What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party cause someone’s death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
Missouri law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one. Unlike criminal cases that are designed to punish the wrongdoer, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit focused on obtaining compensation to help survivors cover medical bills, funeral costs, and other losses related to the death.
The law prioritizes the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none of these relatives are available, a more distant family member, such as the decedent’s siblings, may be able to file the claim. In cases where no direct relatives exist, the court may appoint a plaintiff ad litem (a representative to act on behalf of the estate).
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Compensation in wrongful death cases covers both economic and non-economic damages, offering financial relief to grieving families. They may include:
- Economic Damages: These damages compensate for tangible losses such as medical bills incurred before the death, funeral and burial expenses, and the loss of future income and financial support the deceased would have provided.
- Non-Economic Damages: Survivors may also recover damages for emotional losses, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and the emotional toll the death has caused.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly heinous or intentional and the case goes to trial, punitive damages may be awarded by the jury to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar conduct in the future.
Why You Need a St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death claims can be overwhelmingly complex, especially when dealing with Missouri’s specific legal processes. An experienced St. Louis wrongful death lawyer can guide you through the process while gathering evidence and staying ahead of all deadlines.
They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement or, if necessary, take the case to trial. Having a lawyer with knowledge of Missouri wrongful death laws on your side is essential for seeing justice is served and fair compensation is recovered for those left to suffer such a loss.
St. Louis, Missouri Wrongful Death Lawyers
When a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, it can put an emotional and financial strain on your family. You’re going through one of the most difficult times of your life. At Cofman Townsley, we’ll work hard to hold the parties responsible for your family member’s death accountable for their negligence.
Types Of Wrongful Death Claims
We handle a variety of wrongful death claims caused by negligence, such as:
- Auto Accidents: Drivers who cause fatal accidents while engaged in distracted, careless, or intoxicated driving can be held liable for damages.
- Truck Accidents: Truckers and trucking companies can be held accountable for deaths caused by failure to follow industry safety regulations and traffic laws.
- Medical Malpractice: Doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers can be held responsible for patients’ deaths if they fail to provide a professional standard of care.
At Cofman Townsley, it’s our job to advocate for your loved one. So, if you’re unsure whether or not you have a case, we’re here to answer your questions.
Protecting Injury Victims
You’re more than a case number to us—you’re a person who is hurting after the loss of a loved one. We’ve been fighting for clients in Missouri and Illinois for more than 40 years, and we want to build a strong claim on your behalf.
If you’re dealing with the death of a spouse or family member, you deserve a legal team focused on personal service. That’s why we do our best to ensure you speak with your lawyer when you have questions about your case. Contact Cofman Townsley today to see how we can help you. Just call (314) 499-1190, or fill out a free initial consultation form.