Losing someone you love is hard. It’s worse when their death was caused by someone else’s mistake. If your family is dealing with a wrongful death in Kansas City, an experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer can guide you through this painful time. You don’t have to face it alone.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death means someone died because of another person’s careless or harmful actions. This could be:
- A car crash caused by a drunk driver
- A deadly fall on unsafe property
- Medical mistakes
- A faulty product that failed
- Workplace hazards
If the person would have had a legal case if they had lived, their family may now have a case instead.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Kansas City?
In Missouri, only certain people can file. These include:
- A spouse
- Children
- Parents
If none of those people are alive or able, others may be allowed. The court decides who can act. A personal injury lawyer will help sort this out. They know the laws and what steps to take.
What Can Families Recover?
Money can’t replace a life. But it can ease some of the burdens that come after a loss. A wrongful death claim may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Medical bills before death
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Future earnings the person would have made
Every case is different. Your lawyer will help you in the legal process to ask for what’s fair.
Why You Need a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
These cases are not simple. You’re dealing with grief, and insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. A skilled lawyer helps by:
- Gathering proof
- Talking to witnesses
- Hiring experts if needed
- Handling all paperwork
- Speaking for you in court
They take on the fight so you don’t have to.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Missouri?
There’s a deadline. It’s called the statute of limitations.
In Missouri, most families have three years to file after the death.
Miss the deadline, and the case may be thrown out. Don’t wait. Call a lawyer as soon as you can.
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death
- Get a Death Certificate
This helps prove your case and is needed for court. - Keep Records
Save medical bills, funeral costs, and other documents. They matter.
- Don’t Talk to Insurance Alone
They might try to trick you. Always speak to a lawyer first.
- Find the Right Lawyer
Look for someone who knows wrongful death laws in Kansas City.
- Let the Lawyer Work
They’ll guide you through every part of the process.
How a Lawyer Builds Your Case
Your lawyer will:
- Investigate the death
- Talk to the right people
- Collect records and expert opinions
- Deal with insurers and defense lawyers
- File your lawsuit on time
- Represent you in court if needed
You focus on your family. They’ll handle the legal side.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Kansas City
Wrongful death can happen in many ways. Some of the most common are:
1. Car Accidents
Speeding, drunk driving, and texting behind the wheel can kill. Families have a right to seek justice.
2. Medical Errors
Doctors sometimes make deadly mistakes. It could be a wrong diagnosis, surgery error, or bad medicine.
3. Unsafe Work Conditions
Construction and factory jobs can be dangerous. If an employer failed to protect workers, they may be liable.
4. Nursing Home Neglect
When care homes fail to protect the elderly, it can lead to wrongful death.
5. Dangerous Products
Some products are poorly made or not tested enough. If a faulty product caused a death, the maker could be sued.
Why Location Matters
Wrongful death laws vary by state. Kansas City lies on the border between Kansas and Missouri. That means:
- Your case could follow Missouri law or Kansas law
- Each has its own rules about time limits, damages, and who can sue
A lawyer who works in Kansas City knows both sets of rules. They’ll know where to file and what to expect.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
Most wrongful death lawyers work on contingency. That means:
- You pay nothing up front
- They only get paid if you win
- Their fee comes from the settlement
No win? No fee. This setup helps families who can’t afford a lawyer otherwise.
Wrongful Death vs. Criminal Charges
Wrongful death is a civil case. That means you’re asking for money, not jail time.
Criminal charges, like manslaughter or murder, are filed by the state. A person can face both types of cases:
- One in criminal court (filed by the state)
- One in civil court (filed by the family)
Even if someone is not charged criminally, you can still file a wrongful death claim.
What to Ask When Meeting a Lawyer
You want the right person fighting for you. Ask these:
- Have you handled wrongful death cases before?
- What do you charge?
- What’s your track record?
- Will I deal with you or your staff?
- How long will the case take?
The answers will help you feel confident moving forward.
Time Heals, But Justice Helps
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. But taking legal action can bring some peace. It can also stop the same thing from happening to someone else. You don’t have to rush. But you do need to act before time runs out.
Need Help After a Wrongful Death in Kansas City?
You’re not alone. A Skilled Kansas City Wrongful Death Lawyer can walk you through every step. They can fight for your family while you focus on healing. Call today to set up a free meeting. You deserve answers. You deserve justice.
FAQs
1. Can I file a wrongful death case if the person who caused it was not charged criminally?
Yes. Civil and criminal cases are separate. You can sue even if there are no charges.
2. How long does a wrongful death case take in Kansas City?
It depends. Some settle in months. Others take a year or more. Your lawyer will give a better idea.
3. What if my loved one died at work?
You might file a wrongful death claim and a worker’s compensation claim. A lawyer can help you do both.
4. Can more than one family member file a lawsuit?
Only one person (or group) can file. Usually, it’s the spouse, child, or parent. Others may join the case later.
5. Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle before trial. But if needed, your lawyer will represent you in court.
