HOW CAN BROWN & CROUPPEN HELP IF I HAVE LOST A FAMILY MEMBER IN A FATAL ACCIDENT IN ST. LOUIS?

You know that your family member’s death was entirely avoidable, but how do you prove wrongful death ? How can you know who is at fault? What money can you get for your losses? What happens when at-fault parties or an insurance company pushes back and refuses to take responsibility? You should be able to focus on grieving your devastating loss without having to figure out the answers to these (and other) important questions. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate these difficult days on your own. Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers are here to help. When you trust our top-rated St. Louis personal injury law firm with your case, you will have the opportunity to focus on moving forward while we: Take care of your wrongful death action from start to finish Investigate the incident that led to your loved one’s untimely death Determine how it happened, why, and who is at fault Seek compensation from all liable parties Defend against allegations that your family member contributed to their fatal accident Handle negotiations with the insurance company and other parties File a lawsuit and prepare to bring your wrongful death case to a jury in St. Louis if you are not offered a reasonable settlement At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, we strive to make a genuine difference in the lives of the clients we represent. While money won’t bring your family member back, we know that a financial award can make life a little easier in the weeks, months, and years to come. We will do everything in our power to get you the results you deserve.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED WRONGFUL DEATH IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI?

Wrongful death, as defined by Missouri state law, is a death that occurs as a result of a person’s conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance that would have allowed the victim to file a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived. In other words, wrongful death is the avoidable death of a person, typically caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentionally harmful or criminal actions. The right to file a lawsuit to recover compensation from the negligent party shifts to surviving family members in the event of a loved one’s death.

WHO CAN SUE FOR WRONGFUL DEATH IN MISSOURI?

In Missouri, surviving spouses, children, and grandchildren are given priority when it comes to filing wrongful death actions. If the victim had no spouse, child, or grandchild, then the right extends to surviving siblings. If the victim had no living siblings, then the personal representative of the victim’s estate can file a claim. The personal representative will either be named in the victim’s will or appointed by the court.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI?

Unlike other types of personal injury cases in Missouri, wrongful death lawsuits are subject to an accelerated timetable. You have just three years to file a wrongful death action. Note that the clock begins to run on the date of death, which might be different from the date of the accident that inflicted your loved one’s fatal injuries. Don’t let those responsible for your grief and suffering off the hook. Make sure your wrongful death claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires. Call our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible for help.

WHAT IS MY WRONGFUL DEATH ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?

How do you put a price on the loss you have experienced? In truth, valuing a wrongful death can be complicated. Many factors are relevant in determining how much money your wrongful death lawsuit might be worth: The victim’s age at the time of their death The victim’s life expectancy before the accident The victim’s job, career path, and earning capacity before death The type of relationship the victim had with the surviving beneficiaries If the victim survived their injuries for some time, their pain, suffering, and monetary losses could also add value to the wrongful death case. But ultimately, Missouri law provides the jury with discretion to award damages that are “fair and just for the death and loss.”

WHAT KIND OF DAMAGES CAN BE AWARDED IN MISSOURI WRONGFUL DEATH CASES?

In Missouri, family members are entitled to seek certain economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death action. However, unlike other types of personal injury matters, there are limitations on what types of damages can be awarded. You can potentially receive compensation for: Funeral and burial expenses Medical expenses incurred before death Loss of consortium Loss of companionship, comfort, instruction, guidance, counsel, training, and support Income, wages, and benefits your family member would have earned and contributed to the family, had they survived If your loved one was more than 50 percent responsible for taking care of children or disabled family members, you can receive damages for the loss of their contribution. Missouri state law provides that the value of their caretaking services is 110 percent of the state average weekly wage. Damages for your emotional distress and grief cannot be awarded in Missouri wrongful death actions; however, if your family member survived their accident for a time before their death, you could receive compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced.

DOES MISSOURI CAP DAMAGES IN WRONGFUL DEATH CASES?

Generally speaking, Missouri does not have a cap on damages in wrongful death cases, with one exception: those involving medical negligence. In 2015, the Missouri legislature signed Senate Bill 239 into law, which places caps on non-economic damages in all medical malpractice cases, including those resulting in wrongful death.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FAMILY MEMBER IS BLAMED FOR THEIR FATAL ACCIDENT IN ST. LOUIS?

It is important to defend against these allegations because they could limit how much money you can recover in your wrongful death lawsuit. Missouri has pure comparative fault rules, which means that damages are directly reduced based on the degree of fault.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

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In Missouri, the unexpected loss of a family member creates a void that can never be filled. The law provides a way for certain surviving family members to seek justice and financial stability. Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers can help your family manage the complexities of filing a claim while you’re grieving.

Trying to manage the legal requirements, from proving negligence to calculating long-term financial losses, adds an unnecessary burden during an already difficult time. Let Brown & Crouppen, P.C. handle the legal fight for compensation, so your family can focus on healing.

Call us today at (314) 501-9510 or connect with us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Why Choose Brown & Crouppen, P.C. for Your Wrongful Death Claim

When you need legal guidance after losing a loved one, the law firm you choose matters. Brown & Crouppen, P.C. provides dedicated and compassionate representation rooted in a deep understanding of Missouri law and the local community.

We stand with families in St. Louis and work tirelessly to help them find a path forward.

Decades of Dedicated Experience

Since 1979, our firm has built a legacy of helping clients secure justice. Our attorneys have recovered over a billion dollars for individuals and families harmed by negligence.

With experience in over 1,000 trials, we possess the knowledge and skill to handle complex cases and are fully prepared to represent your family’s interests.

Decades of Dedicated Deep Roots in the St. Louis Community

Our firm is part of the fabric of St. Louis and understands the challenges families face here. Whether a fatal accident happened on I-64 near Forest Park, on Gravois Avenue, or at a workplace in St. Louis County, our team knows how to navigate the local systems.

We’re familiar with the procedures at the St. Louis Circuit Court and know what it takes to build a case in this jurisdiction.

A Compassionate Approach to Justice

We founded our practice on the principles of compassion, respect, and commitment. Our lawyers recognize that you’re going through an incredibly painful experience. We listen to your story, answer your questions in plain English, and provide steady support every step of the way.

Speak with a caring legal professional at Brown & Crouppen, P.C. today by calling (314) 501-9510 or by filling out our online contact form.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

Missouri law doesn’t allow just anyone to file a wrongful death claim. Instead, the law sets out who among the surviving family members may bring the case.

Common eligible parties include:

Spouse, Children, or Parents: In the first year after the death, the surviving spouse, children, or parents usually have the first right to file.
Other Eligible Relatives: If no one in that first group is entitled to file, another qualifying family member, such as a sibling, may be able to bring the claim.
Personal Representative: In some cases, the court may appoint a plaintiff ad litem to file the claim.

Missouri’s Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

The state also sets a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In Missouri, families generally have three years from the date of the death to file a claim. Missing this deadline will likely bar your family from ever seeking compensation. Speak with a St. Louis wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Whether your loved one received care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital after a collision on I-70 or the incident occurred at a nursing home in St. Louis County, acting quickly allows our legal team to begin critical evidence preservation.

Recovering Financial Support After a Wrongful Death in Missouri

A Missouri wrongful death claim is about more than just accountability; it’s also about securing the financial stability your loved one would have provided. A sudden loss can create immediate financial pressure, from final medical bills to daily living expenses.

Missouri law allows families to seek compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. Our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys work with you to understand the full scope of your family’s losses.

We carefully document every financial impact to build a comprehensive case for recovery. This process often requires detailed analysis to show not just past expenses but also the financial support the family would have received in the future.

Our team helps families identify all potential forms of compensation, which may include:

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: This may include the income your loved one would have earned over the remainder of their career, providing crucial support for a surviving spouse and children.
Funeral and Burial Expenses: Your Missouri wrongful death claim may recover the reasonable costs associated with your loved one’s funeral, memorial service, and burial or cremation.
Medical Bill Recovery: This covers the cost of medical care your family member received for their final injury, from the ambulance ride to hospital stays and treatments.

Loss of Consortium: This compensation addresses the loss of the deceased person’s companionship, comfort, guidance, and support to their family.

Topic	Key Details	Why It Matters
Who Can File a Claim	Spouse, children, or parents (first year); other relatives if none qualify; court-appointed representative	Determines who has the legal right to file
Statute of Limitations	Typically 3 years from the date of death	Missing this deadline bars compensation
Types of Compensation	Lost wages, funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship (consortium)	Helps restore financial stability after loss
What Must Be Proven	Negligence: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages	Legal foundation of a successful claim
Key Evidence	Official reports, witness statements, physical evidence, electronic data	Strengthens the case and proves liability
Third-Party Liability	Multiple parties may be responsible (e.g., driver, company, manufacturer)	Expands potential sources of compensation
How a Lawyer Helps	Manages case, handles negotiations, files paperwork, represents in court	Reduces burden on grieving families
Legal Fees	Contingency-based (no fee unless compensation is recovered)	Removes upfront financial barriers
Insurance Company Tactics	Low settlement offers, delays, recorded statements requests	Can reduce claim value if not handled properly
Case Resolution	Most cases settle; some proceed to trial	Sets expectations for the legal process
Survival Action	Covers damages the deceased could have claimed (e.g., pain and suffering)	Complements a wrongful death claim

Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.

How Do You Prove Fault in a St. Louis Wrongful Death Case?

The foundation of any successful wrongful death case is proving that another party’s negligent or wrongful act directly caused your loved one’s death. The legal concept of negligence requires showing that someone owed a duty of reasonable care, breached that duty, and caused harm.

Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers have a deep understanding of the negligence standard and how to apply it to various situations. To build a strong case, our team launches a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death.

Our investigation and evidence-gathering process is meticulous. We act quickly to protect vital information that could be lost over time.

Key evidence often includes:

Official Reports: We obtain police accident reports, autopsy reports, and any citations issued by local authorities like the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Witness Statements: Our investigators locate and interview eyewitnesses to document what they saw and heard before their memories fade.
Physical Evidence: We may take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, or the hazardous condition that caused the death.
Electronic Data: This can include black box data from a commercial truck, electronic medical records, or company maintenance logs that show a pattern of carelessness.

Our team works to uncover all the facts and identify every responsible party. Sometimes, more than one person or company can be held accountable, a concept known as third-party liability.

For example, in a commercial truck crash, liability might rest with the driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or a cargo loader.

Auto Accident Legal Checklist

Use our legal checklist to learn what to do after an accident and understand key legal considerations for recovering financial compensation.

How Our St. Louis Wrongful Death Attorneys Manage Your Case

Navigating the legal system is complex and often intimidating, especially for a family in mourning. The attorneys at Brown & Crouppen, P.C. manage every detail of your claim so you can focus on what matters most.

We believe that legal representation should remove burdens, not add to them, which is why we handle all cases on a contingency fee agreement: You pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.

From the moment you hire our firm, we become your family’s advocates. We take over all communications with insurance companies, defense lawyers, and other involved parties.

Our team handles the paperwork, meets all legal deadlines, and keeps you informed with regular updates in clear, simple language. You’ll always know the status of your case and what to expect next.

Our skilled legal team manages every step with care, including:

Filing the Claim: We prepare and file all necessary legal documents to officially begin the legal action within the strict time limits.
The Discovery Process: Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers manage this formal stage of litigation where both sides exchange information through written questions, document requests, and depositions.
Expert Witness Testimony: We may consult with medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstructionists whose expert opinions can help strengthen your case.
Settlement Negotiations: The majority of wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiated settlements without trial, and we work to achieve a fair outcome for your family.
Litigation: If the insurer simply refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can take your battle to court.

Shielding Your Family from Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Shortly after a fatal accident in St. Louis County, you’ll likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster representing the at-fault party. While the adjuster may seem friendly and helpful, it’s important to remember their primary role: to protect the company’s financial interests by minimizing the amount it pays out in claims.

Adjusters use several common strategies to achieve this goal, and speaking with them without legal representation can put your family’s claim at risk. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that may be used to shift blame or downplay the value of your case.

Insurance adjusters often use a variety of insurance adjuster tactics, including:

Requesting a Recorded Statement: An adjuster may ask for your official statement about the accident. We almost always advise clients against this, as your words can easily be taken out of context to undermine your claim.
Making a Quick, Low Settlement Offer: An early offer may seem tempting, especially when bills are piling up. However, these initial offers rarely account for the full long-term financial and emotional losses your family will face.
Delaying the Process: Some companies may drag out the process, hoping your family will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement just to be done with it.
Suggesting You Don’t Need a Lawyer: An adjuster might tell you that hiring an attorney will only complicate things. This is a clear signal that they know a St. Louis wrongful death lawyer can help your family secure a much fairer outcome.

Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience countering these strategies. Your attorney acts as a shield between you and the insurance company, handling all communications and protecting your rights. This allows your family to grieve in peace without the pressure of dealing with legal and financial negotiations.

FAQ for St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyers

What Is the First Step in a Wrongful Death Case?

The first step is to contact a reputable St. Louis wrongful death law firm for a free consultation. One of our attorneys can review the facts of your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand whether you have a valid claim.

Acting quickly helps preserve important evidence and protect your family’s right to meet all legal deadlines.

Who Are the Beneficiaries in a Missouri Wrongful Death Claim?

In Missouri, the law sets a specific hierarchy for beneficiaries. The first class includes the deceased’s surviving spouse, children (natural or adopted), and parents. If no one in that first group can file, the right may pass to the deceased person’s siblings or their children.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer?

At Brown & Crouppen, P.C., we handle all wrongful death cases on a contingency fee agreement, so there are no upfront costs to you. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your family through a settlement or verdict.

What Is a Survival Action, and How Is It Different?

A survival action is a separate but related claim that may be filed alongside a wrongful death case. While a wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family for their losses, a survival action seeks to recover damages the deceased person could have claimed had they lived, such as for their own pain and suffering before they passed away.

Does Every Wrongful Death Case Go to Trial?

The vast majority of wrongful death cases in Missouri get resolved through settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. A settlement avoids the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial.

However, our St. Louis wrongful death attorneys are always prepared to take a case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.

Connect With a Compassionate Legal Team Today

The loss of a loved one is a painful and life-altering event. You don’t have to face the legal process alone. The St. Louis wrongful death attorneys at Brown & Crouppen, P.C. are here to provide the support, guidance, and strong advocacy your family needs.

We’re ready to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. For a free, no-obligation case review, call us now at (314) 501-9510 or complete our online contact form.

Meet Our St. Louis Attorneys

TERRY CROUPPEN

Founding Partner

ANDY CROUPPEN

Managing Partner

ED HERMAN

Managing Partner

ANDREA MCNAIRY

Partner

JIM CANTALIN

Partner

JOSEPH A. FRANK

Partner

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Brown & Crouppen Law Firm

Address: 4900 Daggett Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 501-9510

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“Absolutely loved B&C. They did everything in their power to help me and as quickly as they could. I was dealing with a car wreck and this was my first time doing something like this and they made it less stressful for me. Definitely will go back if I need to!”

“All Brown and Crouppen employees were kind and thoughtful. All questions were answered promptly. I could relax knowing I was in capable hands. I will be happy to use this law firm again if needed. If I hear of anyone needing legal assistance because of an injury, I will highly recommend Brown and Crouppen”

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