We all know that we’re going to lose our loved ones at some point. But that point is usually many years from now. And they usually pass away from an illness or old age. We don’t expect to lose a family member due to an accident. If someone else is responsible for the death of our spouse, we’re going too angry.

Trial lawyers in Baton Rouge understand how their clients feel. When you lose someone, you’re going to be upset, angry and scared. You may not know exactly what you want – but you do want someone to pay. That’s exactly what these lawyers do. They hold the people responsible for your loved one’s death accountable.

A lot of people hear the term wrongful death and they’re not quite sure what it means. It actually means exactly what you’d think it means. Someone does something wrong and your loved one dies as a result. This can happen in a car accident. Or it could happen as a result of a dangerous drug.

The causes of wrongful deaths are extensive. Some people die as the result of the following:

  • Car accidents or any kind of road accidents
  • Medical malpractice cases
  • Product liability cases
  • Dangerous drugs
  • Work place accidents

Most of these cases involved negligence. To prove negligence in a wrongful death case, your Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer will have to demonstrate the following:

  • There was a death
  • Caused by the negligence of another
  • The victim’s family members suffered a financial loss
  • There is a personal representative appointed to the victim’s estate

At a time like this, you need to focus on taking care of your family. Let your lawyer focus on the legal side of things.

Who Can File a Louisiana Wrongful Death Case?

In order to file for wrongful death in Louisiana, you have to meet certain criteria. Your trial lawyer in Baton Rouge can explain all of this in your initial consultation. However, here is a brief explanation of who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Baton Rouge:

  • Surviving spouse or children of the deceased person
  • The surviving parents if the victim didn’t have a spouse or kids
  • If there are no parents, the siblings of the deceased can file suit
  • Worst case, the grandparents of the victim can file a claim

If you don’t fall into any of these classes, you cannot file for wrongful death. You may qualify to file for some other personal injury, but your case won’t fall under the Louisiana wrongful death statute.

For example, the following people cannot sue for wrongful death in Louisiana:

  • Domestic partners or engaged people
  • Friends of the victim
  • Business partners and employers
  • Cousins or other non-immediate family members

Adopted children have the same rights as biological children.

If you have any questions about whether you qualify to sue for wrongful death. Call and speak with a trial lawyer in Louisiana today.

What Damages Can a Lawyer Demand?

The whole point of filing a wrongful death lawsuit is so that you can recover damages. Every state is different when it comes to the kinds of damages you can demand in a wrongful death suit.

In Louisiana, you demand the following:

  • Economic Losses:
    • Funeral and burial expenses
    • Any medical expenses related to the accident or illness that caused your loved one’s death
    • Lost wages
    • Money your spouse would have earned had he survived
    • The financial value for any household services the decedent offered
    • Bills for any damaged property
  • Non-Economic Damages:
    • Pain and suffering of both the victim and his family.
    • Loss of guidance, advice and support the victim used to provide to his family.

The types of damages your attorney demands depend on the circumstances surrounding your case.

Call to Speak with a Louisiana Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you lose someone due to a wrongful death, you’re going to want someone to pay. And, it’s totally normal to feel this way. You should call and speak with a Louisiana wrongful death lawyer right away. He’ll deal with the legal side of things while you focus on grieving with your family.

Call and schedule your initial consultation today. You can sit with an experienced trial lawyer in Baton Rouge who has handled his fair share of wrongful death cases. He’ll explain how the process works and answer any questions you may have. Remember – the consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.