No tragedy can match the devastation of losing a loved one. This is especially true when a family member dies due to another person’s negligent or malicious behavior.
Although no amount of money can replace your loss, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs and other damages by making a wrongful death claim. In Mississippi, the following damages may be recoverable in a wrongful death case:
- Medical bills related to the victim’s final injury or illness;
- Burial and funeral costs;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of companionship; and
- Lost benefits and wages the deceased would have earned if he or she had lived.
If you believe that your loved one was a victim of wrongful death, contact Ballard Law, PLLC. William E. Ballard will evaluate your case in a free initial consultation.
Mr. Ballard will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a consultation with an injury lawyer in Jackson.
Let’s take a look at three common causes of wrongful death in the United States:
- Medical Negligence
Medical mistakes cause more than 250,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to a study by Johns Hopkins University. That means medical errors are the third leading cause of death – just behind heart disease and cancer.
- Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 35,000 people died in auto accidents in 2015. That was a 7.2-percent increase from 2014.
- Slip and Fall Injuries
Each year, approximately 1 million emergency room visits involve a slip and fall injury. A hard fall can easily cause broken bones, brain trauma or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20 percent of falls cause a serious injury.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Mississippi?
In the state of Mississippi, the following parties have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate;
- The surviving spouse;
- A surviving child; or
- A surviving sibling.
How Will the Damages Be Split?
If the parents of the deceased file the lawsuit, the damages will be split by the surviving parents and children. If the surviving spouse files the lawsuit, the damages will be split between the surviving spouse and children.
If you believe that your loved one was a victim of wrongful death, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. Attorney William E. Ballard will answer your questions and help you pursue justice and compensation.
Mr. Ballard will gather evidence, interview witnesses, assess doctors’ records and the police report, and help you fight for the maximum damages. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a consultation with an injury lawyer in Jackson. You can also visit http://personal-injury.usattorneys.com/mississippi/ to learn more about personal-injury claims in Mississippi.
