It is never easy to lose a loved one. Sometimes, this cannot be helped, such as when a person has a terminal illness or simply dies due to old age. However, a person’s grief may be amplified if their loved one died due to the actions of another. For example, losing a loved one in a car crash caused by a drunk driver can be difficult since, but for the actions of the negligent party, the victim need not have died.
In situations where a person’s death is caused by the negligence of another, the victim’s loved ones may want to pursue a wrongful death suit. In such a suit, they can seek compensation for the financial damages they suffered due to their loved one’s death. However, only certain persons are permitted to file a wrongful death suit under Louisiana law.
Per Louisiana Statutes Article 2315.2, the following individuals may bring a wrongful death suit. First, the victim’s surviving spouse and/or children are permitted to bring a wrongful death suit. If the victim does not have a surviving spouse or children, then the victim’s parents may bring a wrongful death suit. If the victim does not have a surviving spouse, children or parents, then the victim’s siblings may bring a wrongful death suit. Finally, if the victim does not have a surviving spouse, children, parents or siblings, then the victim’s grandparents may bring a wrongful death suit.
As this shows, when a person dies at the hands of another, it is important to understand who is able to pursue a wrongful death suit. People in Houma who have further questions about who is permitted to file a wrongful death suit may want to take the steps necessary to gain a full understanding of the law on this topic.