Can Mississippi Families Recover Compensation after a Loved One is Killed in a Drunk Driving Car Accident? What You Need to Know about Mississippi Wrongful Death Laws
Although the dust probably never settles after a loved one is killed horrifically and unexpectedly by a drunk driver, once the families of the victims have had time to process, they may wonder if there is any recourse against the drunk driver. While often drunk driving news stories reveal the criminal charges that an alleged drunk driver faces, the news does not usually provide details about the rights of the drunk driving car accident victim’s surviving family members under Mississippi wrongful death laws. The truth of the matter is that certain surviving family members of those who have been killed by drunk drivers may be entitled to money compensation under Mississippi civil wrongful death laws. But how does a Mississippi family recover compensation under Mississippi wrongful death laws, and can they do so even if the drunk driver is charged under Mississippi criminal laws? To help Mississippi families who have tragically lost loved ones to drunk driving car accidents get answers to these questions, we answer them here.
Initiating a Claim under Mississippi Wrongful Death Laws
In order to bring a wrongful death claim in Mississippi, a plaintiff must file a lawsuit in court. At the outset, it is important for Mississippi families to know that only certain close family members of the fatal drunk driving car accident victim may bring a wrongful death case for compensation under Mississippi wrongful death laws. Under Mississippi wrongful death laws, typically the surviving spouse of the deceased victim, their surviving children, their parents, and the personal representative of their estate may bring a wrongful death claim for compensation. Compensation under Mississippi wrongful death laws may include funeral expenses and burial costs, medical expenses, compensation for lost wages and earnings, pain and suffering, and other important categories of compensation. It is also important for Mississippi families to know that even if a drunk driver is charged under Mississippi criminal laws, they may still be held liable under Mississippi wrongful death laws for the damages and losses that they caused. Every wrongful death case in Mississippi is unique, so it is best to speak with an experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyer about your rights and options in your particular case.
A Law Firm that Helps Mississippi Families Get Justice for the Loss of Their Loved Ones to Drunk Drivers
If your loved one was injured in a fatal drunk driving car accident or negligent car accident in Mississippi and you need legal help, contact the experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. The experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help Mississippi families get justice due for their injuries and losses caused by drunk and negligent drivers. Do not hesitate to speak with a lawyer about your case today. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC and speak to a lawyer now.
