Both wrongful death claims and personal injury claims arise because of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. However, there are significant differences between the two types of claims. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to another party’s fault, you need to understand how both claims work.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our wrongful death attorneys in Baton Rouge can guide you through the legal process and help you obtain justice and the compensation you are entitled to. Call (225) 999-1111 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Louisiana
If a person dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, their survivors have the right to pursue a wrongful death action to recover compensation for damages. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide financial compensation to a deceased person’s survivors for the losses they sustained due to their loved one’s death.
The type of compensation survivors can recover includes loss of financial support, loss of guidance, loss of companionship, and loss of services the deceased would have provided had they not died.
Key Differences Between Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims
Some of the most significant differences between wrongful death and personal injury claims include:
- A wrongful death claim only arises when someone has died due to another party’s fault.
- The victim in a personal injury claim is the person who was injured but survived, whereas in a wrongful death claim, the victims are the deceased person’s survivors.
- In Louisiana, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, in a wrongful death claim, you have one year from the date of death, or two years from the date of the injury that caused your loved one’s death, whichever is longer.
- The type of compensation you can recover is different because the injuries suffered are different. In a wrongful death claim, the damages are loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other losses suffered by the survivors. In a personal injury claim, the damages are the injury victims’ financial and non-financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and mental and emotional distress.
- The injury victim brings a personal injury claim, whereas the deceased person’s surviving spouse, child, or other survivors file a wrongful death claim.
How a Baton Rouge Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You
If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to recover compensation. You should promptly seek the help of an experienced wrongful death attorney in Baton Rouge to understand your options and your filing deadline.
A wrongful death lawyer can investigate your loved one’s death to identify all causes and liable parties, help preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed, and build your strongest case. They can help negotiate a fair settlement as quickly as possible, and if a fair settlement is not reached, they can take your case to court to demand the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys Today
Our team of wrongful death lawyers in Baton Rouge has the experience, skills, and compassion to guide you through this difficult time and help you secure maximum compensation. Call (225) 999-1111 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with an experienced Baton Rouge wrongful death attorney.