Springfield Wrongful Death Lawyer

Pursuing Compensation After Car Accident Deaths

Most people’s greatest fear is getting the news that a loved one has died in an accident. At that moment, your whole world is shattered. 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 following the tragedy.

Bishop & Hayes, P.C. exclusively handles auto accident injury and wrongful death cases. Because auto accident recovery is the sole focus of our law practice, we can devote our full attention to helping people like you who have lost what is dearest to them.

The death of a loved one is unbearably heartbreaking. As you mourn your loss, you may also face financial hardships associated with medical bills, diminished income and lost benefits. Creditors often do not show your family the respect and concern you deserve during this difficult time.

Our partners demand that creditors give you time to mourn as we pursue the maximum possible recovery to help relieve the financial burden on your family. We take decisive, timely action to reach justice for your loved one while giving your family respect, compassion and privacy to grieve.

Time Is of the Essence

In the weeks and months after losing your loved one, it is likely that the last thing on your mind is filing a lawsuit. But, you should take action as soon as you can. All states have a imposed a time limit (statute of limitations) on filing wrongful death lawsuits. If you miss this strict deadline, you waive your right to pursue damages in the civil courts.

Delay in investigating your loved one’s accident can also result in lost, damaged or destroyed evidence. Police clear the auto accident scene and the municipality may make major changes to roadways, signage, lighting and other possible clues to the accident cause. The vehicles may be repaired, sold or destroyed. Over time, witnesses forget important details or are no longer locatable.

Bishop & Hayes engages in an immediate, comprehensive investigation of the accident to get to the bottom of what happened and the parties at fault.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

A sudden death affects everyone who knew and cared about the deceased person. Each survivor feels a unique connection and a special sense of loss. A close friend or distant relative may feel as equally devastated as an immediate family member. However, the law specifically identifies who has standing to sue for wrongful death. The right to bring a legal action and the percentage of financial recovery (damages) depends upon the relationship of individual family members:

  • The spouse and children, and the offspring of children, have the priority right to damages.
  • The siblings of an unmarried, childless person, and their children, may sue for damages.
  • In some circumstances, a plaintiff ad litem may be granted permission to sue on behalf of the estate.

Pursue Legal Action Against the Negligent Driver Who Killed Your Loved One

With 50 years of combined experience, the partners at Bishop & Hayes, P.C. can help you pursue legal action against the negligent driver responsible for your loved one’s death. Schedule a free consultation with your attorneys to discuss your rights to recover for wrongful death. We take your claim on contingency to relieve the burden of paying lawyers’ fees until we recover damages for you. Your case will be handled by a partner of the firm in our Springfield, Joplin or Miami office. Our partners are licensed to practice in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas.

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If you've been injured due to another's negligence, you are entitled to compensation. At Bishop & Hayes you don't pay a dime unless we win your case. Our primary focus is auto accident law, which allows us to concentrate our efforts towards getting our clients the best results possible for our clients. 

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