Get the Assistance You Deserve After Losing a Loved One in St. Louis
Grief over a loved one’s death may stick with us for the rest of our lives. Those who have mourned a family member know that long after the condolences fade, the feelings remain. The truth is, life will never be the same after you lose someone who is close to you. You and the rest of your family are left to find a way forward in a different world.
Part of the complication of losing a loved one is that you have lost a supporter. Having an emotional bond can help us weather hard times, but so can having another provider. Perhaps your loved one brought home a much-needed second income; perhaps they cared for the children and house, allowing you to work full-time at a demanding job. You may find yourself in financial trouble even if you worked hard and saved up.
If your loved one was killed in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover a financial safety net through a wrongful death case. Money is the last thing you should have to worry about when you are already facing so much emotional hardship. Contact our St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth to discuss your legal options today. Call us at (800) 391-4318 to schedule your free consultation.
A wrongful death suit can also help you bring justice on your loved one’s behalf. The impact of a loss can ricochet through the victim’s family, yet hardly affect the person who caused it in the first place. Pursuing compensation forces them to face the consequences of their actions.
If you want to file—or if you are even thinking about filing—a wrongful death suit, we are here to answer your questions and provide legal guidance. For over 80 years, we’ve been supporting the people of St. Louis through some of the most difficult parts of their lives.
Call us at (800) 391-4318 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.
The Legal Process in Wrongful Death Cases
To bring a successful wrongful death suit, you must be able to demonstrate how the defendant’s negligence led to the death of your loved one. This law is purposefully wide in scope; it can apply to:
- A robbery-gone-wrong that results in the death of an innocent person
- A car accident that resulted in fatalities
- Medical malpractice that caused a patient’s death
- Asbestos or other toxic chemical exposure at work that led to a fatal cancer
This gives survivors a way to hold an at-fault party accountable if their loved one dies due to any type of negligence or willful action. Its broad applicability is a marker of how important this law is to protect the families and dependents of accident victims. We can help you determine whether you have a case based on your relationship to the deceased and the situation surrounding their death.
If you lost a loved one in a car accident, contact our car accident attorneys in St. Louis to discuss your legal options today.
The details of your case will vary based on circumstances surrounding the accident. However, in all cases, you will have to prove:
- The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care
- The accident was caused by the defendant’s negligence or willful misaction
- The accident directly caused your loved one’s death; and you now face damages because of that
An experienced wrongful death attorney in St. Louis can help you gather evidence to support these claims and can advocate for you in negotiations or in front of a courtroom. Often, a defendant in such a case will draw out the process because they do not want to pay. You can rest assured our attorneys stick with every case until its conclusion. We understand you may need extra support right now, and if we can take any worry off your chest by dealing with complicated legal matters, we are happy to do so.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Legally, a wrongful death is one caused by another’s negligence, intentional conduct, or wrongful actions. For example, if your loved one was killed by a drunk driver or by a careless property owner, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In the state of Missouri, it is important to understand that there is a specific time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a wrongful death case. This time limit is set at three years. What this means is that you have a reasonable amount of time after experiencing the initial grief to take legal action and protect your rights. However, this time limit is not set in stone. It is crucial to avoid delaying the legal processes, as doing so could potentially result in your wrongful death case being voided if you miss this deadline. It is advisable to seek legal advice and take action within the proper time frame to ensure that you can effectively pursue justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.
While Missouri’s wrongful death statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of death, it’s crucial to understand that certain circumstances could alter this timeline. Specifically, in cases of wrongful death related to medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is reduced to two years from the date of occurrence or discovery of the negligent act. Therefore, time is of the essence and immediate action is encouraged. Additionally, other factors, such as the defendant leaving the state, can extend the statute of limitations. Given the complexities involved in these timelines, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis to ensure your rights are protected.
What Compensation Could I Receive in a St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit may include burial and funeral expenses, medical bills of the decedent related to their final injury or illness, pain and suffering of the decedent prior to death, loss of consortium, loss of wages and benefits that the decedent would have provided, and other economic damages. Punitive damages, which are designed to punish a defendant for egregious behavior or gross negligence, may also be awarded.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in St. Louis?
Surviving family members of the deceased, including a spouse, parent, child, or other relative, may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The person filing the claim is usually the representative of the decedent’s estate.
Do I Need a St. Louis Wrongful Death Attorney to File a Claim?
When filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it is important to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney to assist with the procedural motions. For example, our team can help you file the necessary forms and weigh your options for pursuing financial relief. Furthermore, we can gather evidence to build your case and represent you in court.
Who Might Be Liable for a Wrongful Death in St. Louis?
When you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in St. Louis, multiple parties might be legally responsible for your loss. With over 40 years of experience serving the St. Louis community, the wrongful death attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have successfully identified responsible parties in even the most complex wrongful death cases. We will conduct an in-depth investigation to determine who is at fault and, therefore, responsible for your family’s damages.
Potentially liable parties in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Negligent Drivers: Motorists who cause fatal accidents through reckless driving, distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence can be held accountable for actions that result in your loved one’s death.
- Property Owners: Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions, leading to fatal accidents like falls, drownings, or structural collapses, are liable for their actions.
- Companies or Corporations: Businesses responsible for manufacturing defective products, maintaining unsafe workplaces, or employing negligent staff members whose actions resulted in a fatality may be named in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Government Entities: City, county, or state organizations that fail to maintain safe roadways, public spaces, or facilities may be liable if their negligence contributes to fatal accidents.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, hospitals, or healthcare facilities whose negligent care, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes led to a patient’s death may be held liable for that death.
How Much Will My Wrongful Death Claim Be Worth?
The value of your St. Louis wrongful death claim depends on several factors specific to your situation. Every case presents different circumstances that affect final compensation. Your loved one’s age, occupation, earning potential, and the cause of their death all play important roles in determining claim value.
At Meyerkord & Kurth, our attorneys draw on decades of experience to assess your claim’s worth accurately. We meticulously analyze all aspects of your case to determine your final settlement and fight for maximum compensation. We have the resources to challenge insurance companies that typically try to minimize payouts and will aggressively negotiate for the highest possible award.
What Are Some of the Things Our St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Do?
When you are facing insurance companies, corporate legal teams, defense lawyers, and more, you need someone in your corner. Your St. Louis wrongful death lawyer from Meyerkord & Kurth will serve as your dedicated advocate during this challenging time. Every step of the way, we will support your case by:
- Securing time-sensitive evidence, including surveillance footage, vehicle data, and physical evidence
- Consulting with medical experts to establish clear links between negligence and your loved one’s death
- Identifying all insurance policies that may provide compensation and determining your optimal path to recovery
- Managing all communication with insurance adjusters to prevent damaging statements or undervalued offers
- Filing all legal documents with precision to avoid procedural dismissals or unnecessary delays
- Deposing witnesses and opposing parties to secure testimony and expose contradictions in the other party’s case
- Preparing compelling trial presentations if litigation becomes necessary to secure fair compensation
- Meeting all statutory deadlines and complying with all legal protocols to preserve your rights throughout the process
- Providing regular case updates through your preferred communication method at each milestone
We know how hard it is to lose a loved one due to negligence. While you focus on your family during this difficult time, we handle every aspect of your legal case with the dedication and tenacity that you deserve. We combine aggressive advocacy with compassionate client service, providing your family with the support and personal attention you need throughout the process.
Speak With Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in St. Louis
If you have recently lost a loved one, we can help you understand your legal rights and evaluate your options. The chance to recover compensation can help you keep up on house payments, send your kids
to school, or fulfill other important financial needs. We regret that we cannot do anything to help you bring your loved one back—but we are here to support you as you find your way forward.
Speak with our team today by calling (800) 391-4318. You’ll always hear back from us within 24 hours of reaching out.