A Diamondhead wrongful death lawyer might be able to advocate for and represent your family if you lost a loved one because of another person or entity’s negligence. The Morris Bart law firm offers legal guidance and support in these cases, helping families to recover compensation for their loss and the financial damages it brings. Reach out to our firm today at (228) 357-9621 and receive a complimentary case evaluation.
Incidents that Can Warrant a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Mississippi
Mississippi law defines what constitutes a wrongful death under Miss. Code Ann. §11-7-13. According to this statute, any act of negligence or wrongdoing, violation of warranty, or unsafe machinery that results in death can qualify surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one.
With such a broad definition, many different circumstances can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. These incidents can occur on public or private property, at a worksite, out on the roadway, or in the victim’s own home. The following are examples of scenarios that are frequently cited in wrongful death lawsuits:
- Drunk or distracted driving: A drunk or distracted driver who runs a red light can cause a T-bone collision with an oncoming car.
- Unsafe construction sites: When a contractor in charge of a construction site fails to provide proper safety equipment and clear procedures to protect workers, it creates unsafe conditions that can lead to a serious fall.
- Failure to maintain a property: If a business owner fails to address hazards or implement proper security measures on the premises, a visitor can suffer fatal injuries in a slip and fall, an assault, or a similar incident.
- Faulty or defective products: If a manufacturer sells a product without issuing information about safety procedures or side effects—or fails to perform proper testing on the product—the product may malfunction or otherwise cause a fatal injury to the customer.
- Nursing home abuse or neglect: When the staff at a nursing home abuses or neglects a resident, it can put their health and well-being in danger.
At the heart of each of these and similar scenarios is an act of negligence. When someone breaches the duty of care they owe to another, and this causes the victim’s death, that party can be held responsible for the damages this loss inflicts upon the family.
Your Family’s Rights in a Wrongful Death Case
Mississippi and other states have certain rules regarding a family’s rights after the wrongful death of a loved one. First, it is important to note that there are rights available to certain surviving family members.
According to Miss. Code Ann. §11-7-13, if the incident would have warranted a personal injury claim for the victim had their death not occurred, there may be cause for a wrongful death lawsuit. The following family members qualify to file such a claim in the state:
- Widows and husbands
- Children
- Mothers and fathers
- Brothers and sisters
A representative of the victim’s estate may also initiate a lawsuit. Multiple interested parties may participate in the same wrongful death case in pursuit of damages. Through your lawsuit, you may be able to secure damages for your loved one’s outstanding medical bills and property damage related to the incident, as well as funeral costs.
Reasons to Choose Morris Bart, LTD
At the Morris Bart law firm, we believe in making legal representation available to anyone who needs it after losing a loved one because of a negligent act. That is why we operate 15 offices across the Gulf South, with locations throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama. For their convenience, families of wrongful death victims in Diamondhead can receive support from our Gulfport office.
In an effort to make our services as accessible as possible, our attorneys operate on contingency. When you choose us to represent you, our services include:
- Advising you about your legal rights and options
- Communicating with all relevant parties for you
- Reviewing and compiling evidence that supports your right to collect damages
- Valuing your damages to determine a reasonable settlement amount
- Interpreting and explaining which Mississippi statutes apply to your case
- Representing you in all negotiations and court
- Keeping you aware of the statute of limitations in your case and updating you as we go through each step in the process
The statute of limitations is particularly important, as it dictates how long we have to file a lawsuit for damages. In Mississippi, Miss. Code Ann. §15-1-49 outlines a three-year window in which to take legal action, which includes time spent reviewing, building, and negotiating your case. Reaching out as soon as possible can give us time to take the necessary steps on your behalf.
Find Out How a Diamondhead Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You Today
Having an attorney by your side as you proceed with a wrongful death action can relieve some of the burdens on your shoulders. This process includes several potentially complicated steps that can stretch over weeks and months—allow the Morris Bart law firm team to take this responsibility on for you.
As soon as you become our client, we can take the reins and begin advocating for you and your family. Contact us today to receive a confidential, complimentary case review with one of our representatives. You can reach our office 24/7 at (228) 357-9621.
Questions?Call (228) 357-9621
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
