wrongful death meridian ms

Meridian Wrongful Death Lawyers

Legal help when you lose a loved one due to negligence in Mississippi

Losing someone you love is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. When that loss happens because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions, the pain can become even harder to bear. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we understand what you’re going through. Our experienced Meridian wrongful death lawyers are here to help families find justice and support after such a huge loss. We want you to know that you don’t have to go through this process alone.

How can we help?

What is a wrongful death?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another person or company’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. This can include things like:

  • Car accidents caused by a distracted or drunk driver
  • Medical malpractice, like a misdiagnosis or surgical error
  • Workplace accidents, especially in dangerous jobs like construction or trucking
  • Defective products that fail and cause fatal injuries
  • Nursing home abuse or neglect
  • Criminal acts, like assault or homicide

In these situations, the person who caused the death could be held legally responsible. Wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to file a lawsuit for damages. These damages can include lost income, funeral costs, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.

 

What are some common causes of wrongful death?

As Mississippi personal injury attorneys, we’ve handled many wrongful death claims throughout Lauderdale County and the surrounding areas. Some of the common causes of wrongful death in Meridian include the following:

  • Mississippi has some of the most dangerous roads in the country, with hundreds of traffic fatalities every year. Whether it’s due to drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or reckless trucking companies, fatal car crashes happen far too often.
  • Doctors, nurses, and hospitals must follow accepted medical standards. If they fail to diagnose, misdiagnose, or make surgical errors, patients can die unnecessarily. Families have the right to file a medical malpractice claim if this happens.
  • Mississippi has many workers in the farming, manufacturing, and construction industries, which can be very dangerous. If your loved one died on the job because of unsafe working conditions, equipment, or an employer’s negligence, we can help.
  • Faulty car parts, dangerous drugs, or poorly designed consumer products can cause fatal injuries. Manufacturers have a duty to design and test their products for safety.

What is Mississippi’s wrongful death law?

In Mississippi, wrongful death cases are governed by Mississippi Code 11-7-13. This law gives certain family members the right to file a claim if a wrongful or negligent act caused someone’s death. The people who can file a wrongful death claim in Meridian include:

  • The surviving spouse
  • The children of the deceased
  • The parents, if the person was unmarried without children
  • In some cases, siblings
  • The executor or administrator of the estate

Under the law, you can seek compensation not just for financial losses, but also for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

There’s also a statute of limitations you need to know about. In most cases, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if the case involves medical malpractice, the time limit may be two years. If a government entity is involved, you may have only one year to file a notice of claim under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a Meridian wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.

How do you prove a Meridian wrongful death case?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit, which means it focuses on financial compensation rather than criminal punishment. To win a wrongful death case in Mississippi, our attorneys must prove:

  • The person or company had a legal duty of care to act safely or responsibly.
  • That duty was breached or violated through negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior.
  • This breach directly caused your loved one’s death.
  • The surviving family members suffered losses as a result of the death.

Let’s look at an example. Say a commercial truck driver was texting and ran a red light, hitting another vehicle and killing the driver. In this case, the truck driver had a duty to drive safely, but texting behind the wheel is a breach of that duty. That reckless behavior caused a fatal crash, and the victim’s family now faces major emotional and financial losses. That’s the basis for a wrongful death lawsuit.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we work with investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction teams to build strong cases and prove each of these elements.

What is the value of my Meridian wrongful death claim?

We understand that no amount of money can ever replace the person you’ve lost. However, a successful wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burdens on your family and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. In Mississippi, surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Any medical expenses related to the injury before death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have provided
  • The pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
  • Loss of companionship and support
  • Emotional distress of the surviving family members
  • Punitive damages, in cases of extreme wrongdoing

Punitive damages aren’t awarded in every case, but they can be important when the death was caused by especially reckless or malicious actions. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Why do I need a Meridian wrongful death lawyer for my case?

Wrongful death claims can be complicated. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. They may deny fault entirely or try to blame the victim. That’s why you need a law firm with the resources, experience, and determination to fight for you.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we have been serving families across Mississippi for more than 40 years. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for our clients, and we’re proud to offer compassionate legal support during life’s most difficult moments. When you hire our team, we can:

  • Investigate your loved one’s death thoroughly
  • Gather evidence from experts, witnesses, and medical records
  • Calculate damages so you understand what your claim is worth
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties
  • Represent you in court, if necessary

Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing.

 

What should I expect during a Meridian wrongful death case?

We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed. Here’s what the legal process typically looks like:

  • We can talk with you about what happened and let you know if you have a case in a free consultation.
  • Our legal team will launch an investigation, gathering evidence and reviewing records.
  • We can file a wrongful death lawsuit and deal with all the paperwork on your behalf.
  • Many cases are settled before trial, but only if the offer is fair.
  • If we need to go to court, we will present your case with strength and compassion.

We keep you informed every step of the way and answer all of your questions. You’re not just a client to us. You’re a grieving family who deserves justice.

Do you have a Meridian wrongful death lawyer near me?

Yes. Our Meridian office is located at Regions Bank Building, Suite 205, 406 22nd Avenue. Our attorneys consult with clients by phone and through online conversation platforms like Zoom and FaceTime. If you are unable to come to our office, we can arrange to see you at your home or a healthcare facility.

We’re prepared to guide you step-by-step through this difficult time.

Meridian wrongful death lawyers working for you and your family

If you’ve lost a loved one in a preventable accident, we are truly sorry. We understand that this is a time of deep grief and uncertainty. Let us help you seek the accountability and financial support your family needs. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., our Meridian wrongful death attorneys are here to listen, support, and fight for you. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. Please call us today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together to honor your loved one’s memory and build a better future.