Springfield, MO Wrongful Death Lawyers

Pursuing Compensation for Grieving Families in Missouri

For many of us, losing a loved one in an accident is one of our greatest fears. Learning about the loss of a loved one due to negligence can shatter your world in a heartbeat. At Bishop & Hayes, we understand the immense financial and emotional hardships that come with a wrongful death. No amount of money can diminish the pain, sadness and sense of loss. However, pursuing justice on behalf of your loved one can ease stress in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy.

Our wrongful death lawyers have over 50 years of shared experience advocating for grieving families. With an extensive knowledge of auto accident injury and personal injury law, you can trust our Springfield attorneys to protect your rights while pursuing the justice you deserve. When you partner with our firm, you can trust us to devote our full attention to your case, guiding your legal steps with wisdom and integrity from start to finish.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, our firm can fight tirelessly to bring negligent parties to justice. Call (417) 785-3410 to schedule a free consultation.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death? 

According to Missouri Revised Statutes §537.080, a “wrongful death” is a death resulting from “any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages.” This means that a wrongful death lawsuit can be brought against any individual or company whose negligence causes the death of another person. 

Types of Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death

Many types of accidents can result in a wrongful death. 

Common examples include: 

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death

After the loss of a loved one, filing a lawsuit is likely the last thing on your mind. However, taking swift legal action is imperative to hold negligent parties accountable for your loved one's death. State law upholds a strict statute of limitations to file a claim, making it crucial to seek sound counsel as soon as possible. 

In Missouri, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the decedent’s death to recover damages. Our Springfield lawyers can help you navigate the legal intricacies of the claims process to ensure compliance with all regulations and deadlines. Delaying the investigation into your loved one’s death can also result in lost or damaged evidence over time due to police clearing the site of the accident, involved vehicles being repaired or sold, or witnesses falling off the grid.   

Don’t waive your right to pursue damages in civil court by forgoing experienced representation. Turn to Bishop & Hayes to aggressively pursue justice on your loved one’s behalf. When you hire us, our attorneys can conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation of the accident to determine liability and fortify your claim with compelling evidence.

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim? 

Any sudden death has a powerful ripple effect, affecting every person who knew and cared about the decedent. In many cases, a close friend or distant relative may feel just as devastated as an immediate family member. While every survivor experiences a unique connection and a special sense of loss, state law is very specific about who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. 

In Missouri, three groups with varying priority levels can have legal standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include: 

1. Group 1: The decedent's immediate family members, including the decedent's spouse, biological and adopted children, and parents, have priority in a wrongful death lawsuit. 
2. Group 2: This includes the decedent’s siblings and their descendants.
3. Group 3: In some circumstances, a plaintiff ad litem may be granted permission to sue on behalf of the estate.