Mississippi Wrongful Death Attorney

Get Help From a Top Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyer

At Keith B. French Law, PLLC, our Mississippi wrongful death attorney is a compassionate, experienced, and justice-driven advocate for families. We are always ready to go the extra mile to help our clients get the best outcome in their case. If you have any questions or concerns about wrongful death laws, our team can help. Contact us at our Jackson law office today for a free, no obligation case review with a top-rated Mississippi wrongful death lawyer. 

A Wrongful Death Claim is a Civil Cause of Action

In Mississippi, a wrongful death claim is classified as a civil cause of action. This type of lawsuit allows certain family members or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to seek financial compensation when a death results from another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. A wrongful death lawsuit could potentially be filed after any type of fatal accident, including: 

• Car accidents; 
• Eighteen wheeler accidents; 
• Motorcycle crashes; 
• Pedestrian accidents; 
• Slip and falls or other fall accidents; 
• Medical malpractice; 
• Dangerous and defective products; and
• Nursing home abuse or neglect. 

Your Guide to Wrongful Death Laws in Mississippi

Are you considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit for a family member’s fatal accident in Jackson or elsewhere in Mississippi? It is crucial that you understand how our state’s wrongful death law works. Here are key points to understand about Mississippi Code § 11-7-13: 

• Wrongful Death Eligibility: Not just any person can file a claim. However, Mississippi law permits several parties to bring a wrongful death claim, including the surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings of the deceased. A personal representative of the estate may also file on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries. Only one lawsuit can be filed—but it will include all potential beneficiaries.
• Actions that Can Lead to a Wrongful Death Claim: A wrongful death claim can arise from any act that would have entitled the deceased to file a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived. This includes car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and intentional acts like assault. You must prove fault to bring a successful claim. 
• Time Limit to File (Statute of Limitations): In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for wrongful death depends on the cause of death. For most negligence-based cases, the deadline is three years from the date of death. However, if the death resulted from an intentional act, such as an assault, the time limit may sometimes be reduced to one year.
• The Role of the Court in Dividing Damages: Multiple parties may be the beneficiaries of a civil wrongful death lawsuit. In Mississippi, courts divide any compensation awarded in a wrongful death case among the statutory beneficiaries. The amount each person receives depends on their relationship to the deceased and other factors. 

An Overview of Wrongful Death Damages

Financial compensation will never truly be sufficient to make things right after a fatal accident. At the same time, your family needs justice. In Mississippi, wrongful death damages are designed to compensate surviving family members and the estate for the loss caused by a person’s death due to another’s negligence or wrongdoing. Recoverable damages may include lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and the value of household services the deceased would have provided. Funeral and burial expenses may also be awarded. Our Mississippi wrongful death lawyer is committed to helping grieving families secure the maximum financial support. 

How Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyer Keith B. French Jr. Can Help

Did you lose a loved one to a fatal accident in Mississippi? It is a terrible tragedy. Families in Mississippi facing wrongful death cases can depend on our founding attorney Keith B. French Jr. Our approach combines legal expertise with a deep sense of compassion. We strive to fight for justice and the maximum compensation for grieving families. Our client testimonials tell the story. When you reach out to our Jackson office, you will have a chance to work with a Mississippi wrongful death attorney who is ready to: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about Mississippi’s wrongful death laws; 
• Carefully investigate your family member’s fatal accident in Mississippi; 
• Handle wrongful death paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
• Take aggressive legal action to help your family get justice and the maximum compensation. 

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Mississippi: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Speak to a Mississippi Wrongful Death Attorney?

The sooner, the better. Not only are wrongful death claims extremely complex, they are highly time-sensitive civil legal cases. You should speak to a Mississippi wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after the loss of your loved one. An attorney can help preserve critical evidence, identify the responsible party, and guide you through the legal process from the very beginning of the process. Our Mississippi wrongful death lawyer provides proactive legal representation. 

Who Files the Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Mississippi?

Not just any person can take civil legal action after a fatal accident. Under Mississippi law, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings of the deceased. If none of those individuals file, the personal representative of the estate can bring the claim. Only one wrongful death action may be filed. With that being said, all eligible family members are considered part of the case. Any of the proceeds from the recovery—either through a settlement or a verdict—will be distributed among statutory beneficiaries according to state law.

What is Contingency Fee Representation for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Contingency fee representation means you do not pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court award. The fee is typically a percentage of the total recovery. At Keith B. French Law, PLLC, we represent grieving families in Mississippi on a contingency fee basis. Our firm does not charge any upfront costs or any out-of-pocket fees. Your initial consultation is free and carries no obligations. 

Contact Our Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

At Keith B. French Law, PLLC, our Mississippi wrongful death attorney is a knowledgeable and experienced advocate for justice. We put grieving families first. If you have questions about the law, please do not hesitate to contact us right away for a free, no obligation initial case review. With an office in Jackson, we handle wrongful death cases throughout the region in Mississippi.