Baton Rouge
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Over $1 Billion Won by Fatal Accident Attorneys in Baton Rouge
There is nothing as devastating as losing a loved one. The pain and loss compound when our loved ones are taken from us by other people’s carelessness, negligence, or recklessness. In our experience, few people need justice as much as the people left behind by fatal accidents. Families in these cases are distraught, robbed, and sometimes even financially ruined by the loss of a primary income earner. These effects can haunt families for decades if left unresolved.
At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our Baton Rouge wrongful death attorneys represent plaintiffs who have been unjustly robbed of a loved one’s presence, care, and security due to the negligence of others. Our firm has secured over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs in Louisiana, helping them obtain justice and lifelong security while holding reckless people accountable for their wrongdoing. Let us discuss your best options for pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit so we can help secure your future and, at least in part, right the wrong committed against you and your family.
Call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online to get a free consultation with a Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer at our firm.
Investigating Fatal Accidents in Baton Rouge
Every fatal accident is the result of multiple poor choices overlapping and compounding on one another. Our job is to investigate each and every one of those choices, holding every party accountable for their part in the loss of someone’s life. By doing this, we aim to make sure that your loved one’s death is answered for and that all defendants possible contribute to what the law calls “making you whole.” Our thorough and rigorous approach to investigation leaves no stone unturned, which provides a complete answer for what caused your loved one’s fatal accident.
Using this approach, Clayton, Frugé & Ward has secured compensation to address:
In some cases, wrongful death claims can result in something called “punitive damages,” which are issued by the court in cases where defendants displayed egregious or criminal negligence. Punitive damages are awarded to plaintiffs on the basis of punishing the defendant, incentivizing them to never repeat their mistakes. Punitive damages sometimes help plaintiffs feel heard by the court, which is beneficial for closure and healing.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Baton Rouge?
With a statute of limitations of one year, Louisiana residents have a much shorter window to file a wrongful death suit than other states. In legal terms, one year is not much time at all. If you think your loved one’s passing was even partially related to someone else’s actions, you should speak with a Baton Rouge wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. If you’re not sure if you have the right to file, the law typically allows spouses, children, and parents to bring a wrongful death suit forward. If you don’t fall under any of those categories but you were a part of the victim’s family, speak with us to learn if you have any recourse under the law.
Our team offers guidance on navigating the legal process, helping ensure that all necessary documentation and filings occur within the applicable deadlines. We are proactive in gathering and preserving evidence from the onset, aiding in building a robust case and adhering to all deadlines.
Industries with a High Wrongful Death Risk in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is home to several industries with elevated risks of fatal accidents, making wrongful death claims a critical part of the legal landscape in this area. The city's industrial economy, extensive highway system, and growing construction sector all contribute to an environment where workplace accidents can have devastating consequences. Below, we explore some of the most dangerous industries in Baton Rouge where wrongful death claims frequently arise.
1. Oil & Gas Industry
Baton Rouge is a hub for the oil and gas industry, with multiple refineries and petrochemical plants operating in and around the city. While these facilities provide significant employment opportunities, they also pose a heightened risk of on-the-job accidents. Workers in refineries are exposed to hazardous materials, high-pressure systems, and complex machinery, all of which can lead to deadly accidents if proper safety protocols are not followed.
Fatal incidents in the oil and gas sector often involve explosions, fires, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Transporting hazardous materials, such as oil or natural gas, also presents serious risks, particularly when accidents occur on the road. A wrongful death claim may arise if negligence by the employer, equipment manufacturers, or third-party contractors contributed to the fatal incident. Given the complexities of these cases, working with an experienced Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer is essential.
Moreover, oil refineries and related industries are often subject to stringent safety regulations. Our in-depth understanding of OSHA standards and other regulatory frameworks helps us identify regulatory breaches and employer violations, allowing us to fight to hold responsible parties accountable.
2. Construction & Manufacturing
The construction and manufacturing industries are major contributors to Baton Rouge's economy, but they also carry a high risk of fatal workplace accidents. Common causes of death in these industries include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, equipment malfunctions, and accidents involving heavy machinery. Inadequate training, poor supervision, or faulty safety equipment can also contribute to deadly accidents on construction sites or in manufacturing plants.
Workers in Baton Rouge’s growing construction sector, particularly those involved in large-scale projects, such as road construction, building high-rises, or industrial plant expansion, are at increased risk. When fatal accidents occur, the surviving family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim, especially if the employer or a third-party contractor failed to provide a safe working environment.
Our team is adept at dissecting the often complex contractor and subcontractor relationships within construction projects. We examine each involved party’s obligations and potential liability in order to pursue accountability. This often involves consulting with safety experts to substantiate claims related to safety protocol violations or negligent practices.
3. Transportation & Trucking
With Baton Rouge located at the crossroads of several major highways, like I-10 and I-12, the city sees a high volume of commercial truck traffic. This heavy truck presence increases the likelihood of fatal collisions, especially in areas with congested traffic, poor road conditions, or inclement weather. Commercial vehicle accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death claims in Baton Rouge, as collisions involving 18-wheelers and other large trucks often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.
Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to fatigue, speeding, or negligent driving practices. In addition to the truck driver, liability may extend to the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, or even the entity responsible for maintaining the roads. Families who lose a loved one in a fatal trucking accident may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of future income and companionship.
Our team knows how to unravel the complexities of the commercial transportation industry’s regulations. We delve into driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies to identify lapses that may have contributed to the accident. We examine all potential sources of retribution so that our clients can work to recover the resources they need to heal and move forward.