Wrongful Death · Shreveport
Wrongful Death Attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana
Smith & John Attorneys at Law handles wrongful death cases in Shreveport, Louisiana, representing families who have lost a loved one due to another party's negligence or misconduct. The practice covers fatal car accidents, workplace deaths, medical negligence, and more, helping surviving family members pursue civil claims for their losses.
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Wrongful Death · Shreveport
What is a wrongful death claim and how does it work in Louisiana?
A wrongful death claim in Louisiana is a civil lawsuit brought by surviving family members when a person dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another party. Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2 gives specific family members — including spouses, children, and parents — the right to seek compensation for their losses, which can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and grief and suffering. These claims are separate from any criminal proceedings and are resolved in civil court. The process involves investigating the cause of death, identifying liable parties, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers or litigating in court. Smith & John Attorneys at Law handles each of these steps on behalf of Shreveport families.
- Handles wrongful death claims arising from car and truck accidents on Shreveport roads including I-20, I-49, and Loop 151
- Pursues claims under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2 on behalf of eligible surviving family members
- Covers fatal incidents involving workplace accidents, defective products, premises liability, and medical negligence
- Works to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and survivors' grief and suffering
- Represents families in dealings with insurance companies and in Caddo Parish District Court
- Consultations are available for families throughout Shreveport and surrounding Caddo Parish communities
What to expect
Your wrongful death visit, step by step
Free Initial Consultation
Contact Smith & John Attorneys at Law to discuss the circumstances of your loved one's death and learn whether a wrongful death claim may apply under Louisiana law.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The firm investigates the incident — reviewing accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available physical or digital evidence to establish what happened and who is responsible.
Filing the Claim and Negotiation
Once liability is established, the firm files the wrongful death claim and pursues fair compensation through negotiation with the at-fault party's insurer or directly with responsible parties.
Litigation if Necessary
If a fair resolution cannot be reached out of court, Smith & John Attorneys at Law is prepared to take the case to trial at Caddo Parish District Court on behalf of the surviving family.
FAQ
Wrongful Death in Shreveport — common questions
What does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney at Smith & John in Shreveport?
Wrongful death cases at Smith & John Attorneys at Law are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are generally paid from any recovery rather than upfront. The specific percentage and any case costs depend on the complexity of the claim, the parties involved, and how the matter resolves. Families should discuss fee structure directly with the firm during the initial consultation.
How long does a wrongful death case take in Louisiana?
The timeline for a wrongful death case in Louisiana varies considerably based on factors like the complexity of the incident, the number of liable parties, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some matters resolve in months through negotiation, while others involving disputed liability or multiple defendants can take longer. Louisiana also has a one-year prescriptive period (statute of limitations) for wrongful death claims, so contacting an attorney promptly is important.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana?
Louisiana law establishes a specific hierarchy of who may bring a wrongful death claim under Civil Code Article 2315.2 — surviving spouses and children have priority, followed by parents, then siblings, and then grandparents if no closer relatives survive. Only one category of survivors files the claim, not all groups simultaneously. An attorney can clarify which family members are eligible based on the specific circumstances.
Is a wrongful death claim different from a survival action in Louisiana?
Yes — in Louisiana, a wrongful death claim and a survival action are two distinct legal claims that often arise from the same incident. A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own losses after the death, while a survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased person's estate to recover damages the deceased suffered before dying. Both claims can sometimes be pursued together, and Smith & John Attorneys at Law can explain how each applies to a particular situation.
Does the location of the accident in Shreveport affect a wrongful death case?
The location of a fatal incident can affect which entities may be liable — for example, accidents on state highways near Shreveport may involve the Louisiana Department of Transportation, while incidents on private property raise premises liability questions. Fatal crashes in high-traffic areas like I-20 or the Bert Kouns Industrial Loop may involve commercial carriers with their own insurers and legal teams. Understanding the local context helps the firm identify all potential sources of liability.
Serving Shreveport
More services & nearby areas
Smith & John Attorneys at Law serves clients throughout Shreveport, including neighborhoods like Highland, Broadmoor, and South Highlands, as well as families affected by accidents on major corridors like Youree Drive and Mansfield Road. The firm is familiar with the local court system at Caddo Parish District Court and works with the realities of Shreveport's roads, industries, and medical facilities when building a wrongful death case.
Visit us
Hours & location
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Ready for wrongful death in Shreveport?
Smith & John is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at their Shreveport office on Youree Drive. Call or reach out to discuss whether the firm may be able to help with your matter.
Call (318) 219-1001