Jackson Wrongful Death Attorneys

Compassionate Advocacy for Grieving Families in Jackson, MS

There is no greater loss than the death of a loved one. When that loss is caused by another person or party’s negligence, the pain is even greater. The sudden death of a loved one can leave you grappling with a range of emotions, including anger, confusion, and despair. During this difficult time, you must reach out to a qualified wrongful death attorney who can help you seek justice.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our Jackson wrongful death lawyers know the immense pain and suffering that families face after the loss of a loved one, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process. Although no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a family member, filing a wrongful death claim can help you recover the compensation you need to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other losses, while holding the negligent party accountable for their actions.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call our firm at (769) 200-1408 or contact us online today to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is a term used to describe a death that occurs as a result of another person or party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Wrongful death claims are civil claims that can be filed by the surviving family members of those who have been killed as a result of someone else’s wrongful actions.

In Mississippi, wrongful death claims can be filed by:

• The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate
• The deceased person’s surviving spouse
• The deceased person’s surviving children
• The deceased person’s surviving parents

If the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate does not file a wrongful death claim within six months of the person’s death, the surviving family members may file a claim on their own.

When Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Filed?

In Mississippi, a wrongful death claim can be filed if the deceased person would have been able to file a personal injury claim had they survived. In other words, if the deceased person would have been able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party if they had not died, then a wrongful death claim can be filed.

For example, if a person is killed in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, a wrongful death claim can be filed because the deceased person would have been able to file a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived.

Some examples of incidents that often give rise to wrongful death claims include:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents - When a motor vehicle accident is the result of another person or party’s negligence, the at-fault party can be held liable for the deceased person’s death.
• Defective products - When a product is defective and causes fatal injuries, the product manufacturer, distributor, and/or retailer can be held liable for the deceased person’s death.
• Workplace accidents - When a person is killed on the job, the deceased person’s surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the employer.
• Medical malpractice - When a healthcare provider is negligent and their negligence results in a patient’s death, the patient’s surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the provider.
• Slip and fall accidents - When a person slips, trips, and falls on another person’s property and dies as a result, their surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the property owner.
• Violent crimes - When a person is killed in a violent crime, the deceased person’s surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.

Remember, a wrongful death claim is a civil claim brought by the deceased person’s surviving family members. A criminal case may also be brought against the at-fault party; however, this is done by the state and is separate from a civil wrongful death claim.

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations on a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the person’s death.

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Although no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, it is often necessary for surviving family members to recover compensation for their losses. Wrongful death claims can help you recover a range of damages, both economic and non-economic.

Some examples of damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim include:

• Medical expenses - If your loved one received medical treatment prior to their death, you may be able to recover compensation for the cost of their care.
• Funeral and burial expenses - You may be able to recover compensation for the cost of your loved one’s funeral and burial.
• Lost wages and benefits - If your loved one was a primary income earner, you may be able to recover compensation for their lost wages and benefits.
• Loss of future earnings - If your loved one had the means to support you financially in the future, you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of their future earnings.
• Pain and suffering - You may be able to recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering your loved one endured prior to their death.
• Loss of companionship - If you lost a spouse, you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of their companionship and the impact their death had on your relationship.
• Loss of consortium - If you lost a parent, you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of their guidance, love, and support.
• Punitive damages - In some cases, the court may award punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were especially egregious.

Every wrongful death case is different, and the specific damages that may be available will depend on the unique circumstances involved. At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our wrongful death attorneys can help you understand the types of damages you may be able to recover based on the specific details of your case.

How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?

If you have lost a loved one in an accident or as a result of another person or party’s negligence, you are likely overwhelmed with grief. The thought of filing a lawsuit and dealing with the legal process may seem like an insurmountable task. However, hiring a wrongful death attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Here are just a few of the ways an experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you:

• Investigate the cause of your loved one’s death - To prove negligence in a wrongful death case, you need to provide evidence that the at-fault party owed the deceased person a duty of care, that they breached this duty of care, and that this breach of care resulted in the person’s death. An attorney can help you investigate the cause of your loved one’s death and gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence.
• Determine liability -  In some cases, it is clear who is liable for a person’s death. For example, if a person is killed by a drunk driver, the drunk driver is clearly liable for the person’s death. However, in other cases, determining liability is much more difficult. For example, a product liability claim may involve multiple parties, including the product manufacturer, distributor, and/or retailer. An attorney can help you determine liability and hold all at-fault parties accountable.
• Handle all the necessary paperwork - Filing a wrongful death lawsuit involves a great deal of paperwork. If you fail to file the correct documents or miss a filing deadline, your claim may be dismissed. An attorney can ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed in a timely manner and that all deadlines are met.
• Negotiate a fair settlement -  In many cases, a wrongful death claim is resolved through a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, insurance companies are in the business of making money, which means they will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible for your claim. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.
• Take your case to court -  If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case to trial. An experienced trial lawyer can present your case in the most compelling manner, increasing your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our Jackson wrongful death lawyers are committed to helping grieving families seek justice. We know that no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but we believe that families should not have to suffer financial hardship in addition to their grief. When you choose our firm, you can be confident knowing that we will fight tirelessly on your behalf, both in and out of the courtroom.

Contact us today at (769) 200-1408 to let us help you through this difficult time.