If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone’s negligent act, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do. Mississippi law allows your family to seek compensation for their devastating loss. A Jackson wrongful death lawyer at Richard Schwartz & Associates stands ready to guide you.
Call us at (601) 800-5559 for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates for Your Jackson Wrongful Death Claim
Choosing a law firm to represent your family is a big decision that shapes your future. You need a team that understands not only the law but also the community you live in. Richard Schwartz & Associates offers dedicated support right here in Jackson.
Our firm is committed to helping families like yours find a path forward. We handle all the legal details so you don't have to.
Right Here in Jackson
Our attorneys are deeply connected to this community and its people. We drive the same streets, from the I-55 corridor to busy roads in Fondren. Our firm serves clients across Hinds County, including neighborhoods like Belhaven, Downtown, and South Jackson.
We understand the local court systems and how to navigate them effectively for our clients. Our office is a part of the fabric of this city, just a short drive from landmarks like the Museum of Mississippi History and the State Capitol building.
A Record of Success
For over four decades, our firm has stood up to insurance companies and corporations on behalf of Mississippi families. We have a history of fighting for those who have suffered a profound loss. Our approach is to prepare every case for trial from the very beginning.
This preparation shows the other side that we’re serious about justice. An experienced Jackson wrongful death lawyer from our team works tirelessly to build the strongest case possible for you.
Client-Focused Approach
Your focus should be on your family's well-being. We’ll focus on handling every legal aspect of your case. You don’t have to speak to insurance adjusters or file complex paperwork.
We manage all communications and deadlines and protect you from lowball settlement offers and pressure tactics. Call Richard Schwartz & Associates at (601) 800-5559 and speak with a Jackson wrongful death lawyer today.
How a Jackson Wrongful Death Attorney Fights for Your Family's Future
The legal system is complicated, and a wrongful death claim involves many steps. An attorney acts as your advocate, investigator, and guide. They work to secure the financial stability your family needs after a terrible loss.
A skilled lawyer does more than just file paperwork. They build a powerful case to show why the other party is responsible.
Investigating the Cause of Your Loss
Your Jackson wrongful death lawyer starts by conducting a thorough and independent investigation. We gather evidence to prove what happened and who is at fault. This may involve visiting the scene of a car accident on I-220 or consulting with medical professionals in a malpractice case.
We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other information needed. The evidence we find forms the foundation of your claim. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth for your family.
Identifying All Liable Parties
In many cases, more than one party shares the blame for a fatal accident. For example, in a truck accident, the driver, the trucking company, and even a parts manufacturer might be liable. Our Jackson wrongful death attorneys know how to identify all potential sources of compensation.
We look beyond the obvious to uncover every party whose negligence contributed to your loved one’s death. This comprehensive approach helps you seek the maximum possible recovery.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses that protect their own bottom line. Their adjusters are trained to minimize the value of your claim or deny it altogether. They may try to pressure you into accepting a quick, unfair settlement.
When you work with one of our wrongful death attorneys in Jackson, all communication goes through us. You won't have to take calls or answer questions from the insurer. We handle the negotiations so you can focus on healing with your family.
Fighting for Fair Compensation
Our goal is to get a full and fair settlement for your family through skilled negotiation. We build a robust claim based on solid evidence to present to the insurance company. This strong approach often leads to resolving cases without a trial.
Sometimes, the other side refuses to be reasonable. If a settlement is impossible, our trial attorneys are ready to fight for you in a Hinds County courtroom. Our firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you, whether at the negotiating table or in court.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Personal injury lawsuits are comparable to wrongful death claims. The only distinction is that the injured individual cannot bring their case in a wrongful death case because they have died. Instead, another person must take responsibility for bringing the case before the court on behalf of the deceased person.
The following people can bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased under Mississippi’s wrongful death statute:
- A representative of the deceased person’s estate
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
When a surviving spouse files a wrongful death claim in response to the death of a loved one, the damages are shared equally between them and their children. If there is no surviving spouse or children, the decedent’s surviving parent or sibling may bring the case to court.
Can There Be Multiple Wrongful Death Claims For One Individual?
Mississippi’s wrongful death statute only allows one lawsuit in response to a fatal accident. However, even though there is only one wrongful death claim, all interested parties can file and join the case.
You’ll need to submit paperwork to the civil court to be allowed to join, so you’ll benefit from the assistance of our experienced Jackson wrongful death attorneys.
Our personal injury attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim for your deceased family member.
Our attorneys can also help you file the legal documents necessary to be appointed as the personal representative of your departed family member’s estate.
Types of Compensation in a Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Mississippi law allows certain family members to seek damages. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, compensation provides financial support for your family's future. It covers the tangible and intangible losses that result from a wrongful death.
A Jackson wrongful death attorney from our firm helps calculate the full value of your claim. We make sure every loss is accounted for.
Economic Losses
Economic damages are the direct financial losses your family suffers because of your loved one's death. These are measurable costs that have a clear monetary value. Your attorney will gather bills, pay stubs, and other documents to prove these losses.
Common examples include:
- Lost Income: This includes the full value of the wages, salaries, and benefits your loved one would have provided for your family.
- Medical Expenses: These are the costs of any medical treatment your loved one received for their final injury before they passed away.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: This compensation covers all reasonable expenses associated with the funeral, memorial service, and burial or cremation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the profound personal losses that don't have a specific price tag but are just as real as the financial ones. Non-economic damages include compensation for the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and support your loved one provided.
It also accounts for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death. Richard Schwartz & Associates fights for recognition of your family's immense personal suffering.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the defendant's actions may have been extremely reckless or intentionally harmful. Mississippi courts may award punitive damages in these situations, which aren’t meant to compensate for a loss.
Instead, they’re intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. These damages send a powerful message that such behavior is unacceptable in our community. Your lawyer will evaluate whether punitive damages are possible in your case.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in the Jackson Area
A wrongful death claim can arise from nearly any situation where one person's negligence or misconduct causes another person's death. Our law firm handles cases involving a wide variety of circumstances. We have the resources to investigate even the most complex incidents.
Many of these fatal events are sadly common in Jackson and the surrounding areas:
- Car and Truck Accidents: Fatal collisions happen on busy roads like I-55, I-20, Highway 80, and State Street.
- Medical Malpractice: Fatal mistakes by doctors, nurses, surgeons, or hospitals in the Jackson area are a tragic reality for some families.
- Workplace Accidents: Deaths that occur on construction sites, in factories, or other dangerous job environments may lead to a wrongful death claim.
- Defective Products: An unsafe or defective product, from a faulty car part to a dangerous appliance, may cause a fatal injury.
No matter how your loved one died, if it was due to another's fault, you have the right to seek answers. A wrongful death attorney in Jackson from our office can review what happened and explain your legal options.
FAQ for Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer
What Is the Time Limit To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, you generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Some exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, such as in cases of medical malpractice.
Contact a wrongful death attorney in Jackson right away to protect your rights and learn about the deadline that applies to your case.
Who Is Allowed To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Mississippi, the action is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The claim is filed on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings, known as statutory beneficiaries.
Of course, a spouse, children, parents, or siblings may also bring a case. However, only one claim can be filed for the deceased.
What Kind of Information Do I Need To Give My Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer
It’s helpful to bring any documents you have, such as a death certificate, accident or police reports, and any related medical bills. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call us. Your Jackson wrongful death lawyer helps you gather any information you don't have.
What if My Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
Mississippi uses a legal rule called pure comparative negligence, which means your family may still recover damages even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident. The amount of compensation you receive is reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault.
Why Do I Need a Jackson Wrongful Death Attorney?
A wrongful death attorney provides professional legal representation during a difficult time. They handle the complex legal work so you don’t have to.
Here are three key ways they help:
- Level the Playing Field: Your lawyer brings extensive legal knowledge and resources to a fight against powerful insurance companies and their legal teams.
- Maximize Your Compensation: An experienced attorney knows how to use evidence to build a case, properly value your family’s losses, and seek full compensation.
- Provide Peace of Mind: You can focus on grieving and supporting your family while your Jackson wrongful death lawyer manages every detail of the case.
Fight for Justice Starts With Richard Schwartz & Associates
Don’t let the person or company who caused this tragedy dictate your family's future. Your action now speaks volumes for justice. Let our firm be your voice during this challenging time.
Richard Schwartz & Associates is ready to fight for you and your family. Call us today at Call us at (601) 800-5559 to talk to a dedicated Jackson wrongful death lawyer.