East Baton Rouge | West Baton Rouge | Ascension | Livingston | Iberville | Pointe Coupee | West Feliciana | East Feliciana | St. Helena
When you lose a family member to someone else’s negligence, you deserve attorneys who will fight for accountability and fair compensation. At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, partners handle your case directly from start to finish.
Combined Experience
Trial Lost in Over 20 Years
The death of a loved one is devastating. When that loss results from another person’s carelessness or recklessness, grief mixes with frustration, confusion, and a need for answers.
These challenges can feel overwhelming when you’re already grieving. You shouldn’t have to face insurance companies and legal complexities alone during this time.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. But pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and hold negligent parties accountable. We handle cases arising from fatal car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace fatalities, product defects, and other situations where negligence caused a death.
We prepare every case for trial from day one. Unlike firms that rush toward quick settlements, we take the time to build strong cases that maximize your recovery. Our partners directly manage each case, so you always work with experienced attorneys who know your situation.
We represent Clinton residents in a wide range of personal injury matters. Our experience includes:
Rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs, and drunk driving accidents are causing serious injuries
Commercial truck crashes, including cases involving defective equipment and driver negligence
Animal attacks resulting in facial injuries, scarring, and emotional trauma
Premises liability cases involving unsafe property conditions
Industrial accidents, machinery incidents, and exposure to hazardous materials
Injuries from manufacturing flaws, design defects, and inadequate warnings
Fatal accidents caused by negligence, providing families with compensation for their loss
Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and nursing home negligence
Severe burns requiring specialized treatment and long-term care
Abuse or inadequate care in nursing facilities
Traumatic brain injuries with lasting cognitive and physical effects
Crashes involving motorcyclists struck by negligent drivers
Whether your injury happened on Clinton’s roads, at a local business, or at work, we evaluate your case and pursue full compensation for your losses.
When you hire our firm, you hire our entire team. Our attorneys combine their collective knowledge and experience on every case. Your family deserves both personal attention and aggressive legal representation during this difficult time.
You won't be passed off to junior associates. A partner-level attorney manages your wrongful death case from the initial consultation through final resolution.
We build your case as if it's going to trial from day one. This puts us in a stronger negotiating position when dealing with insurance companies.
We've secured millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. In two decades of practice, our attorneys have only lost one trial.
You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. We advance all case expenses on your behalf.
We guide you through every step of the wrongful death claims process. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno to represent your family.
Throughout this process, you’ll have direct access to your attorney. We keep you informed with regular updates and are always available to answer your questions.
We listen to your story, answer your questions, and evaluate your wrongful death claim at no cost or obligation to you.
Our team collects police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong case foundation.
We handle all legal filings, paperwork, court deadlines, and procedural requirements while you focus on your family.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we're fully prepared to present your case before a judge or jury.
If the insurance company won't pay fair compensation, we file suit and prepare your case for trial before a jury.
Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements hoping you'll accept quickly. An experienced attorney understands the true value of your claim.
Wrongful death claims involve strict deadlines, specific filing requirements, and complex legal procedures. We manage every detail on your behalf.
Insurance companies have entire teams of lawyers protecting their interests. We provide the same caliber of legal representation to protect your rights.
Grieving families shouldn't have to navigate legal filings and insurance negotiations. We handle all the legal work so you can focus on what matters most.
Our track record demonstrates our commitment to fighting for families who have lost loved ones. While every case is different, these results reflect our dedication to pursuing maximum compensation.
Family of wife and mother killed when dump truck ran red light at high speed
Federal court settlement, compared to competitor’s $500K result in similar case
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Let us help you!
Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options. This meeting helps you understand your rights without any financial commitment.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. If no lawsuit is filed, our fee is one-third of your recovery. If we file a lawsuit, our fee is 40% of the recovery. We advance all case expenses, including court fees, expert witnesses, and medical records.
"Great experience. They were very professional and were there whenever I called or needed them. My settlement was well worth the wait. I recommend them to anyone needing legal services. They will fight for you and get you what you deserve for your injuries. I didn't just gain good legal representation, I also gained friends and a law firm that cared."
"I couldn't be more pleased with choosing Jason and all of the associates at Melancon & Rimes. I was told by several people that I was in good hands with one of the best attorneys in Louisiana, and the results did not disappoint. A very efficient group that worked diligently to win my case and keep me well informed along the way."
"I was referred to Melancon Rimes by a friend and I am beyond pleased with the outstanding professionalism and astounding work ethic that Lee Daquanno and his staff put into my case. Lee was prompt and kept me informed at every step. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal help. Lee went above and beyond for me and I am extremely grateful for him during my time of need."
Our clients consistently praise our personal attention, communication, and dedication to achieving results. We’re proud that most of our business comes from client referrals.
Our three partners bring diverse educational backgrounds and decades of courtroom experience to your case. Jason Melancon earned his law degree from LSU Law School, where he served as Senior Associate with the Louisiana Law Review. Robert Rimes graduated from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. Lee Daquanno graduated magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center.
Graduated from LSU Law School where he served as Senior Associate with Louisiana Law Review. He’s been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2013-2015) and Super Lawyer (2018-2021).
Earned his law degree from Loyola University School of Law where he was a member of the Moot Court Staff. He leads our personal injury section with extensive trial experience.
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Partner since 2022, graduated magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center and served as senior editor of Southern University Law Review.
Our attorneys are qualified to practice before the nation's highest court, reflecting elite credentials.
Jason Melancon was named a Rising Star (2013-2015) and received Super Lawyer designation (2018-2021).
Our team has experience practicing in federal courts across Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, California, and New York.
Active members of the Louisiana Association for Justice and the Baton Rouge Bar Association.
Our partners have built their careers fighting for injury victims. With their combined knowledge and courtroom experience, our team has the skills and dedication your wrongful death case demands.
A wrongful death case arises when someone dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Common examples include fatal car accidents caused by distracted or drunk drivers, deaths resulting from medical malpractice, workplace fatalities due to unsafe conditions, deaths caused by defective products, and fatal incidents on someone else’s property due to negligent maintenance or security. In Louisiana, certain family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
Louisiana law specifies which family members can file a wrongful death claim and in what order of priority. Generally, the surviving spouse and children have the first right to bring a claim. If there is no surviving spouse or children, then the parents of the deceased may file. If there are no surviving parents, siblings may have the right to pursue a claim. The specific rules can be complex, and multiple family members may need to be involved in the lawsuit. During your free consultation, we can explain who has standing to file based on your specific family situation.
In Louisiana, wrongful death claims are generally subject to a one-year prescriptive period. This means you typically have one year from the date of death to file your lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions that extend or shorten this deadline depending on the circumstances. For example, if the death resulted from a crime, different rules may apply. Because missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after losing a loved one to someone else’s negligence. We offer free consultations to help you understand your timeline.
Wrongful death compensation in Louisiana may include several categories of damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, and loss of financial support for dependents. Non-economic damages address intangible losses including loss of love, companionship, and guidance, mental anguish and emotional suffering of surviving family members, and loss of consortium for a surviving spouse. The specific amount depends on factors like the deceased’s age, earning capacity, relationship with survivors, and the circumstances of the death.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, you pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee comes from the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us any attorney fees. Our fee is one-third of your recovery if we resolve your case without filing a lawsuit, or 40% if we need to file suit. We also advance all case-related expenses, including court filing fees, expert witness fees, and costs to obtain medical records. This arrangement allows families to access quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
The timeline varies significantly based on the complexity of the case, the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Some cases resolve within several months through settlement negotiations. Others may take two to three years or longer, particularly if the case goes to trial. Factors that can extend the timeline include disputes over liability, the need for extensive investigation or expert testimony, and insurance company tactics. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers.
While grieving is your priority, there are steps that can help protect your legal rights. If possible, preserve any evidence related to the incident, including photographs, documents, and contact information for witnesses. Keep records of all expenses related to your loved one’s death, including medical bills, funeral costs, and any other financial impacts. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without first consulting an attorney. Contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as you feel able to discuss your situation. The sooner an attorney can begin investigating, the better preserved the evidence will be.
Our Baton Rouge law firm represents families throughout the greater Baton Rouge area in wrongful death cases. We understand the unique characteristics of communities throughout the region and are committed to serving all our neighbors.
East Baton Rouge | West Baton Rouge | Ascension | Livingston | Iberville | Pointe Coupee | West Feliciana | East Feliciana | St. Helena
If your family has lost a loved one due to negligence anywhere in our service area, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your wrongful death case.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Address: 6700 Jefferson Hwy (Building 6), Baton Rouge, LA 70806