Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyers

Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyers

Aggressively defending your rights after a loved one dies due to another’s negligence

Negligence and recklessness can leave a family mourning a loved one and questioning how to move on. In this time of tragedy, you should not have to worry about the financial hardships of lingering healthcare bills and burial costs. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., our compassionate attorneys understand the challenges that surviving family members face when a loved one is taken from them by someone's negligence. We work to alleviate some of the stress by seeking just compensation for your loss. If your family member was killed by the actions of another, we can help you determine your legal options and a potential wrongful death claim.

Securing compensation for the challenges that accompany the death of a loved one

When a family member is killed unexpectedly, the resulting emotional and financial burdens can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, a wrongful death can result from a variety of accidents, including those involving:

While some incidents of wrongful deaths instantly occur at the time of the accident, other victims may face days, weeks or months or medical treatment before succumbing to their fatal injuries. In this situation, families are left with substantial medical bills, as well as the financial burden of the deceased individual's lost contributions to the household. Our team of skilled lawyers work to secure monetary awards to cover such expenses as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Burial costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of companionship
  • Pain and suffering

For particularly egregious acts of negligence, a court may choose to also award punitive damages. These damages act to punish the defendant, while also seeking to prevent future negligent behaviors.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim?

The laws regarding wrongful death claims vary by state. In the state of Mississippi, a surviving spouse or surviving child can bring a wrongful death suit. A personal representative of the estate may also institute a claim and, under some circumstances, the parents or siblings of the deceased individual.

States also place limitations on the time you have to file a wrongful death claim. Generally, a Mississippi suit must be filed within three years of the date of death, but some causes of death, including medical malpractice and claims against governmental entities, may shorten this time frame. To best ensure your compliance with the various rules surrounding this cause of action, it helps to secure the legal services of a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. You can rely on the legal team of Merkel & Cocke to provide you with accurate information and guidance you can trust.

Your trusted resource for wrongful death claims in Mississippi

If the negligent actions of a person or business took the life of your loved one, contact Merkel & Cocke to discuss your legal options. Consultations are free, and we take personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means that you pay nothing until we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. We provide legal services to injured families throughout Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. Let us assist you from our home offices in Jackson and Clarksdale. Complete our contact form or call us at 662-627-9641 today.