Wrongful deaths are always unexpected, leaving families unprepared for the overwhelming grief and complex issues that arise. The pain of losing a loved one is often immobilizing and the pressing concerns of loss and burial are overwhelming. Survivors face many important legal decisions that could have a significant impact on their family's financial future. These types of decisions are difficult enough without the mental and emotional strain of grief added to the mix. It is important that survivors know they are not alone during this extremely painful time and that there are laws that allow at least some measure of justice and compensation for this permanent loss.
Most people seek an attorney because they : have a need to know what really happened, they want to hold the wrongdoer accountable, they need help seeking compensation for the harm the wrongdoer caused, and they want to prevent the same harm from being done to others.
In Missouri, a wrongful death lawsuit claims that the victim was killed as a result of the fault of a person or business being sued, and that the victim's family is entitled to monetary damages as a result of the improper conduct. If the wrongdoer's conduct was done with a conscious disregard for safety, then additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
A successful suit allows the family to recover the financial loss, force the wrong doer to pay some compensation for the loss of a loved one, and can often bring to light a dangerous act, situation or product. These lawsuits can over time force changes that protect the lives of others so that the tragedy does not happen or is far less likely to happen again. To learn more, visit our Wrongful Death Claims FAQ page.
