Shreveport
Wrongful Death Lawyer

Is Your Family Seeking Justice After a Wrongful Death?

Losing a loved one is always devastating, but when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain is compounded by a sense of injustice.

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’ve helped many families in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana navigate the legal process of a wrongful death claim. Our mission is to help you hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the financial future for those left behind.

No amount of money can ever replace your loved one or erase the pain of your loss. But a successful wrongful death claim can provide a measure of justice and the resources your family needs to move forward.

If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. At a time like this, you need a compassionate advocate who will fight fiercely for your rights, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Law Office of Heather C. Ford.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Louisiana, a wrongful death is one that is caused by the fault of another person or entity. This can include deaths caused by:

• Negligence, such as in a car accident or medical malpractice situation
• Intentional acts, like a criminal assault
• Strict liability, where a defendant is held responsible regardless of fault, such as in some product liability cases

Under Louisiana’s wrongful death statute (CC Art. 2315.2), certain family members have the right to bring a lawsuit to seek damages for their loved one’s death. These include:

• The surviving spouse and children
• If there is no spouse or child, the surviving parents
• If there are no surviving parents, the surviving siblings
• If there are no surviving siblings, the surviving grandparents

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate the family for the losses they’ve suffered, both economic and emotional. While no amount of money can ever replace a lost loved one, a successful claim can provide a measure of justice and financial security for the family.

Proving Liability in a Shreveport Wrongful Death Case

To win a wrongful death case, you must prove that the defendant’s actions (or inaction) caused your loved one’s death. This involves establishing four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care. For example, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligent or wrongful conduct. This could be something like driving while intoxicated or failing to diagnose a serious medical condition.
3. Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your loved one’s death. You must show that the death would not have occurred but for the defendant’s actions.
4. Damages: The death caused actual, compensable damages to the surviving family members, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.

Proving these elements requires strong evidence and skilled legal argumentation. Our Shreveport wrongful death attorneys know how to build compelling cases by:

• Conducting thorough investigations to uncover all the facts
• Gathering and preserving crucial evidence
• Interviewing witnesses and obtaining expert testimony
• Utilizing proven legal strategies to demonstrate liability and damages

Damages Available in a Louisiana Wrongful Death Claim

In a successful wrongful death claim, the surviving family members may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
• Loss of services, such as childcare, that the deceased provided
• Loss of inheritance

Non-Economic Damages

• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of the deceased’s love, affection, companionship, and guidance
• Loss of consortium (for the surviving spouse)

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.

Wrongful Death Claims Involving Children or Elderly Victims

Wrongful death cases involving children or elderly victims present unique challenges in terms of proving damages. Because these victims were not earning income, the economic losses may be less clear. However, the emotional losses are no less significant.

In cases involving child victims, we work to demonstrate the profound loss of the child’s love, affection, and companionship. We also consider the child’s potential future earnings and the services they would have provided to the family.

For elderly victims, we focus on proving the irreplaceable role they played in the family, as well as any tangible services they provided, like childcare for grandchildren.

No matter the age of the victim, our goal is to ensure the family receives the full compensation they deserve for their devastating loss.

Compassionate Support During a Difficult Time

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand that pursuing a wrongful death claim can be emotionally daunting. Reliving the circumstances of your loved one’s death and facing the responsible parties in court can be extremely painful.

That’s why we strive to provide more than just legal representation – we offer compassionate support and guidance through every step of the process. We’ll handle all the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing and being with your family. You’ll always be able to reach us with any questions or concerns you have.

While we can’t erase the pain of your loss, we can fight to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the financial future for those left behind. Let us be your advocates during this difficult time.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Louisiana

Louisiana law sets a deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In most cases, you have only one year from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim (CC Art. 2315.2).

If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a Shreveport wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after your loss. We can ensure your claim is filed properly and on time.

Get Help from an Experienced Shreveport Wrongful Death Attorney

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’re here to help you through this challenging time and fight for the justice your family deserves.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

• A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case
• Thorough investigation and strong case building
• Aggressive advocacy in negotiations and in court
• Compassionate, responsive client service
• No fees unless we win your case

We have a track record of success in handling complex wrongful death cases and a deep commitment to making a difference for our clients. Let us put our skills and resources to work for you.

Take the first step toward getting justice for your loved one. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today to schedule your free consultation with a Shreveport wrongful death lawyer who cares.