St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer

When someone else’s negligence causes a fatal loss, your family deserves honest answers and a clear path forward. We handle the legal process with patience and precision, so you’re never left guessing what happens next.

Evidence-Driven Case Strategy

Why Choose Thompson Law for Your St. Louis Wrongful Death Case

Insurance-Defense Experience

Tyler’s twelve years as in-house counsel for major insurers provide rare insight into how fatal accident claims are handled. He uses this insider perspective to support families during their most difficult moments.

Identifying Multiple Liable Parties

Fatal accidents are rarely simple. We thoroughly investigate every driver, company, and property involved to identify all responsible parties.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

Wrongful death cases can be contested harder and longer than most injury claims, We build every one as if it’s headed to trial, from the start.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

What Is Wrongful Death in Missouri?

A wrongful death claim may be available when someone dies because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct. In simple terms, if your loved one could have brought a personal injury claim had they survived, Missouri law may allow their family to pursue a wrongful death claim after their passing.

These claims can arise from many situations, including:

Fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Medical negligence
Unsafe property conditions
Defective products
Workplace accidents
Nursing home negligence
Other negligent or reckless conduct

What to Do After Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Accident

There’s no right way to handle the days after a sudden loss. Your family needs time to grieve – but a few things can matter for a future claim.

There’s no right way to handle the days after a sudden loss. Your family needs time to grieve, but a few simple steps can help protect your options later.

1. Gather Documents

Save medical records, hospital bills, funeral expenses, the death certificate, insurance letters, accident reports, and photos in one place.

2. Preserve Evidence

Keep physical evidence, messages, photos, videos, and anything else that may help establish what happened.

3. Document Details

While the details are still fresh, write down what you know about the accident, who was involved, and any conversations you had afterward.

4. Handle Insurance

An insurer may contact you quickly for a recorded statement or settlement. You don’t have to make decisions before you understand your options.

5. Identify Liability

A fatal accident may involve more than one responsible person or company. Determining who may be liable requires a careful investigation.

6. Track Losses

Keep records of medical care, funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial losses connected to your loved one’s death.

7. Seek Legal Guidance

A wrongful death attorney can review what happened, explain your options, and help you understand whether you may have a claim.

How Thompson Law Can Help With a Wrongful Death Claim

Investigating What Happened

We examine the accident from every angle to understand what happened, who was involved, and what caused your injuries.

Identifying Those Responsible

Responsibility may extend beyond the person who directly caused the accident. We look at employers, companies, property owners, manufacturers, and others who may share responsibility.

Preserving Important Evidence

We move quickly to secure accident reports, medical records, photos, witness accounts, and other evidence that can help establish what happened.

Reviewing Insurance Coverage

We identify the insurance coverage available for your claim and handle communications and negotiations with the insurers involved.

Documenting Your Losses

We account for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and other financial losses resulting from your injury.

Recognizing the Personal Impact

An injury can affect much more than your finances. We consider the pain, limitations, emotional impact, and changes to your daily life that followed the accident.

Managing the Legal Process

We handle the paperwork, deadlines, insurance negotiations, and other legal details while keeping you informed.

Advocating in Court

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for the compensation you deserve

Common Causes of Wrongful Death In St.Louis

Wrongful death can result from many different types of negligence or wrongdoing. Common situations that may lead to a claim include:

Fatal Car Accidents

Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and other negligent behavior can cause fatal crashes.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

Truck accidents can involve driver negligence, poor maintenance, unsafe loading, or failures by the trucking company.

Motorcycle Accidents

A collision caused by another driver’s negligence can result in fatal injuries, particularly because motorcyclists have less protection in a crash.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Drivers who fail to see, yield to, or safely pass pedestrians and bicyclists can cause fatal collisions.

Medical Negligence

Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and other medical errors can sometimes lead to a patient’s death.

Dangerous Property Conditions

Unsafe stairs, inadequate maintenance, poor lighting, and other hazardous conditions can contribute to fatal falls and injuries.

Defective Products

A dangerously designed, manufactured, or labeled product can cause fatal injuries.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

Fatal workplace incidents may involve employer negligence, unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or the actions of a third party.

Nursing Home Negligence

Neglect, inadequate care, medication errors, or abuse can have fatal consequences for vulnerable residents.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

Thompson Law handles wrongful death cases involving:

Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accident deaths
Medical malpractice and negligence
Workplace and construction fatalities
Nursing home abuse and neglect
Dangerous property conditions and fatal falls
Defective or dangerous products
Drunk or distracted driving deaths
Other negligent or reckless conduct
Wrongful death claims involving multiple potentially responsible parties

This list is not exhaustive. Each case has its own circumstances, evidence, and legal considerations.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Wrongful Death?

The person who directly caused a fatal accident may not be the only one responsible. Depending on what happened, a wrongful death claim may involve an employer, company, property owner, manufacturer, or other third party.

The At-Fault Driver

In a fatal car, truck, or motorcycle accident, the driver whose negligence caused the crash may be responsible for the resulting death.

Trucking Companies

A trucking company may share responsibility when company practices, driver decisions, maintenance, or other factors contributed to a fatal crash.

Employers and Businesses

An employer or business may be responsible when unsafe practices, inadequate training, or other negligence contributes to a fatal accident.

Property Owners

When dangerous conditions on someone else’s property lead to a fatal injury, the property owner or another responsible party may face a separate claim.

Manufacturers and Product Companies

A defective or dangerously designed product can sometimes make the manufacturer, distributor, or another company responsible for a fatal injury.

Medical Providers and Facilities

When negligent medical care contributes to a death, the healthcare provider or facility may be responsible under a medical malpractice claim.

Other Responsible Parties

Contractors, maintenance companies, vendors, or other third parties may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances.

Liability for a fatal incident may involve multiple parties. Determining fault requires a comprehensive analysis of the specific facts and evidence in each individual case.

Evidence That Can Support a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death claims often require piecing together exactly what happened, and the evidence available can vary widely depending on how your loved one died.

Accident and Police Reports

Official reports document how the incident occurred, including initial findings about fault and the conditions at the scene.

Medical Records

Treatment notes, diagnosis, and provider records document the injuries and the medical cause of death, especially when care contributed to it.

Autopsy Reports

When the cause of death is uncertain or disputed, an autopsy can provide the medical findings needed to establish what happened.

Witness Statements

Accounts from anyone who saw the incident, or who can speak to the events leading up to it, can be critical when the facts are contested.

Photos and Video

Photographs, surveillance footage, and dash camera video preserve details of the scene , vehicle positions, hazards, conditions , that can change or disappear quickly.

Expert Opinions

Accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and engineers can explain technical questions about cause and responsibility that records alone can’t answer.

Employment and Financial Records

Pay records, tax documents, and benefits information help establish the income and financial support your family has lost.

Compensation You May Recover in a Wrongful Death Case

The damages available depend on the circumstances of the death, your relationship to your loved one, and applicable Missouri law. Potential compensation may include:

Funeral and Burial Expenses

Costs related to laying your loved one to rest, including burial, cremation, and related services.

Medical Expenses

Bills related to the final injury or illness, from the incident through the time of death.

Lost Income and Financial Support

The income, benefits, and financial support your loved one would have provided to your family over time.

Lost Services

The value of household work, childcare, or other day-to-day contributions your loved one provided.

Loss of Companionship and Guidance

Compensation for the loss of consortium, comfort, guidance, and support that Missouri law recognizes as a real loss.

Pain and Suffering Before Death

If death wasn’t instant, damages for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced between the injury and death.

Aggravating Circumstances Damages

In cases involving especially reckless conduct, like drunk driving, additional damages meant to punish the responsible party may also apply.

No attorney can guarantee a particular outcome or recovery amount.

How Much Is a St. Louis Wrongful Death Case Worth?

Every case is different. What your family may recover depends on the facts and losses involved. The value of a case can vary based on:

Circumstances of the death and strength of the liability evidence
Your loved one’s age, health, and earning history
Financial support and services they provided to the family
Medical and funeral expenses already incurred
The closeness of the relationship between the claimant and the deceased
Whether more than one party shares fault
Available insurance coverage and policy limits
Overall impact of the loss on the family’s daily life

Missouri Wrongful Death Law: What Applies to Your Case

537.080 RSMo – Wrongful Death Actions

Under Missouri law, if a loved one’s death results from conduct that would have supported a personal injury claim, certain family members may file a wrongful death action. Sometimed, State law determines who is eligible to file and the required order of priority.

Damages for Wrongful Death

Under §537.090 RSMo, damages may include funeral and medical expenses, lost financial support and services, and the loss of companionship, guidance, comfort, and care.

Claims That Survive Death

Under §537.020 RSMo, certain claims can continue after a person’s death. If your loved one survived after an injury, this may include damages they experienced before passing.

Statute of Limitations

Missouri generally requires a wrongful death action to be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues under §537.100 RSMo. Missing the deadline can prevent you from bringing a claim.

The information above is general. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary, consult an attorney for advice specific to your case.

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16 yrs

of legal experience

$6M+

Recovered for clients

100+

Cases resolved

MO + IL

Licensed to practice

Client Reviews

After a very negative experience with our first personal injury lawyer, Tyler Thompson renewed our faith in the legal system and exceeded our expectations as our represention. Tyler was very communicative, compassionate, diligent in moving our case along, and found us the right specialist who finally was able to give us an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. We highly recommend Tyler and the Thompson Law STL Firm! “

After being unsatisfied with my initial representation, I contacted Tyler who was determined, informative and confident in my case from start to finish. Through the process, he offered updates and was able to get the matter resolved to satisfaction. Beyond this, he was personable and a pleasure to be represented by- after my case finally settled, he called me that day and offered to drop the check off to me at my work. I'll be sure to share his contact with anyone who may need representation. Thank you, Tyler!

Can't speak highly enough of Tyler! He always kept me up to date on the case and was able to get my settlement higher than what the other party wanted to pay. He was timely and all around a nice guy. He even picked me up on the way to mediation. He always listened to me and I really feel like at every step of the way had my best interest at heart. I wish I could give him 10 stars out of 5!

Tyler Thompson was my attorney during a car accident situation where I was injured. He worked for a different firm at the time I hired him originally, but I liked him so much and felt he had strong character and integrity, I made the decision to stick with him as my attorney when he no longer worked there. Well, I couldn't have made a better decision. Tyler is not just a good attorney who delivers when he says he will, he is also a good person.

Lost Someone You Love?

You don’t have to handle the claim alone. Contact Thompson Law for support.

Meet Your Attorney

Choose an Attorney Who Understands the Insurance Claims Process From Both Sides

Meet Tyler Thompson, an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney with more than 12 years of legal experience. Before focusing on representing injured individuals, Tyler worked in insurance defense, including serving as in-house counsel for a national insurance company.

That experience gives Tyler a firsthand understanding of how insurance companies evaluate personal injury claims. He knows the questions insurers may ask, the factors they consider, and the issues that can affect the value of a claim.

Today, Tyler uses that experience to build strong cases for injured clients and negotiate with insurance companies from a position of knowledge. His goal is to help clients understand their options and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis Wrongful Death Claims

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri?

Missouri law gives certain family members priority to bring a wrongful death claim, beginning with a spouse, children or surviving lineal descendants, and parents. Siblings and their descendants may qualify if no one in the first group is eligible.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri?

Missouri generally gives families three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit under §537.100 RSMo. The applicable deadline can depend on the circumstances, so waiting can put your claim at risk.

Can I file a wrongful death claim after a car accident?

Yes. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash and your loved one’s death, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Crash reports, vehicle data, photographs, and witness accounts can help establish what happened.

Can medical negligence lead to a wrongful death claim?

Yes. A death caused by negligent medical care may support a wrongful death claim. These cases can involve complex medical evidence, expert testimony, and additional legal requirements, so an attorney should evaluate the circumstances carefully.

Is there a cap on wrongful death damages in Missouri?

Missouri does not impose a general cap on wrongful death damages under §537.090 RSMo. However, deaths resulting from medical malpractice can be subject to statutory limits that apply to medical malpractice claims.

What if my loved one was partly responsible for the accident?

Missouri follows comparative fault principles, so your loved one’s share of fault may affect the amount recoverable. How fault is determined depends on the evidence and circumstances surrounding the accident.

How much is a wrongful death case worth?

There is no standard settlement amount. The value depends on factors such as your loved one’s income and support, medical and funeral expenses, relationship to surviving family members, and the losses recognized under Missouri law.

Do I have to go to court for a wrongful death case?

Not necessarily. Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement negotiations or mediation. If the parties cannot reach a fair agreement, however, the case may proceed to trial.

What happens if the person responsible faces criminal charges?

A criminal prosecution and wrongful death lawsuit are separate legal proceedings. A criminal case may provide relevant evidence, but its outcome does not automatically determine whether your family can pursue a civil wrongful death claim.

Get Your Free Case Review with a SSt. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer

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