Springfield Wrongful Death Lawyers

Pursuing Justice for Families in Missouri

For many of us, losing a loved one in an accident is one of our greatest fears. Learning about the loss of a loved one due to negligence can shatter your world in a heartbeat. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we understand the immense financial and emotional hardships that come with a wrongful death. No amount of money can diminish the pain, sadness, and sense of loss. However, pursuing justice on behalf of your loved one can ease stress in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy. With our compassionate approach, we help guide families through this difficult time while seeking legal avenues to recover damages.

Our wrongful death attorneys in Springfield have over 50 years of shared experience advocating for grieving families. With extensive knowledge of auto accident and personal injury law, you can trust our Springfield wrongful death lawyers to protect your rights while pursuing the justice you deserve. We handle each situation with the utmost care, devoting our full attention to your legal journey and offering a compassionate ear to help ease the burden of legal proceedings. We are dedicated to guiding your legal steps with wisdom and integrity from start to finish.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, our firm can fight tirelessly to bring negligent parties to justice. Contact us today at (417) 785-3410 to schedule a free consultation with our wrongful death attorney in Springfield.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Missouri? 

According to Missouri Revised Statutes §537.080, a “wrongful death” is a death resulting from “any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages.” This means that a wrongful death lawsuit can be brought against any individual or company whose negligence causes the death of another person.

Common examples include: 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?

Missouri law outlines who has the legal right to bring a wrongful death claim. Eligible parties are divided into classes:

• First Class – The deceased person’s spouse, children, grandchildren, or parents.
• Second Class – If none of the above survive, siblings of the deceased or their descendants may file.
• Third Class – If no eligible family members exist in the first two categories, the court may appoint a “plaintiff ad litem,” often a close relative or personal representative, to bring the claim.

It is important to note that wrongful death lawsuits in Missouri must generally be filed within three years of the date of death. This statute of limitations makes it essential to speak with a Springfield wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your right to seek justice.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

No amount of money can replace the life of your loved one. However, financial compensation can ease the burdens caused by their loss and provide security for your family’s future. Under Missouri law, damages in a wrongful death case may include:

• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness.
• Funeral and burial costs.
• Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have contributed to the family.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support.
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their passing.
• Loss of consortium for surviving spouses.

Every case is unique, and the compensation available depends on the circumstances of your loved one’s death. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we carefully evaluate each case to ensure families pursue the full and fair compensation they deserve.

Get the experienced and compassionate legal representation your family needs. Contact a Springfield wrongful death lawyer at (417) 785-3410 today.