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Wrongful Death Attorney in Joplin, Jasper County

Nothing prepares you for the moment you learn you’ve lost a loved one. It’s even more painful when their death is a result of someone else’s mistake or willful action. You cannot bring your loved one back, but you can take legal action to seek justice and financial recovery for your loss.

The compassionate wrongful death attorneys at Holland Injury Law, LLC., understand what you’re going through. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and help you seek maximum compensation for what happened. Honor your loved one by protecting your future and holding responsible parties accountable for what they’ve done. Contact us today to speak with a wrongful death lawyer serving Joplin, Missouri, and we’ll answer your questions during a free consultation.

How Holland Injury Law Can Help

Facing the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to another’s negligence is devastating. You need a legal team that understands your pain and fights relentlessly for justice. At Holland Injury Law, we treat our clients like family. And we fight for our family.

To date, our firm has recovered more than $300 Million for our 7,000+ personal injury clients. In a recent wrongful death case, William Holland recovered $4,875,000 for the family of a 32-year-old tow truck driver who died while working on the side of the road, killed by an impaired tractor-trailer driver.

Our attorneys dedicate themselves to securing the justice you need for your loved one and the compensation you deserve for what’s been taken from you. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs to get started. Choose Holland Injury Law to take the first steps toward healing.

What Is Wrongful Death in Joplin?

Wrongful death is a legal term for a death caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another person or entity. Common causes of wrongful death include the following:

  • Medical Malpractice, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, fatal birth injuries, or defective drugs or medical devices
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents, including drunk driving, distracted driving, vehicle defects, or poorly maintained roads
  • Suicide caused by emotional distress, including workplace harassment, bullying, or domestic abuse
  • Criminal Acts, including murder
  • Biking, Pedestrian, or Downing Accidents
  • Defective or Dangerous Products
  • Contaminated Food or Medication
  • Gas Leaks & Explosions
  • Fatal Hazards at Work

The above list is not exhaustive. A personal injury attorney can guide you on whether your claim falls into the category of a wrongful death.

Wrongful Death vs. Criminal Prosecution

Wrongful death and criminal prosecution differ in purpose, legal standards, and outcomes. Wrongful death is a civil lawsuit brought by the family of the deceased against a negligent party. The primary goal is to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

The government pursues criminal prosecution to punish and deter unlawful behavior. Criminal cases require a higher standard of proof. Notably, a defendant can face both a wrongful death lawsuit and a criminal trial for the same incident. In fact, the same defendant acquitted of the crime of murder can be found civilly liable for the tort of wrongful death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

There is a specific order of priority for who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Section 537.080, RMSo orders priority as follows:

  • First priority – The spouse, children, grandchildren (if the deceased’s children have passed away), or parents of the deceased can file a lawsuit.
  • Second priority – If none of the above can sue, the deceased’s siblings or their children (the deceased’s nieces or nephews) can file a lawsuit.
  • Third priority – If no one from the first or second groups can sue, the court can appoint a person, called a “plaintiff ad litem,” to file the lawsuit on behalf of those entitled to compensation.

Compensation Recoverable in Missouri for Wrongful Death Claims

In Joplin, Missouri, families can recover compensation in wrongful death claims for various losses, including:

  • Costs for funeral and burial or cremation
  • Medical bills from the deceased’s injuries or illness
  • Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided, including future earnings
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to their death
  • Loss of companionship, love, and support
  • Loss of parental care and guidance for children

While financial losses are more straightforward, emotional and personal losses can meaningfully contribute to the settlement amount.

How We Help You Pursue Compensation for Your Loss

At Holland Injury Law, our personal injury attorneys are highly knowledgeable in Missouri’s wrongful death laws and have years of experience representing families like yours. When you come to see us during a free consultation, a qualified personal injury attorney will review the details surrounding your loved one’s passing and determine if you have a valid claim.

Next, we’ll identify the responsible parties and begin gathering evidence, such as police reports and medical records. If necessary, we’ll enlist help from expert witnesses to help us bolster your case, such as vocational or medical experts.

Once we’ve built a strong case, we can file your claim and notify all responsible parties. From here, we negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If the at-fault party won’t make you a fair offer, we won’t hesitate to sue. Rest assured, we treat every case as if it were going to court, so your attorney will be trial-ready from the get-go.

Moreover, because we work on a contingency basis, you will not pay us until we secure compensation on your behalf. Wrongful death cases take time, but it’s still important to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims.

Deadlines for Filing Wrongful Death Claims

In Missouri, under Section 537.100, RSMo, families have three years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a claim. If you file after this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed as untimely, foreclosing your ability to recover fair compensation. Given the timeframe for filing a wrongful death claim, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Joplin Wrongful Death Lawyer Today!

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