Baton Rouge Wrongful Death Lawyers

Over $1 Billion Won by Fatal Accident Attorneys in Baton Rouge, LA

There is nothing so 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 situations 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.

The Baton Rouge wrongful death attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward represent plaintiffs who’ve been robbed of a loved one’s presence, care, and security by other people’s negligence. Our firm has secured over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs in Louisiana, getting them justice and lifelong security while holding reckless people accountable for their wrongdoing. Let us discuss your best options for getting justice so we can 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. Discuss your options with a Baton Rouge fatal accident lawyer.

Investigating Fatal Accidents in Baton Rouge

Every fatal accident is the result of multiple poor choices overlapping and compounding on one another. It’s often the case that even just one choice made differently might have created a different outcome. 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’re making 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 helps plaintiffs feel heard by the court, which is beneficial for closure and healing.

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations for 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 need to speak with a Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer 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.

Industries with 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 the area. The city's industrial economy, extensive highway system, and growing construction sector all contribute to an environment where 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 and 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 for fatal 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, having an experienced Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer is essential for navigating the legal issues involved.

2. Construction and 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.

3. Transportation and Trucking

With Baton Rouge located at the crossroads of 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.

Historic Verdicts Won by Wrongful Death Attorneys in Baton Rouge, LA

Our firm has won more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements since our founding, including record-setting victories against some of the biggest defendants in the nation. Our firm has a well-earned reputation for taking on tough cases, winning results representing plaintiffs that other law firms turned down or thought were too difficult to win. Whatever you’re facing, we’re the firm to get you justice.

To get started, call (225) 209-9943 or schedule a free consultation online. Let’s discuss your legal options and start fighting to get you justice in your loved one’s name.