Losing a loved one unexpectedly is always traumatic, but when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain is compounded by a sense of injustice. Missouri law provides a way for families to seek accountability and compensation through wrongful death claims. At Price & Randle Injury Attorneys, we have helped many families in Central Missouri navigate these challenging cases. This guide offers detailed context, Missouri-specific wrongful death examples (including those from our own case history), and practical advice for families facing such tragedies.
What Is Wrongful Death in Missouri?
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a direct result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act. Missouri’s wrongful death statute allows certain surviving family members or the deceased’s estate to bring a civil lawsuit to recover damages. Unlike criminal cases, which focus on punishing the wrongdoer, wrongful death claims are about securing justice and financial relief for the family left behind.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Missouri law typically allows the following individuals to file:
- Spouse, children, or parents of the deceased
- Siblings or their descendants (if no spouse, children, or parents survive)
- A court-appointed plaintiff ad litem if no eligible family members exist
Key Elements of a Missouri Wrongful Death Claim
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove:
- The defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act caused the death
- The plaintiff is legally eligible to bring the claim
- The death resulted in financial and/or emotional harm to the survivors
Common Legal Challenges
- Causation: Proving the link between the defendant’s actions and the death, especially if the deceased had pre-existing health issues
- Damages: Quantifying both economic and non-economic losses
- Defenses: Overcoming arguments that the deceased’s own actions or unrelated health conditions were the primary cause
Real Missouri Wrongful Death Examples
1. The Collier Family Case: Complex Causation and Pre-Existing Conditions
Location: Laclede County, Missouri
Details: Laura Collier, a 67-year-old grandmother, was a passenger in a van struck by a Consolidated Electric Service truck. She suffered severe injuries and, despite significant pre-existing health problems, Price & Randle demonstrated that her injuries from the crash led to a fatal decline. The defense argued her health issues—not the crash—were the true cause. Through expert testimony and medical records, it was established that the accident was the proximate cause of her death.
Outcome:
- Settlement: $1.6 million
- Distribution: $1.25 million to Laura’s daughter, $350,000 to her husband
- Significance: This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and expert support in wrongful death cases involving pre-existing conditions.
2. Distracted Driving Fatality: The Dangers of Texting Behind the Wheel
Details: A Missouri family lost a loved one in a head-on collision caused by a distracted driver who was texting. Price & Randle helped the family pursue a wrongful death claim, gathering phone records, accident reports, and eyewitness statements to prove negligence.
Outcome:
- Settlement: $2.5 million
- Significance: This case underscores the serious consequences of distracted driving and the role of civil litigation in holding negligent drivers accountable.
3. Unsafe Premises: Fatal Fall Due to Poor Maintenance
Details: An elderly Missouri woman died after slipping and falling on an unmarked wet floor in a commercial building. Surveillance footage and maintenance records revealed a pattern of neglect. Price & Randle helped her family pursue a claim against the property owner.
Outcome:
- Settlement: $1 million
- Significance: Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. Failure to do so can result in liability for fatal accidents.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Missouri
- Auto and Truck Accidents: Negligence, impaired driving, and commercial vehicle violations are leading causes. Missouri’s highways see many fatal crashes involving cars, semi-trucks, and motorcycles.
- Workplace Accidents: High-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture see fatalities from equipment failures, falls, and safety violations.
- Defective Products: Faulty machinery, dangerous consumer goods, or defective vehicle parts can cause fatal injuries.
- Premises Liability: Poorly maintained properties, inadequate security, or unsafe conditions can lead to deadly accidents.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in Missouri Wrongful Death Cases?
Missouri law allows families to recover a wide range of damages:
| Type of Damage | Description |
| Economic Damages | Medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings |
| Non-Economic Damages | Pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional distress |
| Punitive Damages | In rare cases, awarded to punish especially egregious or reckless conduct |
Note: Missouri does not cap economic damages in wrongful death cases, but there are some limits on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File?
- Missouri law generally allows five years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Certain circumstances, such as delayed discovery of negligence, may extend or shorten this period.
- It is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines.
How Price & Randle Support Families
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Gathering police reports, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case
- Negotiation and Litigation: Skilled negotiation with insurance companies and, if needed, aggressive courtroom advocacy
- Personalized Attention: Compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process
- Proven Results: Over $75 million recovered for clients in Missouri wrongful death and injury cases
- No Fee Unless We Win: Clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered
Wrongful Death Examples from Clients
- Joe’s Story: After losing his daughter in a car accident, Joe trusted Price & Randle to guide him through the wrongful death claim process. He described the firm’s support as “compassionate and thorough,” helping his family find closure during a profoundly difficult time.
- Terry’s Story: Another client, Terry, shared how Price & Randle’s team helped secure maximum compensation after a tragic loss, emphasizing the firm’s dedication to justice and personal attention.
Steps to Take If You’ve Lost a Loved One
- Gather Documentation: Obtain the death certificate, accident reports, and any available evidence.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with a wrongful death attorney to evaluate your rights and options.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone: Insurers may attempt to minimize your claim—let your attorney handle communications.
- Understand Your Rights: Learn who can file, what damages may be available, and the legal process ahead.
Why Choose Price & Randle for Your Missouri Wrongful Death Case?
- Decades of Experience: Deep knowledge of Missouri wrongful death examples, personal injury law, and local courts
- Proven Track Record: Millions recovered for grieving families
- Personalized Approach: Every client is treated with respect and empathy
- Free Consultation: No risk to discuss your case—fees are only collected if we win or settle
We hope that you’ve learned something from these wrongful death examples. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers and accountability. Price & Randle Injury Attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation your family needs to move forward. Contact us today.
