Every wrongful death case is unique. However, understanding the typical timeline of a wrongful death claim can help grieving families in St. Louis, Missouri, set realistic expectations as they navigate this emotionally challenging process. This guide provides what you need to know about the duration of a wrongful death case, including key legal steps and factors that can affect the timeline.
At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience helping injured victims and their families. We have a successful record of wins, including recovering hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients.
If you have questions about a wrongful death action in Missouri, contact us today at (636) 519-0085 for a free consultation. Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers are here to help.
How Can Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Help You With a Wrongful Death Claim in St. Louis, MO?
Navigating a wrongful death claim requires both extensive legal experience and compassion. At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, our attorneys guide families through every phase of the legal process, from gathering evidence and filing to negotiation and, if necessary, trial. Early consultation ensures compliance with deadlines and maximizes the potential for a timely and fair resolution.
When you hire our award-winning St. Louis personal injury lawyers, you can trust us to:
- Discuss Missouri wrongful death laws and your potential claims
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your family member’s death to determine fault and liability
- Gather evidence, including working with expert witnesses as necessary
- Assess your family’s losses and damages to calculate the value of your claim accurately
- Handle all matters so you can focus on your family
- Aggressively negotiate a fair wrongful death settlement or take the case to court, if necessary
Our attorneys have received recognition from America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Lawyers and Missouri Lawyers Weekly. We have a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Learn more about wrongful death claims in St. Louis, MO, during a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
What Is the Typical Timeline for a Wrongful Death Case in St. Louis, MO?
Most wrongful death cases settle out of court, thereby avoiding the time and expense of a trial. There are no official state statistics for wrongful death settlement timelines. However, in Missouri, wrongful death cases that settle without a trial typically take between six months and one year. It depends on the parties involved in the case, the issues, the willingness to agree on the value of economic and non-economic damages, and other factors.
Trial verdicts can take up to 18–24 months to receive after filing a wrongful death lawsuit. However, it could take longer depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case.
Key Legal Steps in a Missouri Wrongful Death Case
Every wrongful death case is different. However, most wrongful death actions follow a similar step-by-step process.
Initial Investigation
When you meet with a St. Louis wrongful death attorney, they will ask questions to learn about your case. They evaluate whether you may have a claim and explain the legal issues involved. After hiring an attorney, the initial investigation begins.
Your attorney will then work to gather information and evidence about the events that led to your loved one’s death.
Evidence could include:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Police and accident reports
- Autopsy records
- Photographs and videos
- Financial records and evidence of expenses
- Personal records from friends and family
Expert testimony may be required or beneficial. Your attorney may retain one or more experts in various fields to assist with the investigation or to testify at trial.
Settlement Negotiations
After completing the investigation, your attorney prepares a settlement demand letter for the liable parties and/or their insurance providers. The letter outlines the facts of the case, the applicable law, and your damages. It demands a specific amount to settle the case.
Settlement negotiations can take several months and include numerous discussions and meetings. In some situations, an attorney may file a wrongful death lawsuit to gain additional leverage in settlement negotiations.
Filing the Lawsuit
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit begins with filing a complaint. The complaint is served on the defendants, who have a deadline to file a response. The court can extend the deadline if the parties need additional time to respond.
Discovery
Discovery involves exchanging information between the parties. This process can take several months and may include depositions, interrogatories, and requests to produce. The parties use the information to build and strengthen their cases.
Mediation, Settlement Talks, and Pre-Trial Motions
The parties may agree to enter mediation, or they may engage in settlement talks. They may also file one or more pretrial motions to resolve legal issues.
Trial and Verdict
When settlement negotiations fail, the case proceeds to trial. The parties select a jury and present their case. The jury deliberates and returns a decision. If the jury finds in favor of the plaintiffs, it decides how much money to award in damages.
The defendant could appeal the verdict, which could further delay payment.
Factors Affecting the Timeline of a Wrongful Death Case in St. Louis, MO
Numerous factors impact how long it takes to resolve a wrongful death claim, including:
- Case Complexity – Cases involving multiple parties, disputed facts, or complex legal issues take longer.
- Cooperation of the Parties – The willingness of defendants and insurers to negotiate a fair settlement impacts speed.
- Evidence – The availability and clarity of evidence can expedite or delay the process, including the need to hire expert witnesses.
- Court Backlog – The local court docket can affect how quickly the case progresses, especially if it goes to trial.
- Family Preparedness – Families who gather documentation early (e.g., medical records, accident reports, proof of income) can help their attorney begin the investigation promptly.
The factors in your case may differ. The best way to know how long a wrongful death claim will take is to discuss it with a St. Louis personal injury attorney.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Louis Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in St. Louis, contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers for a confidential consultation today. Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers are committed to providing clear, compassionate legal guidance tailored to your family’s needs.