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Wrongful Death Attorneys in Louisiana
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Best Wrongful Death Lawyers Near Me
If you’ve lost a loved one due to an accident, injury, or illness, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Sudden loss is devastating, and we know nothing can truly ease the pain you’re feeling.
When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, it can bring overwhelming grief, anger, and confusion. Our Louisiana wrongful death lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are here to support you when you’re ready to take the next step.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
In Louisiana, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another’s negligence or intentional actions, whether by an individual, business, or organization. Common causes include:
Wrongful Death Statistics
Many wrongful deaths are the result of unintentional injuries, and a lot of them could have been prevented. Here’s what the latest national data shows:
222,698
Deaths in 2023 were caused by unintentional injuries.
43,273
Motor vehicle traffic deaths occurred in 2023.
100,304
Deaths were attributed to unintentional poisoning.
Catastrophic Injuries
A single moment of negligence can cause a catastrophic injury, and in some cases, lead to wrongful death. While the two are connected, they’re not the same.
Catastrophic injuries involve permanent disabilities or serious medical conditions that drastically affect quality of life, such as:
- Catastrophic Injury
- Hurricane Claims
- Plant Explosion
- And More ...
Wrongful Death Claim vs Catastrophic Injury Claim
While both involve serious loss, a wrongful death claim and a catastrophic injury claim come from very different situations, and it’s important to know the difference.
- A catastrophic injury claim is filed by someone who survives a severe, life-altering injury. It seeks compensation for medical costs, lost income, and lasting pain and suffering.
- A wrongful death claim is brought by the surviving family of someone who died because of negligence or intentional harm. It helps cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?
Wondering if you can file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana? The law is clear—but it can get a little complex.
According to Louisiana Civil Code §2315.2, the right to file a claim follows a specific order:
Who Can File:
- Surviving spouse and/or children
- If none, then the surviving parents
- If no parents, then the surviving siblings
- If no siblings, then the surviving grandparents
- Adopted family members have the same rights as biological relatives
Statute of Limitations in Wrongful Death Cases
In Louisiana, wrongful death claims are time-sensitive. As of July 1, 2024, a new statute may extend the filing window—but only for incidents occurring on or after that date.
If the death happened before July 1, 2024, you still have just one year to file. And not all claims qualify for the extension—product liability and many wrongful death cases still follow the one-year rule.
To protect your rights, speak with an experienced Louisiana wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Damages to Seek Compensation for After a Wrongful Death
A wrongful death claim can help ease the financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one. In Louisiana, damages typically fall into three main categories:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, benefits, and inheritance
- Non-Economic Damages: Emotional distress, loss of companionship, and enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm
A Louisiana wrongful death lawyer can help your family seek the full compensation you’re entitled to.
The Four Elements of Proving a Wrongful Death Case
Like any personal injury case, plaintiffs in wrongful death cases must prove four separate
- Negligence: The death resulted from careless or reckless actions.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed a duty of care owed to the deceased.
- Causation: That failure directly caused the death.
- Damages: The death led to measurable losses like funeral costs, lost income, or emotional suffering.
A skilled wrongful death lawyer in Louisiana can help gather evidence and build a strong case.
When to Call a Wrongful Death Attorney in Louisiana
If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed with grief, anger, or confusion. You deserve answers and a path forward.
At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we know no settlement can replace your loved one, but a wrongful death claim can help you find closure and financial stability.
Call our Louisiana wrongful death lawyers today at 888.501.7888 for a free consultation. We’ll listen, guide you through your options, and get started right away. And with the G Guarantee, you don’t pay unless we win.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
In Louisiana, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another’s negligence or intentional actions, whether by an individual, business, or organization. Common causes include:
Speak to a Louisiana Wrongful Death Lawyer Near You Today
At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand that emotional and physical recovery go hand in 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.
Don’t Wait — Talk to a Louisiana 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!
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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?
Wrongful Death Blog Posts
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