Who Could Be At Fault For My Loved One’s Wrongful Death?

Home » Wrongful Death » Who Could Be At Fault For My Loved One’s Wrongful Death?

If you lost a loved one in St. Louis, MO, as a result of someone else’s actions, you may be asking, “Who could be at fault for my loved one’s wrongful death?” Determining liability can be complex, but this is an essential step so that you and your family can get justice and compensation for your losses.

Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers brings over 30 years of combined experience to every case we handle in St. Louis, Missouri. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Roach Law to Help Me With My Wrongful Death Claim in St. Louis?

When you’re navigating the aftermath of a tragic accident in St. Louis, Missouri, having experienced and compassionate legal support truly matters. Roach Law isn’t just another personal injury firm – we bring decades of insight, courtroom experience, and a client-focused approach to every wrongful death case we handle.

Every family deserves respect and dedicated help, no matter how tough the road ahead may appear.

Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers are known for:

Having recovered significant compensation for victims and their families
Having been recognized by prestigious legal organizations, such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, and The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100
Taking on and winning complex cases

Wrongful death cases can be overwhelming, and we fully understand that no amount of money will ever make up for the loss of your loved one. That doesn’t mean you should have to handle all the costs and losses alone. Let us help you.

Overview of Wrongful Death in Missouri

Wrongful death in Missouri refers to a situation where someone’s life is taken due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. The surviving family members or the person’s estate have the legal right to bring a lawsuit and seek damages for their loss. These claims can help families with funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain of losing a loved one. Some common causes of wrongful death cases in Missouri include:

Car accidents caused by careless or impaired drivers
Commercial truck crashes
Medical mistakes or nursing home negligence
Fatal workplace accidents, such as construction or factory incidents
Dangerous property conditions (premises liability)
Defective products or equipment failures
Violent acts, such as assault

These cases can be complicated and emotional, but understanding what qualifies as wrongful death is the first step to seeking justice and support in Missouri.

Who Could Be Liable For a Wrongful Death?

Liability for wrongful death can fall on a variety of people or organizations, depending on how the fatal incident happened. Identifying who may be legally responsible is a crucial part of a wrongful death claim.

Negligent Drivers or Vehicle Owners

Individuals who cause fatal crashes, whether by reckless driving, drinking and driving, distraction, or violating traffic laws, may be sued for wrongful death.

Employers or Businesses

If a person dies while working or due to risky workplace conditions or company negligence, an employer may be held accountable in some cases.

Medical Professionals and Health Care Facilities

Doctors, nurses, or hospitals can be named in a wrongful death case if medical mistakes, like failure to diagnose or other improper care, led directly to the loss of life.

Manufacturers and Sellers

Companies that make or sell defective products or machinery that cause death may be found liable due to design flaws, inadequate warnings, or a lack of proper safety measures.

Property Owners

Those in control of unsafe or hazardous premises, such as landlords, store managers, or event organizers, could face claims if a hazard on their property causes a fatal accident.

Figuring out exactly who is responsible can require serious investigation, so choosing a law firm with experience in wrongful death is an important first step.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

Understanding who can start a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri is important, as the law limits which relatives and representatives have the right to bring a case.

Primary Right to File

The first opportunity to file a wrongful death claim goes to those closest to the deceased:

Surviving spouse
Children of the deceased
Grandchildren (if the deceased’s children are no longer living)
Parents of the deceased

These immediate family members are considered the most directly impacted by the loss, so Missouri law gives them the first right to pursue justice and compensation.

Others Who Can File

If the above relatives do not exist or are also deceased, secondary rights go to:

Siblings of the deceased
Descendants of siblings, like nieces and nephews
The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate

This ensures that other close relatives or an appointed representative can still seek accountability when no immediate family is available to do so.

If No Eligible Family Member or Representative Exists

If there’s no one otherwise eligible, the court may appoint a plaintiff ad litem.

This person must be suitable and competent.
The appointment must be requested by someone who would benefit from winning the claim.

Properly determining who can file is one of the first steps in moving forward with a wrongful death action in Missouri.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Wrongful Death Law Firm in St. Louis

Nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, but you do have options for pursuing answers and financial support after a tragic accident. The aftermath won’t be simple, but getting trusted legal support can bring some peace during an overwhelming time.

At Roach Law, our team dedicates our careers to helping families make sense of complicated, emotional cases like these. We want to help you hold the right people responsible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis wrongful death lawyer.