Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the hardest experiences a family can undergo. If this has happened to you, our Gladstone personal injury lawyer will help you get justice.
The unexpected loss of a loved one can throw your family’s financial future into question. Fortunately, Missouri law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
The attorneys at Kevin McManus Law have over 75 years of combined legal experience. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, our wrongful death lawyer in Gladstone will help you recover the compensation your family deserves.
How Will a Gladstone Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve lost someone you love in an accident that wasn’t their fault, our Gladstone wrongful death lawyer will help by:
- Investigating the accident: Our lawyer will collect evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case.
- Calculating damages: Our lawyer will determine your case’s true value by calculating your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Handling insurance companies: Our attorney will fight for fair compensation during negotiations with insurance adjusters.
- Providing representation: If settlement negotiations fail, our attorney will represent your family in court and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for Wrongful Death Cases?
The wrongful death lawyers at Kevin McManus Law work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t pay anything up front.
Instead, your lawyer will collect a percentage of your settlement or court award. If you don’t win your case, you won’t owe us anything.
What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in Missouri?
Since every case is different, there is no average wrongful death settlement in Missouri. Payouts can range from low six-figure sums to millions of dollars based on factors like the age of the deceased, their earning potential, the circumstances of the accident, and the extent of your family’s losses.
Our wrongful death attorney in Gladstone will provide a more specific estimate after reviewing your case.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members can seek both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of the treatment your loved one received before their passing.
- Funeral and burial costs: You can recover the expenses associated with final arrangements and services.
- Lost income and benefits: You can receive compensation for the financial support your loved one would have contributed to your household.
- Loss of companionship and guidance: You can pursue damages for the emotional impact of losing a spouse, parent, or child.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue compensation for the grief and mental anguish caused by your loved one’s wrongful death.
- Punitive damages: You may be able to recover additional damages if the at-fault party acted recklessly or maliciously.
Our wrongful death attorney in Gladstone will help calculate your family’s damages.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?
Under Missouri law, this priority system dictates who can file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse, children, grandchildren, or parents of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased, if there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents
- A court–appointed plaintiff ad litem, if no eligible family member exists
Our lawyer will help determine who in your family has legal standing to bring the case forward.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?
Per RSMo Section 537.100, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri is three years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation, which is why it’s best to consult our attorney as soon as possible.
Call now for a free consultation.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The outcome of your wrongful death case will depend on the strength of your evidence and the skill of your legal team. Factors that may improve your chances include clear liability (such as a drunk driver causing a fatal crash), strong witness testimony, and expert support.
While no lawyer can guarantee a result, families who work with experienced attorneys generally have much better odds of success.
Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Missouri, any damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit are distributed among the surviving family members who are legally entitled to recover compensation.
If multiple family members are eligible, the distribution may depend on their relationships to the deceased, their financial dependency on the deceased, and the court’s discretion.
Our Gladstone lawyer for wrongful death will help ensure your family receives what you deserve.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths can occur in many different situations. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Drunk or distracted driving crashes
- Workplace accidents and industrial injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Slip-and-fall accidents
Get Help From Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Gladstone
If you’ve lost a loved one in a preventable accident, your family deserves justice. Our Gladstone wrongful death attorneys at Kevin McManus Law will gather evidence, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help your family move forward.
