Metairie Fatal Accident Attorneys
The death of a loved one is the most devastating event that anyone can experience. While nothing can bring your family member back, you may have a right to recover financial damages if the death was caused by another party's negligence.
At the Ates Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your rights. With law offices in Destrehan and Gretna, our lawyers represent family members of wrongful death victims in Greater New Orleans, the River Parishes and throughout Louisiana.
Am I Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Louisiana law, the following classes of family members have a right to bring a cause of action against the negligent party:
- The surviving spouse and children of the deceased
- If the deceased left no surviving spouse or child, then the father and mother of the deceased
- If no parents survive, then the surviving brothers and sisters of the deceased
- If the deceased left no surviving spouse, child, parent or sibling, then the grandfather and grandmother of the deceased
Each class precludes the rights of the classes coming after it. For example, if there is a surviving spouse or child, any surviving parents, siblings or grandparents are not eligible.
What Damages Can I Recover?
There are two causes of action in a wrongful death case:
- Survival action: If the victim survived even for a short while before death, eligible family members can recover compensation for the damages suffered by the victim, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death action: Eligible family members can recover compensation for their losses, such as emotional grief, loss of consortium, loss of parental guidance and loss of financial support.
For More Information About Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and answer your questions. To talk to our Gretna, Destrehan or New Orleans wrongful death attorneys, call 504-264-9524 or fill out the contact form on this website.
