Experienced Lawyers In Louisiana
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Lafayette
Lost a Loved One? Get Gordon!
No Fee Unless We Win
I’ll win your case, or you don’t owe me a dime. No costs, no expenses, no fee. Nothing.
Injured? Get a FREE Consult Now!
Best Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyers Near Me
Free Consultation for Wrongful Death Cases Near Scott
The moment everything changed arrived without warning, maybe through a devastating phone call, a police officer at your door, or witnessing something that will haunt you forever. When someone else’s negligence rips away a person who meant everything to you, the world suddenly stops making sense.
Your loved one was irreplaceable. They had quirky habits, dreams they were chasing, people who counted on their daily text messages, and a future that should have unfolded naturally. When their story ends abruptly because someone else chose convenience over safety, justice becomes about accountability, not replacement.
The wrongful death attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys understand that behind every case is a family trying to breathe again—we stand with you when standing feels impossible.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases Our Lafayette Lawyers Handle
We’ve walked with parents planning funerals instead of graduations, spouses facing empty houses after decades together, and children learning that sometimes good people don’t come home.
Our Lafayette team has represented families in wrongful death cases involving:
Wrongful Death Statistics
Tragically, tens of thousands of preventable deaths occur every year in the U.S. According to the CDC:
43,000+
deaths result from motor vehicle accidents annually.
47,000+
people die each year from unintentional falls.
100,000+
lives are lost due to unintentional poisonings.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Lafayette?
Louisiana law establishes a clear priority for who can pursue justice when negligence destroys a family. This legal hierarchy ensures the people most devastated by the loss have the right to seek accountability.
Under Louisiana law, the following individuals may file a wrongful death claim, in order of legal priority:
- Surviving spouse and/or children
- Surviving parents (if there’s no spouse or children)
- Surviving siblings (if no spouse, children, or parents)
- Surviving grandparents (if no other immediate family)
Time-Sensitive Deadlines:
- Deaths before July 1, 2024: 1-year statute of limitations
- Deaths on/after July 1, 2024: May be extended to 2 years
- Product liability cases and pre-2024 deaths: still follow 1-year rule
Don’t delay—missing the deadline could forfeit your right to file.
How to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Lafayette
Louisiana recognizes that when negligence kills, families deserve legal recourse. Navigating this process while grieving feels impossible—you’re managing funeral arrangements, supporting other family members, and trying to function when your world has collapsed.
A skilled wrongful death attorney in Lafayette becomes your advocate when speaking feels impossible. We investigate what really happened, build your case methodically, and fight for justice while you focus on healing.
How to Prove a Wrongful Death Case in Lafayette
To win a wrongful death claim, four elements must be established:
- Negligence – The at-fault party acted carelessly
- Breach of Duty – They failed a legal responsibility
- Causation – Their actions directly caused the death
- Damages – The death led to measurable losses
Our Lafayette wrongful death attorneys gather strong evidence like medical reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove your case.
What Compensation Can a Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer Help You Recover?
While money cannot resurrect the dead, it acknowledges the full scope of your devastating loss. Financial recovery typically addresses three critical areas:
Economic Damages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills from final treatments
- Lost income, inheritance, or benefits
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence or malicious behavior, the court may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions.
Seeking Compensation After a Loved One’s Death in Lafayette
Pursuing justice includes:
- Identifying responsible individuals or companies
- Collecting all relevant documentation (bills, reports, wages)
- Calculating full financial and emotional losses
- Partnering with a dedicated Lafayette wrongful death lawyer
Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyers Fighting for Fair Settlements
Insurance companies prey on grieving families, hoping your pain will make you accept less than you deserve. They count on your desperation to close this painful chapter quickly.
We counter their tactics with:
- Comprehensive loss assessments
- Meticulous case preparation
- Skilled negotiation strategies
- Trial readiness when necessary
You and your family deserve more than a quick settlement.
Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney Near Carencro Today
Lost a Loved One in an Accident? Find Legal Help Near You
When life is upended, you need strong legal support. Let the personal injury attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys shoulder the legal fight while you focus on healing.
Call 888.501.7888 for your free consultation. With 679+ years of combined legal experience and more than $3 Billion recovered for clients, we know how to win.
We don’t charge a fee unless we win. That’s the G Guarantee.
Don’t Wait — Talk to a Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand that emotional and physical recovery come hand and hand after an injury or accident. We also know that you may not have the energy or time to fight with an insurance company and the complexities of your personal injury claim.
How It Works
Filing a claim with Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys is easy!
Simply follow the steps below.
Get Your Free Consultation
Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not!
Hear From An Attorney
Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of winning your case!
Get Gordon!
Get It Done!
Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve.
Excellent
Settlements & Verdicts
$26,000,000
Class action settlement for chemical exposure
Class action settlement for chemical exposure case.
$3,750,000
Wrongful death in commercial trucking accident 3750000
A settlement has been reached in the case of a 1996 accident that claimed the lives of three Jones County residents.
$1,000,000
Truck Driver Rear Ended by Another 18 Wheeler
Our client a truck driver was rear ended by another 18-wheeler.
$125,000
18 Wheeler Mississippi Wreck
Our client was involved in an 18 wheeler wreck in Mississippi that resulted in multiple injuries and a settlement of $125,000.
$200,000
18 Wheeler Tow Truck
18 Wheeler Tow Truck incident due to mishandling resulted in injuries to our client and a case settlement of $200,000. Handled by Attorney Richard Zimmerman.
$185,000
18 Wheeler Wreck with Cane Truck
Our client was driving an 18 wheeler when they were hit head on by a cane truck. Resulted in both chest and shoulder injuries and a settlement of $185,000.
$375,000
Cement Truck Accident
The client pulled up to construction site when a cement truck in front of him backed into him twice.
$390,000
Two 18 Wheelers Wreck
Two 18 wheelers wreck causing our client to have disc injuries. Case resulted in a settlement of $390,000.
$429,000
Big Trucks Collide with Client Suffering Bulging Discs and Mild Protrusion
Our client, big truck driver was hit by another 18-wheeler. The impact caused bulging discs and minor protrusion.
$6,000,000
Accident on oil platform causes brain damage
Oil rig worker settles for $6 million after suffering extensive facial fractures and brain damage.
$175,000
Side Swiped with Many Injuries
Our client was side swiped and suffered many injuries, including neck, back, shoulder and hand. Case settled for $175,000.
$1,600,000
Guest Passenger Injured in a T Bone Truck Accident
Our client was a guest passenger in a vehicle when they were involved in a T-bone accident with a truck resulting in severe injuries.
$13,000,000
Commercial Big Truck Accident Causes Brain Injury to Young Boy
As a result of a commercial big truck accident, a young boy suffers brain injury.
$877,191
18 Wheeler Rear Ends Another 18 Wheeler
Our client was driving his 18 wheeler when another 18 wheeler rear-ended him. The case resulted in a $877,191 verdict.
$27,000
Lengthy Premise Liability Case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Client had a premises liability case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Foot had a puncture wound with no stitches and 3 months of treatment.
$4,500
Client Involved in Premises Liability Case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Client involved in a premise liability case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The client reported suffering from whole body soreness.
$21,700,000
Construction worker severely injured on the job
Our client was a construction worker that was severely injured on the job.
$12,800,000
Two Worker’s Asbestos Exposure
Two former chemical plant workers dying of lung cancer won a $12.8 million state award, blaming their illness on asbestos used in industrial insulation.
$3,000,000
Double amputation of legs from electrical shock
An employee of an oil company suffered severe electrical shock when a gen pole came in contact with high power lines.
$2,900,000
Workers exposed to chemical
Workers were exposed to a chemical, resulting in a $2,900,000 settlement.
$250,000
63 Year Old Pipe Welder Working on Barge in Gulf
Settlement for pipe welder suffering rib and back injuries after being transferred from a tug boat to barge when basket became entrapped on barge equipment.
$240,000
Workers Comp Prison Injury
Our client suffered an ankle injury while working at a prison, resulting in a workers comp case and a verdict of $240,000.
$130,000
Workers Comp Fall Injury
Our client suffered a workers comp injury from a fall onto concrete with improper safety codes met. Case resulted in a $130,000 settlement.
$130,000
Workers’ Compensation Injury
Client was involved in a Workers’ Compensation Injury case which was handled by Attorney Annabelle Manning. Case resulted in a settlement of $130,000.
$125,000
Injury at Work on a Ladder
Our client suffered an injury at work on a ladder, having to pull down some heavy equipment and missing a step. Case resulted in a $125,000 settlement.
$110,000
Injured on the Job
Our client was injured on the job as they slipped while working security, suffering back injuries. Case settled for $110,000.
$3,500,000
Truck Driver T Boned by 18 Wheeler
Our client, a truck driver, was hit by an 18-wheeler that ran a stop sign and T boned his truck.
$2,800,000
Defective product design in truck causes paraplegia
Our client was involved in an accident which the defective product design in the truck caused paraplegia.
$1,975,000
Warehouse worker pinned by delivery truck suffers massive internal injuries
A delivery truck pins a warehouse worker resulting in massive internal injuries.
Frequent Answered
Questions
- Is a Wrongful Death Settlement Taxable in Louisiana?
- Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Louisiana?
- Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
- How Long Do I Have to Make a Wrongful Death Claim?
- How Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Different from a Personal Injury Case?
- How Do You Prove a Wrongful Death Claim?
- What Wrongful Death Damages Can We Recover?
- How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take?
- How Much Will a Wrongful Death Suit Cost?
- When Should I Call a Lawyer Regarding My Wrongful Death Case?
Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer Blog Posts
Injured? Get a FREE Consult Now!
Let Our Team Fight For You!
If you or a loved one has been injured, don't wait— contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to fight for you and secure the compensation you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to client care, we are the best personal injury attorneys in Louisiana to handle your case.
Call us now or fill out our online form. No Fee Unless We Win!
Your Case Matters—Let's Get It Done!
Office Locations
© 2025 Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.
