Wrongful
Death
Our wrongful death attorneys have more than 90 years of collective experience offering compassionate representation for survivors.
Jackson Wrongful Death Lawyers
Helping Families of Lost Loved Ones Heal
When a family loses a loved one, it’s a tragedy. When the loss is due to another person’s negligence or violence, the loss is even harder to bear. Although a wrongful death claim can’t bring them back, it can help the survivors pave the way for their future. Funderburg, Sessums & Peterson, PLLC has more than 90 years of collective experience working with grieving families and winning them the compensation and justice they deserve.
Have you lost a loved one? Do you suspect you can file a wrongful death claim? Contact our Jackson, MS firm today at (601) 355-5200 for compassionate representation.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims
Do you have grounds for a wrongful death claim? Many survivors may not realize just how many types of accidents can be considered valid grounds for a lawsuit.
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The most common types of wrongful death claims include:
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Accidental poisoning
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Drowning
How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?
In Mississippi, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in any situation where the deceased person could have filed a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived the incident. Not all survivors are eligible to submit a wrongful death lawsuit, however. The burden of proof required for this type of lawsuit is extensive but, since wrongful death is a civil action rather than a criminal case, the burden of proof is lower and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is not required.
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The four elements of the burden of proof in wrongful death claims are:
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Negligence
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Breach of duty
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Causation
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Damages
Wrongful Death Compensation
There are several categories of damages that may be included in compensation for wrongful death. No matter the category, when survivors receive a monetary settlement for wrongful death in Mississippi, they will not have to pay state or federal taxes on the amount. There are, however, limits to some of these damages. State law demands that non-economic damages be limited to $1,000,000, while in the case of medical malpractice, the amount is capped further at $500,000.
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The damages that survivors may win in a successful wrongful death lawsuit include:
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Medical expenses related to the final illness or injury
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Funeral expenses
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Burial expenses
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Survivors’ loss of companionship
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Lost wages and benefits
Contact Our Jackson Wrongful Death Attorneys
Have you lost a loved one? Are you unsure if you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit? Funderburg, Sessums & Peterson, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for our clients while staying committed to offering the best possible experience.