
In Louisiana, two separate claims can arise from a death:
- Survival action. Brought by surviving family members to recover the losses your loved one suffered before death.
- Wrongful death claim. Recovers the losses your family suffers after and because of the death.
Who can bring a claim?
Louisiana law sets an order of family members who may bring these claims:
- The spouse and children
- Parents, if there is no spouse or child
- Brothers and sisters, if there are no surviving parents
- Grandparents, if none of the above survive
Damages in a wrongful death claim
- Loss of love, affection and companionship
- Loss of emotional support and guidance
- Loss of services, such as household support
- Loss of financial contributions
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Mental anguish and grief
- Medical expenses for treatment to cope with the loss
Damages in a survival action
- Your loved one’s conscious pain and suffering before death
- Fear or fright immediately before death
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Lost wages or earning capacity during that time
- Other damages your loved one could have recovered had they survived
Cases that often lead to wrongful death claims
- Car accidents and truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Maritime accidents and offshore injuries
- Plant, refinery and construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Defective products
- Premises liability accidents
Talk with us when you are ready
Louisiana imposes strict deadlines on these claims. When your family is ready to talk, we will listen, explain your options and answer your questions, at no cost.