Webster Groves Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one due to a wrongful death forever changes your world. During this heartbreaking time, you need more than legal answers; you need support, clear information, and a team of advocates who truly cares about you.

At Drafahl Law Firm, we value the trust your family gives us, treating each client’s worries and hopes with the care it deserves. Our Webster Groves personal injury lawyers are committed to making the process clearer at every step so you never face difficult decisions alone.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Reasons Families Trust Drafahl Law Firm in Webster Groves Wrongful Death Claims

When you’re facing the tragedy of losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, the legal team you choose is critical.  Families in Webster Groves consistently turn to us when justice and compassion both matter most. Here’s why: 

• Our rating includes more than 100 five-star Google reviews from local families that we’ve helped 
• We have secured millions on behalf of families facing injuries and losses  
• Recognized by Super Lawyers and included in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for our professionalism and ethics 

With Drafahl Law Firm in your corner, your family gets a proven, compassionate legal team to help you hold responsible parties accountable. 

Why an Experienced Attorney Is Crucial in Your Wrongful Death Case

During a wrongful death case, families not only seek justice, but need a knowledgeable guide through confusing legal and insurance systems. With a skilled attorney by your side:

• You receive immediate protection from insurance companies that may try to rush you into a quick, unfair settlement.
• All proper evidence, including financial and emotional losses, is documented and assessed so nothing vital is overlooked.
• Legal deadlines, complex paperwork, and wrongful death statutes are applied accurately to avoid small errors leading to big problems later.
• Sensitive family communications and personal details are managed respectfully, leading to less stress on loved ones. 

The consequences of wrongful death cases are life-changing, so having a proven legal support team ensures your family can focus on healing, not legal battles.

What Is a Wrongful Death Under Missouri Law?

A wrongful death happens when a person’s life is taken due to someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. This legal claim gives certain surviving family members the right to pursue financial and emotional damages. 

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, notwithstanding the death of the person injured, which damages may be sued for:

The goal is to hold a wrongdoer accountable when their actions or carelessness directly cost another person’s life and to help the grieving family recover compensation that they’ve lost because of their loved one’s death. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Webster Groves

Sudden losses happen for a variety of unfortunate reasons. In Webster Groves, many wrongful death claims follow events in these categories: 

Car and Truck Accidents

Serious motor vehicle crashes, especially those involving unsafe driving, distractions, or violations of traffic laws, are a primary cause of wrongful death claims. When another driver’s reckless or careless actions are to blame, families have grounds to pursue justice through legal channels.

Contact a car accident attorney in Webster Groves to pursue the justice that your loved one deserves today.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, many people lose their lives while walking or biking, whether crossing the street or traveling on local roads. When another person’s negligence played a role, like a driver who failed to yield, was texting, or simply was not paying attention, grieving families can seek accountability and compensation with a legal claim.

Medical Malpractice

If doctors, nurses, or hospitals act carelessly, for example, by failing to diagnose a condition, making medication errors, or acting negligently during treatment, they can be responsible for a preventable death. 

Workplace Accidents

Injury on the job is another common source of losses. In some cases, a workers’ compensation claim will be necessary, but in others, families may have a wrongful death lawsuit against a third party. Missouri law generally prevents wrongful death claims against an employer directly, but allows claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to the death.

Dangerous Property Conditions

Victims sometimes lose their life because of hazards on someone else’s property, such as faulty wiring, stairs in disrepair, or lack of security features. Property owners have a duty to fix known dangers to keep guests and workers from harm.

Acts of Violence 

Wrongful death claims can be the result of intentional actions as well. When a person causes harm to someone, they can face civil lawsuits in addition to dealing with criminal penalties. 

If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s actions, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. You can reach out to our team to determine if you are eligible. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

Under Missouri law, not everyone may file a wrongful death claim. The right goes to certain family members in a specific order.  

Primary Beneficiaries

These individuals have the first right to file a claim:

• Spouse: The surviving husband or wife of the deceased.
• Children: This includes both biological and legally adopted children.
• Parents: Either or both parents of the person who passed away.

If any primary beneficiaries exist, only they are permitted to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Secondary Beneficiaries

If there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents, the following relatives may have the right:

• Siblings of the deceased: Brothers or sisters may make a claim.
• Descendants of siblings: If the sibling has already passed away, their children (the deceased’s nieces or nephews) may qualify.

Secondary relatives are only eligible if no primary beneficiaries exist. 

Court-Appointed Plaintiff

When no qualified family members in the above tiers are available, the court can appoint an appropriate person to pursue the case. This is called a plaintiff ad litem, who then acts on behalf of those entitled to bring the claim.

Each of these categories protects loved ones’ rights to seek justice and financial recovery after a tragic loss.

Start with a Complimentary Consultation With our Webster Groves Wrongful Death Lawyer

You deserve a firm that is as thoughtful with communication as it is strong in advocacy. At Drafahl Law Firm, our main goal is justice for those you loved and respect for you during this difficult time. We pursue answers while demanding accountability. When you’re uncertain what comes next, our Webster Groves wrongful death lawyers are here to lighten the burden and help you move forward.

Call us today to schedule a free case consultation as soon as you’re ready to discuss your case.