Losing a loved one in a sudden accident is a tragedy that changes your life forever. When that loss is caused by someone else's careless actions, you need a strong legal team to fight for your family.
Contact our wrongful death law firm today to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front or out of pocket. You have no financial risk calling us.
Contact DM Injury Law today to schedule your free case consultation.
Call 816-888-7500 or contact us online today
Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your Wrongful Death Claim?
When a family member dies because of a preventable accident, the grief is overwhelming. You are left trying to figure out how to pay for medical bills, funeral costs, and everyday living expenses without your loved one's income, all while mourning an unexpected death. During this incredibly difficult time, you need a legal team that you can trust to handle the heavy lifting.
Our wrongful death attorneys have secured over $1 billion for the families of those who have been harmed at the hands of someone else. Here are just a few examples of our successful case results:
We Have a Large Staff That Will Take Care of Your Family's Case
At DM Injury Law, we believe that you should not have to pay the price for someone else's mistakes. Our firm has an unwavering commitment to justice and the rights of our clients. We have a team of attorneys and a large support staff of case managers, investigators, and medical record specialists ready to help you with every single aspect of your case.
Large insurance companies use their massive wealth to fight against victims. We have the resources, the people, and the firepower to fight back and win.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
DM Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:
- Car Accidents: Whether it was a head-on collision or a T-bone accident, a car accident can cause the death of a loved one.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road, and a collision can have fatal consequences. We will hold the negligent driver accountable.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in devastating losses. Our team is ready to take on trucking companies and their insurers to secure the justice your family deserves.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We fight for families whose loved ones were tragically killed while crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk.
- Slip and Fall Incidents: Our attorneys hold negligent property owners accountable when dangerous conditions lead to a fatal fall.
- Workplace Deaths: If you lost a loved one in a fatal work-related accident, we are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
- Medical Malpractice: We pursue justice against healthcare providers whose negligence results in a patient's death.
Whether you lost your loved one in a fatal car accident, whether it was a drunk driving or a distracted driving accident, or in a construction accident while at work, DM Injury Law is here for your family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The laws regarding who is allowed to file a lawsuit after a fatal accident can be confusing. The rules change depending on which state you live in. Generally, a wrongful death lawyer will explain that these claims must be filed by immediate family members or an appointed representative of the deceased person's estate.
Because we serve clients across many states, it is important to understand the basic rules in your specific area. According to state legal statutes, here is a simple breakdown of who can step forward to file a claim:
Missouri
The right to file a claim is strictly defined and follows a clear order:
- First: The surviving spouse, children, or parents.
- Second: If no one from the first group can file, the right passes to siblings or their descendants.
- Third: If no family members from the above groups can file, the court will appoint a representative.
Kansas
In Kansas, the claim must be filed by an "heir at law," which is someone legally entitled to inherit from the deceased.
- A court-appointed personal representative typically files the lawsuit.
- Compensation is then divided among the surviving family members based on their specific losses.
Oklahoma
The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
- If no representative was named, the court will appoint one.
- Compensation is paid directly to the surviving spouse, children, or parents.
Nebraska
Like Oklahoma, the personal representative of the estate must file the claim.
- The lawsuit is for the benefit of the "next of kin," which is typically the surviving spouse and children.
- The court ensures the family receives the compensation they need.
Colorado
Colorado has a specific timeline for who can file a wrongful death claim:
- First Year: Only the surviving spouse can file.
- Second Year: The surviving spouse, children, or parents (if there is no spouse or child) can file.
- If the deceased had no spouse or children, their parents are permitted to file.
No matter where you live, our team can help you figure out who has the legal right to take action. Contact our team at DM Injury Law today for a free consultation of your case.
Call 816-888-7500 or contact us online today
Damages Available to Families in Wrongful Death Cases
When you lose someone you love, no amount of money will ever make things right. However, the financial impact of a sudden death can destroy a family's future. The purpose of a lawsuit is to provide you with the financial security you need to keep going.
There are generally two types of damages you can recover:
Economic Damages
These are the out-of-pocket bills and financial losses your family has suffered. When you hire our attorneys for wrongful death, we will calculate every single penny you have lost. Economic damages often include:
- Medical bills for the treatment your loved one received before they passed away, including ambulance rides, surgeries, and hospital stays.
- Funeral and burial expenses, which can easily cost thousands of dollars.
- The loss of future income. If your loved one was the main provider for your family, we will fight to recover the wages they would have earned over the rest of their working life.
- The loss of benefits, such as health insurance or retirement savings, that your loved one provided.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages focus on the emotional pain and the personal loss you have suffered. While it is hard to put a price tag on a human life, the law allows you to seek compensation for:
- The pain and suffering your loved one experienced right before they passed away.
- The loss of love, companionship, and comfort that your family member provided.
- The loss of guidance and instruction that a parent would have given to their children.
We will work with professionals, such as industry experts and accident reconstructionists, to calculate your family's full losses. We strive to make your settlement check the maximum amount possible.
Our Wrongful Death Law Firm Locations
DM Injury Law is a powerful and wide-reaching law firm. We serve clients across multiple states in the Midwest, bringing our massive resources to families in need.
If you are looking for experienced Midwest wrongful death lawyers, we have offices fully staffed and ready to fight for you in the following cities:
- Kansas City Wrongful Death Lawyers
- St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Columbia Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Topeka Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Wichita Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Oklahoma City Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Tulsa Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Omaha Wrongful Death Lawyers
- Denver Wrongful Death Lawyers
FAQs for Our Wrongful Death Lawyers
What exactly is a wrongful death claim?
A claim is a legal action taken against a person or a company whose careless, reckless, or intentional actions caused another person to die. It is a civil lawsuit, which means it is fought in civil court for financial money, not in criminal court for jail time. The goal is to provide financial relief to the surviving family members who have been left behind.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
The time limit you have to file a lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this strict deadline, you will completely lose your right to ever get money for your case. The deadlines vary widely by state:
- In Missouri, you generally have three years from the date of the death. However, if the death was caused by medical malpractice, you only have two years.
- In Kansas, the deadline is strictly two years from the date of the death.
- In Oklahoma, you must file your claim within two years of the death.
- In Nebraska, the law limits most claims to two years.
- In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of the death to file your claim. However, in certain cases involving medical malpractice, the timeframe may vary, so it is crucial to act promptly and seek legal advice.
- In Colorado, the general rule is two years, though exceptions can sometimes extend or shorten this timeline.
Because these deadlines are incredibly strict, you need to contact a wrongful death attorney immediately.
What if the person who caused the accident is facing criminal charges?
You can still file a civil lawsuit for money even if the responsible person is facing criminal charges like manslaughter or murder. Criminal cases and civil cases are completely separate. The criminal case is meant to punish the wrongdoer with jail time, while the civil case is meant to get your family the financial compensation you need to survive. You do not have to wait for the criminal trial to end before starting your civil claim.
How much is my case actually worth?
Every single case is completely different. The total value of your case depends on many factors. These include the age of your loved one, how much money they earned at their job, the cost of the medical bills before they died, and the emotional impact the loss has had on your family. Because every situation is unique, we offer free consultations so we can listen to your story, look at the facts, and give you honest advice about what to expect.
Will my case have to go to court?
Many cases are settled outside of court. Insurance companies know that we prepare every single case as if it is going to trial. When they see that we have overwhelming evidence, they often agree to pay a fair settlement before a judge or jury gets involved. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay what is fair, our trial lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight aggressively for every penny you deserve.
Contact DM Injury Law's Wrongful Death Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At DM Injury Law, we know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back. But getting the maximum financial compensation can take away the heavy burden of debt and allow you to focus on healing. Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible, but we will not let them push you around.
We provide the strong, confident, and empathetic support you need during the darkest days of your life. We will focus on the legal battle so you can focus on your family.
Contact DM Injury Law today to schedule your free case consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Remember, Mike's Got This!
Call 816-888-7500 or contact us online today
Helpful Legal Resources and Blogs
Wrongful Death Resources
Car Accident Laws & Insurance
- Kansas 50% Rule: When You Cannot Sue After a Car Accident
- Understanding Car Insurance Policies in Kansas
- Understanding Car Insurance Policies in Missouri
- Kansas Car Accident Laws
- Missouri Car Accident Laws
- Who Pays the Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Filing Claims, Deadlines & Settlements
- How to File a Car Accident Claim
- What is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount?
- How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
- Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Oklahoma
- Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Illinois
- Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Missouri
- Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Kansas
- How to Prove Fault in a Car Accident
- The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
- Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
- How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident
- What to Do After a Car Accident