What to Do After a Wrongful Death in Louisiana

Wondering what to do after a wrongful death in Louisiana? First and foremost, take care of yourself and your family, and do what you feel is best to mourn your loss and honor your loved one.

In the weeks after your loved one’s tragic death, speak with an empathetic and compassionate New Orleans wrongful death lawyer, as they can explain your legal options.

Prioritize Yourself and Those You Care About After a Wrongful Death in Louisiana

In terms of what you should do after a wrongful death in Louisiana, focus on your well-being. Losing a loved one can be devastating emotionally. It is OK to take some time for yourself. Or, you can confide in family and friends if you feel comfortable doing so. These individuals can help you get through this challenging time in your life.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can change the past. Your loved one may be gone, but you and your family will have to deal with the ramifications of your loss. If you reach a point where you want to take legal action against anyone responsible for your tragic loss, ask for guidance and support from a wrongful death attorney.

At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, our wrongful death lawyers genuinely care about our clients. We have more than 121 years of combined legal experience. If you’re weighing your legal options in the aftermath of your loved one’s death, we can share free guides and other resources to help you. Reach out to us today.

Trust a Wrongful Death Lawyer to Determine Your Eligibility for Filing a Claim or Lawsuit

You must meet specific criteria if you want to proceed with a wrongful death claim or lawsuit in Louisiana. Wrongful death lawyers can teach you about state law and its potential impact on your case. They can provide you with insights into Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, as this relates specifically to wrongful death actions and your eligibility for pursuing compensation.

In Louisiana, there’s an order for surviving family members to seek compensation on behalf of a deceased person (decedent). The surviving spouse and children of a decedent may have the first right to move forward with a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. They may be followed by the decedent’s parents, siblings, and grandparents.

There are instances in which a decedent has no surviving family members. In these instances, a legal representative of the decedent’s estate may submit a claim or lawsuit on their behalf. Your lawyer can help you complete the paperwork for your claim or lawsuit. Next, they can represent and advocate for you throughout your case proceedings.

Have Your Attorney Submit Your Claim or Lawsuit in Alignment with Louisiana Law

In alignment with Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, you may have one year from the day of a family member’s death to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. As such, when you think about the things to do after a wrongful death in Louisiana, you may want to assess your legal options right away. Otherwise, if you wait too long, you may miss your opportunity to take legal action.

Talk with wrongful death attorneys who have helped past clients achieve outstanding case results. These lawyers understand how emotionally taxing it is to request compensation from anyone at fault for your loved one’s death. They want you to focus on caring for yourself and your family, while they handle your legal matters.

Your attorney can discuss what to do if your loved one is in a fatal truck accident and wants to hold any liable parties accountable for the harm they have caused, and other case topics with you. They will protect the legal rights and best interests of you and your family throughout your case proceedings.

Gather Evidence to Support Your Wrongful Death Case

The evidence you have at your disposal can determine if your wrongful death case is successful. When you consider what you should be doing after a wrongful death in Louisiana, you may want to obtain proof from a wide range of sources. That way, you can retrieve evidence that may boost your chances of getting your desired case outcome.

Medical records, accident scene photos and videos, a police report, and other proof can help you show that a liable party acted negligently. They may strengthen your lawyer’s argument to the point where an at-fault party or their insurer is ready to settle.

Expect an at-fault party to search far and wide for evidence to use in their case. Regardless, your lawyer prepares accordingly. They can build an argument that makes it clear to a judge or jury that your family member is not to blame for their death and that you should be compensated for your losses.

Let Your Lawyer Pursue Compensatory Damages for You

Beware if a liable party or their insurance company contacts you after you file a wrongful death claim. If this happens, either party may offer a settlement in the hopes of resolving your case immediately. Yet, the settlement proposal you get may be worth less than what you have incurred in damages.

As far as what to do following a wrongful death in Louisiana in which you receive a settlement offer from an at-fault party or their insurer, don’t leave anything to chance. Have wrongful death attorneys evaluate a settlement proposal. Your attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of this offer so you can make an informed decision on it.

Your lawyer wants you to recover economic and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and money for your family member’s burial and funeral expenses. If a settlement offer doesn’t include these and other damages, your lawyer may advise you to decline. At this point, you still have the option of bringing your case to trial.

Receive Legal Help as You Decide What to Do After a Wrongful Death in the State of Louisiana

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is here to help those who are unsure of what to do after a wrongful death occurs in Louisiana.

We can give you the insights you need so you can make a decision on what to do after a wrongful death that serves you and your family well now and in the future. For more information, schedule a free consultation with us.