St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. It can feel even worse when that loss results from someone else’s actions – whether due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. You’re left with grief, unanswered questions, and the financial burdens that come with losing a family member.

During this incredibly difficult time, the St. Louis wrongful death attorneys with Mandel & Mandel, LLP are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your loss.

In a wrongful death case, you can hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and provide some measure of closure for your family. Here’s how a skilled attorney can assist you in navigating the legal landscape and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of someone else’s wrongful or negligent actions. It can happen in various circumstances, such as a car or workplace accident. The key aspect of wrongful death claims is that the deceased could have filed a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived. Since the victim can no longer do so, their family or estate takes on that responsibility.

Missouri law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim. These family members typically include spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings. In cases where no immediate family members are available, the court may appoint a representative to bring the claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases can arise from a variety of incidents, each with its own set of challenges and legal implications. Understanding the common causes of wrongful death can help you identify if you have grounds for a claim and how our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys can assist you in pursuing justice.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death claims. Whether it’s due to speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence, the consequences of a car accident can be fatal. Losing a loved one in a car crash is devastating, and the driver responsible for the accident should be held accountable.

In a wrongful death case stemming from a car accident, your Mandel & Mandel, LLP St. Louis wrongful death attorneys will investigate the crash, review police reports, and gather evidence to show that the at-fault driver’s negligence caused your loved one’s death. They’ll work to secure compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a family member.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents, particularly in industries like construction or manufacturing, are often fatal. More than 5,000 workers lost their lives in 2022. Fatal accidents can occur when employers fail to maintain safe working conditions or provide adequate safety equipment. These deaths are particularly tragic because they’re often preventable with proper safety measures in place.

If your loved one died in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits. Your Mandel & Mandel, LLP lawyer will investigate whether the employer violated safety regulations or if a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident. They’ll seek compensation for your financial and emotional losses, including funeral costs, lost future income, and the pain of losing a family member.

How Our St. Louis Wrongful Death Attorneys Build a Case

Wrongful death claims can be emotionally and legally challenging, but a dedicated attorney will guide you through the process and build a strong case on your behalf. Here’s how they’ll help you pursue justice for your loved one.

Investigating the Cause of Death

The first step in any wrongful death case is determining exactly what caused your loved one’s death and who is responsible. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate, gathering all necessary evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. They’ll leave no stone unturned in building a case that shows the responsible party’s actions or inactions led directly to the death of your loved one.

In cases involving car accidents, for example, they may review footage from traffic cameras, interview witnesses, or consult accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash occurred.

Holding All Liable Parties Accountable

In many wrongful death cases, there may be more than one party responsible for the death. For example, the employer, contractor, or even a product manufacturer could be at fault in a workplace accident. Your lawyer will identify all liable parties and ensure that each one is held accountable for their role in your loved one’s death.

Identifying all liable parties can be particularly important in cases where one party doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage or assets to compensate your family for your losses fully. By holding multiple parties responsible, your attorney can help maximize your compensation.

Calculating Compensation

Wrongful death claims involve a variety of damages, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages include measurable financial losses, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of future income your loved one would have earned. Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the death, including the loss of companionship and emotional support.

St. Louis wrongful death attorneys will calculate the full extent of your family’s losses, ensuring that no aspect is overlooked. They’ll fight for compensation that reflects the immediate financial impact and the long-term consequences of losing a family member.

Handling Settlement Negotiations or Taking the Case to Trial

In many wrongful death cases, the responsible party’s insurance company will offer a settlement to avoid going to trial. While this can provide a quicker resolution, these initial offers are often much lower than what your family deserves. Your attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring that any settlement offer is fair and just.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take the case to trial. They’ll present your case before a jury, using the evidence they’ve gathered to prove that the responsible party’s negligence caused your loved one’s death.

Time Is of the Essence in a Wrongful Death Claim

It’s important to act quickly when pursuing a wrongful death claim. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories may fade, and the legal process can take time. The St. Louis wrongful death attorneys with Mandel & Mandel, LLP will get started on your case right away, ensuring that all deadlines are met and your case is as strong as possible from the beginning. Please use our online form or call 314-621-1701 for a free consultation.