Mansfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Mansfield, LA

Louisiana wrongful death laws are fairly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to file a claim to secure a proper settlement. Every wrongful death case is unique and requires focused attention. The Mansfield wrongful death lawyers at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates bring decades of experience helping our clients through tough times. You can count on us to take care of the details so you can focus on the future.

Recovering Damages From a Wrongful Death Claim in Mansfield

You can recover both economic and non-economic damages on behalf of a victim through survival actions and wrongful death claims in Louisiana. Economic damages refer to direct costs related to the incident. For financial damages, the at-fault party can be held liable to pay for issues related to the decedent’s death through a survival action, including:

• Victim’s lost wages
• Victim’s medical expenses
• Victim’s pain and suffering

They may also have to pay damages on behalf of the family’s suffering through a wrongful death claim in Mansfield, LA. Common damages awarded in wrongful death claims in Louisiana include compensation to hold a funeral at a local cemetery, like DeSoto Hill Cemetery or Mansfield Cemetery. Other damages include the loss of the victim’s income and benefits, and loss of consortium or companionship.

Cases that feature gross negligence or intentional harm can also result in punitive damages. These are a type of damage that is awarded to punish the negligent party. The goal is to prevent similar conduct in the future.

No matter the circumstances surrounding your case, you can count on a Mansfield wrongful death attorney from Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates to help you secure appropriate compensation.

Wrongful Death Cases in Louisiana

There were a total of 57,521 deaths recorded in Louisiana in a single year, 376 of which occurred in DeSoto Parish. Accidents are the third-leading cause of death in Louisiana, accounting for eight percent of all fatalities recorded in 2022. Unintentional injuries are responsible for over 7,000 fatalities, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 500,000 ER visits annually in Louisiana.

State law follows an order of priority on who can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased victim in an accident. Those eligible to open a wrongful death case on behalf of a decedent go as follows:

1. Surviving spouse and/or children
2. Parents
3. Brothers and/or sisters
4. Grandparents

Anyone with adopted relations to the deceased has the same rights as those who are related to them by blood or marriage.

If you need help navigating the claims process, you can count on a local Mansfield wrongful death lawyer from Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates to be there for you.

Our Mansfield Wrongful Death Lawyers

With over 35 years in business under our belt, Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates understands what it takes to secure an adequate settlement from a wrongful death claim. We’ve helped individuals through complex claims and have secured multimillion-dollar legal settlements for our clients.

Our staff brings 75 years of combined experience. This means we know what it’s like navigating claims through the DeSoto Parish District Court. You can count on our Mansfield wrongful death lawyers to provide the aggressive advocacy and representation you deserve.

Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates is recognized by both state and national bar associations. We’re proud to stay connected through our involvement in multiple community initiatives. Moreover, we’re consistently nominated as a favorite in SB Magazine’s Lawyers Poll. Our industry awards and accolades also include: 

• 10 Best Law Firm Award
• Lawyer of the Year with the American Institute of Legal Professionals
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
• Top Lawyer with the American Institute of Legal Advocates

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action In Louisiana?

Wrongful death claims and survival actions are closely related to one another, but they are not the same. Both legal actions allow the deceased’s family to recover damages related to their loss, approaching the situation from slightly different angles.

Survival actions allow those filing to recover damages on behalf of the victim’s suffering, essentially fighting for what they would have been entitled to if they lived. Wrongful death claims, on the other hand, focus on the surviving family’s suffering.

How Much Can I Recover From a Wrongful Death Claim in Mansfield?

How much you can recover from a wrongful death claim is going to depend on the strength of your case. You must have solid evidence that establishes the other party’s misconduct or negligence. The more information you have that supports your claim, the better.

The severity of the incident that led to the victim’s death affects how much you can recover. A Mansfield wrongful death attorney can help you understand the scope of your losses.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?

You typically have one year from the date of the decedent’s death to file a wrongful death claim under Louisiana law. That said, every case is different and can come with its own unique caveats. It’s beneficial to hire a wrongful death lawyer to explain Louisiana wrongful death laws, walk you through the claims process, and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines along the way.

Do I Have to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer to File a Claim in Mansfield?

You do not have to hire a wrongful death lawyer to file a claim in Louisiana. That said, it’s highly recommended that you do. A Mansfield wrongful death lawyer can use their knowledge of Louisiana laws and past experience to guide your strategy. This can help you recover appropriate compensation. They can negotiate deals, represent your interests in court, and handle any challenges that come up along the way.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Mansfield

We stick by your side throughout the filing of your personal injury claim. From negotiating settlement terms to fighting for fair compensation, you can count on our Mansfield personal injury lawyers to be there for you. Contact the office to set up your initial consultation with a trusted attorney today.

Mansfield, LA Wrongful Death Resources

• How to Choose the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Louisiana?
• How to Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case in Louisiana?