Gulfport Wrongful Death Attorney

Family members who suffer the untimely death of a loved one need a legal team able to deeply sympathize with their loss.  While no amount of money can make up for losing your loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can provide a much-needed sense of closure and justice that you and your family deserve and the resources to move forward with your lives. Speak with our Gulfport wrongful death attorneys today by calling (228) 872-8752.

At Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC, our wrongful death attorneys are:

• Attentive;
• Considerate;
• Compassionate; and
• Driven to succeed.

With more than two decades of experience, turn to our law firm to provide your family with the legal guidance, skills, resources, and knowledge you need to move ahead with your wrongful death claim.  Contact Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC in today and schedule a complimentary case consultation with our Gulfport personal injury lawyer.

An Experienced Gulfport Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

At Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC, our wrongful death attorneys want you to focus on healing and allow us to handle all of the legal aspects of your wrongful death matter.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Managing all communications with the insurance company;
• Contacting bill collectors to advise them when to expect payment;
• Conducting an in-depth investigation of your case;
• Calculating your total losses, both personal and financial losses resulting from your injuries;
• Representing you in negotiations and settlement discussions; and
• If necessary, taking your case to trial.

Contact Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC, as soon as possible regarding your wrongful death case.  Mississippi places strict guidelines on filing wrongful death claims within the state.  Some of these are as short as one year, so do not delay.

What Is a Wrongful Death in Gulfport?

A wrongful death claim is a civil, not a criminal, claim in Mississippi.  The personal representative or surviving family members of the deceased file a wrongful death claim, not the state, through a criminal prosecutor.  The only damages available in a wrongful death claim are monetary, while a criminal conviction carries jail or prison time, probation, or other penalties.

Wrongful death in Mississippi is defined as the death of an individual caused by a wrongful act or omission of another.  A wrongful death may be the result of:

• Any real, wrongful or negligent act or omission;
• Unsafe machinery or appliances;
• Defective product;
• Car accident;
• The breach of any warranty of fitness of any item intended for human consumption.

Wrongful death cases are like personal injury cases except that the injured person is deceased and another party must bring his or her case to court on their behalf.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Gulfport?

In Mississippi, there are limited parties who may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.  These include:

• The personal representative of the deceased’s estate;
• The surviving spouse;
• The surviving parent or children;
• Any surviving siblings.

Damages awards are split equally between the surviving spouse and the children.  If no surviving spouse or children exist, a surviving parent or sibling may split any damages awarded.

The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Mississippi

The statute of limitations is the deadline by which you must file a lawsuit after a death occurs. If you wait too long, your case will be thrown out, and you will not be able to recover damages. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is usually three years – if your loved one dies due to another person’s negligence, you must file your wrongful death suit within three years from the date your loved one passed away.

Exceptions to Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations 

Two of the most common exceptions to this filing deadline include the following:

Medical Malpractice: If the wrongful death results from medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is two years. 

Under 18: If the person entitled to bring the claim is a minor, the statute of limitations is paused until they reach the age of majority. 

If you are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it is essential to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. The deadlines can be complicated, and you don’t want to miss out on your ability to pursue the compensation you deserve. 

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Attorney Cost? 

A wrongful death attorney typically works on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney only gets paid if they win your case. If the attorney does not succeed, then you do not owe the attorney anything. 

The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the total amount of money you receive from a settlement or verdict. The typical contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40%. For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and the contingency fee is 30 percent, then the attorney will receive $30,000. 

You may also be responsible for some of the costs associated with your case. These costs include filing fees, expert witness costs, and court reporter fees. Whether you are responsible for these costs depends on your case and situation and the fee agreement you sign.

Benefits of a Contingency Fee Basis 

While the percentage your attorney gets paid if you win can seem high, this type of financial arrangement has important benefits. Some of the most common benefits include: 

• You Only Pay if You Win: As mentioned above, one of the most significant benefits is that you only have to pay your lawyer if they are with your claim. This takes away a lot of financial stress during an already difficult time. It also provides accessible legal representation to all people regardless of their financial status. 
• No Upfront Costs: When you work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront costs, which means you do not have to worry about how you will afford to pay your lawyer. While they will eventually get paid if they win, the fee never comes directly out of your own pocket.
• Incentivizes Your Lawyer: Since your lawyer will only be paid if they win your case, they have a strong incentive to work hard and get you the best possible outcome. 

Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney in Gulfport

Wrongful death in Gulfport can be a challenging and emotional journey for those who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another. Our law firm with experienced wrongful death lawyers in Gulfport can provide support and guidance, helping you navigate the legal process and hold the responsible party accountable.

Seeking justice won’t bring back your loved one, but it can provide closure and ensure accountability. Reach out to our compassionate law firm for help in bearing the burden of burial expenses and seeking justice for your loss. With the right support, you can find a path towards healing and closure.

If you have questions about compensation amounts or filing a wrongful death claim after a loved one’s death, call Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC.  We can help your family get the compensation, justice, and closure you deserve for the untimely death of your loved one.