Losing a loved one is devastating. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence, the pain becomes even more overwhelming. Families considering wrongful death cases from auto collisions, medical negligence, and other situations struggle with their loss that could have been prevented.

At Kennedy, Robbins, Yarbro & Henson, LC, our attorneys understand your struggle. We know you must weigh difficult decisions about pursuing justice. Every family situation is unique. We want to help you learn and understand what lies ahead.

The Weight of Seeking Justice

Wrongful death cases offer essential benefits. However, they require significant commitment. The legal process brings both financial and emotional challenges.

Financially, you face costs for medical treatment and funeral expenses. You may worry about attorney fees, investigations, expert witnesses, court filings, and other expenses during an already difficult time.

The emotional toll often weighs heavier on families than the financial concerns. Some families feel compelled to hold responsible parties accountable. They cannot find closure without justice. Others prefer to avoid reliving their loss for years. They want to focus on healing and moving forward.

Neither choice is right nor wrong. We can help you understand your options and explain how wrongful death cases work. A recovery may help your family rebuild.

Economic Damages: Rebuilding Your Financial Future

Wrongful death cases cover expenses similar to other personal injury claims. Economic damages typically include medical bills, lost wages, and funeral costs.

However, wrongful death cases differ in one crucial way. The surviving spouse and children lose years of financial support. This creates substantial long-term impact.

When evidence supports the claim, juries often award significant amounts. These awards help surviving family members. They replace the financial and emotional support the deceased provided.

Noneconomic Damages: Recognizing Your Loss

We examine noneconomic damages in wrongful death cases from two perspectives. First, we consider your family’s experience after the loss. Second, we look at what your loved one endured.

Your family lost irreplaceable qualities. Spouses lose life partners and companions. Children miss parental guidance throughout their lives. Everyone suffers from the absence of services and support the deceased provided.

We may ask family members to testify. The judge and jury need to understand the lasting impact. Your testimony shows what your loved one meant to you.

Your loved one may have experienced pain and suffering in their final moments. Consider someone in an auto collision. They might have suffered extensively before passing. While the deceased cannot speak for themselves, witnesses can.

We bring several parties to court to demonstrate your loss:

Third-party witnesses who saw the injury occur. They describe what they observed and how it affected your loved one.

First responders who can explain the injuries they found. They detail their attempts to save the victim’s life.

Medical professionals who share observations from hospitalization. They provide clinical perspectives on suffering and treatment.

Friends and family who can testify about your emotional journey. They describe the impact of your loss on daily life.

Factors That Affect Your Recovery

Multiple factors influence your final judgment. The court considers relationships between the victim and family members. Context matters significantly here.

The type and nature of each relationship determines compensation rights. Weight changes as life progresses. If the victim parented small children, courts may award decades of guidance compensation. If the victim was elderly, adult children receive less for fewer missed years.

We will work with you to examine different levels of family dependence. We consider how closely connected family members were. Close relationships typically receive higher awards. Estranged relationships may receive less compensation.

Missouri’s Time Limits on Wrongful Death Cases

Missouri’s wrongful death statute sets a three-year filing limit. Time becomes your most valuable resource. We urge you to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney quickly. Early action determines your case’s viability.

Moving Forward Together

Wrongful death cases are always different from the one before. Your family deserves personalized attention during this difficult time. We handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Contact Kennedy, Robbins, Yarbro & Henson, LC for a free consultation. You may also call us to discuss your case. Let us evaluate your case and explain your options. Together, we can seek the justice your family deserves. We’re here to help.