We extend our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. As skilled wrongful death lawyers in Lee’s Summit, MO, we understand how losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence can leave you feeling overwhelmed by both grief and injustice.
At Kevin McManus Law, our team brings over 60 years of combined experience to support injury victims and their families. Our personal injury lawyers in Lee’s Summit will provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Quality Legal Representation by Lee’s Summit Wrongful Death Attorneys
Our personal injury law firm values trust and transparency, which is why we answer your questions and provide clear information even before you decide to hire us. We understand that legal processes can feel overwhelming, so we take the time to connect personally and offer honest advice. Our team helps families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
Our legal team also includes:
- Lee‘s Summit car accident lawyers
- Lee‘s Summit truck accident lawyers
- Lee‘s Summit motorcycle accident lawyers
- Lee‘s Summit catastrophic injury lawyers
If your loved one lost their life in an accident that doesn’t fall into a common category, we encourage you to reach out to us. Even in complex or less typical cases, we may still be able to assist. Every case is important to us, and we are here to help you explore your options.
Get the compensation you deserve with trusted legal guidance.
How Missouri Law Defines Wrongful Death
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.080 (2021), wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is lost due to another party’s negligence, intentional actions, or failure to act.
If the fatal accident qualifies as any of the following, you may have a valid wrongful death claim:
- Negligence-based accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Intentional acts
In Missouri, a wrongful death claim can be filed if the person who passed away could have filed a personal injury lawsuit if they were still alive. In this type of case, the deceased person’s family members step in to seek compensation on their behalf.
Can You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Missouri, only certain people can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The priority goes to the deceased person’s spouse, parents, or children. If the children are also deceased, their descendants can file the claim. If no one from this group is alive, the right to file passes to the deceased person’s siblings or their descendants.
If no eligible family members exist, the court will appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” to handle the case. This person must be requested by someone who is entitled to a share of any compensation awarded from the wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death Damages
Damages in a wrongful death case are usually split into two main types: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are meant to cover the financial losses caused by death, such as medical bills. Non-economic damages focus on the emotional harm suffered by the family, such as pain and suffering.
As the surviving family member of the deceased victim, you could recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- The loss of household services performed by the decedent
- Pain and suffering experienced by the victim prior to death
The surviving family members of the deceased have the right to seek compensation. While money can’t replace the loss of a loved one, it can help ease the financial burden. Kevin McManus Law will assist you in calculating the full economic impact of this tragic event.
We’ll help you appeal and secure your rightful benefits.
Missouri’s Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In Missouri, you have a specific time frame, called the statute of limitations, to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is usually three years from the date of your loved one’s death. If you don’t file within this time, you may lose the right to seek compensation.
Contact a Lee’s Summit wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed on time. The earlier you reach out, the more time we have to prepare your case.
How We Can Help Grieving Families
Our team works to protect your interests when handling your case. Your attorney investigates the accident that led to the death and evaluates your options for financial recovery. We will protect your rights throughout the legal process.
A wrongful death attorney in Lee’s Summit can help you after the tragic loss of your loved one by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident or death
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Identifying liable parties and holding them accountable
- Calculating the full economic impact of the loss
- Filing the necessary legal paperwork within the statute of limitations
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Representing you in court if the case goes to trial
- Offering emotional support and legal guidance throughout the process
- Helping you understand your rights and options for pursuing justice
Call now for a free consultation.
Call Our Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyers in Lee’s Summit
We understand how overwhelming and painful it can be for families after the loss of a loved one. During this challenging time, we are here to support you by handling all the legal details with care and professionalism. Our goal is to allow you to focus on what matters most: healing and being with your family.
Contact Kevin McManus Law today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can assist you through this difficult process.
