St. Mary Parish Wrongful Death and Survival Action Lawyer
Wrongful death refers to a type of civil action that someone brings against a person or entity who is responsible for causing another individual’s untimely passing. State law only allows close surviving family members to file one of these claims and pursue monetary damages.
If one of your loved ones has died in an accident, you should consider contacting a St. Mary Parish wrongful death and survival action lawyer. A compassionate personal injury attorney who handles wrongful death and survival action cases can help you obtain monetary damages and take legal action against the responsible party.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death or Survival Action Claim?
State law establishes who may initiate these lawsuits in the event of a fatal accident. A St. Mary Parish attorney could assess a wrongful death claim and who may be eligible to bring a survival action lawsuit. Some of these individuals may include:
- The surviving spouse or children of the deceased
- Any surviving parents, if there are no spouse or children
- Siblings of the deceased, if there are no parents, spouse, or children
- Any surviving grandparents, if there are no siblings, parents, spouse, or children
It is important to note that these individuals can only file a claim for civil damages.
The state must file a criminal case and determines whether the defendant may face punishment, such as monetary fines and incarceration.
Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
State law recognizes that the unexpected loss of a close loved one in a fatal accident can be devastating to surviving family members, especially those were financially dependent on the deceased. As such, the economic losses that a claimant in a wrongful death lawsuit may be able to recover include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills prior to the individual’s death
- Lost wages and benefits
- The value of lost household services
A St. Mary Parish lawyer with experience handling wrongful death and survival actions also may be able to pursue compensation for the family’s emotional losses as well. Some non-economic losses that a claimant and their family may be able to recover include the pain and suffering the deceased family member experienced in their final moments, loss of companionship, guidance, care, and emotional support. Claimants should understand that only enumerated family members may be able to recover.
Speak with a St. Mary Parish Wrongful Death and Survival Action Attorney
If someone loses a close relative in a fatal accident, this can be a traumatic experience with lasting consequences, especially on the deceased’s spouse and children. A St. Mary Parish wrongful death and survivial action lawyer can help these individuals seek justice for their family member as well as hold the responsible party accountable. If you need help filing a wrongful death claim or survival action, speak with one of our caring attorneys today.