Wrongful Death
LAKE CHARLES WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS
Offering Compassionate Guidance Throughout the Lake Charles Metropolitan Area
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 Hinch & Associates PLC, 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.
What is a "Wrongful" Death?
“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:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Plant and refinery accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Maritime accidents
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 Hinch & Associates PLC. We can evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible to recover compensation for your losses.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
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:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse and/or children
- The deceased’s surviving parents
- The deceased’s surviving siblings
- The deceased’s surviving grandparents
In the event there are no surviving family members, the deceased’s estate may seek compensation for damages.
Compensation in Lake Charles Wrongful Death Cases
While every case is different, common damages in wrongful death cases include:
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Lost wages/income
- Value of household services
- Emotional distress
- Property damage repair costs
- Funeral and/or burial expenses
- Lost benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship, emotional support, etc.
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.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
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.
Contact Hinch & Associates PLC for a Free Consultation
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.