Hattiesburg Wrongful Death Attorneys

Respectful Wrongful Death Representation in Laurel

The term “wrongful death” simply means a death that was caused by the negligent, careless, or intentional act of another.   Wrongful death can occur virtually anywhere as a result of a car, truck, or motorcycle collision, as a result of negligence in a hospital or nursing home facility, or due to construction site accidents.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but when the death is caused by the negligent or wrongful act of another person or entity, the pain and grief are compounded. You may be left with a variety of physical, emotional, and financial burdens, all while trying to rebuild your life. At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we understand the pain you are experiencing and the difficulties you may face. Our Hattiesburg wrongful death attorneys are compassionate and ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Don’t face these problems alone. Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC can help you. Call (601) 202-8570 or contact us online to learn more.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Mississippi, families of those who pass away due to the wrongful act of another person or entity are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This claim is made on behalf of the deceased person's estate, which is represented by the executor or administrator of the deceased person's will.

The executor or administrator may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person's surviving family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent. The surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their damages, such as loss of support, services, and companionship, as well as funeral and burial costs.

Types of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle

The death of a loved one is heartbreaking at any time, but it can be especially difficult when the death is caused by the wrongful act of another person or entity. In Mississippi, surviving family members of those who pass away due to the wrongful act of another person or entity may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Our wrongful death attorneys can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one passed away due to:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Defective products
• Premises liability
• Medical malpractice
• Criminal acts

No loss is the same, but our wrongful death attorneys are ready to help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you and your family are owed.

What Is Compensated in a Wrongful Death Claim?

In a wrongful death claim, the surviving family members of the deceased person are entitled to compensation for damages they have suffered because of the death of their loved one. 

These damages may include:

• Medical bills
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of services
• Loss of support
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

In Mississippi, surviving family members are also entitled to punitive damages in a wrongful death claim. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar future misconduct. In most cases, punitive damages are only awarded when the wrongdoer's actions were particularly egregious, such as if the wrongdoer knowingly broke the law or acted with malice.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Our Hattiesburg wrongful death attorneys can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim and, if so, what damages you may be able to recover. As the victim’s family members, you may be asked to sign a monetary settlement with the wrongdoer’s insurance company – and sign it quickly, before you even have time to think about it. You could be signing away your legal rights and adequate compensation for your loss. 

It is your right to ask an attorney to review the documents provided by the insurance company before you sign. Mississippi law provides for compensation and wrongful death claims against the wrongdoer.

It can be difficult to discuss seeking justice for a loved one’s wrongful death. Each attorney and staff member at Johnson Ratliff & Waide, PLLC will treat you with the respect and care that you deserve. Contact us online or call us directly at (601) 202-8570.