Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, especially when that loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Following a fatal accident, surviving family members are left to cope with not only deep emotional trauma but also unexpected financial burdens.
Fortunately, a wrongful death lawyer serving Lake Charles may be able to help. At Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys, we are here to provide the guidance, support, and legal experience you need during this painful time.
Since our firm’s founding in 1996, we’ve helped countless families recover the compensation they deserve after the unexpected and preventable loss of a loved one. Set up a free consultation with a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer today.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, certain surviving family members are permitted to bring a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the fatal event.
Eligible parties include:
- The surviving spouse and children of the deceased
- If there is no spouse or child, the surviving parents
- In the absence of parents, the surviving siblings
- If no siblings, the surviving grandparents
These family members may recover damages for both economic and non–economic losses resulting from the death. Hiring a Lake Charles wrongful death attorney is critical for protecting your rights and helping ensure you recover the full value of your claim.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Lake Charles
Filing a wrongful death claim is not just about securing financial compensation. It’s also about holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring your family’s future is protected.
When you work with an experienced wrongful death attorney from our firm, you have an advocate who serves clients in Lake Charles and understands both the legal and emotional challenges of your situation.
From the moment you hire us, we manage every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on grieving and healing. We’re committed to easing your burden and maximizing the value of your claim.
Our legal team will take the following steps as we build a strong case on your behalf:
- Conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death
- Identifying all liable parties
- Working with experts, including forensic specialists, economists, and medical professionals
- Assessing the full extent of damages
- Handling all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Preparing and filing all necessary legal documents in a timely and accurate manner
- Negotiating aggressively to reach a fair settlement, or, if necessary, taking your case to trial to pursue maximum compensation
Throughout the process, we maintain open communication with you. Our wrongful death attorneys serve clients in Lake Charles by providing honest advice, clearly explaining options, and helping families make informed decisions every step of the way.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
Our Experienced Legal Team Gets Paid for Results
At Galloway Jefcoat, we believe that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. That’s why we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. What this means for our clients is that:
- You pay nothing up front.
- You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
- Our legal fees come out of the settlement or verdict based on a pre-agreed percentage. Makes it sound like the percentage is negotiable.
This fee structure allows families to pursue justice without the added stress of legal expenses during an already challenging time. You can rest assured that our team is fully invested in your success, as we only win if you do.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Don’t Miss Louisiana’s Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
In Louisiana, the window to take legal action after a wrongful death is very limited. State law imposes a strict one-year statute of limitations from the date of death. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to compensation entirely.
Because of this short deadline, it is crucial to act quickly. Securing legal representation early allows your attorney to obtain important evidence while it is still available, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and construct a comprehensive legal strategy.
The sooner you contact our wrongful death attorneys serving clients in Lake Charles, the sooner we can begin reviewing your case and discussing your legal options.
You should also note that if you are filing a claim after a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you only have one year to take legal action against the liable party.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Types of Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case
Every wrongful death case is unique, which means the damages available vary from case to case. Identifying the damages that apply to your claim is critical for recovering the full amount you are entitled to pursue.
Some of the common types of compensatory damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of financial support, including future income and benefits the deceased would have provided
- Loss of household services such as childcare, home maintenance, or caregiving
- Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Loss of guidance and care, especially for surviving children
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Punitive Damages
In extreme cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are not tied to your losses but are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer from our team can help families in Lake Charles understand the types of compensation they may be entitled to pursue and guide them through negotiations or litigation.
Let Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Serve Clients in Lake Charles
At Galloway Jefcoat, we understand that no amount of money can ever truly make up for the loss of a loved one. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help bring closure, ensure accountability, and provide the financial stability your family needs to move forward.
With nearly three decades of experience representing grieving families throughout Louisiana and hundreds of millions recovered for our clients, we are here to help you every step of the way with compassion, skill, and relentless dedication.
Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free, no–obligation consultation. We serve clients in Lake Charles and throughout Louisiana.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."