Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when it’s due to someone else’s negligence. This is known as wrongful death. An experienced St. Louis wrongful death lawyer from our personal injury law firm with a track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients, can also help your family prove negligence, seek justice, and secure financial recovery.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Wrongful Death Accident in St. Louis?
How Does a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer Prove Wrongful Death?
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, we must prove four key elements:
- Duty of care: the responsible party— the defendant—owed a duty to act safely.
- Breach of duty: the defendant failed to uphold that duty through negligence or harmful actions.
- Causation: their actions directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Damages: the loss resulted in measurable harm like medical bills, lost income, or emotional pain.
Our compassionate wrongful death lawyers gather evidence, build strong wrongful death litigation cases, and fight for justice and fair compensation for grieving families.
What Is a Wrongful Death in Missouri?
If a person dies due to someone’s negligent act, Missouri law (RSMo Section 537.080) allows the family of a wrongful death victim—through the personal representative of the deceased’s estate—to file wrongful death claims to recover compensation (funeral costs and more) for the wrongful death actions.
Who Can File a Missouri Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Only certain individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri. The state categorizes eligible individuals into three classes, which must be followed in this order. Class one includes the deceased’s spouse, children, grandchildren, and parents. Class two includes brothers and sisters of the deceased and their children. Class three includes a “plaintiff ad litem” or a suitable person appointed by the court. If you’re unsure about your rights, our wrongful death attorneys can help.
Common Types of Accidents That Cause Wrongful Death in St. Louis, MO
Wrongful deaths occur because of wrongful actions, such as:
- Car accidents, truck accidents, and other motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents or unsafe working conditions
- Medical malpractice cases (such as medical errors or misdiagnoses)
- Slip and fall incidents caused by unsafe property conditions
- Defective or dangerous products
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Wrongful Death?
Individuals or entities whose negligence causes a death can be held liable in personal injury cases, including employers, drivers, property owners, healthcare providers, or manufacturers.
What Is Not Considered Wrongful Death in Missouri?
In Missouri, deaths from natural causes, unavoidable accidents, or those where the deceased is at fault are not considered wrongful death cases.
What Is My St. Louis Wrongful Death Case Worth?
The value of many wrongful death cases depends on factors such as the amount of medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, the emotional suffering of surviving family members, and more. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, compensation can ease financial burdens and provide some sense of justice.
Our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys assist in evaluating economic and non-economic damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and helping families recover damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri law allows up to three years to file a wrongful death claim. A lawyer can help you meet deadlines, identify negligent parties, and pursue financial compensation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Wrongful Death Case?
The timeline varies—some wrongful death claims settle in months while others take years. Factors like complexity, evidence, negotiations, and court schedules affect the process. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys work diligently during the legal process to reach a resolution quickly, while also ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
Call Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve lost a loved one to fatal injuries, our personal injury law firm is here to help you take legal action, hold liable parties accountable, and win the financial support you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys can help you pursue justice and seek compensation with a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our experienced legal team today for a free consultation; you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
(312) 223-1700