A car accident in Louisiana can be world-changing — especially if that car accident cost you a loved one’s life.
If you’ve lost someone to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief can seem unbearable. Losing a loved one suddenly is one of the most devastating experiences someone can go through.
Dealing with this heartbreak while trying to navigate all the paperwork and finances can become overwhelming, to say the least.
Our Baton Rouge-based attorneys at Pierce & Shows have in-depth experience helping clients after car accidents, and in this blog, we discuss how to file a wrongful death claim after your loved one’s passing.
Wrongful Death Claims in Louisiana
A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury claim that seeks compensation when a person dies due to the fault of another. This claim can include accusations of negligent behavior, reckless behavior, or even intentional conduct of an individual, a company, or an entire corporation.
Every state has different ways and regulations to navigate a wrongful death claim.
Some things to note in Louisiana include:
- A wrongful death claim is different from a criminal case — it’s still a civil personal injury lawsuit.
- Only family members close to the fatal auto accident victim can file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana (i.e., a spouse, children, and other next of kin).
- The statute of limitations in Louisiana for filing a wrongful death case is very short compared to other states. You have only one year to file a wrongful death case in most circumstances.
Damages in a Louisiana Wrongful Death Claim
When filing a wrongful death claim, there are different categories of damages that you can list, including both economic losses or recovery and noneconomic.
Some of these could include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills, including bills for emergency care related to the deceased person’s final illness or injury
- Lost wages and benefits
- Value of lost household services
- Bills for damaged property
- Pain and suffering the loved one suffered in their final moments
- Loss of care, companionship, guidance, and emotional support suffered by family members due to the untimely death
How a Louisiana Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
The stress of having to navigate a wrongful death claim on top of the grief of losing a loved one can do a lot of harm to your mental health. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney in your corner to support you through this process.
Here are some ways a lawyer can help:
- Understanding all the legal jargon
- Making sure you get what is owed to you
- Prepare all documents and necessary materials for the court
- Reducing your uncertainty and building your confidence
Navigating a wrongful death claim can be tricky. Having an experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Pierce & Shows Today
Located in Baton Rouge, the Pierce & Shows personal injury firm understands how stressful these tragedies can be, and we’re here to ease the burdens by helping you file your wrongful death claim. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please contact us at 225-388-9574 or complete the intake form on our site.
