If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, you may be feeling overwhelmed and even confused about what to do next. At Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., we understand how difficult this time can be for families, and we are here to help.
The Hattiesburg wrongful death attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. offer compassionate help to families grieving the untimely loss of loved ones. Our team is committed to ensuring that negligent people who cause fatal accidents are held accountable for their actions. If a preventable accident has claimed your family member’s life and you have questions about what to do next, please do not hesitate to contact our firm to schedule a free case evaluation. In addition, we’d be happy to discuss your rights under Mississippi law and the legal remedies that are available to compensate you.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim can arise from any type of accident or incident in which someone else’s negligence or wrongful act resulted in death. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible to determine if you have a wrongful death claim.
There are many different types of accidents and incidents that can result in wrongful death. Some of the most common include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Premises liability accidents
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you will afford to pay for funeral and burial expenses or how your family will make ends meet.
What to Do If You Have Lost a Loved One in an Accident
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, it is important to take immediate action. First, seek medical attention for any injuries you have sustained. Then, contact the police so they can investigate the accident and file a report. Be sure to get a copy of the accident report.
Once you have taken these steps, it is important to contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible who can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. An experienced wrongful death attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. The attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. have extensive experience handling wrongful death claims and are here to help you during this difficult time.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
In Mississippi, wrongful death claims are governed by a statute known as the Mississippi Survival Act. Under this law, a wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the date of the victim’s death. If a wrongful death claim is not filed within this time frame, the victim’s family will be barred from recovering damages.
The wrongful death claim must be filed by the victim’s personal representative. In most cases, this will be the victim’s spouse, child, or parent. If the victim did not have a surviving spouse, child, or parent, the claim may be filed by another close relative, such as a sibling or grandparent. If there is no qualifying family member, a claim may be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate.
A wrongful death claim can be filed against any party whose negligence or wrongful act resulted in the death of your loved one. This may include an individual, a company, or even a government entity.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of companionship and support
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages may also be available in some cases
Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit the Same as a Civil Lawsuit?
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions brought by family members of the deceased. A wrongful death lawsuit is filed against the negligent party responsible for the death, whereas a civil lawsuit is filed by the estate of the deceased against the negligent party. A wrongful death claim can be filed in addition to a civil lawsuit.
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil lawsuits that are separate from any criminal case that may be filed. Compensation is not automatic after an accident, which is why you must consult an attorney as soon as possible to take legal action. The longer you wait, the more you risk running out of time to pursue the compensation you are owed. Call now to talk to an attorney at our law firm.
Serving Clients in Hattiesburg and Throughout Mississippi
Richard Schwartz & Associates is dedicated to providing our clients with personalized service and knowledgeable guidance through the complexities of the legal system. With decades of combined experience, our Hattiesburg wrongful death lawyers offer unwavering support to surviving spouses, parents, children, and siblings dealing with the tremendous emotional injuries that come with a sudden, unexpected loss.
We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one unexpectedly, so we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for your wrongful death claim. Allow our team to help you get through this difficult time while you focus on your family’s well-being.