How a Kansas City Lawyer Builds a Strong Wrongful Death Case
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death happens when someone dies because of another’s actions. These actions can be careless or on purpose.
It could be a:
- Car crash
- Doctor’s mistake
- Unsafe product
- Work accident
- Crime
The family can take legal action. The goal is to seek justice and get money for their loss.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case?
Missouri law says who can file. The people who can file are:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
If none are alive, then:
- Siblings may file
- A court may choose someone to file
A lawyer checks your family tree and explains your rights.
What Must Be Proven to Win?
There are four parts to every case:
- Duty – The person had a job to act with care
- Breach – They failed to act right
- Cause – That failure led to the death
- Loss – The death caused harm to the family
An experienced Kansas City personal injury lawyer gathers proof to show each part.
How Lawyers Find the Truth
A strong case needs strong facts. A lawyer will:
- Talk to witnesses
- Look at police reports
- Study medical records
- Check crash photos or video
- Visit the scene
They look for every clue that shows fault.
Experts Help Make the Case Clear
Some things are hard to explain. That’s where experts help.
Lawyers may use:
- Doctors
- Car crash experts
- Workplace safety experts
- Product testers
Experts explain what went wrong. Their opinions carry weight with judges and juries.
What Losses Can Be Claimed?
Your lawyer will ask for fair payment. They will list all losses, like:
- Hospital bills
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Lost care and support
- Pain, sadness, and more
They also show how life has changed for the family.
How a Lawyer Puts a Value on Life
Life has no price. But courts need numbers.
Your lawyer may use:
- Pay stubs
- Job history
- Health history
- Family roles
They may also talk to:
- Money experts
- Life planners
This helps in the legal process to show what the lost person gave to the family.
Why Deadlines Matter
Missouri law gives only three years to file the case. The clock starts the day the person dies. Miss the deadline? You may lose the right to file. That’s why lawyers act fast.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
In most cases, the other side has insurance. But insurance companies try to pay as little as they can.
A lawyer helps by:
- Speaking for you
- Fighting low offers
- Proving your case
- Going to court if needed
Without a lawyer, it’s easy to be taken advantage of.
Filing the Case in Court
If talks don’t work, the lawyer files a lawsuit. This starts the court process.
A lawsuit:
- Names the people or company who caused the death
- Lists what they did wrong
- Demands fair money for the family
The lawyer handles all court papers and filings.
The Legal Process: Step by Step
Once the case is filed, both sides share info. This is called discovery.
Each side may:
- Ask written questions
- Demand records
- Take depositions (recorded interviews)
- Hire experts
Your lawyer uses this stage to build a solid case.
Trying to Settle the Case
Many cases end with a settlement. That means both sides agree to an amount without trial.
A lawyer will:
- Review every offer
- Show you what is fair
- Keep pushing for better deals
- Go to trial if the offer is too low
Your lawyer never makes you settle. The choice is always yours.
What Happens If You Go to Trial?
If no deal is made, the case goes to court.
At trial, your lawyer will:
- Present facts
- Call witnesses
- Use expert testimony
- Show the jury your family’s loss
Trials are hard. But a skilled Kansas City lawyer makes the case clear and simple.
Traits of a Good Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases are personal. You need a lawyer who:
- Listens to your story
- Knows Kansas City courts
- Has handled these cases before
- Keeps you updated
- Treats your case like it matters
A good lawyer brings both skill and care.
What Makes a Case Strong?
Strong cases have:
- Clear facts
- Good proof
- Honest witnesses
- Expert help
- Timely filing
Even small details matter. A smart lawyer checks everything.
What If More Than One Person Is at Fault?
In Missouri, more than one person can be blamed. That’s called shared fault.
Your lawyer may go after:
- A driver
- A company
- A product maker
- A doctor
They will name all who played a part in the death.
How Long Do These Cases Take?
Some end in months. Others take years. It depends on:
- How clear the facts are
- How many people are involved
- Whether the case goes to trial
Your lawyer will give updates and move the case forward.
Do You Have to Pay the Lawyer Upfront?
No. Most Kansas City wrongful death lawyers work on contingency.
That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- The lawyer gets paid only if you win
- Their fee is a part of the money you receive
If you don’t win, you don’t owe them a fee.
FAQs About Wrongful Death in Kansas City
- What if the person who died didn’t have a job?
You can still file. Their care, love, and support count too—not just income. - Can we still sue if the person who caused the death was not charged with a crime?
Yes. A civil case is separate from criminal charges. The law lets you seek damages even without a criminal case. - What if my family member died years ago and we didn’t know it was someone’s fault?
You may still have time if the cause was just found. Talk to a lawyer right away. - Can stepchildren or stepparents file a wrongful death case?
Usually not, unless adopted. A lawyer can review your family’s situation. - What if we live in Kansas, but the death happened in Missouri?
The case is filed where the death occurred. A Kansas City lawyer who knows Missouri law is best.
Endnote
Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest moments. It brings pain, shock, and many questions. If their death was someone else’s fault, your family deserves answers. You also deserve fair payment for your loss. A skilled and affordable Kansas City wrongful death lawyer knows how to help. They’ll gather the facts, fight for justice, and stand by your side every step of the way. Don’t wait. Call a trusted lawyer today and let them help you find the truth.
