Losing someone you love is devastating. One moment, your family is whole. The next, you’re planning a funeral and facing a future without someone who meant the world to you. Learning that another person’s careless or reckless actions caused your loved one’s death can make the loss feel even more painful. During this time of grief, legal matters might be the last thing on your mind. However, the sudden loss of your loved one’s income can create serious financial strain during an already challenging time, making exploring your legal options crucial for your family’s financial stability.
At The Jacobs Law Firm, we understand what you’re going through—and we’re here to help. Our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer, Irving J. Jacobs, has helped numerous families seek justice after losing loved ones to preventable accidents. We handle all the legal details so you can focus on what truly matters—supporting each other and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Missouri and Kansas
Wrongful death claims arise when someone dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims allow surviving family members to hold responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for their losses.
Our firm handles wide-ranging wrongful death claims, including but not limited to those involving:
- Motorcycle wrecks. Crashes are often fatal for motorcycle riders. Our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer has extensive experience with motorcycle accident cases and understands the unique challenges.
- Commercial truck crashes. Fatal collisions between large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles may involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, truck company, and maintenance providers.
- Rideshare accidents. Deadly crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services raise complex questions about insurance coverage and liability issues that require experienced legal guidance.
- Defective products. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe. When they fail in this duty and a death results, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.
Contact us today for a free, no-cost consultation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Missouri and Kansas have different laws regarding who can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
In Missouri, the following people can file, in this order of priority:
- Surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren
- Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
- Siblings (if no spouse, children, or parents exist)
- A court-appointed plaintiff (if none of the above exist)
In Kansas, the law requires that a personal representative of the estate file the wrongful death claim. This person is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court. However, the damages recovered benefit the heirs-at-law, usually the surviving spouse and children.
Recovering Damages for a Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims allow you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the facts and evidence in your case, your family might be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical bills. The treatment your loved one received before passing away can be costly. You can pursue compensation for all accident-related medical expenses.
- Funeral and burial costs. The expenses associated with laying your loved one to rest can be substantial. A wrongful death claim could help cover these costs.
- Lost income and benefits. If your loved one contributed to your household finances, you can seek compensation for their lost wages and benefits, including what they would have earned in the future.
- Loss of companionship and guidance. Missouri and Kansas courts recognize the (non-economic) value of your loved one’s presence in your life, including the loss of love, companionship, comfort, and guidance.
- Pain and suffering. If your loved one survived for any period after the accident, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering they experienced.
- Punitive damages. In cases involving intentional or especially heinous conduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Providing Experienced Representation for Missouri and Kansas Wrongful Death Cases
From proving liability to calculating the full value of your claim and navigating insurance issues, wrongful death cases involve several unique legal challenges. At The Jacobs Law Firm, we provide exceptional representation for every stage of your legal journey. When you hire our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer to represent your family, you can count on:
- Thorough investigation. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports and medical records, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Skilled negotiation. Our lawyer handles all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel, working to secure a fair settlement.
- Trial readiness. If the opposing side fails to make a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to court and present compelling arguments to a jury.
- Emotional support. We understand that you’re going through one of the most difficult experiences of your life, and we provide compassionate support throughout the legal process.
- Clear communication. Our team explains your legal options in plain language and proactively keeps you updated on the progress of your case. You'll never need to wonder what to expect from the legal process, when a decision will be made, or what filings have been completed.