Wrongful Death Lawyers in St. Joseph, Missouri

Compassionate Legal Support After Losing a Loved One

Losing a family member unexpectedly is one of life’s most devastating experiences. When that loss happens because of someone else’s careless actions or negligence, the pain can be even more difficult to bear. Beyond the emotional trauma, you may be facing unexpected financial burdens—funeral costs, medical bills, and the sudden loss of your loved one’s income and support.

During this difficult time, you shouldn’t have to worry about fighting insurance companies or navigating complex legal processes alone. Our experienced wrongful death lawyer team provides compassionate, dedicated representation to families throughout St. Joseph who have lost loved ones due to others’ negligence.

We understand that no amount of money can bring back your family member, but a wrongful death claim can help ease your financial burdens and provide a sense of justice and closure.

Call us for a free consultation—we’re here to help you seek justice. Let our family help yours during this painful time.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action that can be filed when someone dies due to another person’s or company’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful deaths can occur in many situations, including:

• Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, commercial truck collisions

• Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes

• Workplace Accidents: Every case is unique, and we treat it that way. You’ll work directly with our dedicated attorneys every step of the way.

• Dangerous Property Conditions: Inadequate security, unmarked hazards, structural failures

• Defective Products: Faulty machinery, dangerous medications, malfunctioning vehicles

• Nursing Home Neglect: Inadequate care, medication errors, falls

• Violent Acts: Assaults, shootings, or other intentional harm

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

Missouri law specifies who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, in this order of priority:

• The surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren

• If none of the above exist, the deceased person's parents

• If no spouse, children, grandchildren, or parents survive, then siblings or their descendants

Our attorneys can help determine who in your family has the legal right to file the claim and guide you through every step of the process.

Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for various losses your family has suffered:

Financial Losses

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical bills from the deceased's final injury or illness

• Lost income and benefits your loved one would have provided

• Loss of inheritance due to the untimely death

• Value of services the deceased provided (childcare, household maintenance, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages

• Loss of love and companionship

• Loss of care, guidance, and nurturing

• Mental anguish and emotional suffering

• Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse

• Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

The value of your claim depends on many factors, including your loved one’s age, health, earning capacity, and the circumstances of their death. Our attorneys carefully calculate all damages to ensure your family receives fair compensation.

How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps You

Navigating a wrongful death claim while grieving is incredibly difficult. Our attorneys shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Through Investigation

We will:

• Determine exactly how and why your loved one died

• Identify all potentially responsible parties

• Gather and preserve critical evidence

• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

• Consult with experts (medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, etc.)

• Review police reports, medical records, and other documents

Building a Strong Case

Our team will:

• Document all financial and non-economic damages

• Calculate future losses of income and support

• Prepare compelling evidence of liability

• Counter attempts to blame your loved one

• Present a comprehensive claim that reflects your family's true losses

Skilled Negotiation and Litigation

We handle:

• All communications with insurance companies

• Settlement negotiations with the responsible parties

• Filing court documents and meeting deadlines

• Representing your interests in mediation or trial

• Fighting for maximum compensation

Call us and speak directly with a wrongful death lawyer who truly cares. We’ll explain your rights and options in a free, confidential consultation.

Our Approach to Supporting Families

For years, our law firm has helped families throughout St. Joseph navigate the painful journey of wrongful death claims. We understand that each family’s loss is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific needs and circumstances.

Compassionate Guidance

We treat every client with the respect, dignity, and compassion they deserve. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide straightforward advice about your legal options.

Relentless Advocacy

While we’re compassionate with our clients, we’re relentless when fighting for your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases—we won’t let them shortchange your family during this vulnerable time.

Proven Results

Our attorneys have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for wrongful death clients. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims, and we know how to counter these strategies effectively.

Transparent Communication

We keep you informed throughout the legal process, explaining complex legal concepts in plain language and providing regular updates on your case’s progress.

We Handle All Types of Injury Cases

Our law firm is dedicated to helping injury victims throughout St. Joseph with a wide range of legal services:

If you were injured in a collision with a vehicle, our car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and fight for fair compensation.

Motorcyclists face unique challenges after an accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyer understands these issues and works to protect riders’ rights.

Were you involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle? Our truck accident lawyer knows how to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.

If you were injured while using a rideshare service, our Uber accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex insurance issues these cases often involve.

Did you fall on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions? Our slip and fall lawyer will work to hold negligent property owners accountable.

In the tragic event that you’ve lost a loved one due to an animal attack, our wrongful death lawyer provides compassionate representation during this difficult time.

For life-altering injuries requiring long-term care, our catastrophic injury lawyer has the experience to secure the substantial compensation you’ll need for future medical expenses.

Don't Face This Difficult Time Alone

Losing a loved one is devastating enough without having to worry about legal and financial matters. Let us help ease your burden during this painful time.

We offer:

• Free, no-obligation consultations

• No fees unless we win your case

• Home or hospital visits if needed

• Compassionate, responsive service

• Decades of experience with wrongful death claims

The law limits the time you have to file a wrongful death claim, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as you’re able. Evidence can disappear quickly, and delays can weaken your case.

We don’t charge anything unless we win your case. Call us today to get the answers and justice your family deserves. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are standing by to help you through this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?

In Missouri, wrongful death claims must be filed in a specific order of priority. First, the surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren have the right to file. If none exist, then the deceased person’s parents can file. If there are no surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, or parents, then the deceased’s siblings or their descendants may file. In some cases, the court may appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” if no eligible family members exist or if they decline to file. Our attorneys can help determine who in your family has the legal right to pursue a claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is three years from the date of death. However, certain types of cases may have shorter deadlines. For example, claims against government entities often require notice within just 90 days. If the death resulted from medical malpractice, you generally have two years to file. Because of these varying deadlines and the time needed to properly investigate and prepare a case, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your loved one’s death.

What Evidence Is Needed in A Wrongful Death Case?

Building a strong wrongful death case requires various types of evidence, including: medical records documenting the cause of death; accident reports from police or workplace investigations; witness statements; expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or economists; photographs or video of accident scenes; autopsy results; and documentation of financial losses (medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income). Our attorneys work with investigators and experts to gather and preserve all necessary evidence to prove both liability and damages in your case.

Can I Still File a Claim if The Responsible Party Wasn't Charged Criminally?

Yes, you can still pursue a wrongful death claim even if no criminal charges were filed or if the responsible party was charged but found not guilty. Criminal cases and civil wrongful death claims are separate legal proceedings with different standards of proof. Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while civil cases use the lower standard of “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not). Many successful wrongful death claims proceed even when there was no criminal prosecution or conviction. The famous O.J. Simpson case is a well-known example—he was acquitted criminally but found liable in a civil wrongful death case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Our firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront to hire us. We only get paid if we win your case, typically taking a percentage of your settlement or court award. The initial consultation is completely free, and we advance all costs related to investigating and litigating your case, including filing fees, expert witness fees, and deposition expenses. This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible to families regardless of their financial situation, especially when they may already be facing financial hardship from the loss of their loved one’s income.