Creve Coeur Wrongful Death Lawyer | Untimely Passing of Loved One | The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, LLC.
phone (636) 519-0085
100% Free Consultations

The unexpected death of a loved one often leaves surviving family members wondering how to proceed. Compassionate personal injury attorneys could help you recover compensation and bring justice if the carelessness of another caused your loved one to die.

A Creve Coeur wrongful death lawyer could guide you through the probate and civil claims process after a loved one’s passing. While no amount of money could make up for your loss, it could provide some financial stability while you work through this challenging time.

Understanding Cases Where Someone Wrongly Dies

The term “wrongful death” refers to a legal claim for damages brought under Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 537.080. This statute permits legal representatives to stand in the place of decedent during personal injury litigation. If another person’s negligent actions resulted in someone’s unexpected passing, the family of the deceased could work with a local attorney to seek compensation from the responsible party.

Examples of claims that might underlay an action for a fatal accident include:

A local attorney could help eligible family members hold drivers, employers, corporations, medical practices, vehicle manufactures, and other liable parties responsible for an untimely death. Though criminal prosecutions may arise when someone dies due to an unlawful act, love ones may still bring civil claims for damages.

Who Can Bring a Fatal Accident Claim?

The state limits and prioritizes the parties who might bring wrongful death litigation. The spouse, children, and grandchildren of the deceased have priority. If a person has no spouse or children, parents may bring an action for their child dying.

The sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews of the deceased may file a claim if no other family members exist and they suffered from the losses specified in Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.090.  An attorney might also ask local courts to appoint a plaintiff ad litem, such as a cousin, in fatal accident cases where no other family members come forward. The state does not permit multiple actions by different parties.

Damages Available to Families of the Deceased

While only one person brings the legal action, family members might share the monetary recovery for the decedent’s losses. Juries must consider and may award compensation for the following damages in wrongful death cases:

  • Funeral bills
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost income and benefits
  • Lost guidance, care, and companionship

Litigators may also present evidence of aggravating factors and ask for additional damages in cases that involve intentional malice and gross negligence. The right attorney in the area could help someone demand all available damages after a family member wrongfully died.

Connect with a Creve Coeur Wrongful Death Attorney Now

From funeral arrangements to probating a will, you might be overwhelmed by the legal implications of a loved one’s untimely passing. The sooner you contact a Creve Coeur wrongful death lawyer, the sooner you could get the legal help you need.

Our dedicated team could help you and your family hold responsible parties financially liable for causing a fatal accident. Discuss your case with our dedicated legal advocates today.