The Wrongful Death Statute in Missouri
The Missouri wrongful death statute defines wrongful death as “the death of a person results from any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages in respect thereof.”
Simply put, it’s a death caused by another person or entity’s wrongful act, neglect, or default, meaning the circumstances surrounding the death could have justified a personal injury lawsuit if the deceased person had survived.
Wrongful death cases generally arise from events involving negligent or intentional actions, where Missouri law recognizes that the death was preventable and that the responsible party failed to act in a manner that would have kept the deceased person safe.
Examples of situations that may result in wrongful death claims include:
- Fatal Car Accidents: If a loved one dies due to another driver’s reckless or negligent driving (such as drunk driving or distracted driving), surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim.
- Medical Malpractice: If a healthcare provider’s mistake or oversight, such as a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication error, leads to a preventable death, it may be considered wrongful death.
- Workplace Accidents: In cases where an employer fails to provide a safe working environment, causing fatal accidents due to lack of safety equipment or hazardous conditions, the employer may be held responsible.
- Intentional Harm: If someone intentionally harms another person, resulting in death, the responsible individual could face both criminal charges and a wrongful death civil lawsuit by the family.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil action separate from any criminal proceedings that may take place.
In other words, even if the responsible party gets prosecuted criminally, the family may still pursue a wrongful death action to seek compensation for their losses.
This civil claim focuses on the suffering and financial impact experienced by the deceased person’s surviving family members due to the untimely death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Missouri law establishes a clear hierarchy of family members and representatives who are eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
This hierarchy determines who can initiate the lawsuit, helping to streamline the process and avoid disputes among family members.
The specific order set by Missouri law includes:
- Class One Members
- Class Two Members
- Plaintiff Ad Litem
First in Line: Class One Members
Missouri law prioritizes class one members or the closest surviving family, specifically the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents.
Any of these family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of all class one members.
This classification ensures that the individuals most directly impacted by the loss are the ones who have the right to initiate the legal proceedings.
If there are multiple class one members, they may all join as co-plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
Missouri law permits other relatives to step forward if there are no surviving class one members.
Second in Line: Class Two Members
In the absence of eligible class one members, class two members may file a wrongful death claim.
This group includes the deceased’s siblings or their descendants.
While not as directly connected to the deceased as spouses, children, or parents, these family members still have a vested interest in seeking justice and compensation for their loss.
Third in Line: Plaintiff Ad Litem
If there are no eligible class one or class two members, a Missouri court may appoint a personal representative to file the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased’s estate.
This category, often referred to as plaintiff ad litem, ensures that even when the closest family ties are absent, those who have suffered a tangible loss still have a channel to seek recourse.
This class could include distant relatives or individuals financially dependent on the deceased.
The legal structure of wrongful death claims ensures that there is always a route available for seeking justice, even in situations where close family members may not be present.
Each category allows for different family members or appointed representatives to pursue a claim, ensuring that those left behind can obtain a sense of closure and financial relief.
This eligibility structure also helps prevent legal conflicts among family members and provides clear guidance on who can file a claim for wrongful death in Missouri.
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Missouri
The Missouri wrongful death statute of limitations generally requires that a claim be filed within three years from the date of the deceased person’s death.
Missouri courts strictly enforce this time limit, meaning that if a family fails to initiate their lawsuit within three years, they may be permanently barred from seeking legal recourse and compensation.
This legal time constraint serves several purposes including:
- Preservation of Evidence: Over time, evidence related to the death — such as medical records, accident scene details, or witness testimonies — may become less reliable or even lost. The statute of limitations encourages families to act quickly, preserving crucial evidence to strengthen their case.
- Certainty for All Parties: The time limit provides a measure of closure and legal certainty for all parties involved. For the defendant, knowing that they won’t face potential lawsuits years after the incident can be crucial. For the family, it ensures that they pursue the claim within a reasonable timeframe, helping prevent prolonged legal battles.
- Timely Justice: When families are required to file promptly, it often leads to a quicker resolution. The legal process can be emotionally draining, and the statute of limitations helps streamline the timeline, allowing families to receive compensation sooner.
While most wrongful death claims have a general deadline of three years, there are some exceptions to the Missouri wrongful death statute of limitations.
Certain circumstances may extend or alter the three-year timeframe for filing a wrongful death claim in Missouri.
Missouri law states that wrongful death action must be limited to a single or sole cause of action.
If an eligible individual has already filed a wrongful death claim, no other person may file another claim for the same death.
Consulting a wrongful death attorney early on can be essential to understanding if any exceptions apply to a specific case, potentially keeping the family’s claim viable even under unusual circumstances.
Legal Requirements To Prove a Wrongful Death Claim
To bring a successful wrongful death claim in Missouri, families must satisfy specific legal standards, proving that the death was a result of the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing.
Understanding these legal requirements can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
Duty of Care
The first element of any wrongful death claim is proving that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
This duty means that the defendant had a responsibility to act in a manner that would not harm the deceased.
Examples including:
- In a medical malpractice case, doctors and healthcare providers owe a duty to their patients to provide competent medical care.
- In a car accident case, drivers must obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely to avoid harming others.
Breach of Duty
After establishing a duty of care, the family must show that the defendant breached this duty by acting negligently or recklessly.
This action could mean a doctor failed to follow accepted medical procedures or a driver was speeding or driving under the influence.
The breach must directly relate to the circumstances that led to the death, making it clear that the defendant’s actions or inactions were improper.
Causation
This element is often the most challenging element to prove.
The family must demonstrate a direct connection between the defendant’s actions and the deceased’s death.
For instance, in a workplace accident leading to death, claimants must show that unsafe working conditions or lack of protective equipment directly contributed to the fatal injuries.
Causation links the breach of duty to the death, highlighting how the defendant’s actions directly led to the wrongful death.
Damages
Finally, the family must show that the wrongful death caused significant damages or losses.
These damages can be economic (such as medical expenses incurred before the death or lost financial support) and non-economic (like emotional distress and loss of companionship).
By proving the extent of these damages, the family can substantiate their claim and outline the compensation they seek for their losses.
These elements require substantial evidence, including medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, witness statements, and other relevant documentation.
Failure to meet even one of these legal requirements could weaken the claim, making it difficult for the family to obtain compensation.
Types of Compensation Available in Missouri Wrongful Death Claims
Missouri wrongful death laws permit families to pursue several types of compensation for the loss of a loved one.
The damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in Missouri wrongful death claims compensate the surviving family members for the measurable financial losses incurred due to their loved one’s death.
These damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Families may recover expenses incurred for the deceased person’s final injury or illness. This damage includes hospital bills, medication costs, and other medical services.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Families may also recover the costs associated with the funeral and burial of the deceased. These costs are often significant, and reimbursement can alleviate the financial burden on the grieving family.
- Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased was a primary earner, the family may be entitled to claim for the future loss of income and benefits, which the deceased would have contributed had they lived.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the intangible losses that the surviving family members experience due to the wrongful death.
These damages are often more complex to quantify but are vital in acknowledging the emotional and personal impact of the loss.
Types of non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the pain and suffering endured by the deceased between the time of injury and their eventual death. This damage recognizes the anguish experienced during this period.
- Loss of Consortium: This damage accounts for the loss of love, companionship, and support that the surviving spouse or family members may have suffered. It reflects the deceased’s vital role in the family’s life and acknowledges the deep emotional void left by their absence.
Wrongful Death Damages Cap
Missouri does not impose a cap on damages in wrongful death cases if a personal injury like a car accident caused the wrongful death.
Missouri law enforces a cap for cases involving medical malpractice.
For wrongful deaths resulting from medical malpractice that happened on or after August 28, 2015, Missouri law limits non-economic damages to $700,000 for catastrophic injuries and to $400,000 for non-catastrophic injuries.
These limitations apply specifically to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship.
The wrongful death damages cap may limit the compensation awarded, which families must understand when setting realistic expectations.
Why Acting Quickly and Working With an Attorney Matters
The time limits and evidence requirements emphasize the importance of acting promptly and working with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
These professionals understand the complexities of the Missouri wrongful death statute and can ensure that they take all necessary steps within the prescribed timeline.
They will also help gather, organize, and present evidence that strengthens the case, positioning the family for the best possible outcome.
Ultimately, the statute of limitations and the stringent legal requirements highlight why families pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri benefit from knowledgeable legal guidance.
An experienced attorney can navigate these legal nuances, ensuring the family’s rights are fully protected as they seek justice for their loved one’s untimely passing.
TorHoerman Law: Wrongful Death Attorneys
The Missouri wrongful death statute exists to provide families with a pathway to justice and compensation for their loss.
By understanding their rights, eligibility, and the steps involved, families become empowered to pursue a wrongful death claim confidently.
While the process can be challenging, hiring a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney can make a significant difference, ensuring that families receive the support and justice they deserve.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongful actions, reach out to TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.
Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the complexities of a wrongful death case, helping you take the necessary steps toward achieving justice and securing financial relief.
Contact us for a free consultation.
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