Types of Compensation Available in Missouri Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act is devastating. At Bruntrager & Billings, P.C., our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers understand that while no amount of money can replace your loved one, Missouri law allows certain family members to pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages. Understanding the types of compensation available can help your family seek justice and financial stability during this difficult time.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

Missouri law specifies who can bring wrongful death claims. Typically, the following relatives have priority:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents

If none of these relatives exist, a sibling or the deceased’s estate representative may file the claim. Consulting with a St. Louis wrongful death lawyer is essential to ensure your family’s rights are protected.

Economic Damages: Tangible Financial Losses

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses caused by your loved one’s death, including:

• Medical Expenses Before Death: Emergency care, hospitalization, and treatment related to the fatal injury.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: Caskets, burial plots, and related services.
• Loss of Financial Support: Income your loved one would have earned over their expected lifetime, minus personal living expenses.
• Loss of Benefits: Health insurance, pension benefits, and other employment-related advantages that your family has now lost.

Non-Economic Damages: The Emotional Toll

Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including:

• Loss of Companionship: Emotional support, guidance, and partnership lost, including loss of consortium for spouses.
• Parent-Child Relationship Loss: Compensation for the grief and guidance lost when a parent or child passes.
• Mental Anguish and Emotional Suffering: Psychological trauma resulting from sudden, wrongful death.

Punitive Damages in Extreme Cases

In rare instances involving egregious conduct, such as gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm, Missouri courts may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior, not to compensate the family. Your St. Louis wrongful death attorney will assess whether your case meets this high threshold.

How Much Can a Wrongful Death Settlement Be Worth in Missouri?

While every case is unique, wrongful death settlements in Missouri often reach hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, especially when the deceased was young, had significant earning potential, or left behind dependent children. 

The settlement amount depends on several factors, including the degree of liability and available insurance coverage, the scope of economic and non-economic damages, and the family’s circumstances and dependency on the deceased. An experienced St. Louis wrongful death attorney can evaluate all of these elements to help pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Seek Justice with a St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer

In Missouri, most wrongful death claims must be filed within three years from the date of death. Missing this deadline could prevent your family from recovering any compensation. Losing a loved one is already incredibly difficult, and dealing with the financial aftermath of someone else’s negligence only adds to the stress. You deserve both accountability and fair compensation.

Contact Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. at 314-646-0066 or contact us online for a compassionate consultation. Our experienced St. Louis wrongful death attorneys will guide your family through the process, protect your rights, and help pursue the full compensation available under Missouri law.