After losing a family member to preventable circumstances in St. Peters, the legal and financial aftermath can be more complicated than people initially expect. Questions about who can bring a claim, what compensation is available, and how evidence will be handled often come up soon after such a loss. The last thing a grieving family wants to do after losing someone is deal with technical and legal issues.
That’s why it’s important to work with a law firm who understands what you’re going through and can take this burden away from you. Let our St. Peters injury lawyer handle the legal aspect of the situation while you focus on grieving and healing. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.
The Meyerkord & Kurth Approach to St. Peters Wrongful Death Cases
Selecting the right attorney after a wrongful death in St. Peters requires more than reviewing credentials; it means choosing a legal partner who stands by your side and truly cares about your case. Meyerkord & Kurth offers:
- Over a century of combined legal experience with injury and wrongful death litigation
- More than $450 million collected for clients by the firm
- Thorough investigation of cases, and quick and personal responses to all of your questions
From the first consultation, the Meyerkord & Kurth team prioritizes straightforward advice and support that remains sensitive to each client’s situation.
What Makes Wrongful Death Lawsuits Challenging in St. Peters
Wrongful death litigation in St. Peters doesn’t always follow a predictable path. The laws governing who is eligible to sue, how long families have to act, and what evidence is required can be complicated. Some of the main challenges include:
- Establishing liability in cases where negligent parties deny accountability or claim the deceased was at fault
- Finding, preserving, or reconstructing evidence that may be lost or altered soon after an incident
- Calculating damages in cases involving future earnings, lost companionship, or disputed economic support
Without an experienced attorney on your side, it’s easy for mistakes to be made or claims to settle for less than they’re worth.
Damages Recoverable in St. Peters Wrongful Death Actions
The damages recoverable in a St. Peters wrongful death suit extend beyond just medical expenses. Missouri permits specific categories of compensation for surviving families, depending on the facts of each situation. Compensable damages may include:
- Medical bills related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Value of wages and benefits that the deceased likely would have provided their family (including future earnings and retirement contributions)
- The “reasonable value” of consortium, care, companionship, guidance, counsel, instruction, training, and support the deceased offered
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death if they were alive for a period after the accident but before they passed
- Pecuniary loss, which may extend to loss of household services or caregiving formerly provided by the deceased.
Calculating damages takes careful attention to details like work history, family structure, and anticipated future earnings or care, which generally requires the help of an attorney as well as input from other experts.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Missouri
Missouri law places a specific time restriction on filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, an eligible party must file the civil claim within three years from the date of death. If the claim is brought after this time passes, the court will usually dismiss the case, regardless of its merits.
If liability potentially rests on a government entity or municipality, such as a claim involving a public employee at fault or a hazardous roadway, additional notice requirements or shorter deadlines may apply, which is why it’s important to seek legal help right away.
Request a Consultation With Our St. Peters Wrongful Death Lawyers
At many points in these cases, families discover laws and insurance rules they just didn’t expect or don’t understand. Legal experience can bring some sense of comfort to a process that no one should have to go through. If you believe a wrongful death claim may apply to your situation, Meyerkord & Kurth can review the details and answer questions specific to your loss. Schedule a consultation today.