Losing a loved one changes everything. If someone’s careless or intentional act caused the loss, Louisiana law gives your family a path to seek accountability and financial support. The Louisiana personal injury lawyers of LJBLegal guide you with care, explain each step in plain language, and build a strong case grounded in facts and evidence.
What Is Wrongful Death In Louisiana?
A wrongful death happens when a person dies because another person or company acted carelessly, recklessly, or on purpose. Examples include car or truck crashes, workplace or industrial incidents, and boating accidents. A wrongful death claim lets eligible family members seek compensation and accountability under Louisiana law.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773Who May File A Wrongful Death Claim?
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2 sets the order of who may file:
- Surviving spouse and children
- Surviving parents, if there is no spouse or child
- Surviving siblings, if there are no spouse, children, or parents
- Surviving grandparents, if no closer relatives remain
Adopted children and adoptive parents have the same rights as biological family.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773How Long Do You Have To File?
Louisiana’s prescriptive period for wrongful death is generally one year from the date of death. Missing this deadline may end the right to recover. Quick action helps preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and protect your claim.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Can Families Recover?
A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses your family faces now and in the future:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills related to the fatal injury
- Loss of income, benefits, and future earnings
- Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and protection
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Is The Difference Between A Wrongful Death Claim And A Survival Action?
Louisiana law recognizes two related claims when a death is caused by another’s actions. According to Louisiana Article 2315.1, families may file one or both.
What Does A Survival Action Cover?
A survival action lets family members recover what the deceased person could have claimed if they had lived, including:
- Pain and suffering before death
- Medical bills before death
- Lost wages up until death
What Does A Wrongful Death Claim Cover?
A wrongful death claim compensates family members for their own losses after the death, such as:
- Future lost financial support
- Emotional suffering of family members
- Loss of companionship and care
Key Points To Remember
- The same family members may file either type
- Both generally must be filed within one year of the death
- You may file them together or separately
Think of it this way: a survival action covers what your loved one went through before death. A wrongful death claim covers how the loss affects you and your family going forward.
What Must Be Proven In A Wrongful Death Case?
Successful claims usually show four elements. The attorneys of LJBLegal collect the proof and present it clearly.
- Duty: The at-fault party had a responsibility to act safely
- Breach: They failed to meet that responsibility
- Causation: The breach caused, or contributed to, the death
- Damages: The family suffered measurable losses
How Do The Attorneys Of LJBLegal Help Your Family?
You should feel supported and informed. Our team balances compassion with the strength needed to handle tough cases. Many claims resolve through settlement. If trial becomes necessary, you will want a team that is ready to go the distance.
- Investigate the facts quickly and secure time-sensitive evidence
- Identify all responsible parties and available insurance
- Work with trusted experts when needed, such as accident reconstruction or economics
- Value the full scope of losses, financial and personal
- Negotiate with insurers so you can focus on your family
- File suit and present a clear, thorough case when required
Stay Informed With Our Client Portal App
Communication reduces stress. Our secure client portal app gives you 24/7 access to your case status. You can upload documents, find answers to common questions, and message your attorney or your dedicated case manager at any time.
Our Pricing: Simple And Client First
At LJBLegal, cost should never be the reason you hesitate to get help. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- No upfront costs. You do not pay anything to hire us.
- No fee unless we win. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
- No surprises. Our fee stays the same even if we need to file a lawsuit or take your case to trial.
Why Families Across Louisiana Choose LJBLegal
Grief is heavy. Legal steps should feel manageable. Our attorneys focus on trust, guidance, and steady communication. We handle complex work personally, use proven systems, and bring in respected experts when needed. Clients often receive higher settlements with experienced counsel, and they feel cared for along the way. You deserve both.
Speak With A Louisiana Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you lost a loved one because of someone’s negligence anywhere in Louisiana, we are here to help. Call 985-240-9773 for a free consultation. We will listen, answer your questions, and outline clear next steps for your family’s path forward.