Covington Wrongful Death Lawyer

Experienced, Compassionate Attorneys Fighting for Justice When It Matters Most

Losing a loved one to negligence is beyond shattering. When that happens, you may have options for justice — and you can get experienced help from a 5-star Covington wrongful death lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.

The reality is that negligence causes far too many wrongful deaths every year — and that Louisiana law provides ways for families to get justice and make the negligent pay for their reckless actions.

At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, our Covington wrongful death lawyers have deep knowledge of the law and a tireless dedication to helping people like you navigate the path to compensation and justice. If you lost a loved one to an accident or incident involving negligence, now’s the time to find out your options for justice.

We are here for you 24/7, ready to help now.

Call 888-492-5532 or Email Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation.

Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers has successfully resolved many wrongful death claims, recovering millions for families who have forever lost their loved ones due to negligence. We are ready to make your claim and recovery our next victory.

Click on a link below to jump directly to that section and learn more about wrongful death causes, lawyers, cases, and compensation.

• What Causes Wrongful Death?
• Who Can I Sue After a Wrongful Death?
• How Does a Wrongful Death Claim Work?
• When Should I Contact a Covington Wrongful Death Lawyer?
• What Damages Are Included in Wrongful Death Compensation?

What Causes Wrongful Death?

By definition, wrongful death is the loss of life caused by the wrongful act (negligence) of someone else, regardless of whether that negligence was intentional or accidental. While wrongful death can result from various forms of negligence and several types of accidents, most commonly, one of the following is involved.

Deadly Motor Vehicle Accidents

Since 2015, motor vehicle accidents have killed an average of 33,800 people each year in the U.S. (source: NHTSA). That’s car accidents, not 18-wheeler wrecks. When you look at big rigs, there are at least 5,000 fatal truck accidents annually (source: NHTSA).

In many crashes, drivers’ negligence is to blame. That can arise in the form of motorist misbehaviors like (but not limited to):

• Speeding
• Texting while driving
• Drunk driving
• Failing to comply with any traffic law

Beyond motorists, other parties can also contribute to wrongful deaths on the roads. Depending on the type of crash and how it occurred, those parties could include automakers, motor carriers, auto parts manufacturers, government entities, and others.

Fatal Accidents Caused by Deadly Products

Consumer products, vehicle parts, industrial equipment, and many other items can cause life-threatening injuries when design flaws or manufacturing oversights are involved. Sometimes, products contain toxic substances. In other cases, manufacturers fail to provide warnings about the risks associated with certain products.

These oversights tend to occur when manufacturers cut corners and fail to take necessary safety precautions, focusing on profits at the expense of safety and doing what’s right. In the worst cases, this type of negligence can cause fatal accidents with faulty products.

Deadly Accidents or Exposures at Dangerous Properties

Life-ending accidents and injuries can occur at unsafe properties. These properties can be retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues, warehouses, industrial facilities, government buildings, schools — any location that exposes visitors to serious hazards.

Depending on the site and circumstances, wrongful deaths at risky properties can occur due to hazards, like (but not limited to):

• Failures to contain volatile or toxic substances
• Broken stair rungs and/or stair railings
• Broken elevators and/or escalators
• Improperly built or poorly maintained balconies and/or decks
• Improperly installed skylights
• Falling objects or merchandise

Fatal Work Accidents

One workplace death occurs every 99 minutes in the U.S. (source: BLS). That adds up to about 15 people a day, with some occupations seeing far more fatalities than others. In fact, the latest work accident statistics reveal that (sources: OSHA & BLS):

• About 1 in 5 workplace deaths in the private sector affects a construction worker.
• Sales drivers and truckers are involved in about 1 out of 5 deadly work accidents.
• Recently, workplace deaths have surged among certain groups, including older workers (age 55+), Latinx workers, and grounds maintenance workers.
• Others with high risks of on-the-job death include oil field workers, loggers, fishermen, and roofers.

Who Can I Sue After a Wrongful Death?

To answer this question, you’ll need to first answer the following questions — ideally, with a Covington wrongful death lawyer during a free initial consultation:

• What type of accident caused the wrongful death?
• Who was involved in the accident?
• Who was at fault for the accident?
• When did the accident occur (on what date)?
• When did the death occur? Immediately after the accident or sometime after?

These questions can be easier to answer with an attorney because your lawyer can ask more detailed questions, prompting better insights as to whether you have a case and, if so, who you can sue over a wrongful death.

How Does a Wrongful Death Claim Work?

The details of the process can vary from case to case, based on the accident, the negligent party (or parties), and other factors. No matter what the process entails, here are some important facts to keep in mind about wrongful death cases:

• You have limited time to file a case. Louisiana law provides one year for filing a wrongful death claim. That’s one year from the date of the accident or the date of death.
• An insurance company will likely be involved at some point in your claim. When it is, don’t expect fair dealings. They are on their own side, not yours, and they’re interested in protecting the company’s profits. Often, that can mean using underhanded tactics to try to avoid paying claims.
• Legitimate wrongful death claims are often denied by insurance companies on flimsy or fraudulent grounds.
• A Covington wrongful death lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can help you craft a strong, persuasive wrongful death case. That can make all the difference in successful outcomes.

When Should I Contact a Covington Wrongful Death Lawyer?

As soon as possible. You don’t have a lot of time to file a claim, and a Covington wrongful death attorney can quickly start working to help you by:

• Pointing out the legal remedies and explaining the next steps
• Managing the complicated paperwork and all case deadlines
• Dealing with insurance companies and doing everything necessary to protect your rights and interests as your case moves forward

Ultimately, a Covington wrongful death lawyer can improve your chances of securing the maximum available compensation from your claim. This recovery can provide essential support, helping you cover bills, lay a loved one to rest, and grieve without extra financial stress.

What Damages Are Included in Wrongful Death Compensation?

Compensation can vary from case to case. Generally, however, damages in wrongful death cases can include (and may not be limited to):

• Medical bills for the decedent
• Lost wages, benefits, and bonuses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial expenses