It is extremely difficult to imagine the pain that comes with losing a loved one, especially when their death is due to someone’s carelessness or ill intentions. At Bruntrager & Billings in St. Louis, we have devoted wrongful death attorneys who are passionate about providing your family with both legal expertise and compassion during this time of great loss. We have seen firsthand the deep emotional scars and financial burdens that follow a wrongful death. Our goal is to assist you through this process so you can obtain the justice you deserve and receive appropriate compensation.
Why Choose Our Wrongful Death Attorneys St. Louis
The success of your case depends on selecting the right wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis. Here’s why Bruntrager & Billings stands out from other law firms specializing in wrongful death cases:
Extensive Experience
Our attorneys have years of experience handling wrongful death cases in Missouri, making them experts in this area. With our in-depth knowledge of Missouri wrongful death laws and their effective application, we are able to construct strong cases for our clients.
Compassionate Representation
We treat our clients with respect and compassion, understanding the sensitive nature of these lawsuits. Our wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis stand by your side throughout the process, offering both legal guidance and emotional support.
Proven Track Record
At Bruntrager & Billings, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our success stems from thorough preparation, skillful negotiations, and aggressive courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Personalized Attention
No two wrongful death cases are the same, which is why each client receives personalized attention. We take the time to understand your circumstances and tailor our approach accordingly.
Our Approach to Auto Wrongful Death Cases
St. Louis has a high rate of wrongful deaths caused by car accidents. Our approach to handling auto wrongful death cases is comprehensive and well-thought-out, ensuring we consider every aspect of your case for optimal resolution.
Comprehensive Investigation
Our wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis conduct meticulous investigations to gather all relevant evidence. This includes reviewing police reports, obtaining witness statements, analyzing photographs from accident scenes, and working with accident reconstruction experts. By piecing together the events leading up to the accident, we can build a strong liability case.
Collaboration with Experts
We work closely with a team of experts to strengthen your case. These professionals include medical experts who provide insights into the extent and implications of injuries, as well as accident reconstructionists who determine fault. Our wrongful death attorneys ensure we have the expert testimony needed to substantiate your claim.
Strategic Negotiation and Litigation
Our team is skilled in both negotiation and litigation. While we always aim to reach a fair settlement through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis are experienced litigators who will aggressively advocate for your rights and interests.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim is brought by the survivors of a person who died due to another person’s negligence or intentional misconduct. Wrongful death claims in Missouri can be complex, and it’s important to understand who can file such a claim and what it involves.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, the following parties are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- The spouse, children, or parents of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased, if there are no immediate family members
- A court-appointed personal representative of the deceased’s estate
Our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys will guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand your rights and obligations.
Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim
To successfully pursue a wrongful death claim in Missouri, you must establish the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligent or intentional actions.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Damages: You have suffered damages as a result of the wrongful death.
Our wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis are experienced in proving these elements and building a strong case on your behalf.
In the face of a wrongful death, seek justice and compensation.
Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step.
Types of Compensation Available for Wrongful Death in St. Louis
Compensation in a wrongful death case can help ease the financial burden of losing a loved one. In Missouri, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses
If your loved one received medical treatment before their passing, you may be able to recover those costs. This includes hospital bills, surgery expenses, medication costs, and related fees.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
Funeral and burial expenses can be overwhelming. Compensation for these costs can help ease the financial burden during this difficult time.
Lost Wages and Benefits
The death of a loved one often means the loss of financial support. Compensation for lost wages and benefits helps cover the income your loved one would have provided had they lived.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the immense emotional distress caused by the wrongful death. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, this compensation can help alleviate some of the emotional burden.
Loss of Companionship
The loss of a loved one also means the loss of companionship, love, and guidance. Compensation for loss of companionship seeks to address this significant emotional loss.
Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers will stop at nothing to ensure that under Missouri law, we get the most money possible for your wrongful death case to hold people accountable who cause these types of tragedies to protect others like yourself losing a loved one brings joylessness into our lives again or ever does except when we are thinking about them all the time.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Team in St. Louis
When a loved one dies due to someone else’s recklessness or wrongdoing, you should not have to endure it alone. Contact our experienced wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis today. We offer free consultations to discuss your claim and provide legal guidance on your next steps.
At Bruntrager & Billings, we are dedicated to providing unparalleled legal services to our clients. Trust us to handle your wrongful death case with the commitment and compassion it deserves. Let us help you find justice and obtain the compensation that reflects your loss.
Hold responsible parties accountable and get the support you need.
Schedule a consultation with our wrongful death experts today.
FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of death. It is important to act promptly to ensure that your claim is filed within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation.
What types of damages can be recovered in a wrongful death claim?
Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include:
- Medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and benefits that the deceased would have provided
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance for the survivors
How is compensation determined in a wrongful death case?
Compensation is determined based on various factors, including:
- The age and health of the deceased
- The deceased’s earning capacity and potential future earnings
- The relationship between the deceased and the survivors
- The emotional and financial impact on the survivors
- The circumstances surrounding the death
How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?
The duration of a wrongful death case can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others may take several years to conclude.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was partially at fault?
Yes, Missouri follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still file a wrongful death claim even if the deceased was partially at fault. However, the compensation awarded may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the deceased.
What if the responsible party does not have insurance?
If the responsible party does not have insurance or sufficient assets to cover the damages, it may be challenging to recover compensation. Our wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis can explore all available options, including uninsured motorist coverage and other potential sources of compensation.
What should I bring to my initial consultation with a wrongful death attorney?
For your initial consultation, it is helpful to bring:
- Any available documentation related to the death (e.g., death certificate, medical records, accident reports)
- A list of potential witnesses and their contact information
- Any correspondence with insurance companies
- A summary of the financial impact of the death on your family
- Our wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis will review this information and guide the next steps.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the survivors of the deceased for their losses, such as loss of companionship and financial support. A survival action, on the other hand, is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate to recover damages that the deceased could have pursued if they had survived, such as pain and suffering and lost wages between the injury and death.
Can multiple family members file separate wrongful death claims?
In Missouri, wrongful death claims are typically consolidated into a single claim filed by one or more eligible family members or a personal representative of the estate. This ensures that all claims are addressed in a coordinated manner and that there is no duplication of claims.