Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyer
People can die from a variety of causes. In many cases, fatalities are caused by the negligent and reckless behavior of others. The most common causes include car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and crimes. Workplace accidents can also lead to fatalities.
Construction sites see a lot of fatal accidents due to elements such as heights, tools, electricity, and heavy materials. A lot of accidents happen in factories and warehouses as well due to machinery and equipment.
If your loved one was killed while on the job, you may wonder: what happens now? Can you sue the employer? Will you be able to receive compensation? Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC can help. Contact our Jackson wrongful death lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
You can get workers’ compensation benefits without having to prove negligence. The main benefit is that they are provided regardless of fault, so you can receive them even if the employer was not negligent. These benefits help cover funeral costs and other costs associated with your loved one’s death.
However, keep in mind that if you accept death benefits, you won’t be able to sue the employer for additional damages. Also, workers’ compensation death benefits don’t compensate for loss of companionship, emotional pain, suffering, and other intangible losses.
Filing a Lawsuit
You may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer if you can prove the following:
- It must be proven that the person’s death was caused by the careless, reckless, or negligent actions of the employer or other third party.
- Breach of duty. It must be proven that the defendant owed a duty to the victim and that duty was breached. For example, employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for employees.
- It must also be proven that the negligence of the defendant caused the death of the worker.
- The death must have led to damages such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income, loss of consortium, loss of protection, and loss of inheritance.
In a wrongful death claim, it must be proven that your loved one died due to the negligence of their employer. You’ll need strong evidence to prove this. Making matters worse is the possibility that the employer may not allow you to access the workplace and talk to other personnel to collect evidence. Therefore, you should hire an experienced wrongful death attorney for help.
Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC Today
We expect that we will be safe in the workplace, but accidents happen. Sometimes these accidents are minor. Some are more severe. Some are even fatal.
Has your loved one been a victim of wrongful death? If so, the team at Lunsford, Baskin, & Priebe, PLLC can help you file a claim for compensation. To schedule a consultation with our Jackson wrongful death lawyer, call (601) 488-3975 or fill out the online form.
