Bossier City Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Bossier City, LA

Losing someone you love because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct is heartbreaking, and the grief that follows is often overwhelming. That’s where a Bossier City wrongful death lawyer can step in.

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we help families in Bossier City navigate this complex legal process with compassion and dedication, ensuring you have the advocate you need to pursue fair compensation while also holding those responsible to account.

About Us

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we bring over 35 years of experience to every case we handle. Led by an award-winning attorney with a proven record of success, our firm is committed to delivering compassionate legal representation and keeping clients informed every step of the way.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

With one worker dying every 99 minutes, over 11,000 fatalities in speeding accidents, and an estimated 222,698 unintentional deaths in 2023 alone, it’s clear that wrongful death claims can stem from a wide variety of situations, and knowing the common causes can help families understand when they might have a case. They include:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impaired drivers are among the leading sources of wrongful death claims.
• Medical malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or failure to provide proper treatment can have fatal consequences.
• Workplace and industrial accidents. Falls, equipment malfunctions, or inadequate safety procedures can lead to preventable deaths.
• Defective products. Dangerous consumer goods, automotive parts, or machinery defects can sometimes cause fatal injuries, making manufacturers or distributors liable.
• Premises liability incidents. Property owners who fail to address hazards, like unsafe stairways, inadequate security, or poor maintenance, can be held accountable for fatal accidents.

The Bossier City wrongful death attorneys at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates have extensive experience investigating these cases, identifying responsible parties, and guiding families through Louisiana’s complex legal process including understanding how negligence is proven in wrongful death claims.

How to Prove Wrongful Death

Proving wrongful death demands clear evidence and a thorough understanding of Louisiana’s legal standards. Establishing fault is critical when fighting to secure compensation, and every detail matters. To succeed in a wrongful death case, you must establish four key elements, which are:

1. Duty of care. This means the defendant legally owed a degree of care to your loved one, like a driver’s duty to follow traffic laws.
2. Breach of duty. This means the defendant failed to uphold that duty through negligent or intentional acts.
3. Causation. This means their breach of duty directly caused your loved one’s death.
4. Damages. You suffered measurable losses, like financial hardship or emotional pain.

The dedicated team at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates understands the intricate steps involved. With our guidance, you can face this difficult process with confidence, knowing experienced professionals are fighting for the accountability your loved one deserves.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled To

In Louisiana, families could be eligible for various forms of compensation to help ease the burden of their loss. Understanding the types of damages available is important, and these damages could include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before the victim’s passing
• Lost wages and benefits your loved one would have earned
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members

The team at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has the knowledge and dedication to evaluate your losses, present strong evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation allowed under Louisiana’s wrongful death laws.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters

When your family is facing the aftermath of a tragic loss, choosing a local advocate can make all the difference. Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has spent decades representing families in Bossier City, and we understand the nuances of the courts where your case is heard.

Our attorneys regularly practice in the Bossier Parish Courthouse, the Caddo Parish Courthouse, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. This familiarity with local judges, clerks, and opposing counsel allows us to anticipate challenges, adjust our strategies, and advocate for your interests more effectively than outsiders unfamiliar with the area.

We also understand the values and expectations of the Bossier City community, which can play a significant role in shaping a jury’s perspective.

FAQs

Q: Can Multiple Family Members File Separate Wrongful Death Claims for the Same Person?

A: No, multiple family members can’t file separate wrongful death claims for the same person. Louisiana law requires that eligible family members file a single wrongful death claim as a group. This ensures consistency in damages and avoids conflicting judgments. If disputes develop within the family, our attorneys can mediate to make sure everyone’s interests are represented without jeopardizing the claim.

Q: Can a Criminal Case Against the Responsible Party Affect My Civil Wrongful Death Claim?

A: No, a criminal case against the responsible party can’t affect your civil wrongful death claim. Criminal charges are separate from civil wrongful death cases, which means even if the defendant is acquitted in criminal court, you could still succeed in civil court, where the burden of proof is lower. Our team can coordinate timelines to avoid conflicts and use evidence from the criminal case to strengthen your civil claim.

Q: How Does Comparative Fault Affect a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?

A: Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means that any awarded damages could be reduced if the deceased was partially responsible for the accident. This reduction is based on the percentage of fault that’s assigned to the deceased. Our experienced Bossier City wrongful death attorneys can analyze the circumstances, argue for minimal or no reduction, and gather evidence to show the defendant bears the majority of responsibility.

Q: Can a Wrongful Death Claim Include Future Financial Opportunities the Deceased Might Have Had?

A: Yes, wrongful death claims can include future financial opportunities that the deceased might have had. In Louisiana, damages in wrongful death cases can account for the income your loved one would have likely earned in the future, including promotions or business opportunities. Our team can help calculate these projections, ensuring your family receives the financial support your loved one would have provided over their lifetime.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

The loss of a loved one leaves a void that no amount of money can fill, but pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide the financial stability your family needs to move forward. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we combine deep knowledge of Louisiana’s wrongful death laws with compassionate, results-driven advocacy.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.