Minden Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Minden, LA

Minden is known for its charming atmosphere and annual St. Jude fundraiser. It is widely regarded for its friendly atmosphere, but unfortunately, tragedies can still happen. If a loved one died due to another person’s actions or lack thereof, consider speaking with a Minden wrongful death lawyer to find out what you can do.

Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys in Minden, LA

We know how devastating it can be to lose a family member. That’s why Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates offers compassionate support to clients who are fighting for damages after their loved one was killed unexpectedly.

What to Do After a Wrongful Death

Many people are left completely lost after the death of a loved one. Here are some useful things you can do in the meantime to help your claim in the event you need to file:

• Gather relevant documents. It’s important to keep as many documents related to the death as possible. This applies to medical records, accident reports, and any other paperwork you can find. An attorney can tell you what documents you need to collect and how to get them.
• Stay firm against insurance companies. It’s in the insurance company’s interest to send you a low offer quickly before you speak to anyone. This can keep you from understanding the full value of your claim. Working with an attorney can give them the responsibility of contacting the insurance company to try to negotiate a better settlement amount.
• Record the costs. Many people forget about the costs associated with a wrongful death. Some victims spend time in the hospital before they die. The funeral costs often come at an unexpected time. Any wages the victim earned can also be recorded to be included in a wrongful death settlement.
• Take care of yourself. These events are often traumatic for people who were close to the late victim. Be sure to use resources like counseling for help with the transition. It’s important to know that you’re not alone when dealing with such severe trauma.
• Work with an attorney. Some people believe they can go it alone in filing a wrongful death claim. However, this can result in many people not getting as much compensation as they would have if they had worked with an attorney.

It’s important to act as soon as possible after the loss of a loved one. This preserves the available evidence and keeps your options open.

Comparative Fault in a Wrongful Death Claim

Louisiana uses comparative fault when determining how much money victims can receive for their damages. This is a term that is meant to recognize when an individual was somewhat at fault for their own injuries.

In wrongful death claims, there are often many different parties involved. Each of them is usually assigned a percentage of fault. If the victim is assigned a percentage of fault, their damages are then reduced by that percentage.

It’s important to make sure this number is as accurate as possible because it affects how much compensation you can receive in a claim. This is why working with an attorney can increase how much you are entitled to. An attorney can gather and present evidence that lowers your fault percentage, making your claim worth more.

Comparative fault is a valuable tool when used correctly. Even if an insurance company claims that the victim was to blame, the family can still receive at least some of the damages owed to them. This can help them cover the costs of the victim’s death while still holding the negligent or responsible party accountable.

Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

When thinking about a wrongful death case, you only have one chance to file and recover damages. After you agree to a settlement, you can’t go back on it if you change your mind. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney so that your claim has better odds of succeeding.

Why Choose Us?

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we have recovered several large settlements for clients and their lost loved ones. We have numerous successes in wrongful death cases and have recovered as much as $1 million for the families of victims. We do not take our clients’ futures lightly.

FAQs

How Do You Start a Wrongful Death Claim in Minden?

To start a wrongful death claim in Minden, you first need to collect evidence of the wrongful death. Important evidence includes things like the accident report and other paperwork related to the event. Once all the documents are collected, you start the process by filing paperwork with the 26th Judicial District Court, located in Webster Parish.

How Long Do I Have to File for Wrongful Death in Minden?

The amount of time you have to file for wrongful death in Minden (also known as the statute of limitations) is one year from the time the victim died. If the injuries happened on a separate day, then the family has two years from the date the injury happened to file a claim. There are many important details that come into play during a wrongful death claim. An attorney can help you work through the specifics of your claim.

Who Is Liable for Wrongful Death?

The party held liable for a wrongful death varies based on the claim. For example, if the death happened due to a car accident, another driver could be at fault. If the death happened due to medical malpractice, then a doctor or healthcare provider might be at fault. The entity that is at fault must have made a mistake that did not take the person’s safety into account.

How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Take?

The length of time that a wrongful death claim takes depends on the case. Simple cases with fewer parties involved tend to take less time. However, cases with large damage amounts or those with several parties that cannot agree on a settlement will likely lead to the case being tried in court, resulting in the case taking several months or even years.

We Can Handle Your Legal Issues for You

The average family size in Minden is 3.14 people. One death in the family can lead to a substantial change in circumstances for everyone in the household. For assistance in getting damages in a wrongful death claim, schedule a consultation with Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates.

Minden, LA Wrongful Death Resources

How to Choose the Best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Louisiana?