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In the United States, wrongful deaths claim the lives of many individuals each year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that unintentional deaths are the number one cause of death in this country. This statement includes those deaths caused by negligence.
There is nothing more difficult than losing a loved one. This is especially true when a family member perishes due to someone else's negligence. It can be hard to digest the news and make sense of what happened. The emotional turmoil can almost be too much to bear.
Following the death of a loved one, family members are left to pick up the pieces. Knowing where to go and who to turn to for help can be challenging. Assessing the next steps can be hard in the midst of so much commotion.
It is wise to seek legal counsel right away if you find yourself in this position. A wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family members file a Missouri wrongful death claim to attain the compensation needed to start the recovery process following the passing of your beloved.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Typically, when a person is injured in an accident, they can file a claim to secure financial compensation for any losses. This money can be used to help pay for medical care, lost wages, and any associated damages.
However, when a person passes as a result of an accident, they cannot file a claim on their own. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of family members who can file a wrongful death claim in their absence. Once a claim is filed, wrongful death lawyers can work with family members to navigate the legal process and secure compensation.
A wrongful death settlement can help family members cover the costs associated with their loved one's death. This may include funeral arrangements and burial costs, medical expenses, and more. While this money cannot bring your family member back, it can help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with this traumatic event.
Examples of Wrongful Death Claims
There are many different types of wrongful death lawsuits. A St Louis wrongful death attorney can help you get started filing a case. The attorneys at Powell Law Firm deal with these types of cases every day and are well versed in handling the details of each.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors are licensed to treat patients with the utmost care and concern. They abide by a strict code of ethics as set forth by their licensing body. We trust that doctors will do what they can to take care of us, but what happens when they don't?
If a physician is found to have done something that posed an intentional threat to a patient without the individual's or family's consent, they could be held liable for medical malpractice and wrongful death. A wrongful death lawyer will be able to determine medical wrongful death and help you file a claim accordingly.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and accidents involving commercial vehicles happen more often than you think. Many people die each year as a result of this type of event. If an individual dies in a car accident as a result of someone else's negligence, family members may have a valid wrongful death lawsuit on their hands.
Workplace Accidents
We trust that our employers will enforce the necessary precautions to keep us safe in the workplace. When they don't, however, accidents can and do happen. If an accident takes place at work that claims the life of a loved one, family members could file a wrongful death claim and take legal action.
Other Accidents
This list referenced above is by no means exhaustive. There are many different types of wrongful death cases. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, you should contact a wrongful death lawyer. They can help you determine if you have the grounds to substantiate a personal injury claim or wrongful death case.
What Can a Wrongful Death Settlement Help You Pay For?
Though no amount of money will bring your loved one back, it can certainly help ease the financial burden associated with their passing. A wrongful death attorney can help you fight for maximum compensation to cover the cost of the following items.
Funeral & Burial Arrangements
In the wake of a loved one's passing, you likely have a lot on your mind. You may be tasked with facilitating the funeral and burial arrangements for your family member, for example.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), a funeral and burial in the United States cost about $7,000 today. This is a lot of money to have to worry about on top of dealing with everything emotionally.
Medical Bills
If your loved one was injured in an accident and then passed away as a result of their injuries, a wrongful death settlement can help you pay for any remaining medical bills they may have left behind. These costs can be exceedingly high depending on the type of care they required before their death. Despite the situation, hospitals and other medical facilities still expect prompt payment. This can be a very stressful thing for family members to assume.
Personal injury lawyers know how to navigate wrongful death claims and can fight for maximum compensation to help cover these costs.
Pain and Suffering
It is impossible to put a price tag on someone's physical and emotional distress. No amount of money will take away the pain associated with losing a loved one. However, it can help to alleviate the financial burden that has been passed to you. If you do not have to worry about paying bills and other associated expenses, you can spend your time and energy properly grieving your loss.
Finding the Best Wrongful Death Attorney
If a loved one has passed as a result of someone else's negligence, you must seek legal representation right away. These types of legal issues require extra attention that only an experienced professional can provide. A knowledgeable attorney can help you file a claim, prepare for court, and attain a fair settlement.
Filing a Missouri Wrongful Death Claim
A credible attorney can help you successfully file a wrongful death claim. The attorneys at Powell Law Firm offer a free consultation for all prospective clients. This initial meeting costs nothing and allows you to discuss the details of your loved one's case in a confidential, safe, and secure manner. Based on this free case review, the legal team can adequately assess whether there is enough evidence to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
It is during this conversation that they will also help you to understand the different types of wrongful death claims and walk you through the legal process to best prepare for the next steps.
Preparing for Court
In a wrongful death lawsuit, you must furnish evidence that shows the defendant's negligence caused your loved one's death. This can be incredibly hard to do, though it is not impossible.
A skilled attorney will help you collect the evidence you need to present a strong case in court. They will handle all the negotiations and help you prepare yourself for the conversation that may take place in the courtroom.
Fighting for a Fair Settlement
The defendant may be reluctant to pay out a fair settlement. They may challenge your case and defend their actions against the life of your loved one. An experienced wrongful death lawyer will fight aggressively in court to ensure that the maximum compensation is granted. They will present the evidence in a way that curbs pushback and that honors your family member.
Other St. Peters Practice Areas
Selecting the Best Missouri Wrongful Death Attorney
Many attorneys specialize in wrongful death. However, they are not all created equal. When you seek legal consultation for a personal injury lawsuit, you want to make sure you are working with an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, and who is committed to making sure justice is served.
Powell Law Firm has helped many clients navigate the ins and outs of the personal injury claims process and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from workplace accidents, car crashes, and more. We are committed to treating all clients with the utmost care and concern and empathize with the challenging situations victim's families face following the death of their loved ones.
Furthermore, we offer a free consultation to make it easy for family members to meet with them to discuss the details of a potential case. During this time, we educate prospective clients on the legal process so they understand what to expect as they file a lawsuit. We understand the process can feel overwhelming, so they do everything in their power to minimize these feelings of anxiousness and fear.
When you work with Powell Law Firm, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. The team will fight for you to ensure you receive the compensation you and your family deserve in the wake of your loss.
If you'd like more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Powell Law Firm today at 314-293-3777.
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