Wrongful Death Lawyers

Joplin Wrongful Death Attorneys

Pursuing Justice for Grieving Families in Missouri

At Bishop & Hayes, we know that no amount of compensation could possibly make up for the loss of a loved one. That's why we're committed to bringing liable parties to justice. If you recently lost a loved one due to negligence, our Joplin attorneys can help you pursue justice and fair compensation, giving your family time and space to grieve without the added financial burden of medical bills, funeral expenses, and other costs. 

Our highly skilled lawyers have over 50 years of shared experience and extensive knowledge of personal injury law to pursue a just outcome on your behalf. When you hire Bishop & Hayes, we can fight tirelessly to protect your rights and recover full damages for the unimaginable hardships you’ve suffered. With over $100 million recovered for our clients, you can rest assured that your needs are being prioritized from start to finish. 

A wrongful death can leave families struggling to cope. Our firm is here to ease your burdens and pursue justice. Call (417) 479-3510 to schedule a free consultation.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death? 

Missouri law defines a “wrongful death” as the death of a person “resulting from any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance, which, if death had not ensured, would have entitled such person to recover damages” constitutes a wrongful death. 

What Is Missouri’s Filing Deadline for Wrongful Death? 

The statute for filing a wrongful death claim is three years, making it critical to seek sound counsel from an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to recover full damages. Our firm offers compassionate counsel to help you pursue the justice you’re rightfully entitled to, allowing you and your loved ones to grieve in peace during this difficult time. 

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Various accidents can lead to a wrongful death. 

Common incidents include: 

Other incidents leading to wrongful death include medical malpractice and violent acts or crimes. 

OUR VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS

MORE THAN $100,000,000 RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
  • $1.5 Million Auto Accident Rollover
  • $1.1 Million Motorcycle Accident
  • $1 Million Semi-Truck Accident
  • $500,000 Semi-Truck Failure to Secure Load
  • $400,000 Uninsured Motorist Red Light Accident
  • $350,000 Semi-Truck Head-On Collision

The Keys to our success

  • Exclusive Focus on Auto Accident Recovery Law
  • Over $100,000,000 Total Recovered for Our Clients
  • 50 Years of Combined Experience in Car Crash Recovery
  • Same-Day Returned Phone Calls and Emails from Our Clients
  • Partners Who Handle Your Claim from Consultation to Recovery

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim? 

To file a wrongful death claim, eligible petitioners must meet certain criteria. 

Common qualifying parties include: 

  • Immediate family members: This includes the deceased's spouse, children (including adopted children), and parents.
  • Siblings/descendants of siblings: If there are no immediate family members, the deceased's siblings or their descendants may be eligible to file a claim.
  • Designated conservators and guardians: In the absence of family, a court-appointed conservator or guardian of the deceased may be eligible to file.
  • Lineal descendants: If their parent (the deceased's child) is also deceased, grandchildren may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. 

The wrongful death statute is based on various “groups” with varying priority levels. This means that if the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, another party may have valid standing to file the claim. In Missouri, three groups with varying priority levels may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. 

These include: 

  1. Group 1: These claimants include those closest to the decedent, such as spouses, children, the mother or father of the decedent, and any surviving descendants of any child who predeceased the decedent. 
  2. Group 2: If there are no eligible candidates in Group 1, individuals in Group 2 may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. These include siblings of the deceased, as well as any descendants of any brothers or sisters of the deceased. 
  3. Group 3: If there are no eligible petitioners in Groups 1 and 2, the court may appoint a plaintiff ad litem to represent another eligible person entitled to share in the proceeds. 

Remember, it’s essential to consult with a wrongful death attorney to understand the legal nuances of these eligibility measures, as exceptions and special circumstances might apply. Our firm can thoroughly investigate your claim to determine your potential eligibility and fight to recover maximum damages on your behalf. 

Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Depending on the unique circumstances of the accident, various damages may be recovered after a wrongful death. 

Common examples include: 

  • Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of income and future earnings of the deceased
  • Loss of companionship, love, affection, guidance, and support for surviving family members

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party acted with recklessness or malice. Our wrongful death lawyers can carefully evaluate your claim to determine the full extent of damages that may be recoverable, empowering us to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. 

How Bishop & Hayes Can Help

From filing a claim to recovering damages, our attorneys are here to offer sound counsel and comprehensive representation tailored to your needs, allowing you to navigate the legal complexities of your claim wisely and effectively. 

Here are some crucial steps to pursue damages in a wrongful death claim: 

  1. Seek experienced representation: Seeking sound counsel from a trusted wrongful death attorney is imperative to understand your rights and the specifics of your case. Bishop & Hayes has a wealth of experience assisting families with the sensitive and emotional nature of the claims process, allowing you to rest assured that your rights are protected and your needs are prioritized. 
  2. Investigate the death: Your attorney can help you gather relevant evidence to fortify your claim, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. A well-fortified claim is crucial to build a strong case and recover damages.
  3. File a claim: After sufficient evidence is collected, we can help you navigate the legal intricacies of filing a wrongful death claim in court. This is a time-sensitive step, which is why our firm is here to help by ensuring compliance with important deadlines and legal requirements. 
  4. Discovery process: During discovery, both sides exchange information and evidence. Bishop & Hayes can help you navigate this complex process while protecting your interests and preparing your case for trial if necessary.
  5. Negotiating a fair settlement: Often, wrongful death cases are settled before going to trial, but our attorneys never shy away from tough litigation. As adept negotiators, we can aggressively advocate for a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of your loss, even if that means taking your case to trial. 
  6. Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our determined trial lawyers can prepare your case for litigation and present a compelling case on your behalf to fight for the justice you and your loved ones deserve.

At Bishop & Hayes, we’re committed to helping you navigate every aspect of your case, allowing you and your loved ones to grieve and heal during this difficult time. 

If you lost a loved one due to negligence in Joplin, contact us online to learn how our skilled advocates can protect your rights and pursue justice.

Hear from our clients

WE PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR RECOVERY FIRST
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Devoted Auto Accident attorneys ready to help you recover
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