St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyers
Missouri Wrongful Death Attorneys
The loss of a loved one is one of the most tragic events that can happen in one’s life. This loss can be even tougher to bear when it is at the fault of another person’s negligence. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party call Halvorsen Klote to help you hold the person responsible for their actions. Here are the basics of wrongful death lawsuits in Missouri and Illinois.
Statutes Authorizing Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In Missouri, Section 537.080 of the Missouri Revised Statutes defines wrongful death as, “the death of a person resulting from any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages in respect thereof.”
In Illinois, Section 740 ILCS 180 allows family members to recover for “pecuniary injuries” suffered by them when a spouse or next-of-kin’s death was caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
In Missouri and Illinois typically the people closely related to the victim can file the claim. There are several factors that determine the exact member of the family that can bring the claim. However, usually any of the following can bring a claim for wrongful death:
- Spouse
- Mother and/or Father
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
What Damages can you Recover in a Wrongful Death Action
In Missouri, you may be able to collect wrongful death damages (special and general) for the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before they died
- Loss of future income
- Loss of future benefits
- Loss of companionship (consortium)
- Loss of support, guidance, training, consel, and instruction
For Illinois survivors, you may be able to recover "pecuniary injuries" such as:
- Loss of earnings
- Age of decedent
- Sex of decedent
- Health of decedent
- Physical and mental characteristics of decedent
- Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering of next-of-kin
- The relationship between the lineal next-of-kin and the decedent
Time Limitations to Bring Wrongful Death Claim
In Missouri and Illinois, there is a limited amount of time you can bring a wrongful death claim or the claim will be barred. The wrongful death attorneys at Halvorsen Klote understand the tragedy of losing a loved one. The loss of memories causes grief. We are here to fight for you and help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for their negligence.
If you or a loved one due to a wrongful death accident, it is important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Call the St. Louis wrongful death attorneys at Halvorsen Klote at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529) for your free consultation.