Wrongful deaths are one of the most difficult types of cases that we handle here at J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney. Whether it’s pedestrians who get hit by out-of-control cars, victims of falling objects from great heights, or other freak accidents that result in fatalities, the families that are left behind are left with pain and grief. Last year in Metairie, a tractor driver who was towing a float for the local parade was killed by an allegedly drunk driver, who was being chased by Jefferson Parish Sheriff officers. This past February, the family chose to file a wrongful death suit against one of the officers involved in the chase and against the parade organizers. Let’s take a look at the details.
What Happened in this Case?
The victim’s name was Don J. Dauzat, age 52. According to The Advocate, on the day of the accident, Dauzat had just finished towing an Excalibur float to a parade site, and was moving the tractor he used to another parade site for the Knights of King Arthur. At around 2:50 am, as he was driving the tractor, he was struck by Michael Burrle’s car as Burrle was fleeing police. The lawsuit and The Advocate explained that Dauzat was ejected from the tractor and received serious skull and brain injuries. He died less than a day later at a hospital in New Orleans. Burrle was imprisoned on the charge of suspicion of drunk driving, and then with vehicular homicide after the death of Dauzat.Filing a Wrongful Death Suit in Metairie
It’s important to understand that although a wrongful death is heart-breaking, they are typically not criminal cases. A wrongful death is typically categorized as an accidental death that could have been prevented if the perpetrator had been less negligent. A lawsuit of this nature can only be filed if there is evidence of the another party’s responsibility in causing the death of the victim. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is one year, and the goal of the suit is to seek compensation to help the families get back on track. Families can file suit for monetary recovery, loss of support and services, lost wages, and loss of love and affection. But it’s important that the suit be filed well before the statute of limitation expires. In this case, the family of Dauzat filed the lawsuit claiming that the officer pursuing Burrle was not using his lights or siren, and that the parade organizers had not supplied a police escort for Dauzat as he worked late into the night. While the case is still ongoing, it serves as an example of how other parties, that you may not have thought of before, that could be held responsible for the death of a loved one.How J. Price McNamara Can Help You with Wrongful Death
When filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s important that you have an experienced attorney in the field on your side. Here at J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney, our attorneys understand your pain and want to help you obtain the compensation you need for peace of mind after the death of your loved one. We proudly serve clients in Baton Rouge, Metairie and surrounding areas.
J. Price McNamara
Attorney
Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!
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