How to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Louisiana
Wrongful Death Accidents Attorney in New Orleans Big Easy Accident Attorney
8 Jun

How to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Louisiana

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress and frustration of navigating the legal system. If you believe that your loved one’s death was caused by the negligence of another party, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. But where do you begin?

Louisiana has specific laws regarding wrongful death lawsuits, and it can be overwhelming to try and understand them on your own. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your rights and the legal process before taking any action.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana can be a lengthy and complex process, but it’s important to seek justice for your loved one. In this article, we will guide you through the steps necessary to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana, including important deadlines, damages that may be recovered, and the evidence needed to support your case. With the right information and legal representation, you can begin the process of seeking justice for your loved one.

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What are Wrongful Death Claims?

Wrongful death claims refer to legal actions taken against individuals or entities that are responsible for someone’s death. These claims are usually filed by family members of the deceased and seek to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Wrongful death can be the result of a variety of scenarios such as medical malpractice, automobile accidents, workplace accidents, and defective products.

These claims aim to provide compensation for the loss of the deceased individual as well as the future financial losses that their loved ones may suffer due to their untimely death.

Importance of Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Louisiana

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana can help bring closure to families by providing them with financial compensation, holding the responsible parties accountable, and increasing public awareness of the tragedy that a family has suffered from a premature death due to someone else’s negligence.

This type of legal action may also provide peace of mind to victims’ families who are left grieving without an explanation as to why their loved one passed away. Ultimately, filing a wrongful death lawsuit is important for seeking justice and an emotional sense of closure for surviving family members.

Eligibility and Standing to File

In Louisiana, only certain family members and individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. First and foremost, the surviving spouse and children of the deceased have the legal right to bring forth an action. If there is no spouse or children, the surviving parents of the deceased can file the lawsuit. Lastly, if there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents, the siblings or grandparents of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Standing to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Louisiana

Eligibility to file a wrongful death lawsuit is not equivalent to standing to file one, which is the legal right to bring forth a claim. Not everyone eligible to sue has the legal standing to do so. In Louisiana, standing is given to surviving family members or individuals who have suffered a monetary loss due to wrongful death. This includes funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of income or support that the deceased would have provided.

Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines

The statute of limitations in a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana is one year from the date of the deceased person’s death. This means that a lawsuit must be filed within a year from the date of death, or else the case will be barred from further action.

It’s essential to note that the statute of limitations isn’t a flexible deadline, and it often takes a long time to gather evidence, consult with legal counsel, and file a lawsuit, so it’s advisable to act as soon as possible and not waste time when considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana.

Filing Deadlines for Claimants

Wrongful Death Accidents Services in New OrleansIn Louisiana, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the following claimants:

  • The surviving spouse and children
  • If there is no surviving spouse or children, the surviving parent or parents
  • If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the surviving siblings
  • If there are none of the above, the wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the deceased’s estate.

In Louisiana, the claimant(s) must file the wrongful death lawsuit within one year of the date of death. It is essential to note that the filing deadline is the same for all eligible claimants, and if one claimant does not file the lawsuit within the timeframe, their right to compensation is lost.

Exceptions and Extensions

There are exceptions and extensions to the statute of limitations and filing deadlines in certain cases. For instance, if the cause of death was not initially discovered or was discovered later, the one-year limitation period may start once the cause of death is discovered.

Moreover, if the deceased person died due to hazardous work conditions or toxic exposure, the family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim with a federal court and be eligible for a two-year filing period.

Steps to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The untimely death of a loved one can be a traumatic and emotional experience, especially if it was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. In Louisiana, family members of the deceased have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for damages. But how do you go about filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana? Here are the steps you need to know:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility to File

To file a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana, you must be an immediate family member of the deceased, such as a spouse, child, or parent. Other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, are not eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Louisiana law.

Step 2: Hire an Experienced Attorney

Wrongful death cases can be complex and emotionally draining, so it’s essential to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney who can guide you through the legal process. Your attorney can assist you in gathering evidence, filing the necessary paperwork, and representing you in court.

Step 3: Establish Liability

To file a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove that the death was caused by someone else’s wrongful or negligent actions. Liability can be established through a variety of means, such as eyewitness accounts, medical records, and expert testimony.

Step 4: Determine the Damages

Under Louisiana law, damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit include funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income and future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Your attorney can help you determine the appropriate damages to seek in your case.

Step 5: File the Lawsuit

Once you’ve determined your eligibility and consulted with an attorney, it’s time to file the wrongful death lawsuit. Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary paperwork on your behalf, including a complaint that outlines the details of the case and the damages you are seeking.

Step 6: Attend Negotiations or Trial

After filing the lawsuit, the next step is to attend negotiations or a trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the defendant’s legal team to reach a settlement agreement. If a settlement cannot be achieved, the case will proceed to trial, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Seek Legal Guidance in Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions can be devastating both emotionally and financially.

It is important to seek legal guidance in wrongful death cases to hold those responsible accountable and obtain the compensation that you and your family may be entitled to.

A trusted attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove liability.

Seeking legal guidance can bring you peace of mind and help you obtain justice for your loved one’s wrongful death.

Contact Big Easy Accident Attorney today to schedule your consultation!

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