Gonzales Wrongful Death Lawyer

Gonzales Wrongful Death Attorney

A personal injury claim can help an accident victim, but not if they passed away due to their injuries. A wrongful death claim is meant to give the same aid to the victims’ families. They can be difficult to file without the help of a Gonzales wrongful death lawyer.

Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys in Gonzales, LA

A wrongful death claim is a way for families to receive some sort of closure for the death of their loved one. At Knightshead Law Firm, we work tirelessly to give our clients this dignity. We know that there’s no way to fully make up for someone’s death, but we can at least help you start healing.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims vary based on the area, but there are some common trends.

In Gonzales, the 12,748 residents are familiar with popular jobs in the area. The manufacturing and construction industries are both large presences in the city.

These jobs come with high levels of risk. Workplace fatalities do happen in these industries. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 36 people died in the construction and maintenance industry in Louisiana.

These deaths sometimes happen as a result of employer negligence. If companies don’t take worker safety seriously, people get hurt. This can lead to personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Many areas in the US deal with serious injuries and fatalities due to vehicle accidents. In Gonzales, there can be problems due to driving under the influence. In 2024, Ascension Parish saw 10 alcohol related crashes that led to fatalities.

Some wrongful death claims come from medical malpractice. Healthcare providers make a range of different mistakes that affect the lives of their patients. Fatalities come from not diagnosing someone with a serious ailment until it’s too late. Issues in surgery are another common cause. Even a small error in drug dosing can lead to death.

Medical malpractice claims can be filed against an individual or an entity, depending on what happened. These types of claims have unique laws surrounding them that affect the amount of compensation you can recover.

How Do You Prove a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim has specific legal elements that have to be proven in order to be considered for damages. The components of a wrongful death claim include:

• Negligence. Being negligent means not doing what you’re supposed to. This simple concept can apply to things like driving, working, and other tasks that require some level of risk. Not exhibiting basic safety, whether it’s accidental or on purpose, is considered negligence.
• Breach of duty. Many professions have a duty of care. This is a standard that all people within that profession have to follow. Other professionals might weigh in on whether the individual acted within the realistic boundaries of a licensed professional.
• Causation. The actions of the perpetrator have to be directly linked to the accident. The victim’s injuries must also be connected to the injury in some way.
• Damages. The injuries from the accident have to have an impact on the victim, either financially or emotionally.

Some claims are easy to prove, but some have grey areas that could be disputed without an attorney.

Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A wrongful death lawyer can put their time and energy into claims. The family of a deceased loved one has countless things to do outside of filing a claim. They often do not have the time or mental fortitude to build a strong case. An attorney can give the claim the detail it deserves.

Many insurance companies aren’t interested in properly compensating families for what happened to their loved one. They might try to dodge accountability in the name of profits. It could take hiring a Gonzales wrongful death attorney to uncover the evidence needed for them to pay a reasonable amount for a wrongful death claim.

If you are experiencing low offers from an insurance company, an attorney can even negotiate on your behalf.

Why Choose Us?

At Knightshead Law Firm, we know how to treat serious situations with compassion. Our professionalism extends to every one of our clients. Our team handles all communication promptly to make sure you feel at ease.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Time Limit for a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?

A: The time limit for most wrongful death claims in Louisiana is one year from the death taking place. This is shorter than most other time limits for personal injury claims. This means it’s important to start the process as early as possible. Filing a claim too late means that you could be disqualified from collecting any damages.

Q: What Evidence Should Be Included in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A: The evidence that should be included in a wrongful death claim needs to prove that someone else’s carelessness led to the victim’s death. This usually includes photos or videos of the accident and any medical records created. Additional evidence might need to be gathered and managed by a legal professional.

Q: Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Wrongful Death Settlement in Louisiana?

A: You usually do not have to pay taxes on a wrongful death settlement in Louisiana, according to the IRS. This is true for any settlement that is received due to someone else causing your illness or injury. It means that it often makes sense to file a wrongful death claim, even if the damages are not exceedingly large.

Q: Who Is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Gonzales?

A: Who is allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Gonzales, Louisiana depends on the family makeup of the victim. There are specific rules that dictate which members of the family can file a wrongful death claim. The first people who can file are usually the victim’s spouse or children. Without either of these family members, other relatives of the victim might be eligible.

Make the Process Easier

The wrongful death of a loved one can be a brutal thing for a family to experience. An attorney can help make the situation more manageable. Schedule a consultation with Knightshead Law Firm to find out how we can help.