The loss of a loved one is a painful event that surviving family members and friends carry with them for the rest of their lives. When someone else is responsible for their death, it can be even more agonizing for loved ones—they have to live with the knowledge that their friend or family member’s death was preventable.
While financial compensation cannot make up for the loss of a family member, it is the only type of justice that the civil court system can provide. With the help of a wrongful death lawyer in Gulfport, MS, surviving family members can ensure that the liable party is held accountable for their negligence. Not only does this help family members recover from the expenses of a loved one’s death, but it also discourages future negligent behavior.
If someone you love has died due to another person’s negligence, we’re deeply sorry for your loss. We’re here to talk to you about your case and help you find out if you may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151 to schedule a consultation now.
You Deserve Support During This Painful Time
The decision to bring a wrongful death claim against the person liable for the loss of your loved one is a difficult one. You may have agonized over this choice for weeks or even months, trying to figure out if it would bring you peace.
While nothing can bring back your loved one and truly make you whole again, you do deserve compensation for the multitude of ways in which your life is suddenly harder. The loss of a family member could have put you into serious financial strife, particularly if your family relied on their income.
When you combine that with final care expenses and funeral costs, many families find themselves barely getting by after a loved one’s death. A wrongful death claim may at least provide some financial stability during this time.
On top of that, you could suffer serious mental and emotional health concerns as a result of your trauma. Those left behind in the wake of a loved one’s death often struggle with guilt, profound feelings of loss, and difficulty moving on. A wrongful death suit may put you in a better position to get the mental health support and treatment you need to heal.
You may struggle to find a new normal in your household after a tragedy. The loss of a provider and caretaker means shifting responsibilities around and possibly even bringing in outside help. From outsourcing childcare and transportation to cleaning and maintenance, you may have a lot of new needs during this time.
Consider how a wrongful death claim in Gulfport could help you better meet your and your family’s needs. Our team of compassionate wrongful death attorneys is here to help, allowing you the time and space you need to grieve and heal while we address the legal side of your loved one’s passing.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Mississippi law, a wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim. If someone dies due to negligence, a wrongful act, or a defective product, their surviving family members may be able to seek compensation for their losses. You may pursue a wrongful death claim if the victim passed away due to a vehicle crash, medical malpractice, defective product, fall, or another type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
With a wrongful death claim, you can seek both economic and non-economic compensation. Economic damages include medical expenses, burial expenses, lost wages, and other clear and measurable losses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish and trauma, and other non-financial losses.
Seeking Damages After a Loved One’s Death
Only certain individuals can file a wrongful death claim in the state of Mississippi. You must represent the decedent’s estate or be a surviving spouse, parent, or sibling of the deceased. In most situations, cases are brought by surviving spouses who want to provide for their family. A surviving parent or sibling may be able to file a claim if the deceased did not have a spouse or any children.
The types of damages you are able to recover depend mostly on the circumstances of your loved one’s death. Some of the compensation you receive may be for:
- The loved one’s medical expenses incurred from the accident prior to their death
- Burial expenses and other related costs
- Lost wages and lost future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering of the deceased prior to their death
- Emotional distress of surviving family members
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of emotional support
It all comes down to evidence. The more evidence you have of the expenses and losses related to your loved one’s passing, the more your attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve.
When to File a Wrongful Death Claim
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years. There are exceptions, which is why it’s important to talk about your options with a wrongful death attorney in Gulfport, MS. For example, if someone else’s intentional act led to your loved one’s death, you only have one year to file a claim. Waiting too long means losing your right to pursue compensation from the liable party.
Move Forward with Your Claim with the Team at Reeves & Mestayer
A wrongful death claim may bring some closure to you after tragedy strikes. It can also provide you with the financial stability you need to heal and move forward. You cannot rely on the liable party to pay what you are owed just because it’s the right thing to do—you need legal representation to protect you throughout this process.
The team at Reeves & Mestayer understands the emotional and financial challenges you’re facing, and we want to fight for a full and fair settlement on your behalf. Let’s set up a time to talk about your claim and create a plan. Call us at 228-374-5151 or reach out online to get started.
