Losing a loved one can be devastating. If you’ve lost someone you love due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, a Gladstone personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
If you’ve lost a loved one, you may be asking yourself how you can hold the responsible party accountable as well as secure your family’s future. In such difficult times, it’s crucial to have a compassionate and experienced advocate by your side.
The legal team at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers has over 45 years of combined experience. If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s actions, a wrongful death lawyer in Gladstone can help you file a lawsuit and pursue justice.
Why Hire a Gladstone Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If you’ve lost a loved one due to wrongful death, a lawyer can:
- Handle all legal paperwork: A lawyer can prepare and file all documents necessary to initiate your case.
- Investigate the incident: An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: An attorney can communicate and negotiate with insurers to secure a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, an attorney can advocate for you and your family in court.
A Gladstone wrongful death lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout every step of the legal process.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
Wrongful death settlements in Missouri can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the specifics of the case. Several factors determine the value of a claim, including the age and health of the deceased, their earning potential, the degree of negligence involved, and the impact of the loss on surviving family members.
A Gladstone wrongful death attorney can make sure you receive a fair settlement.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
In a wrongful death lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs related to the deceased’s medical treatment before their passing.
- Funeral and burial costs: You can seek compensation for expenses related to laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of financial support: You can obtain compensation for the income your loved one would have contributed to the household.
- Loss of companionship: You can be compensated for the emotional void left by your loved one’s absence.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for the mental anguish caused by the loss of your loved one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?
Under Missouri law, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is limited to specific individuals. These include:
- Immediate family members: Spouses, children, and parents of the deceased have the primary right to file.
- Siblings: If there are no immediate family members, siblings may be eligible.
- Court-appointed representatives: When no eligible family members exist, a court-appointed representative can file on behalf of the deceased’s estate.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The outcome of your wrongful death lawsuit will depend on the strength of your case. A skilled lawyer can:
- Gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony
- Build a compelling argument to demonstrate the other party’s negligence or wrongdoing
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Present a strong case in court (if necessary)
While no outcome is guaranteed, an experienced wrongful death attorney can significantly increase your odds of success.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is typically three years from the date of the deceased’s passing. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation. A wrongful death attorney in Gladstone can help you file your claim on time.
How Do You Prove Wrongful Death in Missouri?
To prove wrongful death, you must establish these elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet this duty through negligence or intentional actions.
- Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused the death.
- Damages: The death negatively impacted surviving family members.
A wrongful death lawyer in Gladstone can collect and present evidence to establish liability.
How Do I Know If I Have a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Missouri law, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Incidents that often result in wrongful death include car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents.
A wrongful death lawyer in Gladstone can assess the circumstances of your loved one’s death to determine whether you have a viable case.
Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Gladstone
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, that person should be held accountable. A Gladstone wrongful death attorney from Foster Wallace can help you file a claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation to take the first step toward justice and closure for your family.
