Marksville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in Marksville, LA

The loss of a loved one is always a painful event, no matter the circumstances or cause. However, when the death is caused by a preventable accident, the grief and anger felt by surviving family members can become immense. Whether your loved one died as the result of a car accident along Tunica Drive West or because of medical malpractice at Avoyelles Hospital, an experienced Marksville wrongful death lawyer is here to help you seek justice.

Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer: Here to Treat You with Compassion

For over 30 years, Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, has been helping families seek compensation and justice alike after the loss of a loved one. While he knows that no amount of money can bring someone back to you, it can help ease some of the financial burden that accompanies their death.

As a 1987 graduate of Marksville High School, Chris Villemarette is passionate about serving his hometown and those he calls both friends and family. As a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, is proud to be diligent and detail-oriented.

While he welcomes settlements, he is also not afraid to take a claim all the way to trial and argue for full and fair compensation before a judge and jury when necessary. His track record of successful cases simply goes to show his unwavering support and commitment to his clients.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Marksville

The loss of a loved one due to another party’s negligence or reckless behavior is an unbelievable tragedy. In fact, over recent years, preventable deaths have increased by 127%. Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, has handled countless wrongful death cases, including those that arise from the following causes:

• Motor vehicle accidents, as these accidents cause around 120 deaths across the U.S. every day
• Medical negligence or medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents, with 37 people dying in the Louisiana construction industry in 2022 alone
• Defective products, such as dangerous machinery, harmful pharmaceuticals, or negligently manufactured electronics
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents often take place in school zones and neighborhoods

When a preventable accident leads to tragedy, surviving family members are not left with just grief, but also with heavy financial burdens. Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, is here to help.

What to Do Following the Tragic Death of a Loved One Due to Negligence

The aftermath of a loved one’s tragic death is both a challenging and uncertain time. Along with the immense grief and anger you might be feeling, there is also a litany of financial and legal considerations at play.

While nothing can bring your loved one back to you, it can be crucial to take the right steps to seek accountability and justice. These steps can include:

• Obtain a death certificate. For both legal and financial considerations involved with the death of a loved one, you must obtain a copy of the death certificate. It is important that, as soon as you are able, you request a copy from the correct authorities.
• Gather evidence. Collect and preserve as much evidence as you can in relation to the death of your loved one. This evidence might include medical records, photos of the injuries or the scene of the accident, police reports, and statements made by eyewitnesses. All of this evidence is a crucial part of your wrongful death claim.
• Do not discuss claims with insurance companies. It is crucial that you do not discuss your claim with any insurance adjusters or representatives. Without an attorney in Marksville, LA, present, these individuals might try to get you to say something that could impact your case and your ability to recover compensation.
• Retain an attorney. Finally, it is essential that you reach out to an attorney as soon as you can. Your lawyer is there to help you better understand both your legal rights and options and can handle all of the complexities of your case.

Who Can Recover Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Not every family member is allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana. In fact, only one of the following parties is legally allowed to take this action:

• The surviving spouse
• The surviving children
• The surviving parents, if there are no children or a spouse involved
• The surviving siblings, if there are no parents, children, or spouse to represent the deceased individual
• The surviving grandparents, if there are no children, parents, siblings, or spouse
• The succession representative of the deceased in the absence of any other beneficiary

FAQs

What Damages Can I Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?

The damages you can recover in a wrongful death claim vary depending on the factors of the case. This includes any related medical bills, lost income, funeral costs, or loss of inheritance. It can also include emotional distress damages, loss of companionship, and loss of the enjoyment of life without your loved one.

What Four Elements Need to Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Claim?

In a wrongful death claim, four elements need to be proven in order to recover compensation. These include:

1. Negligence. The fact that the death was caused by careless or reckless actions
2. Breach of duty. That the at-fault party failed a duty of care
3. Causation. That this failure resulted in the death
4. Damages. The fact that the death led to specific losses

Is it Likely for My Wrongful Death Claim to go to Trial?

It is unlikely that your wrongful death claim will go to trial. It is more likely to be resolved through a settlement. However, Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, is not afraid of taking a case all the way to trial should the need arise. Our firm can prepare every claim as though a trial is inevitable so that no surprises arise.

How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a wrongful death lawyer can help you in several ways. They are there to handle all aspects of your claim, thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the fatal accident, gather and analyze all forms of available evidence, file the appropriate paperwork within the applicable deadlines, and represent your family’s interests in all negotiations.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Marksville Residents Today

When the time comes to hire a wrongful death lawyer, Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, is here for you. Contact him today and schedule a consultation.