Losing a family member in a sudden accident caused by someone else’s negligence leaves you facing questions no one should ever have to answer. The aftermath is often filled with paperwork and unfair insurance delays. When you’re hurting, just focusing on daily tasks is hard enough without having to navigate the legal claim you might have.
Lost A Loved One In An Accident?
Contact an Attorney at Drafahl Law Firm Today
That’s why having a Chesterfield personal injury lawyer on your side can make such a difference – they know what steps to take and how to handle the legal details so you have room to breathe. By working with someone who listens and understands the gravity of your grief, you can get what you’re entitled to without feeling overwhelmed with the process.
When you’re ready to learn more about how a Chesterfield wrongful death lawyer can help, contact Drafahl Law Firm online to schedule a free consultation.
Why You Should Work With a Chesterfield Wrongful Death Lawyer From Drafahl Law Firm After Losing a Loved One
When your family is coping with the loss of a loved one, having an experienced Chesterfield wrongful death lawyer from Drafahl Law Firm on your side can give you the support you need during this difficult time. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over 100 five-star Google reviews reflect the confidence and gratitude of the families we’ve helped.
- We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for clients facing tragic and unexpected losses.
- You don’t pay anything upfront – our no fee unless we win promise means you only owe us if we recover money for your family.
When you work with Drafahl Law Firm, you’re getting a team of advocates who truly care about you and your family. To learn more about a possible wrongful death case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Will Assist After You Lose a Loved One in Chesterfield
When you turn to a wrongful death lawyer after losing a loved one in Chesterfield, you have someone on your side guiding you every step of the way, handling legal burdens so you and your family can focus on what truly matters. Here’s how a lawyer helps:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to find out exactly how your loved one lost their life. This includes securing records, witness accounts, expert opinions, and any surveillance footage or evidence involved.
- Collect and organize important documentation to show how the financial and emotional loss the family is facing.
- Take on difficult negotiations with insurance companies, preventing you from having to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters who are trying to minimize your claim.
The benefit of involving a dedicated wrongful death attorney is significant – you never have to go through this on your own.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is a legal term that describes a situation where someone dies because of another person’s negligent or intentional actions. It’s not a criminal case, which occurs when someone is prosecuted by the state. It’s a civil claim where the family of the loved one files a lawsuit against who they believe caused the death.
537.080. Action for wrongful death — who may sue — limitation. — 1. Whenever the death of a person results from any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages in respect thereof, the person or party who, or the corporation which, would have been liable if death had not ensued shall be liable in an action for damages
The purpose of a wrongful death case is to provide financial support for the surviving relatives and ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions even if no criminal charges are filed.
Situations That Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims can arise in a number of different situations. Some common ones include the following:
- Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents caused by another driver’s negligence — contact a Chesterfield car accident lawyer today
- Deaths due to medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or missed diagnoses
- Unsafe conditions at a job site or public place that result in fatal accidents
- Use of dangerous or defective products or medications
- Deadly pedestrian or bicyclist accidents
- Fatal incidents arising from violence, assault, or other intentional wrongdoing
When negligence or misconduct takes a loved one’s life, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help families find answers and hold the responsible party accountable.
Statute of Limitations In St. Louis Wrongful Death Claims
In St. Louis, you generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim, according to Missouri law. If you miss this statute of limitations, your right to seek compensation is usually barred altogether. However, there are situations where specific facts might change this strict deadline.
537.100. Limitation of action — effect of absence of defendant and nonsuit. — 1. Every action instituted under section 537.080 shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action shall accrue; provided, that if any defendant, whether a resident or nonresident of the state at the time any such cause of action accrues, shall then or thereafter be absent or depart from the state, so that personal service cannot be had upon such defendant in the state in any such action heretofore or hereafter accruing, the time during which such defendant is so absent from the state shall not be deemed or taken as any part of the time limited for the commencement of such action against him; and provided, that if any such action shall have been commenced within the time prescribed in this section, and the plaintiff therein take or suffer a nonsuit, or after a verdict for him the judgment be arrested, or after a judgment for him the same be reversed on appeal or error, such plaintiff may commence a new action from time to time within one year after such nonsuit suffered or such judgment arrested or reversed; and in determining whether such new action has been begun within the period so limited, the time during which such nonresident or absent defendant is so absent from the state shall not be deemed or taken as any part of such period of limitation.
That’s why it’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a loss. A lawyer can review your situation and find any exceptions that extend or shorten the time.
Call Drafahl Law Firm Today To Speak With a Chesterfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
No attorney or legal claim can make you feel whole against after losing a loved one, but letting a lawyer handle the fight gives you the room you need to heal while still holding the right party accountable. The right legal team will bring humanity and dedication to your case so you don’t have to worry about financial concerns after your loss.
Let us help you. If you want to learn more, contact Drafahl Law Firm to speak with a Chesterfield wrongful death lawyer.