Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Louisiana. When a family member is killed by a negligent, distracted, drunk, or reckless driver — or by a trucking company that failed to maintain safe operations — surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys investigate the full circumstances of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation on behalf of your family.

Louisiana’s oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing industries carry significant risks. When a worker is killed due to unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, inadequate training, or an employer’s failure to follow safety regulations, surviving family members may have both workers’ compensation and third-party negligence claims. Our attorneys evaluate every potential avenue of recovery to maximize your family’s compensation.

When a healthcare provider’s negligence — a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistake, or failure to treat — causes a patient’s death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Medical malpractice cases are highly complex and subject to strict procedural requirements in Louisiana. Our attorneys work with medical experts to build compelling cases against negligent providers and the institutions that employ them.

When an offshore or maritime worker is killed in the course of their work, surviving family members may have claims under the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), or general maritime law, in addition to wrongful death claims under Louisiana law. These cases carry specialized legal requirements and unique rules for damages. Our attorneys are experienced in offshore and maritime wrongful death litigation and fight to recover the full value of your family’s loss.

When a person is killed due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property — a defective staircase, inadequate security, a swimming pool accident, or a slip and fall — surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the property owner. Our attorneys investigate the hazardous condition and pursue all responsible parties, including property owners, management companies, and their insurers.

Defective products — from faulty vehicle components and dangerous medications to unsafe consumer goods and industrial equipment — can cause fatal accidents. When a product defect causes a death, liability may extend to the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. Our attorneys work with engineering and safety experts to establish product defects and pursue claims against all responsible parties in the supply chain.

When a nursing home resident dies as a result of abuse, neglect, inadequate medical care, or unsafe conditions, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the facility and its staff. These cases often involve falls, medication errors, untreated bedsores, and failure to respond to medical emergencies. Our attorneys hold negligent facilities fully accountable for the deaths of vulnerable residents.

When a drunk or impaired driver causes a fatal accident, surviving family members may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the most egregious conduct and deter others from similar behavior. Our attorneys pursue every available form of compensation — including claims against establishments that over-served the driver under Louisiana’s dram shop laws where applicable.

Pedestrians and cyclists have little protection when struck by a vehicle, and fatal accidents are tragically common in Louisiana. When a negligent driver causes the death of a pedestrian or bicyclist, our attorneys pursue the full range of wrongful death damages on behalf of surviving family members, including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

When a person is killed as a result of an intentional criminal act — assault, homicide, or sexual violence — surviving family members may pursue a civil wrongful death claim separate from any criminal prosecution. A civil claim can provide compensation even if the perpetrator is not convicted in criminal court. In some cases, liability may also extend to a property owner who failed to provide adequate security. Our attorneys help families pursue justice on both fronts.

Louisiana law specifies who may bring a wrongful death claim and in what order of priority. The surviving spouse has the first right to bring a claim, followed by surviving children, then parents, and then siblings. If a higher-priority survivor exists and chooses to file, lower-priority survivors generally cannot file separately. Our attorneys help families understand who has the right to bring a claim and how to proceed in a way that maximizes your family’s recovery.

In most cases, wrongful death claims in Louisiana must be filed within one year of the date of death. This is a shorter deadline than the standard two-year personal injury statute of limitations. Waiting too long can permanently bar your family from recovering any compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses — loss of financial support, companionship, and funeral expenses. A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and seeks compensation for losses the deceased suffered before death, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings from the time of injury to death. Both types of claims are often pursued simultaneously. Our attorneys evaluate your situation and pursue every available claim to maximize your family’s recovery.

Louisiana follows pure comparative fault. Even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident that caused their death, your family can still recover compensation — the total award is simply reduced by the deceased’s percentage of fault. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often try to exaggerate the victim’s share of blame. Our attorneys push back hard against these tactics to protect your family’s recovery.

Nothing upfront. Our wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — your family pays nothing unless we recover compensation. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

Wrongful death cases vary significantly in complexity. Some settle within several months once liability is clear. Others — particularly those involving disputed fault, multiple defendants, or catastrophic losses — may take longer if litigation is required. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep your family informed at every step and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim is completely separate from any criminal prosecution. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed, are pending, or have resulted in an acquittal. The standard of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, which means you may recover compensation even if a criminal conviction was not obtained. Our attorneys handle the civil side of your case and work to achieve the justice your family deserves.

Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Preserve any evidence you have access to — photos, incident reports, correspondence, and medical records. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance companies are trained to use your own words to minimize your claim. We are here to help your family navigate this difficult time and fight for the justice you deserve.