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Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law
Serving Northwest Louisiana for 25 Years 318-633-0186
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Wrongful Death

Shreveport Wrongful Death Attorney

Compassionate Legal Support for Grieving Families in Northwest Louisiana

When a loved one dies, the pain and grief can be overwhelming. When that death is caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another, the loss can be even more difficult to bear. In addition to the emotional trauma, families are often left with significant financial burdens, including medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of the deceased’s income and benefits.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney at Law, we understand the immense pain and suffering you are going through, and we are here to help. Our Shreveport wrongful death lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Call our office today at (318) 633-0186 or contact us onlineto schedule a free consultation with our team.

What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person’s negligent, careless, or intentional actions. These claims are civil lawsuits designed to provide compensation to the surviving family members for their loss.

Common causes of wrongful death include:

  • Car accidents caused by drunk, distracted, or reckless drivers
  • Truck accidents involving driver fatigue or improper loading
  • Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis
  • Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions or equipment
  • Defective products that cause fatal injuries
  • Nursing home neglect or abuse leading to preventable death
  • Criminal acts, such as assault or homicide

In a wrongful death case, the focus is not on criminal punishment but on financial accountability. The at-fault party (or their insurance company) may be required to pay compensation for the losses the surviving family suffers due to the wrongful act.

Louisiana Wrongful Death Laws

Louisiana’s wrongful death laws are outlined in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, which allows specific family members to file a lawsuit when a person’s death results from another’s fault.

Key aspects of the law include:

Eligible Family Members

Only certain relatives are permitted to file a wrongful death claim, in the following order of priority:

  • The spouse and children of the deceased
  • If none, the parents of the deceased
  • If none, the siblings of the deceased
  • If none, the grandparents of the deceased

Only the closest living relatives in the order listed can pursue a claim. For instance, if a spouse or child exists, parents cannot file.

Statute of Limitations

Louisiana has one of the shortest filing deadlines in the country for wrongful death claims. Under state law, you have one year from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek compensation.

Burden of Proof

To succeed in a wrongful death case, you must prove that:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
  • The defendant breached that duty through negligence or misconduct.
  • The breach caused the death.
  • The surviving family members suffered damages as a result.

Our Shreveport wrongful death lawyer from Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case to prove these elements on your behalf.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Louisiana law restricts who can bring a wrongful death claim. Generally, the following individuals have the right to file:

  • Spouse and/or Children: The surviving spouse and children have first priority. They may file jointly or individually.
  • Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or child, the parents of the deceased can file.
  • Siblings: If there are no parents, spouse, or children, siblings may bring a claim.
  • Grandparents: If no closer relatives exist, grandparents may pursue the claim.

Additionally, adopted family members have the same rights as biological relatives under Louisiana law.

It’s important to consult an attorney promptly to determine your eligibility and protect your right to file before the statute of limitations expires.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

While money cannot replace a loved one, wrongful death compensation can help alleviate the financial hardships caused by the loss and recognize the pain the family has endured.

Potential damages in a Louisiana wrongful death case may include:

Economic Damages

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical costs incurred before death
  • Loss of income and financial support the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering of surviving family members
  • Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
  • Emotional distress caused by the loss
  • Loss of consortium for spouses

In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

The amount of compensation varies depending on factors such as the deceased’s age, earning potential, and the emotional and financial impact on surviving family members.

Wrongful Death FAQs

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana?

You typically have one year from the date of death to file. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to recover compensation.

What’s the difference between a wrongful death case and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates family members for their own losses, while a survival action seeks damages for the pain, suffering, and expenses the deceased experienced before death. Both can often be filed together.

Can a criminal case affect a wrongful death lawsuit?

Yes. A criminal case can run separately from a wrongful death claim. Even if the defendant is not convicted in criminal court, you may still win compensation through a civil wrongful death lawsuit, which has a lower burden of proof.

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Shreveport?

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

How can a wrongful death attorney help my family?

A skilled attorney investigates the cause of death, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance companies, files legal documents, and represents your family in court if necessary — allowing you to focus on healing.

Contact Our Shreveport Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we know that wrongful death cases require more than legal skill — they require compassion, respect, and dedication. Our team is committed to standing by your side through every step of the process, fighting for justice for your loved one, and ensuring your family’s financial future is protected.

If you’ve lost someone due to negligence or wrongful conduct, don’t wait to seek help. Call (318) 633-0186 today to schedule a free consultation with our Shreveport wrongful death lawyer.

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