Losing a loved one can create chaos and confusion, especially when the cause of death was negligence or recklessness. If you have questions about wrongful death, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney for straightforward solutions.
Learn More About Wrongful Death Claims
At the law firm of Kolker & Germeroth, L.L.C., we aggressively pursue justice for families who are affected by a wrongful death in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. For more details about how we handle these cases, please visit our Wrongful Death page.
We have included some information on wrongful death below that will help to educate you about how the law applies in these cases. For answers to your specific questions about wrongful death, contact us to arrange a free consultation with one of our wrongful death trial lawyers.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Death
Q: What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case against someone who caused a death?
A: A criminal case can only be brought by the government. The prosecutor makes a case against the person accused of a crime, seeking prison time or another punishment. The prosecutor must meet a higher standard of proof than in a civil case. A civil case can be filed by anyone whose private rights or civil rights have allegedly been violated by another party. When a private party files a civil lawsuit for wrongful death, the party is seeking monetary damages as compensation for the loss suffered. A civil trial for wrongful death, therefore, is very different from a criminal trial for murder or manslaughter.
Q: What if an unborn child dies?
A: In many states, the baby must be born alive for its death to be the subject of a wrongful death lawsuit. This is not always the case, however. In some states, the fetus must have been viable (able to live outside the mother's womb) even though it was not born; in other states, viability is not an issue. Because the law varies so much from state to state, it is wise to consult a personal injury attorney who knows the laws in your area.
Wrongful Death - An Overview
Losing a loved one is painful. Losing a loved one due to wrongful death can be even more difficult. If someone's wrongful actions caused injuries that resulted in your loved one's death, that is a wrongful death. In common law, there was no legal action that surviving family members could take. That changed, however, when governments began to make laws protecting survivors. Now, in every state in the U.S., the representative or heirs of a person lost to wrongful death may file a lawsuit for monetary damages. The laws, however, vary quite a bit from state to state, so consulting with an attorney from Kolker & Germeroth, LLC in Clayton, Missouri, is advisable.
The Physician-Patient Privilege in Wrongful Death Cases
The physician-patient privilege is designed to help each patient feel free to tell his or her doctor the whole truth about what he or she is experiencing; that way, the doctor will have the best information for diagnosing and treating the patient. This privilege can be very important for the relationship between the doctor and the patient. When a patient passes away, however, what happens to the privilege?
The Wrongful Death of a Child or an Elderly Person
No matter what the age of the loved one you have lost, the grief is powerful. The law, however, often takes age into account when it assesses your loss. Because your loved one cannot be replaced, the law is at a disadvantage to truly compensate you. Money is one measure that the legal system can objectively use to reflect what has been lost.
Statutes of Limitations and the Discovery Rule
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death, the last thing you may want to think about is how your legal rights are affected. The law surrounding wrongful death, however, allows legal action to be taken only for a limited period of time. When this period has elapsed, you will no longer have the option of filing a lawsuit.
Monetary Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Legal actions for wrongful death can be very complex, especially when the harmful acts of several parties contributed to an individual's death. Some parties may settle the matter before the case goes to trial; others may see it all the way to a verdict. No matter who the defendant is, the amount and type of financial recovery the plaintiff can make depend on the law of the state in which the case takes place.
Wrongful Death Resource Links
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
This governmental agency, part of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), provides comprehensive information on workplace safety and health.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, protects U.S. employees by proposing and enforcing workplace safety and health measures.
Medline Plus: Grief
This website explores the stages and effects of grief.
Environmental Health
The CDC offers numerous links to information on how environmental factors like hazardous waste, carbon monoxide and asbestos can affect your health.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
This governmental agency provides information on recalled, potentially dangerous products and offers safety tips for the home.
