Wrongful Death

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Strong Legal Advice for Wrongful Death Claims in St. Louis

There is no greater loss than the sudden or accidental death of a family member or loved one, a tragedy made even worse when the loss is the result of another’s negligence. These cases are called “wrongful death,” and if you have suffered this type of loss, you need an experienced, aggressive, and qualified attorney on your side.

At The Hayden Law Firm, we understand that no amount of compensation can ever make up for the loss of your loved one, but it can help ensure that the right person or party is brought to justice and you will not have to worry about financial difficulties in an uncertain future. As you prepare to move forward past this tragedy, we will work to ensure you are compensated to the fullest extent of the law to help cover the monetary and emotional costs.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

Only one wrongful death claim can be brought on behalf of the deceased person. The order of priority is:

1. Parents, spouse, children, or descendants of the deceased, including grandchildren and great grandchildren.

2. Siblings, nieces, or nephews.

3. Plaintiff ad litem appointed by the court.

Missouri’s wrongful death law gives preference to the first class of people, but if the decedent had no one who qualifies in this category, then the second category of potential claimants may step forward. If no one qualifies for either category, the court may appoint a plaintiff ad litem to prosecute the action.

Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim can provide financial compensation for damages such as:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills incurred before death
  • Grief counseling after the death
  • Loss of future income and benefits
In some cases, it is possible to receive compensation for non-monetary losses such as loss of companionship, loss of support, guidance, training, counsel, and instruction, as well as punitive damages to punish the negligent party.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Claim

In most cases a wrongful death claim must be filed within three years of the date of death in Missouri. However, it is better to act as soon as possible after a death in order to preserve the evidence needed for a strong claim. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney from The Hayden Law Firm.