Losing a family member is devastating for you and your loved ones. As you cope with your tragic loss, you don’t have to face the ramifications of this situation alone. Depending on the circumstances, you could have grounds for a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. To find out, meet with our wrongful death lawyer in Columbia, and they will explain your legal options.
The team at Kevin McManus Law empathizes with those who have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence. We have over 75 years of combined experience and will use what we know to help with your wrongful death case.
If you want to learn more about what a wrongful death claim or lawsuit entails, we encourage you to discuss your case with our personal injury lawyers in Columbia. To get started, request a free consultation.
Why Hire Our Attorneys for Your Wrongful Death Case in Columbia, Missouri?
Allow our wrongful death attorney in Columbia to handle your legal matters as you and your loved ones care for and support one another in the aftermath of your loss.
Ways that we’ll help with your case include:
- Conducting an investigation to assess who is liable for your loved one’s death
- Calculating your losses to estimate what your case is worth
- Gathering witness statements, medical records, police reports, and other evidence to use in our argument
- Negotiating the terms of a settlement with any at-fault parties or their insurance companies
- Presenting your case to a judge or jury if a trial is required
- Sharing FAQs and other legal resources so you are well-equipped to make informed decisions throughout your case
Consider Kevin McManus Law as you search for a “wrongful death lawyer near me” in Columbia. With us, you don’t have to face legal challenges by yourself. Contact us today for more information about how we will assist you with your wrongful death case.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
What Types of Compensation are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death Case?
The compensation that you will receive if you file a wrongful death lawsuit will depend on the tangible and intangible losses associated with your loved one’s death.
Your Columbia wrongful death lawyer wants you to recover various types of economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses that your loved one incurred prior to death
- Lost wages
- Loss of household services
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
Per Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Section 537.100, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally three years from the date of a person’s death, with some exceptions. Your lawyer for a wrongful death in Columbia will detail the statute of limitations based on the specifics of your case.
Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim or Lawsuit?
In Missouri, you are able to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit if you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased person (decedent), or a surviving lineal descendant of a deceased child. If none of these parties are available, the deceased’s siblings or descendants (nieces or nephews) are eligible to sue. There are also times when a court-appointed plaintiff-ad-litem can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Your Columbia wrongful death attorney will teach you about the eligibility requirements for filing a claim or lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member. If you decide to seek compensation from anyone responsible for your loss, your lawyer will prepare an argument centered on negligence.
Ideally, your case is resolved through settlement negotiations, and you receive an offer that provides you with adequate compensation for your losses. Alternatively, if your case reaches trial, your lawyer will detail to a judge or jury how the defendant committed a careless or reckless act that contributed to your loved one’s death.
Who is Responsible for a Wrongful Death?
The party at fault for your loved one’s death will be based on what happened that led to their fatal accident. Our wrongful death lawyers in Columbia will examine police reports, interview witnesses, and analyze relevant evidence to determine liability.
Below are parties sometimes named as defendants in wrongful death lawsuits:
- Motorists
- Business operators
- Property owners
- Government entities
Once your lawyer identifies any responsible parties, they will help you pursue compensation from them through a claim or lawsuit. Plus, they will remain accessible to address your legal concerns and questions as your case moves forward.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
Get Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Columbia on Your Side
Partner with our wrongful death lawyers if you are interested in filing a claim or lawsuit against anyone liable for the loss of your loved one. Your attorney is committed to prioritizing you and your family as you go through a difficult time in your lives, and they will give your wrongful death case the attention it deserves.
At Kevin McManus Law, we treat our clients as people, not numbers. In your wrongful death case, we will provide clear and honest legal advice and represent the best interests of you and your family.
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, and you will not be charged any fees unless we recover compensation. Give us the opportunity to help you with your wrongful death case. Schedule a free consultation.
