Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in Mississippi

Many people in Mississippi enjoy riding their bikes, and this is a sustainable, affordable form of exercise that can reliably get you from point A to point B. But what happens if your loved one never arrived at their intended destination? What happens if they were struck by a negligence motorist? What happens if your loved one lost their life due to this incident? In this situation, you may need to file what is known as a “wrongful death” lawsuit.

An Example of a Fatal Bicycle Accident in Mississippi

On December 7th, it was reported that a cyclist had lost their life on Highway 98 in Walthall County. The Highway Patrol reported that a cyclist had been struck while traveling north across eastbound lanes. The victim suffered severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. This shows just how serious and frequent bicycle accidents can be in Mississippi.

What Damages Can You Claim in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Family members of deceased victims can claim a number of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, including:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral expenses
• Missed wages
• Medical expenses

Missed wages can be especially critical for surviving family members — especially if the victim was a primary wage-earner. For example, a widow may receive compensation for the future wages that her husband would have provided if he had not died in the bike accident. This can help the widow continue to provide for herself and her children for the foreseeable future.

Medical expenses represent another major financial burden that family members must shoulder after losing loved ones. In the above example, the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital before losing his life. During this brief period in the hospital, the victim may have received expensive surgeries and treatments in a desperate attempt to save his life. These costs would be shifted to surviving family members. You also have to remember that the cost of transporting the victim to the hospital also falls on family members. These transport costs can be especially high if a helicopter was used.

Finally, you can claim non-economic or “emotional” damages after losing a loved one in a bicycle crash. These damages represent the psychological impact of losing a family member, and widows can claim a specific damage known as “loss of consortium.”

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Lawyer in Mississippi?

If you’ve been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs and their family members achieve justice and fair compensation. We know that losing a loved one to a bicycle accident can be life-changing. With our help, you can hold negligent parties accountable and strive for the best possible outcome. Book your consultation today to get started.

Sources

1. https://www.wlbt.com/2022/12/07/bicyclist-killed-walthall-county-crash/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loss_of_consortium

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Ballard Law, PLLC

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Jackson, MS 39201
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If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns call 800-672-3103