The untimely death of a loved one can be an overwhelming situation for those left behind. The loss of life due to the negligent behavior of another can compound the complications. Though you may be grieving and feel like time has stopped, the realities of life continue.
Financial obligations of funeral costs and living without a loved one’s income may cause hardship and create another level of stress that you just don’t need. You should know that you have the legal right to file a wrongful death suit in Missouri.
When someone has caused this kind of loss in your life, you should be compensated. The Dickman Law wrongful death lawyers at Lake of the Ozarks may be able to help you to pursue the compensation you need to help rebuild.
What Can a Lawyer do for My Wrongful Death Claim?
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be a complex matter that takes time to solve. The stakes are generally very high and the goal of the opposing party’s insurance company will be to minimize the payout as much as possible.
The pursuit of justice and the maximum value of your damages isn’t easy to handle without the help of a lawyer. Your attorney can help you by:
Gathering Critical Evidence
Having enough pieces of the right evidence is crucial to winning your wrongful death claim. A wrongful death attorney area will have the resources available to compile compelling evidence to support your case.
Evidence can be collected through witness interviews, depositions, traffic camera or cell phone video footage, photos, social media, documents, and more. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine all potentially at-fault parties. This ensures that all avenues of liability and compensation can be pursued.
Filing Claims and Observing Deadlines
There are critical deadlines involved in any case, and managing the legal calendar is just one part of your lawyer’s job. Missing a legal deadline or running out the statute of limitations can damage a case or bar your ability to claim.
For example, the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Missouri is codified under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100, which gives claimants three years to file. If the deadline is missed, so is your chance at pursuing compensation.
All legal documentation will be correctly submitted and filed on time. Having a lawyer handle the paperwork involved in any claim that involves insurance companies and other lawyers can help you to avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes.
Providing Negotiation and Litigation
The vast majority of wrongful death claims will be settled before they reach the stage of litigation. We present evidence and argue your claim with the insurance companies and work to protect you from tactics that they frequently use to devalue or deny claims.
We will also negotiate with the opposing party’s counsel to get you the compensation you need. In the event your claim does not result in a satisfactory settlement, we will be prepared to pursue your rights by resolving the matter in court. We are not deterred by the courtroom or challenges from corporate attorneys.
Defending You Against Allegations of Liability
Your right to collect compensation will be challenged by legal arguments or allegations against you. Your Lake of the Ozarks wrongful death attorney will defend you and present evidence of the opposing party’s liability in the situation.
Withstanding the opposition from the other parties requires knowledge of the law and a compelling argument with factual evidence to support your case.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Lake of the Ozarks, call 573-744-4878
Will the Liable Party Go to Jail if I File a Wrongful Death Claim?
No. Being sentenced to serve a time of incarceration isn’t a factor in a civil case. Criminal courts handle those matters, and a prosecutor representing the municipality or state would need to file a criminal case against someone on behalf of the people.
In the event a serious crime is discovered during a wrongful death lawsuit, the state’s attorney may choose to pursue legal action after your case is settled. However, a wrongful death claim is a civil matter, meaning that the at-fault party is not being tried for the purposes of going to jail or being fined.
In civil law, the burden of proof is not as stringent. The purpose of a civil court case is for the victim to seek compensation for their loss. Since injuries, pain, and death cannot be undone, the law can only offer victims financial recompense.
Violent crimes, fatal DUI crashes, or assaults can also result in a wrongful death claim, but they are typically preceded by criminal prosecution by the state.
Lake of the Ozarks Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 573-744-4878
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in the Lake of the Ozarks Area
Wrongful death can be the result of many factors, but the main component of a wrongful death claim must involve the death of a person because of the negligent actions of another party. Our attorneys will typically represent cases that involve:
- Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents
- Occupational and workplace accidents
- Premises liability and slip and fall claims
- Drowning or boating accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian accidents
- Birth injury claims
- Defective products, drugs, and medical devices
- Assisted living or nursing home neglect or abuse
If you are unsure of the circumstances that lead to the death of your loved one, a Lake of the Ozarks wrongful death lawyer can examine your claim.
A lawyer can look at the available evidence to determine whether negligence could be a factor in your particular situation. There is no charge at our firm to ask an attorney about the viability of your claim.
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Contact Us for a Case Evaluation at No Cost
If you believe that negligence on the part of another party led to the loss of your loved one, there is no risk or obligation to ask about your legal options. You may be entitled to collect substantial compensation that can help you and your family to rebuild your lives following your loss.
Untimely death is never easy to process and can be difficult to walk through alone. The Lake of the Ozarks wrongful death lawyers of Dickman Law may be able to help you. Contact us today to learn more and to begin your claim as soon as possible.
Call or text 573-744-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form