Wrongful Death Lawyers in Shreveport
Compassionate Legal Support for Grieving Families Throughout 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.
Understanding the Legal Process for Wrongful Death Claims
Navigating the legal system for a wrongful death claim can be extremely stressful during the already trying and emotional period of grieving for a loved one. Our skilled attorneys at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law are ready to compassionately and professionally assist you at every stage of the procedure.
When pursuing a wrongful death claim, it is important to understand the following key points:
- The legal definition of wrongful death and who can file a claim
- The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Louisiana
- The types of compensation available in a wrongful death claim
- The evidence needed to support a wrongful death claim
- The potential outcomes of a wrongful death lawsuit
You may feel secure knowing that your case is in capable hands when you collaborate with our committed legal team. We'll put forth an unceasing effort to pursue justice for your loved one and make those guilty responsible for their deeds.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that is brought by the surviving family members of a person who has died due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions and to recover compensation for the family’s losses.
Under Louisiana law, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the following individuals:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse and children
- The deceased’s surviving parents, if there is no surviving spouse or children
- The deceased’s surviving siblings, if there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents
If none of these individuals are alive, the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. The damages recovered in a wrongful death claim are distributed to the surviving family members in proportion to their loss.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Louisiana?
Like other personal injury claims, wrongful death claims are subject to a statute of limitations. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is one year from the date of the deceased’s death.
If you fail to file your wrongful death claim within this one-year time limit, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the at-fault party is a government entity, you may have as little as 90 days to file your claim.
Additionally, if the at-fault party is facing criminal charges for the death, the statute of limitations may be paused until the criminal case is resolved. To ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines, it is best to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help?
When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to do is deal with a complicated legal process. However, filing a wrongful death claim is often the only way to recover the compensation you need to pay for your loved one’s final expenses and to support your family in the future.
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 lawyers can handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on your family and your healing.
When you choose our firm, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your loved one’s death
- Identify all potentially liable parties and sources of compensation
- Handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company
- Prepare your case for trial, if necessary
- Aggressively advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed
Our firm has extensive experience handling wrongful death claims, and we have a proven track record of success. We know what it takes to win and are not afraid to take on large corporations and insurance companies on your behalf.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can help you recover the compensation you need to pay for your loved one’s final expenses and support your family in the future.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Our firm can help you understand the potential value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
How Is Fault Determined In A Wrongful Death Case?
In Louisiana, determining guilt in a wrongful death case entails applying state laws and conducting a comprehensive investigation. As your Shreveport wrongful death lawyer, we aim to make sense of this procedure and assist you in comprehending the steps involved in determining blame.
- Negligence: One of the key factors in determining fault is establishing negligence. This requires showing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, that this duty was breached, and that the breach directly led to the death. Examples include reckless driving, medical malpractice, and unsafe working conditions.
- Evidence Collection: Crucial evidence is essential in establishing fault. This may encompass police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies. Our team of wrongful death lawyers in Shreveport meticulously gathers and scrutinizes all pertinent evidence to construct a strong case.
- Comparative Fault: In Louisiana, a comparative fault system is applied, which means that multiple parties can share responsibility for a wrongful death. Even if the deceased was partially at fault, you may still obtain damages; however, the amount will be diminished by the deceased's fault.
- Expert Testimonies: In wrongful death cases, expert witnesses hold a significant role. Professionals such as accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and industry-specific experts provide critical insights into the circumstances of the incident and identify responsible parties.
- Legal Precedents: Past court rulings in similar cases can influence the determination of fault. Our experienced attorneys stay informed on legal precedents to leverage the most pertinent and effective arguments.
Our team of seasoned wrongful death lawyers in Shreveport meticulously investigates each aspect of the case to determine fault. We work tirelessly to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable and that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
By partnering with an experienced Shreveport wrongful death attorney at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, you can navigate the complexities of your case with confidence and pursue a fair and just outcome.
Get the Legal Support You Need Today
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 are committed to helping you recover the compensation you are owed so you can focus on your family and your healing.
Call our office today at (318) 633-0186 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Shreveport wrongful death lawyers.
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