Wrongful Death

In Missouri a Wrongful Death action occurs when an individual dies as a result of another’s negligent acts. Negligent acts are acts that are the fault of someone else and not the individual who is killed. One of the most important things to remember about a Fault in a Wrongful Death case, is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even if the deceased bore some responsibility in their death, a Wrongful Death action may be possible.

Who may file suit?

Family members, including parents, children, brothers and sisters, of the Wrongful Death victim may file a lawsuit against the negligent party and recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include lost wages, medical bills and funeral bills. Non-economic damages may include pain, suffering and loss of consortium (association with the deceased individual). In certain cases, punitive damages which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and prevent them from harming others, may also be recovered.

Claims must be filed within time limits

Wrongful Death claims in the State of Missouri are governed by specific statutes which require that a claim be filed within a set period of time after the loss. If a lawsuit is not filed within that certain time period, the victims family is forever barred from recovering any losses. Usually time periods are from 1 to 3 years. However, specific calculations of this time period are complicated, and many variables can extend it, so it is always advisable to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Examples of Wrongful Death Cases

Examples of common Wrongful Death cases include:

• automobile accidents,
• truck accidents,
• manufacturing defects,
• defective or dangerous products,
• death at the hands of a physician,
• falls,
• and any other negligent act which result in death.

Have you lost a loved one as the result of another’s negligence?

If you believe that you or one of your family members has lost a loved one as the result of another’s negligence, you need to contact Lanzotti & Rau. Since the initial consultation is free, it is more than worth your time to call if you suspect that the death may have been caused through negligence. We are prepared to act immediately to investigate your potential claim. While we realize that money cannot bring a loved one back, death often brings with it a multitude of distressing financial complications. Compensation from a Wrongful Death lawsuit can help smooth the way as you organized the affairs of your loved one, and ease your way through this difficult time. We realize that the last thing you want to be dealing with is money. However, it is far easier to be dealing with a surplus of cash rather than a shortfall. Let us help your family. At Lanzotti & Rau we have a proven track record of getting our clients the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

What Will it Cost Me?

At Lanzotti & Rau we handle wrongful death cases on a contingent fee basis. This means that there is NO money up front; there will be NO bill for attorney’s fees and/or expenses. The contingent fee means that Lanzotti & Rau will be paid by a percentage of your case that is approved by a Court of Law. We don’t get paid until you get paid. This further motivates us to work for you and/or your family member as we are both trying to achieve the best results possible for you. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

What Happens if I Lose My Case?

We have a proven track record of success in Wrongful Death cases. One of the goals of our initial consultation will be to determine from the facts if we feel you could have a successful case. Once we decide to pursue a wrongful death case, that means we believe we can help you recover for your loss. On all wrongful death cases we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that attorney fees are paid only when a settlement or verdict is obtained on your behalf! Remember, the initial consultation for any potential wrongful death case is free at Lanzotti & Rau. A few moments of your time now can make all of the difference in the rest of your life.