There is nothing more difficult than losing a loved one; when that loss occurs unexpectedly or tragically, surviving family members and loved ones are left to face a number of unexpected challenges in addition to the burden of their grief. Thousands of families every year lose loved ones as the result of another person or party’s negligent or careless behavior, causing them to suffer both emotionally and financially in the aftermath.
At The Hinch Firm Trial Attorneys, we understand what you and your family are going through. If your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence, our Lake Charles wrongful death lawyers can help you seek justice and the fair financial recovery you are owed. We understand what you are going through and are prepared to work tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“Wrongful death” is a legal term referring to any death that results from the negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or illegal conduct of another person, company, or entity. A death is considered “wrongful” when, had the victim survived, he or she would have had grounds to bring a personal injury claim. Since wrongful death claims are civil claims, the penalty is measured in dollars, though the responsible party may still face criminal penalties through separate criminal prosecution.
Some of the most common causes of wrongful deaths include:
Wrongful deaths can also occur as a result of unsafe conditions on private or public property, dangerous or defective products, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and many other types of incidents.
Even if the person responsible for the death of a loved one has been prosecuted in criminal court, there is still a chance to file a civil wrongful death lawsuit in pursuit of compensation. If you believe your loved one’s death was caused by the negligence of another party, reach out to the Lake Charles wrongful death lawyers at The Hinch Firm Trial Attorneys. We can evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible to recover compensation for your losses.
We encourage you to reach out to us right away for a confidential consultation. Call 337-267-8430 or contact us online to get started.
In Louisiana, certain surviving family members are permitted to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages.
These family members include, in order:
In the event there are no surviving family members, the deceased’s estate may seek compensation for damages.
While every case is different, common damages in wrongful death cases include:
In some cases, you may also be able to seek punitive damages. These are damages awarded to surviving family members when the at-fault party is deemed to have acted in an extremely negligent manner, leading to the death of the victim. In other words, punitive damages are meant to punish liable parties for egregious negligence.
Like most civil lawsuits, wrongful death claims are subject to a legal deadline known as a “statute of limitations” which places a hard deadline on how long you have to take action. In Louisiana, you only have one year from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit before it is too late. If the statute of limitations period expires, you will lose your right to sue and will be unable to pursue further compensation. For this reason, it is crucial to get a skilled Lake Charles wrongful death lawyer involved in your case early on to protect your family against potentially costly pitfalls.
Our Lake Charles wrongful death lawyers understand the immense emotional distress and financial hardships you face in the aftermath of a loved one’s death. Our legal team is here to answer your questions and provide compassionate, honest, and personalized counsel to help you navigate the legal system. We are prepared to handle every aspect of your case so you can simply focus on spending time with your family and moving forward with your life.
We encourage you to reach out to us right away for a confidential consultation. Call 337-267-8430 or contact us online to get started.