Langston & Lott, PLLC Mississippi Wrongful Death
Mississippi Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one is an unimaginably difficult experience, especially when the loss comes because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
In these moments of grief and confusion, you need a compassionate ally to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Langston & Lott is here to offer that support, bringing years of expertise in wrongful death cases to families across Mississippi.
Why Choose Langston & Lott's Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyers?
Langston & Lott stands out for its dedicated approach to handling wrongful death claims with sensitivity, respect, and unwavering support. Our firm has a 50-year history of success, having secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for families who have suffered the most profound loss.
We understand that no amount of compensation can replace your loved one, but it can provide the financial security needed to move forward.
Our firm is conveniently located in Booneville near the Mississippi Department of Human Services and in Tupelo near Tupelo City Hall. We're well-positioned to serve clients across Mississippi, offering dedicated, experienced legal advocacy to ensure the best possible outcomes for your case.
Our team's deep understanding of Mississippi law, combined with a commitment to personal attention, makes us uniquely positioned to handle wrongful death claims. We pride ourselves on not just being attorneys but advocates for our clients, ensuring that their loved one's story is heard and honored throughout the legal process.
Wrongful Death Compensation
In wrongful death cases, compensation can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s expected income, and loss of companionship and support.
At Langston & Lott, we work closely with our clients to ensure every aspect of their claim is thoroughly evaluated, aiming to secure a settlement that reflects the full extent of their loss and the impact on their lives.
Medical Expenses Incurred Prior to Death
This category covers all medical costs related to the deceased’s final illness or injury. It includes hospital stays, medical treatments, surgery costs, medication expenses, and any other healthcare services rendered in an attempt to save the deceased’s life. We work to ensure these expenses are fully documented and claimed, alleviating the financial burden they impose on families.
Funeral and Burial Costs
The immediate expenses associated with laying a loved one to rest can be significant. Compensation for funeral and burial costs covers everything from the funeral service to the burial or cremation, including the purchase of a casket or urn, funeral home services, transportation, and cemetery fees.
Langston & Lott assists clients in compiling these costs to ensure they are fully accounted for in the claim.
Loss of the Deceased’s Expected Income
One of the most significant financial impacts of wrongful death is the loss of income the deceased would have contributed to the family.
This compensation aims to cover the earnings the deceased would have reasonably expected to make had their life not been cut short. It includes not only salary but also other benefits such as health insurance coverage and retirement contributions.
Calculating this loss requires a detailed analysis of the deceased’s earning potential, factoring in their age, career, and the likelihood of future promotions and raises.
Loss of Companionship and Support
Beyond the financial implications, the loss of a loved one’s presence and support carries a profound emotional weight.
Compensation for the loss of companionship and support acknowledges the emotional suffering and loss of care, guidance, and nurturing the deceased would have provided. This type of compensation is especially relevant for spouses and children of the deceased, recognizing the irreplaceable void left by their passing.
Loss of Inheritance
This form of compensation considers the wealth the deceased would have accumulated and passed on to heirs if not for their untimely death. It accounts for savings and assets that would have grown over time, ensuring that the family’s future financial security, as the deceased would have intended, is preserved.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, a court may award punitive damages. Unlike other forms of compensation that aim to cover the victim’s losses, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
While not available in all wrongful death cases, Langston & Lott will explore the possibility of seeking punitive damages when the circumstances warrant such a response.
Pain and Suffering of the Deceased
If the deceased endured pain and suffering before their death due to their injuries, compensation might cover this suffering as part of the wrongful death claim. This recognizes the physical and emotional distress the deceased experienced prior to their passing.
At Langston & Lott, we understand the difficulties involved in calculating and pursuing these forms of compensation.
Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that every aspect of your loss is recognized and adequately compensated. Through preparation and compassionate representation, we aim to provide the support and advocacy needed to secure the justice and financial security your loved one’s wrongful death warrants.
If you are dealing with the painful reality of wrongful death in Mississippi, trust Langston & Lott to stand by your side and fight for the comprehensive compensation you deserve.
Where Do Wrongful Death Accidents Occur in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, these accidents can happen in many situations, such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents: This includes car crashes, truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian or bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles. In Jackson and along the I-55 corridor, car crashes are a common occurrence, often resulting from congested traffic conditions and high-speed commuting.
- Dangerous premises: This involves accidents caused by unsafe or defective conditions on someone else’s property, such as slip and falls, dog bites, or swimming pool accidents. Shopping centers in areas such as Tupelo and the Metrocenter Mall in Jackson have been sites of slip and fall incidents, where wet floors or poor maintenance create hazards.
- Defective products: This covers accidents caused by faulty or harmful products, such as defective medical devices, drugs, or appliances.
- Medical malpractice: This refers to accidents caused by the negligence or errors of medical professionals, such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors.
- Nursing home neglect or abuse: This encompasses accidents caused by the mistreatment or neglect of elderly or disabled residents in nursing homes, such as bedsores, falls, or infections.
- Intentional acts: This includes accidents caused by the deliberate or criminal actions of another party, such as assault, battery, homicide, or domestic violence. Urban areas and nightlife spots in cities such as Jackson, Biloxi, and Oxford have witnessed crimes leading to serious injuries or death, necessitating legal action for victims and their families.
If you have lost a loved one due to any of these wrongful death accidents in Mississippi, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for your losses and suffering.
Our Focus on Mississippi Wrongful Death Accidents
Our wrongful death practice area covers a wide range of incidents, including, but not limited to:
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents, including car, motorcycle, and truck collisions, are a leading cause of wrongful death claims. These tragic incidents often result from negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to adhere to traffic laws. The impact of these accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries or death.
At Langston & Lott, we investigate each case to determine liability, gathering evidence from police reports, witness statements, and, if necessary, accident reconstruction experts to build a strong claim on behalf of the deceased’s family. We understand how to negotiate with insurance companies and are prepared to take legal action to ensure families receive the compensation they deserve for their loss.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents encompass a range of incidents that occur in construction sites, industrial settings, and other work environments: 41 workers died on the job in Mississippi in one recent year due to unsafe working conditions, failure to follow safety protocols, inadequate training, or faulty equipment. The consequences can leave families to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one.
Langston & Lott advocate for the rights of families affected by workplace accidents, working to identify all parties responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to the tragedy. We are committed to securing compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the wrongful death.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice involves fatal errors made in medical care or surgery, where healthcare professionals deviate from the accepted standards of practice, leading to a patient’s death. These errors can include misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, or failure to treat a condition promptly.
Proving medical malpractice requires a thorough investigation and the testimony of medical experts to demonstrate how the standard of care was not met. Langston & Lott has the resources and experience needed to take on complex medical malpractice cases, ensuring that families receive justice for the loss of their loved one due to medical negligence.
Product Liability
Deaths caused by defective or dangerous products fall under the category of product liability. These incidents can occur across a wide range of products, including automobiles, medical devices, household appliances, and children’s toys.
Product liability claims require demonstrating that the product was inherently dangerous due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
At Langston & Lott, we are experienced in holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the harm their products cause. By pursuing product liability claims, we aim not only to secure compensation for affected families but also to enforce higher safety standards for products in the market, preventing future tragedies.
Common Injuries Leading to Wrongful Death
The path to a wrongful death claim often begins with catastrophic injuries that are beyond recovery.
At Langston & Lott, we frequently encounter cases where the following severe injuries have tragically led to a loved one’s premature death:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs are among the most serious injuries that can occur in accidents. They can result from violent blows or jolts to the head or body, often seen in vehicle collisions, falls, or sports accidents. A severe TBI can lead to coma, permanent cognitive or physical impairments, and ultimately death. The complexities of these injuries require immediate and extensive medical attention, and even with the best care, the outcomes can be fatal.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt the communication between the brain and the body, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. The severity and location of the injury determine the extent of the impairment. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can result in complications such as respiratory failure, heart problems, or severe infections, which can lead to wrongful death.
- Severe Burns: Severe burn injuries can be life-threatening due to the risk of infection, shock, and respiratory issues. Burns covering a significant portion of the body can be particularly fatal. These injuries often occur in fires, explosions, electrical accidents, or due to exposure to hazardous chemicals. The recovery process is painful and prolonged, with a high risk of fatal complications.
- Multiple Trauma: Multiple trauma, or polytrauma, refers to situations where an individual suffers multiple serious injuries simultaneously, such as fractures, internal injuries, and head trauma. This can occur in severe car crashes, industrial accidents, or situations involving falls from great heights. The body’s inability to recover from the compounded effects of multiple injuries often leads to tragic outcomes.
These injuries not only signify a profound loss for the families affected but also highlight the importance of safety measures, prompt medical attention, and legal accountability.
At Langston & Lott, we are dedicated to supporting families during these difficult times, offering our representation to ensure that justice is served and that they receive the compensation and closure they deserve.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Wrongful Death
After a wrongful death, families face not only their grief but also the task of negotiating insurance claims. Insurance companies, in their quest to protect their bottom line, use several strategies to minimize or outright deny wrongful death claims.
At Langston & Lott, we have encountered and countered these tactics time and again, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected. Here are some ways insurance companies may attempt to fight or deny wrongful death claims:
Disputing Liability
One of the most common tactics is disputing liability. Insurance companies may attempt to argue that their policyholder was not at fault for the incident or that another party bears full or partial responsibility.
By casting doubt on liability, they aim to reduce their financial obligation or shift it elsewhere. Our firm gathers evidence to establish fault clearly, countering attempts to deflect blame.
Questioning the Relationship Between the Injury and Death
Insurers might also question the direct link between the injury caused by the incident and the victim’s death. They may suggest that pre-existing conditions or intervening events were the true causes of death, thereby attempting to diminish their client’s liability.
Langston & Lott works with medical experts to demonstrate a clear causal connection between the incident and the wrongful death, ensuring that such arguments do not undermine the claim.
Minimizing the Value of the Claim
Another strategy is to minimize the value of the claim by underestimating the deceased’s future earnings, the extent of emotional loss, or the impact on the survivors’ lives.
Insurance companies often present lowball settlement offers early in the process, hoping families will accept less than they deserve.
Our Mississippi wrongful death lawyers are skilled at accurately calculating the full extent of damages, including future financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering, to advocate for a settlement that truly reflects the magnitude of the loss.
Exploiting Legal and Policy Technicalities
Insurance companies frequently comb through the fine print of their policies and the law to find technicalities that can justify reducing or denying a claim. This could include arguing that the claim was filed outside the statute of limitations or that certain types of damages are not covered under the policy.
At Langston & Lott, we make sure that technicalities are not used unjustly to evade rightful compensation.
Delaying Tactics
Insurers may deliberately slow the claims process, hoping that the financial pressure will compel families to settle for less. This can involve excessive demands for documentation, prolonged investigations, or simply failing to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
Our firm understands the financial and emotional toll these delays can take on families and aggressively pushes back against such tactics to expedite the resolution of the claim.
Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
In an effort to find evidence that could undermine the claim, insurance companies might resort to surveillance or monitoring the social media accounts of the claimants and their families. They look for anything that can be construed as inconsistent with the claim, such as images or posts that suggest a lesser degree of suffering or loss.
Langston & Lott advise clients on how to protect their privacy and avoid providing insurers with ammunition to devalue their claims.
What to Do After a Mississippi Wrongful Death Accident
Following the loss of a loved one, there are several steps to take that can strengthen your wrongful death claim. This includes keeping detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses prior to the death, funeral and burial costs, and any correspondence related to the incident.
Bringing this documentation to Langston & Lott will significantly strengthen your case, allowing us to effectively fight for your rights and the justice your loved one deserves.
Casey Langston Lott, Personal Injury Lawyer
in BoonevilleContact a Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyer at Langston & Lott
At Langston & Lott, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one to wrongful death. Our dedicated team is here to help you with the legal challenges during this difficult time, offering the support, respect, and representation you need to secure justice and compensation.
If your family suffered a wrongful death in Mississippi, contact us to learn how we can assist you during this time. Call (662) 728-9733 today.
Booneville Office Location
100 South Main Street
Booneville, MS 38829
(662)-728-9733
The Latest News
& Updates from
Our Law Firm
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, affecting millions of people worldwide every year. Understanding the different types of car accidents can help