Missouri Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Truck Accident Wrongful Death
When someone is killed in a Missouri truck accident, the grieving family is left with financial and emotional burdens. When the fatal truck accident is caused by truck driver's negligence or wrongdoing, families of deceased victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim is a legal process that allows families of deceased accident victims to receive compensation. A skilled attorney can help families prove that the victim was acting in a reasonable manner at the time of the crash and that the truck driver involved was negligent, if that was the case. Truck drivers and shipping companies often have adequate insurance to cover the losses, but they also employ high-powered legal defense teams to fight and nullify claims filed against them. An experienced truck accident attorney can help victims' families fight for their rights and obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death Claim
Tort law is built on the principle of returning a victim to the state they were in before the accident. There is, however, no settlement large enough or comprehensive enough to replace the life of a loved one. But a successful wrongful death claim will result in the victim's family receiving a settlement that covers many present and future financial losses.
- Hospital Bills: If the truck accident resulted in medical treatment before the victim passed away, the family may pursue compensation for the resulting medical bills.
- Funeral Expenses: Funerals can be extremely expensive. A wrongful death claim may compensate a family for the cost of the funeral and burial.
- Lost Future Wages: If the victim was employed and provided for a family, the surviving dependants may pursue compensation for the lost revenue. Not only should recent lost wages be considered but future lost wages should also be taken into consideration. In many cases, the victim is the family's sole breadwinner, which can have catastrophic financial consequences.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim?
The immediate family members of someone killed in a MO truck accident may pursue compensation for their losses. Potential dependants include a spouse, child, grandchild or minor living in the household. In some circumstances a victim's parent or guardian may also file a wrongful death claim. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to call a wrongful death attorney to discuss your options.
There are many potentially liable parties for a serious truck accident. Not only can the truck driver be held responsible for the crash, but the shipping company, maintenance company, truck manufacturer and truck owner may also be financially responsible.
The St. Louis truck accident attorneys at Page Law offer their condolences to anyone that has lost a loved one to a tragic accident. We offer free consultations to families of anyone who has been killed by a negligent truck driver. There is a statute of limitations on all wrongful death claims. So please call our law offices right away to discuss your potential claim.
