Kirkwood Wrongful Death Lawyer

Kirkwood Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is never easy, but when you know their death resulted from the actions of another party, it is natural to wonder whether you have grounds for legal recourse in this difficult situation. A Kirkwood wrongful death lawyer can evaluate the details of your family member’s death and explain your legal options. A wrongful death case is a type of personal injury case that will likely be your most viable avenue of recovery for your family.

Compassionate Wrongful Death Representation in Kirkwood, MO

The Cagle Law Firm has decades of professional experience representing clients in Kirkwood and surrounding areas of the state in all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death cases. We know the emotional strain you and your family face as you pursue accountability for a loved one’s death and the many concerns you may have about financial security in the aftermath of your loss.

Our team will build a cohesive wrongful death case for you, determining the cause of death and collecting the evidence necessary to prove liability. We can help you understand your options for claiming compensation, and while money cannot replace your lost family member, a successful case can provide a sense of closure and greater economic security as you adjust to your new circumstances.

Building a Wrongful Death Case in Kirkwood

To succeed with any personal injury case, the injured plaintiff must prove fault for their damages, prove the full extent of those damages, and prove that the damagers from the defendant’s actions. The standard of proof in a civil case is a preponderance of the evidence. This means that the evidence must show that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for causing the injuries cited in the case.

Many situations result in wrongful deaths in Kirkwood, including vehicle crashes, slip and fall accidents, work-related accidents, and more. It’s possible for liability for your loved one’s death to fall to a single defendant or to multiple defendants. Resolving these questions of liability can be extremely challenging without legal counsel you trust. Your Kirkwood wrongful death lawyer can build the foundation of your claim and advise you throughout your proceedings.

The state enforces strict rules for wrongful death cases regarding who is eligible to file these cases and the damages they can claim. The first parties with the right to file wrongful death cases are the surviving spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. If they had no close family, siblings, extended relatives, and financial beneficiaries may be eligible. It is also possible for the court to appoint a plaintiff ad litem to handle the case.

The plaintiff can seek various forms of compensation in a wrongful death case, including repayment of funeral and burial expenses, losses incurred by the deceased’s estate, and lost financial support the deceased can no longer provide to their family. The surviving family can also seek compensation for their pain and suffering. Ultimately, to have the greatest chance of maximizing your settlement or verdict, it’s vital to have legal representation on your side.

FAQs About Kirkwood, MO Wrongful Death Laws

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death?

In Missouri, a wrongful death is a civil action in which damages are sought against a party for causing or contributing to the cause of death of another through negligence.   A wrongful death may occur from an act of negligence, an omission, error, or mistake. A wrongful death case is a specific form of personal injury case filed by the family of the deceased victim, and there are specific rules pertaining to the compensation available to the victim’s family.

How Do You Prove Fault for a Wrongful Death in Kirkwood?

Proving fault for a wrongful death in Kirkwood requires gathering evidence that identifies the party responsible for causing the death. The evidence required will vary based on the nature of the fatal incident. The standard of proof in any civil case seeking damages is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for the death in order to succeed with the case.

What Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth in Kirkwood?

It is very difficult to assess the value of a wrongful death case in Kirkwood. The objective of a wrongful death case is to hold a defendant accountable for the economic impact of the death on the family and the pain and suffering caused by the unexpected loss. It can be very challenging to calculate these damages without an experienced attorney’s help. A Kirkwood wrongful death lawyer can help you determine the full potential value of your case.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Wrongful Death Case in Kirkwood?

The time required to resolve a wrongful death case in Kirkwood varies based on multiple factors. It is important to connect with a Kirkwood wrongful death lawyer as quickly as possible after your loved one’s death so they can immediately begin reviewing the details of the fatal accident and building the foundation of your case. It may take several months to more than a year to resolve more complex wrongful death cases in Kirkwood.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Kirkwood Wrongful Death Lawyer?

You need to hire a Kirkwood wrongful death lawyer because this type of case is difficult in many ways. You not only face strict procedural rules for filing the case but also face the emotional strain of the situation. You need an experienced legal advocate to manage the procedural aspects of the case, gather the evidence needed to prove fault and guide you and your family to a fair result.

The team at The Cagle Law Firm knows that you are likely to have many pressing legal questions in the aftermath of a family member’s unexpected death, and we want to help you pursue financial compensation in the wake of a tragic situation.. It is important to start building your wrongful death case as quickly as possible to ensure the greatest chances of success, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a Kirkwood wrongful death lawyer.