Speaking With a Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney

In the face of losing a loved one due to someone else’s recklessness or wrongdoing, understanding your legal options is of utmost importance. A wrongful death lawsuit could provide much-needed financial compensation and a sense of justice for your family. Our compassionate and skilled Kansas City wrongful death attorney will guide you through the complexities of the legal system to help you obtain the best possible outcome.

Who Qualifies As a Wrongful Death Claimant?

Legally, not everyone can file a wrongful death claim. The law limits who has the right to file such a claim to specific individuals who have suffered direct and compensable damages as a result of the wrongful death. These individuals are known as "wrongful death claimants."

1. Immediate Family Members

In most cases, immediate family members of the deceased are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This typically includes:

Spouse or domestic partner: The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased has the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Children: The biological or adopted children of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Parents: The parents of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was a minor or was not survived by a spouse or children.

2. Extended Family Members

In some cases, extended family members may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This typically includes:

Grandparents: The grandparents of the deceased may have the right to file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was a minor or was not survived by a spouse, children, or parents.
Siblings: The siblings of the deceased may have the right to file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was a minor or was not survived by a spouse, children, parents, or grandparents.

3. Other Persons

In rare cases, individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This could include:

Financial dependents: Individuals who relied on the deceased for financial support, such as a live-in nanny or a long-term caregiver, may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Estate representative: The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate may have the right to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate.

Determining Eligibility

If you are unsure whether you qualify as a wrongful death claimant, it is important to speak with an experienced Kansas City wrongful death attorney. They can review your circumstances and help you determine your legal rights.

Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney: Understanding Your Rights

Losing a loved one is never easy. It can be even more difficult when their death was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another person. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you may be entitled to compensation. A knowledgeable Kansas City wrongful death attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you get the justice you deserve.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death claims can seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are those that have a monetary value, such as lost income, medical expenses, and funeral costs. Non-economic damages are those that do not have a monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.

Economic Damages

Lost income is one of the most common types of economic damages in wrongful death cases. This includes not only the income that the deceased person was earning at the time of their death, but also the income that they would have been expected to earn in the future. Other economic damages that may be recoverable include medical expenses, funeral costs, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify than economic damages, but they can be just as significant. These damages compensate for the emotional and psychological harm that the surviving family members have suffered as a result of the wrongful death. Common types of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages compensate the surviving family members for the physical and emotional pain that they have experienced as a result of the wrongful death. This can include pain and suffering that the deceased person experienced before they died, as well as pain and suffering that the surviving family members have experienced since the death. Pain and suffering damages are often awarded in cases where the wrongful death was caused by a particularly egregious act of negligence or recklessness.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress damages compensate the surviving family members for the emotional distress that they have suffered as a result of the wrongful death. This can include anxiety, depression, grief, and insomnia. Emotional distress damages are often awarded in cases where the wrongful death was caused by a particularly traumatic event.

Loss of Companionship

Loss of companionship damages compensate the surviving family members for the loss of companionship that they have suffered as a result of the wrongful death. This can include the loss of companionship that the deceased person provided, as well as the loss of companionship that the surviving family members would have enjoyed in the future. Loss of companionship damages are often awarded in cases where the wrongful death was caused by a particularly close family member.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium damages compensate the surviving spouse for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy that they have suffered as a result of the wrongful death. Loss of consortium damages are only available to the surviving spouse, and they are not available to other family members. Loss of consortium damages are often awarded in cases where the wrongful death was caused by a particularly close relationship.

Hiring a Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney

When tragedy strikes and you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, the emotional toll is immeasurable. Amidst the grief, the legal complexities of wrongful death claims can add another layer of stress. That’s where a skilled Kansas City wrongful death attorney like myself comes in.

My expertise in wrongful death law enables me to guide you through the legal maze, protect your rights, and fight for justice on behalf of your departed loved one. I understand the delicate nature of these cases and approach them with the utmost compassion and professionalism.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death claims arise when the negligence or intentional act of another person causes the death of an individual. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses, including:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of income and support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Emotional distress

To file a wrongful death claim, you must prove that the defendant’s actions or omissions caused the death of your loved one and that you suffered damages as a result.

Investigating the Case

Investigating a wrongful death case involves gathering evidence to establish liability and damages. This may include:

Reviewing medical records and autopsy reports
Interviewing witnesses
Inspecting the scene of the accident

My experience in investigating wrongful death cases allows me to uncover crucial details that may otherwise be overlooked.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize their liability in wrongful death cases. However, I am skilled in negotiating with insurance adjusters to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. I won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.

Going to Trial

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, I am prepared to take your case to trial. I have extensive trial experience and am confident in my ability to present a compelling case to a jury. I will fight tooth and nail to obtain justice for you and your family.

Hiring Me as Your Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney

Choosing the right attorney for your wrongful death case is critical. Here’s why you should consider hiring me:

Experience and Expertise: I have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases and have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved.
Compassion and Personal Attention: I treat my clients with empathy and provide personalized attention to each case. Your needs and concerns are my top priority.
Aggressive Advocacy: I am a fierce advocate for my clients and will not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.
Contingency Fee Basis: You don’t pay me unless I recover compensation for you. This eliminates the financial risk of hiring an attorney.

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another, reach out to me today for a free consultation. Together, we can navigate the legal complexities and fight for the justice your family deserves.