Litigating Louisiana Wrongful Death Cases Since 1996, for Families & Insurers Alike
Losing someone to another party’s negligence leaves families with grief and a legal clock that starts immediately. Under Louisiana law, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within one year of the victim’s death—one of the shortest deadlines in the country. That window narrows fast when families are still in crisis, which is why moving quickly matters.
The Truitt Law Firm has been litigating personal injury and wrongful death cases across Louisiana from our Covington office since 1996. We represent both plaintiff families and defendant insurers and businesses in these disputes, and that dual experience shapes how we approach every case. Having handled close to 200 trials and both sides of wrongful death litigation, we understand the arguments opposing counsel is most likely to raise, and we prepare for them before they surface. That preparation can create the leverage needed to pursue a favorable resolution, whether through settlement or, when necessary, trial.
Wrongful death claims arising in the Covington area may be filed in the 22nd Judicial District Court for St. Tammany Parish. We know the procedures and expectations of that court well. When you work with a wrongful death attorney in Covington, we guide you step by step through filing requirements, communications with insurers, and hearing preparation so you’re never left wondering what comes next.
With experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, our team offers rare, strategic perspective from both sides of the courtroom.
Nearly 200 Trials Handled
We've taken hundreds of cases to verdict, giving us the battle-tested experience to handle high-stakes litigation with confidence.
Embracing Innovation
We leverage modern-day solutions; while legacy firms tiptoe around tech, we’re using it to sharpen our edge and better serve our clients.
Inclusive by Design
We've built a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve, highlighting women and culturally diverse professionals in leadership.
Both Sides of the Courtroom, One Firm
Most wrongful death firms work exclusively for plaintiff families. We don’t. The Truitt Law Firm represents both the families who file these claims and the insurers, businesses, and individuals who defend them. That dual role isn’t a conflict. It’s a structural advantage that benefits whichever client we represent.
When a family retains us, we gather testimony, medical records, and expert input to document the full financial and human impact of the loss. We know exactly how defense counsel will evaluate that claim because we’ve been on that side too. When we defend an insurer or business, we apply the same rigorous review of evidence, focused on facts, causation, and an honest assessment of liability. Major insurance carriers trust us with their most serious cases, and individual families trust us with their worst moments. That reputation was built by delivering results on both sides without compromising integrity.
With close to 200 trials behind us and decades of Louisiana personal injury litigation, we’ve seen how these cases unfold at every stage. That courtroom depth also strengthens our negotiating position long before a case reaches trial.
Wrongful Death Claims Under Louisiana Law
A wrongful death claim is, at its core, a personal injury case where the injury resulted in death. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, surviving family members have the right to bring a civil claim when another party’s negligence or intentional act caused their loved one’s death. The law establishes a clear hierarchy for who may file: surviving spouses and children have the primary right; if none survive, that right passes to parents, then siblings, then grandparents. Family members related by blood or adoption are treated equally.
How These Cases Are Built
Because the deceased can’t testify, these cases rely on family accounts, medical records, police and accident reports, and expert witnesses including medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstructionists. Louisiana applies pure comparative fault, meaning that even if the deceased shared some responsibility for what happened, a claim can still proceed. Any recovery is reduced proportionately by the deceased’s percentage of fault.
Wrongful death cases in Louisiana arise from a wide range of circumstances: motor vehicle crashes, truck accidents, workplace incidents, dangerous premises, and medical negligence. Each scenario involves its own evidentiary rules and potential defenses, which is why prompt investigation matters. As the wrongful death attorney Covington families have relied on since 1996, we identify every potentially responsible party, assess how Louisiana law applies to your facts, and explain your options clearly. Louisiana has no general cap on wrongful death damages, though a $500,000 cap applies in medical malpractice cases and certain claims against governmental entities. With the filing deadline as short as one year from the date of death, the time to act is now.
Compensation Available in Louisiana Wrongful Death Cases
Surviving family members may pursue compensation for the full range of losses the death has caused, both financial and personal. Louisiana courts recognize two broad categories.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses, calculated with input from economists and other qualified witnesses.
Future lost income and earning capacity. Compensation for the wages, benefits, and financial support the deceased would have provided, calculated using career trajectory and life expectancy.
Medical expenses before death. Emergency treatment, hospital stays, and end-of-life care incurred as a result of the incident.
Funeral, burial, and memorial costs. Reasonable expenses families must bear during an already devastating time.
Lost household services. The practical contributions: childcare, home maintenance, and daily support the deceased provided to the family.
Vehicle damage and replacement. When the death resulted from a vehicle accident, families may recover property damage and replacement transportation costs.
Non-Economic Damages
These reflect the human losses that can’t be reduced to a spreadsheet.
Loss of love, companionship, guidance, and affection. The irreplaceable presence of the deceased in the lives of surviving family members.
Mental anguish and emotional suffering. The grief, trauma, and lasting psychological impact experienced by survivors.
We analyze every case to identify all compensable losses and work to maximize your potential recovery while holding the at-fault party legally accountable.
What to Expect When You Start a Wrongful Death Case
The legal process can feel overwhelming when you’re already coping with sudden loss. At the initial consultation, we listen to your account, review documents you already have such as police reports and medical records, answer your questions about Louisiana’s filing deadline, and outline what the path forward can look like in plain language. No legal jargon, no pressure.
As the case moves forward, we handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights and prevent statements that could be used against you. We work with medical professionals, economists, and other qualified witnesses to document both the financial and human impact of your loss. We keep you updated throughout so you know where things stand. If settlement negotiations don’t produce a fair resolution, we prepare the case for filing and trial in the appropriate St. Tammany Parish court. You focus on your family. We carry the legal weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, the right to file belongs first to the surviving spouse and children. If none survive, the right passes to parents, then siblings, then grandparents. Blood relatives and adopted family members are treated equally under Louisiana law.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
Families may recover economic losses including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income and benefits, and the value of lost household services, as well as non-economic losses including loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of guidance and support. Louisiana imposes no general cap on wrongful death damages, though medical malpractice claims are subject to a $500,000 limit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2, families generally have one year from the date of the decedent’s death to file. This is among the shortest wrongful death deadlines in the country. Missing the deadline generally forfeits the right to pursue any compensation, so contacting our attorneys as early as possible is critical.
Do I Need Proof That Negligence Caused the Death?
Yes. A wrongful death claim requires showing that another party’s careless or wrongful actions caused or contributed to the death. That showing is typically built through medical records, accident reports, witness accounts, and expert testimony from physicians, economists, or accident reconstructionists.
Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Resolved Without Going to Trial?
Many cases settle through negotiation once liability is established and the claim is thoroughly documented. If insurers refuse a fair resolution, we’re prepared to take the case to trial. Our experience in wrongful death cases means we enter both negotiations and courtrooms with an accurate picture of what the other side is likely to argue.
Don’t Let the Deadline Decide for Your Family
Louisiana’s wrongful death filing deadline doesn’t pause while families grieve. Acting promptly can help preserve critical evidence, support efforts to establish liability, and protect your right to seek compensation. The sooner we begin, the stronger the foundation we can build for your claim.
Don’t wait. Call The Truitt Law Firm at (985) 308-9946 today for a free, confidential wrongful death case review.
