Losing a loved one is devastating. When that loss may have been caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, families are often left with questions, uncertainty, and financial stress. If you are wondering whether you have a wrongful death case in Louisiana, this guide explains the key factors to consider and what steps you can take next.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, a wrongful death case arises when a person dies as a result of another party’s fault, negligence, or intentional conduct. These claims are designed to compensate surviving family members for the losses they suffer because of the death.
Wrongful death cases commonly involve:
- Car and truck accidents
- Workplace and industrial accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective or dangerous products
- Unsafe property conditions
- Toxic exposure or hazardous environments
If you believe a loved one’s death could have been prevented, you may want to speak with a Louisiana wrongful death lawyer to review your situation and explain your legal options.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?
Louisiana law strictly defines who is allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In most cases, the right to file belongs to:
- The surviving spouse
- The surviving children
- In some cases, the parents or estate representative
The law also establishes an order of priority if more than one person qualifies. Understanding who has the legal right to file is important, especially in complex family situations.
For more detail, you can review the statute directly on the Louisiana Legislature’s website, which outlines Louisiana’s wrongful death rights and procedures under state law.
How Can I Tell If Negligence Caused the Death?
Most wrongful death cases are based on negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, and that failure leads to serious harm or death.
You may have a wrongful death case if:
- A driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired
- A company failed to follow safety regulations
- A doctor or hospital made a serious medical error
- A product was defectively designed or manufactured
- A property owner failed to fix known hazards
Proving negligence usually requires evidence such as accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements. A wrongful death attorney can help determine whether the facts support a legal claim.
Internal link opportunity:
Link to related practice pages like Personal Injury or Drilling Rig Accidents where appropriate.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, Louisiana law allows families to seek compensation for losses such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Loss of income and financial support
- Loss of companionship and care
- Emotional pain and suffering
Each case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on factors such as the deceased person’s age, income, and role within the family.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Louisiana has a very short deadline for wrongful death claims. In most cases, families have one year from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation.
Because of this strict time limit, it is important to speak with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. If you’re unsure if your case falls within the statute of limitations you can contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
How Stag Liuzza Can Help Families With Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases are legally complex and emotionally difficult. The attorneys at Stag Liuzza help families by investigating what happened, identifying responsible parties, and building strong claims for compensation.
Our team works closely with medical experts, investigators, and financial professionals to pursue accountability and justice for families across Louisiana.
Take the Next Step
If you believe your loved one’s death may have been caused by negligence or wrongdoing, you do not have to navigate this process alone. Understanding your rights is the first step toward accountability and closure.
Contact Stag Liuzza today to speak with an experienced Louisiana wrongful death lawyer and learn whether you may have a case.
