Our loved ones are very important to us, providing support, love, care, and companionship in our lives. When a loved one unexpectedly passes away, the grief can be unbearable. This experience is even more painful if someone else’s negligence is responsible for his or her death.
If you lost a loved one due to another person’s wrongful actions, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit on his or her behalf. The St. Louis wrongful death attorneys at Goza & Honnold, LLC represent St. Louis residents in their lawsuits against negligent individuals. We will help you hold the at-fault party accountable and seek justice on your loved one’s behalf.
Why Our Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Our attorneys have represented thousands of clients in their lawsuits, including wrongful death claims, and secured millions of dollars to support their recovery.
- Our firm combines the personalized attention of a small firm with the power and resources of a large firm. Our clients can expect excellence from consultation to settlement.
- We understand how difficult losing a loved one can be. Our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys will listen to your loved one’s story with empathy and compassion throughout the litigation process.
What Counts as a Wrongful Death?
Many people do not file wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of their loved ones because they are unsure what makes a death wrongful. Missouri Revised Statutes section 537.080 defines wrongful death as any death that occurs in a manner that, if the deceased had survived the ordeal, he or she could have filed a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. If another person’s negligence caused your loved one’s fatal injury or illness, you could hold him or her liable in a wrongful death claim.
At Goza & Honnold, LLC, our attorneys handle several types of wrongful death claims, including the following:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Abuse and negligence
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
If you suspect that someone else is responsible for your loved one’s death, there is a strong possibility that you qualify for wrongful death litigation. Through a wrongful death claim, you can collect compensation for your loved one’s final expenses, the loss of income and benefits, and the pain and suffering your family endured due to his or her death.
Who Can File a Missouri Wrongful Death Claim?
Only certain people can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased person. Missouri follows a chain of succession to determine who has the right to bring this legal action. First, the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren may file the claim. If these family members are unavailable, his or her parents or surviving siblings are eligible.
If the deceased does not have any surviving family members, the personal representative of his or her estate may bring a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf. If the deceased did not name a personal representative before his or her passing, a person eligible to collect compensation from the lawsuit may ask the court to appoint a plaintiff ad litem. This plaintiff will then be able to file the wrongful death claim.
Contact the St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyers at Goza & Honnold, LLC Today
If you lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. The wrongful death attorneys at Goza & Honnold, LLC can represent you in your claim, crafting a compelling case to prove your family’s right to compensation.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.