St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyers
We’ll Seek Justice for Your Loved One
Unexpectedly losing a family member is one of the hardest things you can experience, especially if someone else’s avoidable negligence caused the death. Not only have you lost a loved one, there’s also increased challenges in your life, from financial hardships to mental illnesses.
That’s why our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys at DM Injury Law are here for you. We’ll help you with your Missouri or Illinois wrongful death claim and seek the maximum compensation you are owed.
Take a look at some successful wrongful death case results we’ve handled:
- $11,000,000: Our client’s son was in a company truck within a work zone when another driver, who had fallen asleep at the wheel, swerved into the work zone and collided with the truck, tragically resulting in his death.
- $4,000,000: Our client’s vehicle broke down as he pulled off to the side of the road. The client was killed from being pinned between two vehicles.
- $3,500,000: Our client’s son was in a car traveling to football practice when the at-fault driver crossed the lane and killed him.
Tell us about your loved one over a free consultation. We are a contingency-fee-based law firm, which means you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents
There are numerous accidents that can cause a loved one to pass away. If your loved one died in one of the following accidents, speak to our wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois:
- Car accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Truck accident
- Construction accident
- Slip-and-fall
- Bicycle accident
- Boating accident
- Medical malpractice
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Missouri and Illinois
Missouri
If a loved one wrongfully died in Missouri, you have 3 years to file a wrongful death claim.
Illinois
If a loved one wrongfully died in Illinois, you have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri and Illinois?
Whether your loved one died in a car accident or while undergoing surgery, our St. Louis car accident death lawyers want to help you file the wrongful death claim.
However, it’s essential that you understand who can file wrongful death claims in Missouri and Illinois.
Missouri
Here are the following parties who can file a wrongful death claim in Missouri:
- First to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
- The deceased person’s living spouse
- The deceased person’s parents
- The deceased person’s children
- If the children are deceased, then the children’s descendants (grandchildren)
- Second to File (If the First Category Is Not Applicable):
- A living sibling of the deceased
- The sibling’s descendants (nieces and nephews)
- If Neither Category is Applicable:
- The court will appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” to handle the claim.
- A plaintiff ad litem must be requested by a person “entitled to share in the proceeds” of a successful wrongful death claim.
Illinois
Unlike Missouri, where family members can file a wrongful death claim, Illinois requires that the claim be filed by a personal representative, also known as an executor, who the deceased person appoints.
If your loved one passes away without appointing a representative, the court may appoint one. Speak to a St. Louis fatal accident lawyer to make this process easier. They can help you file petitions with the court, appoint an executor, and lead you through the process.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
What Damages Can I Seek After a Loved One Dies?
If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri or Illinois, you can seek economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages account for hard financial losses, like:
- Medical bills related to the death
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages account for subjective losses, like:
- Trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Speak to our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers for legal guidance.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
You need a St. Louis wrongful death law firm to help you navigate the complex and overwhelming process of filing a wrongful death claim. The attorneys at DM Injury Law will take control of your case and be at your side the whole process.
Schedule your free consultation with us today. You don’t have to pay us unless we win your case.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged based on its own merits.
