If a member of your family sustained fatal injuries in a Lafayette traffic accident, you might be able to take legal action to pursue damages for your family. If we believe you have a viable legal case against the driver who caused the deadly accident, a Lafayette fatal accident lawyer may be able to represent you during this process. We can handle every step of the way for you and your family, letting you focus on time with your loved ones and taking care of other tasks during this trying time.
The first step to learning more about your case is to call the Morris Bart law firm in Lafayette at (337) 446-4571. Our legal team is standing by to review your case for free. We can explain your rights and help you determine if you qualify to take legal action in a fatal accident case.
Fatal Traffic Accidents and Wrongful Death Actions in Louisiana
If your loved one died following a car crash in Lafayette Parish, you might be able to take legal action against the negligent driver who caused the deadly accident under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §2315.2. This statute allows qualifying survivors of a deceased accident victim to hold the at-fault party responsible when a loved one is killed due to the at-fault party’s negligent actions. Only immediate family can bring this type of lawsuit, which includes:
- The victim’s spouse
- The victim’s minor or adult children
- The victim’s parent or parents if the victim was unmarried and had no children
- A brother or sister if the victim was not married, did not have children, and has no surviving parents
- Grandparents or other surviving relatives if the deceased has no other immediate family members who survive them
A wrongful death action allows the qualifying survivors to recover compensation for the losses they suffered because of their loved one’s death. Additional action might make it possible for the deceased’s estate to recover damages that would have been available if the victim had survived the accident and filed a personal injury case.
If you believe you may qualify to take legal action in a fatal accident case in Lafayette, LA, speak with a member of our legal office today.
For a free legal consultation with a Fatal Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 446-4571
Proving Liability in a Deadly Accident
A Lafayette fatal accident lawyer can help qualifying family members build their case, prove negligence, and seek a payout based on their damages. These cases sometimes settle out of court, but there may be times when we need to take them to trial to recover a fair payout and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
If we accept your case and decide to work together, we will take the necessary steps to ensure your rights remain protected. We will manage all interactions and communications related to your case, gather evidence, prove negligence, and take steps to ensure we meet all applicable legal deadlines.
To learn more about how we navigate this process, call the Morris Bart law firm today at (337) 446-4571.
Recoverable Damages in Fatal Accidents in Lafayette
Following a family member’s death, qualifying survivors can take their case to civil court and seek damages. These damages may include both wrongful death damages and compensation for the estate of the deceased.
The person’s estate may recover certain damages that the accident victim might have been eligible to receive following a personal injury lawsuit. These damages include:
- Treatment and medical care costs
- Lost wages and benefits from the accident until their date of death
- Property damages, such as car repairs
- Related, documented out-of-pocket expenses
- Non-economic, intangible damages your loved one experienced before their death, such as pain and suffering if they endured their injuries for several days or weeks
Wrongful death damages are somewhat different because they compensate the family for their losses because of their loved one’s injury and passing. This compensation could include:
- Final medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of services previously performed by the deceased
- Loss of companionship, guidance, love, and affection
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Louisiana Law Limits Your Time to Take Legal Action
Like other civil actions covered by CC §3492, the state’s wrongful death statute offers qualifying family members only one year from the date of their loved one’s death to file a lawsuit naming the at-fault motorist as a defendant. One year is a short time when you need to investigate an accident, prove liability, document losses, and prepare paperwork.
We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible following your family member’s death. Let us get started on the legal case and pursue damages on your behalf so that you do not lose the right to do so.
Learn More During a Free Consultation with a Fatal Accident Attorney
A Lafayette fatal accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to seek and recover compensation for you following the loss of your loved one in a deadly traffic accident. You may qualify for compensation if your spouse, parent, child, or other family member died instantly or if they suffered serious injuries and passed away because of their car crash.
We understand how important holding the at-fault motorist accountable may be in this type of case. Getting justice for your loved one and recovering the compensation you need to remain on firm financial footing despite the loss of your loved one is important to us; because we know, it is important to you.
We serve clients from 15 offices across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, including our Lafayette office. You can speak with a member of our Lafayette law office today at (337) 446-4571 for your complimentary consultation.
Questions?Call (337) 446-4571
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
