When you lose a loved one, it can be devastating. However, when the death was preventable, it can cause additional grief as you question why your loved one had to die. Our New Orleans wrongful death lawyers understand that you and your family are grieving the loss of a family member. We also know that if the death was preventable, you might have a wrongful death claim against the party who caused your loved one’s death. Understanding the causes of wrongful death lawsuits can give you some insight in case you ever have to experience this type of situation. We are here to help you hold the person or party responsible for your family member’s death responsible for the negligence and wrongdoing that lead to death.
What Causes a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit arises when a person dies because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. You do not need to prove that the party acted intentionally. A party could be at fault if the party’s actions or inactions led to the death of your loved one, even if the party did not intend to cause harm.
Criminal charges might be filed against a party when a death occurs. However, the criminal charges are separate from any civil action the family might have for wrongful death. The wrongful death claim is independent of the criminal investigation. Even if criminal charges are never filed or the person is found innocent of the charges, the family might prevail on a wrongful death claim.
What Are Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Louisiana?
Wrongful death cases arise from a variety of personal injury accidents or situations. Common situations that might result in a wrongful death lawsuit include, but are not limited to:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Dangerous or Defective Drugs
- Defective Medical Equipment
If you believe that your loved one died because of negligence or other wrongdoing, it is best to talk to a wrongful death lawyer in Louisiana as soon as possible. Your time to file a wrongful death lawsuit is limited by law. If you do not take quick action, you could lose your right to hold the party or parties responsible for your loved one’s death accountable for their actions.
Why Should I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit will not bring back your loved one. However, many families find some comfort in seeking justice for their family member. They find that holding the party responsible for the death accountable in court can help with closure.
Also, filing a wrongful death lawsuit brings light to the wrongdoing and negligence of the responsible party. In some cases, shining a light on that negligence can help other families avoid going through the same pain that your family is enduring. For example, filing wrongful death claims against manufacturers for defective medical equipment gives other patients notices that they might be in danger if they use the same devices.
The compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can also help a family pay living expenses and other bills. When a family member dies, who contributed to the family’s income, the resulting financial crisis can be difficult to overcome. A monetary award from a wrongful death claim can be very helpful as the family continues to recover from a devastating loss.
Contact a New Orleans
If you have questions about wrongful death claims, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Louisiana wrongful death attorneys.