# Alexandria *Wrongful Death Attorneys*

Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers represent Alexandria and Rapides Parish families after preventable fatal accidents caused by others’ negligence. Our skilled wrongful death lawyers investigate how the death happened, identify every person or company that may be legally responsible, and pursue the financial compensation your family needs after a sudden loss.

[Request a Free Consultation](https://ricekendig.com/contact-us)

[Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers](https://ricekendig.com/) > [Areas We Serve](https://ricekendig.com/areas-we-serve) > [Alexandria Personal Injury Lawyer](https://ricekendig.com/alexandria-personal-injury-lawyer) > Alexandria Wrongful Death Lawyer

## Cases

## Real Recoveries for *Families After Fatal Accidents*

- **[$900,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/mansfield-roadway-obstruction-900k-settlement)** — Motor Vehicle Accident: A truck towing a large piece of equipment blocked a rural roadway, leading to a collision that left our client with rib and ankle fractures.
- **[$1,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/18-wheeler-wrongful-death-1m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: A series of truck collisions on a rural roadway resulted in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of our client.
- **[$900,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/oilfield-truck-accident-900k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: Clients were rear-ended by an oilfield service truck, resulting in shoulder and wrist injuries and the aggravation of a hernia.
- **[$755,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/rear-end-collision-755k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A distracted driver failed to stop for our client’s vehicle, causing injuries, including sacroiliac joint dysfunction and post-concussion syndrome.
- **[$650,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/shreveport-trip-and-fall-650k-settlement)** — Trip and Fall: A caterer suffered major shoulder and knee injuries requiring surgery after tripping over a loose board that the facility had failed to repair.
- **[$826,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/haughton-rear-end-accident-826k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A client was rear-ended in Haughton by a distracted driver, resulting in herniated discs and central stenosis.
- **[$675,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/desoto-parish-distracted-driver-675k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: Our client sustained spinal injuries and chronic headaches after being rear-ended by a distracted driver in Desoto Parish.
- **[$850,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/shreveport-rear-end-accident-850k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: A driver’s failure to yield on LA 3132 led to a high-impact rear-end collision, causing the client to suffer multi-level disc disease and chronic pain.
- **[$2,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-tire-defect-2m-settlement)** — Truck Accidents: An 18-wheeler driver suffered severe facial and internal injuries after a defective tire blew out, causing the truck to flip several times.
- **[$2,700,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/slip-and-fall-head-injury-2-7m-settlement)** — Slip and Fall: A client suffered a head injury after slipping on unattended mop water in a facility that failed to post warning signs.
- **[$16,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/wrongful-death-18-wheeler-16m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: A tragic head-on collision caused by a speeding 18-wheeler resulted in the wrongful death of a mother and great-grandmother and injuries to an infant.
- **[$1,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/premises-liability-roadway-collapse-1m-settlement)** — Premises Liability: The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.
- **[$2,150,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/wrongful-death-2-15m-settlement)** — Wrongful Death: The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.
- **$1,600,000** — Truck Accidents: Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.
- **[$1,275,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-collision-1-275m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.
- **[$750,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-accident-750k-settlement)** — Truck Accidents: An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.
- **[$2,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-2m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.
- **[$650,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-distracted-driver-collision-650k-settlement)** — Car Accidents: The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.
- **[$465,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/truck-accident-leads-to-neck-surgery-465k-settlement)** — Truck Accidents: An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.
- **[$1,000,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/car-accident-collision-1m-settlement)** — Car Accidents: An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.
- **[$2,500,000](https://ricekendig.com/results/pedestrian-hit-by-sleeping-driver-2-5m-settlement)** — Pedestrian Accidents: The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
- **$987,525** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.
- **$1,000,000** — Premises Liability: Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.
- **$500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.
- **$500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.
- **$500,000** — Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.
- **$500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.
- **$504,150** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.
- **$545,000** — Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.
- **$550,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.
- **$625,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- **$650,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: 18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.
- **$663,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.
- **$665,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death: Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.
- **$685,000** — Premises Liability: Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.
- **$800,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.
- **$800,606** — Motor Vehicle Collision: A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.
- **$950,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: 18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.
- **$950,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.
- **$987,610** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.
- **$1,000,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.
- **$1,000,000** — 18-Wheeler Collision: Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.
- **$1,151,000** — Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.
- **$1,250,000** — Wrongful Death: Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.
- **$1,375,000** — Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision: Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.
- **$5,100,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.
- **$1,996,460** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.
- **$1,855,500** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.
- **$1,500,000** — Motor Vehicle Collision: Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.
- **$1,400,000** — Workplace Injury: A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

[See Our Case Results](https://ricekendig.com/results)

## Awards & Recognition
- Super Lawyers
- Accredited Business
- Preeminent
- Avvo 10 Superb
- Top 100
- Top 10 shreveport
- Advacates Forum
- Top 100 2020
- Seal of Shreveport Bar Association featuring a stylized column in navy blue.

## When a Fatal Accident Becomes a Wrongful Death Case

Under [Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371), a wrongful death claim may be brought when a person dies because of someone else’s fault. The law lists the family members who may file a lawsuit and sets the filing deadline.

Fault may come from:

- Careless conduct
  , such as distracted driving, speeding, unsafe property maintenance, or jobsite safety failures.
- Intentional wrongdoing
  , including violent acts or reckless conduct that leads to death.
- Unsafe products
  , defective equipment, dangerous premises, or other hazards that should have been fixed or warned about.

A criminal charge is not required for a civil wrongful death claim. The two cases serve different purposes. A criminal case is brought by the government through a prosecutor’s office. A civil wrongful death case is brought by the family to pursue monetary damages and accountability.

Experienced wrongful death attorneys in Alexandria can investigate who had a duty to act safely, how that duty was broken, and how the death changed the family’s financial and personal future. Then, with that knowledge, they can use their skill and legal acumen to pursue financial recovery for the grieving family.

## Fatal Accident Cases We Handle in Alexandria and Rapides Parish

Each wrongful death case has its own proof. Some turn on crash data. Some require medical records. Others depend on store video, maintenance logs, witness statements, police reports, or expert analysis. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers have been handling fatal injury claims across many types of accidents for decades.

- ### Car Accidents
  Fatal car crashes may involve speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, unsafe turns, red-light violations, failure to yield, or aggressive driving. Whether the crash happened on I-49, MacArthur Drive, LA 28, or a rural road outside Alexandria, our wrongful death lawyer team can gather crash reports, photos, videos, witness accounts, phone records, and medical proof to show how the collision happened.
- ### Truck Accidents
  A deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle often requires swift action. Trucking cases may involve driver fatigue, poor maintenance, overloaded cargo, unsafe hiring practices, company pressure, logbook issues, or missing black box data. Our attorneys can pursue the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance contractor, the loading company, or any other party involved in the crash.
- ### Motorcycle Accidents
  Motorcyclists face a high risk of fatal injury when drivers fail to yield, turn left into their path, change lanes without looking, or follow too closely. These cases also carry unfair bias against riders. As Alexandria wrongful death attorneys, we focus on physical evidence, vehicle damage, road conditions, witness statements, and crash reconstruction to show what really happened.
- ### Pedestrian Accidents
  A pedestrian has no protection against a vehicle. Fatal pedestrian crashes may occur at intersections, in parking lots, in school zones, at crosswalks, and in busy commercial areas. Speed, lighting, driver distraction, poor visibility, and failure to yield can all play a role.
- ### Premises Liability Cases
  A fatal injury on property may trace back to poor lighting, broken stairs, missing railings, weak security, fire hazards, falling objects, unsafe balconies, or structural defects. Property owners may be liable when they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it.
- ### Slip and Fall Incidents
  Falls can be deadly, especially when they cause head trauma, spinal injuries, hip fractures, or complications after surgery. Wet floors, loose boards, uneven surfaces, broken steps, and missing warnings can turn a preventable fall into a wrongful death case.
- ### Lethal Animal Attacks
  Fatal animal attacks may involve loose dogs, broken gates, prior bite history, poor restraint, or owners who ignored dangerous behavior. Children, older adults, and people with limited ability to defend themselves face a higher risk.

## Steps to Take After a Death Caused by an Accident

The days after a fatal incident are painful and chaotic. The legal case may already be moving, though. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to find, and insurers may start building defenses.

### 1. Create One File for Every Document

Keep the death certificate, police report, incident report, medical records, funeral bills, insurance letters, photos, videos, and any written communication in one place.

### 2. Do Not Give the Insurer a Statement Too Soon

An adjuster may sound sympathetic, but the company’s goal is to limit payment. A recorded statement, broad medical release, or early settlement can damage the claim.

### 3. Preserve Anything Connected to the Incident

Keep scene photos, vehicle damage photos, dash-cam video, nearby camera locations, witness names, damaged clothing, helmets, work gear, texts, call logs, and any notes from the day of the incident.

### 4. Track Every Financial Loss

A wrongful death claim may include more than funeral costs. Lost income, lost benefits, final medical care, household services, travel expenses, and replacement help can all affect the value of the case. Common financial losses include:

- Medical bills tied to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Lost household services
- Childcare, transportation, cooking, cleaning, and home upkeep
- Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs

### 5. Bring in a Lawyer Before Evidence Goes Missing

A wrongful death attorney can send preservation letters, request records, contact witnesses, and stop direct pressure from insurers. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers can review and investigate the case before evidence is lost or filing deadlines are missed.

## Damages We Can Recover in an Alexandria Wrongful Death Case

A wrongful death case is not valued by a simple formula. The claim must show how the death happened, what the deceased person contributed and would have contributed throughout their life, and what the family lost.

### Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the money the family lost or had to spend because of the death. These damages are often proven through bills, employment records, tax returns, benefit statements, and expert analysis.

Economic damages may include:

- Final medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income the deceased person likely would have earned
- Lost health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment benefits
- Lost household services, such as childcare, transportation, meals, yard work, or home repairs

This part of the claim may include future earning capacity and the long-term value of unpaid work inside the home.

### Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the personal harm caused by the death. These losses do not come with receipts, but they often form a major part of the case.

Non-economic damages may include:

- Loss of companionship
- Loss of care and support
- Loss of parental guidance
- Mental anguish
- Loss of love, affection, and family connection

A spouse may lose a daily, loving partner. A child may lose a parent’s guidance, financial help, and love. Parents may face lasting grief after the death of a child.

### Extra Damages After an Intoxicated-Driving Death

In certain drunk-driving death cases, [Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.4](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109373) allows exemplary (punitive) damages when intoxication while operating a motor vehicle causes injury, and the conduct shows wanton or reckless disregard for others’ rights and safety.

## Louisiana Laws: The Key Rules That Impact Your Wrongful Death Case

### Filing Rights Under Louisiana Law

Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2 gives the first right to the surviving spouse and children. If there is no spouse or child, the right passes to parents, then to siblings, then to grandparents.

The same statute states that the wrongful death claim prescribes **one year** from death or **two years** from the day the injury or damage was sustained, whichever is longer. Medical malpractice death actions prescribe one year from death.

### Deadline for Wrongful Death Claims

Most Louisiana wrongful death claims must be filed within one year from death or two years from the date of injury or damage, whichever is longer. Medical malpractice claims have a shorter one-year deadline from death under **Article 2315.2**, and survival actions tied to medical malpractice are governed by **R.S. 9:5628**.

### Fault Rules After a Fatal Accident

[Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=109387) now bars recovery when the injured or deceased person is found 51% or more at fault. If that person is less than 51% at fault, damages are reduced by that percentage. Because Louisiana’s comparative fault law changed effective January 1, 2026, families should have an attorney review which rule applies to the date of the fatal incident.

### Survival Actions in Fatal Injury Cases

A wrongful death claim covers the family’s loss after death. A survival action under [Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.1](https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109370) covers damages the deceased person could have claimed between the injury and death, including injury-related losses from that period.

Protect the Case Before It Gets Smaller

Early mistakes can give the defense room to blame the victim or undervalue the loss. Speak with Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers before signing forms, giving statements to adjusters, or accepting a quick offer.

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772

## TESTIMONIALS

## Real Stories from Families Who Came to *Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers*

- They were there to support me all the way. Even when I wanted to give up, honestly.
- I genuinely feel like Rice & Kendig had my best interest at heart and they made sure that nothing was left out.
- I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.
- Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.
- They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.
- I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.
- They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.
- He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.
- They took care of us right away. They were loving.

## BENEFITS

## What Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers *Bring to a Wrongful Death Case*

- **Fast Action on Evidence**: Fatal cases often depend on proof that can vanish quickly. We move to preserve crash data, video, records, witness accounts, maintenance files, and insurance information before the other side can bury the facts.
- **Direct Communication with Your Family**: Your family should not have to chase basic answers. Our Alexandria wrongful death lawyers keep the case moving, explain what comes next in plain language, and stay available as new questions arise.
- **Pressure on Insurance Companies**: Insurers may try to shift blame, delay payment, or push for a low settlement before the full extent of the loss is known. We prepare the claim so the other side sees the risk of undervaluing it.
- **Trial-Ready from the Start**: A strong settlement position comes from real preparation. Our wrongful death attorneys in Alexandria build cases with the court in mind, using records, depositions, experts, and hard evidence.
- **Full Case Value, Not Just Funeral Bills**: A wrongful death claim is not only about immediate expenses. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers look at income, benefits, household services, emotional loss, family roles, and the long-term harm caused by the death.
- **No Fee Unless We Recover**: Your family pays no attorney's fee unless we recover money for you.

## Your Local Advocates

## Serving Alexandria and Nearby *Communities Across Rapides Parish*

Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers handles wrongful death cases for families in Alexandria and surrounding Central Louisiana communities. We serve families in:

- Pineville
- Ball
- Tioga
- Woodworth
- Lecompte
- Boyce

## Let Rice & Kendig Help Your Family Find Justice:

## Bring the Case to a Team Ready to Fight

Wrongful death cases can involve blame-shifting, delays, and low settlement offers. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers knows how to build pressure with evidence, legal strategy, and trial-ready preparation. Contact our Alexandria wrongful death attorneys to discuss your case for free.

## FAQ

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How is a wrongful death case different from a regular injury case?

A personal injury case belongs to the injured person. A wrongful death case belongs to certain surviving family members after the injured person has died because of another party’s fault under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.2.

### What makes Alexandria wrongful death cases harder than other claims?

The defense may dispute fault, the cause of death, the family’s financial loss, or who has the legal right to file. Fatal cases also tend to involve higher insurance exposure, so insurers often fight harder before paying fair value.

### What happens during a free consultation with Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers?

We listen to what happened, answer your immediate questions, and explain the next legal steps. We can help identify urgent evidence, review possible filing deadlines, determine who may have the right to bring the claim, and discuss who may be legally responsible for the death.

### Can insurance coverage affect how much a family can recover in a wrongful death case?

**Yes.** Establishing liability is only one component of a case; recovery often depends on the specific insurance coverage available. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources, including auto liability, commercial, umbrella, uninsured/underinsured motorist, premises, and product liability policies.

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