St. Louis Wrongful Death Attorneys

When You’ve Lost a Loved One, Our Family Fights for Yours

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. In an instant, families are left grieving while also facing unanswered questions, financial uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies that move far too quickly.

For more than 30 years, our St. Louis wrongful death lawyers at Meyerkord Law Group have helped families seek accountability, clarity, and financial stability after preventable tragedies. We handle these cases with care, discretion, and the trial-ready preparation needed to protect your family’s future.

In one of our most complex wrongful death cases, we secured $4.9 million for a Missouri family after a fatal collision involving a distracted police officer. The case required navigating government liability caps, stacking multiple underinsured motorist policies, and structuring trust protections for a surviving spouse and child—including a child born after the loss. We share this not to boast, but to show what’s possible when a case is handled thoroughly and without shortcuts.

You don’t have to go through this alone. If you are considering filing a suit for wrongful death, call us anytime at (314) 500-6000 to speak to an attorneyin a free, private consultation. There is no pressure and no obligation.

On This Page:

• Compassionate Guidance During an Overwhelming Time
• What Makes Our Wrongful Death Representation Different
• What Compensation Is Available in a Missouri Wrongful Death Case
• Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
• A Closer Look at a Wrongful Death Case We Handled
• How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
• Missouri Wrongful Death FAQs

Compassionate Guidance During an Overwhelming Time

Families often contact us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. Insurance adjusters may already be calling. Medical bills and funeral expenses are arriving. Emotions are raw.

Our role is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your family.

From the first call, we take time to listen—then we move quickly to:

• Preserve critical evidence
• Identify all responsible parties
• Protect your rights before statements are taken
• Prevent insurance companies from minimizing the value of your loss

We intentionally limit our caseload so every family receives direct access to their attorney and a legal team that is fully invested in the outcome.

What Makes Our Wrongful Death Representation Different

Not all injury firms are equipped to handle wrongful death cases. These claims demand more than paperwork—they require deep investigation, medical understanding, and the ability to present loss in a way that juries truly understand.

Our firm stands apart because:

• Trial-focused preparation – We build every case as if it will go before a jury
• Multidisciplinary insight – Our team includes an in-house Registered Nurse (RN) and a clinician with an M.S. and CCC-SLP, allowing us to fully evaluate medical causation and damages
• Direct attorney involvement – Your case is not passed to case managers or call centers
• Local St. Louis experience – We understand Missouri wrongful death law, local courts, and how juries assess responsibility and damages

We do not operate as a settlement mill. We prepare cases thoroughly because that preparation drives better outcomes—whether through settlement or trial.

Missouri Wrongful Death Claims: What Families Should Know

Missouri law allows certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim when a death is caused by negligence, recklessness, or misconduct.

Eligible claimants may include:

• A surviving spouse
• Children (biological or adopted)
• Parents of the deceased
• Court-appointed representatives if no immediate family survives

Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to the fatal injury
• Loss of income and financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

We represent families in a wide range of wrongful death cases, including those involving:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian & bicycle crashes
• Medical Malpractice: Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and hospital negligence
• Workplace Accidents: Construction site deaths, industrial accidents, and employer negligence
• Premises Liability: Dangerous property conditions, slip & falls, dog bites, and negligent security
• Product Defects: Defective vehicles, machinery, medical devices, and consumer products
• Boating Accidents: Negligent operation and alcohol-related incidents
• Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft-related fatal crashes

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as a wrongful death claim, we can review the facts and explain your options during a free consultation.

A Closer Look at a Wrongful Death Case We Handled

In a recent St. Louis wrongful death case, our firm represented a family after a loved one was killed in a collision caused by a distracted on-duty police officer.

The case presented significant challenges:

• Government liability caps limited direct recovery
• Multiple insurance policies required coordination
• A surviving spouse and minor child needed long-term financial protection
• Through aggressive investigation and strategic planning, we:
• Identified and stacked underinsured motorist coverage
• Navigated statutory limitations on government claims
• Structured trust protections to safeguard the family’s future

The result was a $4.9 million recovery—providing long-term stability for the family while honoring the life that was lost.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?

Missouri law (RSMo Section 537.100) generally requires wrongful death lawsuits to be filed within three (3) years of the date of death. This deadline applies even if the fatal injury occurred earlier or if the full details of what happened are not immediately known.

There are limited exceptions, and important evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible helps protect your rights and ensures the claim is filed before time runs out.

What Families Say About Working With Us

“From start to finish, Geoff and the rest of the staff went above and beyond what I expected. During a stressful time for me and my family, they did everything they could to guide me through the process.”

We measure success not only by outcomes, but by how supported families feel during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Our Caring Attorneys Are Here to Support Your Wrongful Death Claim

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we extend our deepest sympathy. We know this is an overwhelming and deeply personal time, and that considering legal action may feel like too much to carry right now. Reaching out to our firm does not obligate you to anything—it simply gives you the opportunity to get clear, honest answers.

When you contact Meyerkord Law Group, you will speak directly with a compassionate, experienced attorney who will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide what makes sense for your family—at your pace. Nothing can make up for your loss, but by helping families pursue accountability and financial stability, we aim to provide support during one of life’s most difficult chapters.

Missouri Wrongful Death FAQs

What qualifies as a wrongful death under Missouri law?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act—circumstances that would have allowed the person to file a personal injury claim had they survived.

Who has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri?

Missouri law establishes a priority order. Typically, the right belongs first to the deceased’s spouse or children. If none exist, it may pass to siblings or, in some cases, a court-appointed representative. Our attorneys can quickly determine who has legal standing in your specific situation.

What if more than one family member wants to file?

Missouri law limits wrongful death claims to a single action. When multiple eligible family members exist, the claim is usually brought together. We help families navigate these situations carefully to avoid conflict and protect everyone’s interests.

What if my loved one was partially at fault?

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned, but recovery is still possible. Insurance companies often try to shift blame unfairly, which is why early investigation matters.

Are damages capped in Missouri wrongful death cases?

In most wrongful death cases, there is no cap on damages. However, cases involving medical malpractice are subject to statutory limits on non-economic damages. We evaluate whether any caps apply and pursue every available avenue of recovery.

Contact us 24/7 at (314) 500-6000 for your free consultation. One of our experienced and empathetic attorneys is here to answer your questions.