New Orleans Wrongful Death Lawyer

When a Life Is Taken, Accountability Matters

Losing someone you love is devastating.

When that loss was caused by someone else’s actions—or failure to act—the grief is often compounded by unanswered questions, financial stress, and a deep sense that it should not have happened.

A wrongful death claim is not about replacing what was lost.

It is about accountability, answers, and protecting your family moving forward.

At Salter Law, we approach these cases with care, precision, and a commitment to uncovering the truth.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, a wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the fault of another.

This can include:

Car and 18-wheeler accidents
Unsafe property conditions
Workplace incidents
Defective products
Medical negligence

Wrongful death claims allow certain family members to seek compensation for the losses they personally suffer as a result of that death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Louisiana law strictly defines who has the right to bring a wrongful death claim.

Generally, the right belongs to:

The surviving spouse and children
If none, the surviving parents
If none, the surviving siblings
If none, the surviving grandparents

Only one group has priority at a time.

These rules are specific and can affect your rights, so it is important to understand where you fall.

What Must Be Proven

To bring a successful wrongful death claim, you must show:

The death was caused by another party’s fault
That party had a duty to act reasonably
That duty was breached
The breach caused the death
You suffered damages as a result

In many cases, this requires a detailed investigation into what happened—and why it should have been prevented.

What Damages Are Available

A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members.

These may include:

Loss of love, companionship, and support
Loss of financial contributions
Mental anguish and emotional distress
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of guidance and care

In some cases, a separate survival action may also be brought for the damages the person suffered before death. Experts can become critical in these claims in establishing pre-death pain and suffering.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action

Louisiana law recognizes two separate but related claims:

Wrongful Death Claim

Compensates family members for their losses after the death.

Survival Action

Compensates for the pain, suffering, and damages the person experienced before passing.

Both claims are often pursued together and require careful handling.

Why Investigation Matters

In wrongful death cases, what appears straightforward often is not.

A full investigation may uncover:

Safety violations
Corporate negligence
Failure to follow policies or regulations
Conditions that existed long before the incident

Just like in serious injury cases, the truth is often found in:

Records
Data
Witness accounts
Expert analysis

This is how strong cases are built.

Time Limits Matter in Louisiana

Louisiana law has strict deadlines for wrongful death claims.

If you wait too long, you may lose your right to bring a claim entirely.

Because of this—and because evidence can disappear quickly—it is important to act as soon as possible.

What It’s Like to Work With Us

These cases are personal.

When you hire Salter Law:

You work directly with an attorney
Your case is handled with care and attention
You are guided through each step of the process

We keep our caseload small so we can focus on what matters—your case and your family.

A Different Approach

Many firms focus on volume.

We focus on understanding what happened, why it happened, and how to present it clearly.

Because in wrongful death cases, details matter.

Speak With a Louisiana Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, you do not have to navigate this alone.

We are here to help you understand your rights and determine the next steps.

Consultations are free. There are no upfront fees.

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Louisiana

What qualifies as wrongful death in Louisiana?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, fault, or wrongful conduct.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana?

Louisiana law gives priority to surviving spouses and children, followed by parents, siblings, and grandparents if no closer relatives exist. You should consult an attorney to see if you qualify to bring a wrongful death claim and/or survival claim.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana has strict deadlines. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What is the difference wrongful death and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates family members for their losses, while a survival action seeks damages for what the deceased experienced before death.

What damages can be recovered in a wrongful death case?

Damages may include loss of companionship, emotional distress, financial loss, funeral expenses, and other related losses.

Do I need to prove fault in a wrongful death case?

Yes. You must show that another party’s actions or failure to act caused the death.

How much is a wrongful death case worth?

The value depends on factors such as the relationship to the deceased, financial losses, and the circumstances of the case.

Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death claim?

These cases are complex and often involve significant investigation. Having an attorney helps ensure your rights are protected and the case is properly developed. Most people put it off, but don’t. Deal with it now, and help someone take the load off of you.