Wrongful Death Attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri
At The Gogel Law Firm, our experienced wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one to another person or party’s negligence, which is why we provide compassionate legal representation to Missouri residents who have had to courageously face this unthinkable tragedy with a commitment to finding justice.
Formerly an insurance defense lawyer, our St. Louis wrongful death attorney and law firm founder, Jeremy A. Gogel, helps family members fight for the financial compensation they deserve from insurance companies after their policyholder’s negligence has taken the life of their loved one.
If you have suffered the unimaginable tragedy of losing a loved one to another’s negligence, our St. Louis wrongful death attorney will explain your rights and present the potential legal options available, so you can hold the liable party accountable for your loved one’s death.
What are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in St. Louis, Missouri?
When negligence is a factor, there is no limit to the amount of harm it can cause to our St. Louis residents.
At The Gogel Law Firm, Our Personal Injury Attorneys in St. Louis, MO Also Focuses On The Following Practice Areas:
- Dangerous Roadway
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Car Accident
- Brain Injury
- Bicycle Accident
- Trampoline Park Injury
- Workers Compensation
- Medical Malpractice
- Legal Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse
- DUI Accident
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reported 880 car accident deaths throughout Missouri last year alone, including 235 fatalities caused by drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 328 deaths caused by speeding drivers.
Another 123 motorcyclists, 109 pedestrians, and 14 bicyclists were killed in Missouri last year during traffic collisions, and yet another nearly 100 people were killed in crashes that involved semi-trucks.
Unfortunately, negligence is not confined to our St. Louis roadways.
It is estimated that more than 250,000 people lose their lives each year to medical malpractice in the United States, including deaths caused by anesthesia errors and failure to diagnose cases, to name a few.
No matter how your loved one was killed, if negligence was the cause, our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys want to discuss the details of your claim during a free consultation today, so we can help you hold the liable party accountable for the financial recovery your family deserves.
Who is Eligible to Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
When a person loses their life because of another’s negligent actions or inaction, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the person or party that is responsible for their loss.
In Missouri, individuals who may file a wrongful death suit, include, in order:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Court-appointed representative
If you have lost a loved one to negligence of any type, contact our compassionate wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis today to discuss your eligibility to file a claim against the liable party.
How Can I Prove Wrongful Death Occurred in St. Louis, Missouri?
Wrongful death claims are complex and require more than a feeling that the liable party was acting negligently at the time of your loved one’s loss.
We must prove four factors existed at the time of the circumstances that led to your loved one’s death.
They include:
- The person you believe is responsible for your loved one’s death had a duty of care to keep him or her safe
- The individual, party, or entity breached his or her duty of care
- Their breach led to a severe accident or incident
- The accident or incident led to the fatal injury that caused the death
Proving negligence is a vital and necessary factor to your wrongful death case’s success, and our skilled personal injury lawyer in St. Louis can help you build a strong case based on the evidence available for your unique claim.
What Damages Are Available for Family Members During a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
According to our Missouri laws, there are no limits on actual damages family members may pursue during a wrongful death claim unless the origin of the fatality results in a claim against a government entity or in medical malpractice.
Surviving family members often pursue damages for:
- Medical bills related to the deceased person’s final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Value of wages and benefits he or she would have provided
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased just before death
- Reasonable value of the services, companionship, comfort, consortium, instruction, guidance, counsel, training, and support the deceased person provided to surviving family members
Each wrongful death case is unique and requires a customized and strategic legal approach to pursue results. If you lost a loved one under negligent circumstances, contact our skilled wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis at the Gogel Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
The statute of limitations in Missouri wrongful death cases allows eligible surviving family members three years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in St. Louis at The Gogel Law Firm Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
With the intimate knowledge gained while representing insurance companies, our wrongful death attorney in St. Louis has created customized solutions for our injury clients to ensure they can pursue the negligent party’s insurance provider for the maximum amount of their claim.
If you need help determining who was legally responsible for your loved one’s death, contact our experienced wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri today to schedule a free consultation by calling (314) 370-8173 or contact us online to have one of our skilled lawyers call you.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Wrongful Death Lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri
In Missouri, the wrongful death financial recovery cap for family members who have lost a loved one to medical malpractice grows by 1.7% each year and is currently capped at $700,000.
Our legal system is designed to protect all of us from unfounded allegations, including the person who may be liable for your loved one’s death. Unfortunately, if we cannot prove it, you may not have a case. However, it takes an experienced attorney to prove liability, so do not assume that the evidence does not exist. Always speak with a skilled wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis first, so you know what your legal options are before giving up on the process.
Like all personal injury cases, the time it takes to settle a wrongful death claim will vary based on the available evidence and the insurance company’s investigative requirements. At The Gogel Law Firm, we keep our clients updated through each step of the legal process, so they know where their case always stands, so they know when results are imminent.
This is not uncommon. When someone who is breaking the law causes death, there are usually criminal charges filed against him or her – including drunk drivers, acts of violence, and similar negligence cases where the death could have been prevented. The difference from a wrongful death standpoint is that our case is a civil matter, not a criminal one. Even if the person is found not guilty criminally, he or she may still be found liable for the death in civil court.
In Missouri, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another individual or entity. This can include incidents such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace accidents.
Negligence is a key element in proving a wrongful death claim. It involves demonstrating that the responsible party had a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty through their actions or omissions, and directly caused the death as a result.
Yes, seeking the guidance of an experienced wrongful death attorney in St. Louis is highly recommended. An attorney can navigate the complexities of Missouri’s wrongful death laws, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights in court if necessary.
Liability in a wrongful death case is established by proving that the defendant’s negligent or intentional actions directly caused the death. This may involve collecting evidence such as medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and eyewitness accounts to build a strong case.
Yes, many wrongful death claims are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties involved. Settlements can provide a quicker resolution and avoid the uncertainties of a trial. However, it’s essential to have an attorney who can negotiate effectively to ensure a fair settlement.
