In Need of a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
At Wallentine Injury Law, LLC, we are dedicated to helping families in Missouri navigate the difficult aftermath of losing a loved one. Our compassionate legal team provides clear communication and unwavering support to ensure you feel heard and valued throughout the process.
A wrongful death claim allows family members to seek justice when a loved one’s life is cut short by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. It provides financial and emotional compensation for the devastating losses you’ve endured. Missouri law prioritizes close family members—spouses, children, or parents—as the first to file these claims. If no immediate family members are available, siblings or the deceased’s estate representative may take legal action.
These claims can arise from various incidents, including car or truck accidents, premises liability incidents, and other personal injury situations leading to life loss. No matter the circumstances, our experienced wrongful death attorneys are here to investigate the details, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Missouri law gives families up to three years from the date of death to file a claim, but acting quickly is critical to preserving evidence and strengthening your case.
With decades of experience and a history of successfully resolving thousands of cases, our team is committed to delivering results while treating every client with care and respect. If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, let us guide you through this challenging time. Contact our Missouri wrongful death attorneys today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Let us help you find justice and move forward with confidence.
What is the Process For Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
Filing a wrongful death claim in Missouri involves several steps to ensure justice for your loved one and compensation for your family’s losses. While the process can seem overwhelming, understanding the key steps can help you navigate it more confidently.
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Missouri law specifies who can file a wrongful death claim. The deceased’s spouse, children, or parents are given priority. If none of these relatives are available, siblings or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file the claim. Consulting our skilled wrongful death attorneys in Missouri can help clarify eligibility.
- Step 2: Consult Our Compassionate Missouri Wrongful Death Lawyers
Our wrongful death attorneys in Missouri can guide you through the process, handle legal complexities, and build a strong case on your behalf. We will review the circumstances of the death, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties.
- Step 3: Gather Evidence
To establish negligence or wrongdoing, our attorneys will collect vital evidence such as:
- Accident reports.
- Medical records.
- Witness statements.
- Expert testimony.
- Financial documents showing the deceased’s income and contributions to the family.
This evidence is crucial to proving fault and calculating the full extent of your losses.
- Step 4: File the Claim
The claim is officially filed in civil court against the responsible party or parties. This legal action outlines the facts of the case, the damages being sought, and the evidence supporting your claim.
- Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement
Many wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Our attorneys will advocate for fair compensation, addressing medical expenses, lost income, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.
Your case may proceed to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. The court will then determine liability and award damages.
While filing a wrongful death claim can be a complex and emotional process, working with our experienced Missouri attorneys ensures your case is handled with care and experience. We will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice your family deserves.
How Do I Know If a Missouri Wrongful Death Settlement Offer is Fair?
Determining whether a Missouri wrongful death settlement offer is fair requires carefully evaluating the damages your family has suffered and the circumstances of the case. While a settlement can bring closure and avoid a lengthy trial, ensuring the offer fully compensates you for your financial and emotional losses is essential.
Key considerations when evaluating a settlement offer may include:
- Full Financial Losses
The settlement should account for all measurable financial damages, including medical bills incurred before your loved one’s death, funeral, and burial expenses, and the loss of income or benefits the deceased would have provided to the family.
- Non-Economic Damages
Beyond financial losses, the settlement should consider non-economic damages, such as the emotional pain and suffering caused by your loved one’s death. This includes loss of companionship, guidance, and support.
- Long-Term Impact
Evaluate how the death affects your family’s future. For instance, losing a primary breadwinner may lead to ongoing financial struggles, which should be reflected in the settlement.
- Liability and Strength of Evidence
A fair offer often depends on the strength of your evidence proving the other party’s negligence or fault. If liability is clear and the evidence is compelling, you may be entitled to a higher settlement.
- Comparative Fault Adjustments
Missouri’s comparative fault laws may reduce your compensation if the deceased was partially at fault. Ensure the settlement properly reflects any adjustments based on fault percentages.
- Insurance Policy Limits
The settlement may be influenced by the at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits. Our experienced attorneys can explore additional avenues, such as personal assets or umbrella policies, to maximize your compensation.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, so it’s crucial not to accept the first settlement offer without consulting our attorneys. A fair settlement should provide financial relief, honor your loved one’s memory, and help your family rebuild after the loss.
If you’re unsure about a settlement offer, contact our Missouri wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation. We can evaluate the offer, explain your options, and ensure you receive the justice and compensation your family deserves.
We Also Focus on the Following Areas in Missouri:
Contact Our Trusted Wrongful Death Attorneys in Missouri
Losing a loved one to negligence is devastating, but you don’t have to face it alone. You Need Jerry. Our experienced Missouri wrongful death attorneys will fight for a fair settlement, evaluating your claim’s full value and negotiating aggressively with insurance companies. We work with experts to calculate long-term losses and provide clear advice on settling or going to trial.
Call (816)-934-6333 or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Let us guide you toward the justice and compensation your family deserves.
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