The pain of losing a loved one may further intensify if another's negligence or misconduct caused their death. To soften the blow of resulting economic losses, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. Because such cases often require technical knowledge, you must arm yourself with pertinent details and seek a qualified attorney who can help you successfully file a lawsuit.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim & What Damages Can You Recover?

A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit against a party whose intentional or negligent actions resulted in another person's death. It is filed by the survivors of the deceased—usually family members—and aims to seek damages for their present and future losses. A key element of wrongful death claims is proof that surviving family members are suffering monetary losses because of the victim's passing. Examples of recoverable damages include:

• Pain and suffering of the deceased
• Burial or funeral expenses
• Medical bills
• Loss of future benefits and wages
• The reasonable value of support, services, guidance, comfort, companionship, training, and counsel

There are no caps for economic damages, such as lost wages or medical bills. If the deceased had been providing elder or child care before their death, the value of those services would also be considered as additional damages. In states like Missouri, it can take only one legal action for survivors to recover all of their losses.

Why Should You File Your Claim as Soon as Possible?

Your state's statute of limitations provides a time limit for filing lawsuits. In Missouri, survivors have three years from the death of their loved one to file a claim. Beyond this time frame, the court may no longer hear the case. Therefore, have an experienced attorney on your side who can help move your case forward and efficiently navigate nuances related to your claim.

If you need help from an attorney for a wrongful death claim, depend on Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, in Poplar Bluff, MO. They will provide invaluable guidance and excellent legal representation. For more than 70 years, this esteemed law office’s attorneys have been offering legal services in personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, estate planning, and other practice areas. Call (573) 686-2459 to schedule an initial consultation, or visit their website for more information.