It is impossible to fully recover from the loss of a loved one. Many people find it hard to get out of bed to face each day without their lost spouse, child, or parent by their side. Learning that a loved one’s death could have been prevented makes the loss even more unbearable.
If you believe somebody else’s wrongful actions led to your loved one’s untimely passing, there might be legal and financial relief available to you and your family in the form of a personal injury claim. A Houma and Terrebonne Parish wrongful death lawyer could help you obtain a legal judgment that would hold the responsible parties accountable for their mistakes and help you move forward from this event.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
Anytime the carelessness or intentional misconduct of a person, business, or government agency causes the untimely death of another person, that deceased person’s surviving family members might be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim for financial relief. A death is considered wrongful if the decedent would have had a viable claim for damages if they had survived the accident that caused their injuries.
In addition to dealing with the emotional trauma of a sudden loss, many surviving families also face financial difficulties, particularly if their lost loved one was the sole or primary breadwinner in the family. While a successful lawsuit could never bring a lost loved one back, it could ease their family’s financial burden by giving them enough money to compensate their loved one’s lost income and wages.
A dedicated attorney in the parish seat of Terrebonne could investigate to determine precisely how the wrongful death occurred, comb through evidence to identify who was responsible, and work to bring those responsible parties to justice in civil court.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Houma and Terrebonne Parish?
Unfortunately, not every person who grieves the loss of a loved one is eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Under Louisiana law, only certain people can file suits on behalf of deceased individuals:
- The deceased person’s children or surviving spouse
- The decedent’s parents
- Surviving siblings
- The decedent’s grandparents
- The deceased person’s estate
A knowledgeable local attorney could help explain the state eligibility requirements to determine whether a potential claimant could bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of their lost loved one.
Who Can be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death?
Many different types of behavior can lead to a death. Most commonly, families in and around Terrebonne Parish pursue wrongful death claims against the following defendants:
- Distracted, drunk, speeding, or reckless drivers who cause a fatal car crash
- Doctors, nurses, or other healthcare practitioners who commit medical malpractice
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Property or business owners who leave dangerous conditions on their properties that pose risks to unsuspecting visitors
- Unscrupulous employers
- Government agencies that fail to maintain roadways
- People who intentionally hurt others through violent acts
A well-versed Houma and Terrebonne Parish lawyer like Damon J. Baldone has vast experience litigating wrongful death claims against a wide variety of defendants.
Rely on the Experience of a Houma and Terrebonne Parish Wrongful Death Attorney
Your life will never be the same without your lost loved one, but it does not have to be more financially difficult without them. A successful wrongful death lawsuit could ease your financial burdens and give you a sense of justice by holding the responsible parties accountable for their misconduct.
A compassionate Houma and Terrebonne Parish wrongful death lawyer understands how difficult this kind of loss can be. Attorney Damon J. Baldone would sensitively handle your claim and help you work toward a comprehensive recovery that could help you and your family resume your lives. Call today to learn more.