Having a loved one die in a sudden accident is utterly devastating. Because the grief can be debilitating, most surviving family members do not even want to think about navigating complicated legal proceedings in the wake of the loss.

In certain scenarios, though, it may be necessary to build a wrongful death claim relatively soon after the accident. Otherwise, you could lose the chance to recover any compensation at all for the damages you have incurred (and will incur in the future).

Waiting too long to begin the claims process is just one of many mistakes that could threaten an otherwise strong case. To avoid a costly misstep, it is wise to seek guidance from a wrongful death attorney early in the proceedings. A seasoned lawyer will prevent you from making errors that could end up jeopardizing your claim.

If you need legal counsel in Moberly or Columbia following the loss of a loved one, contact Gump & Faiella. We have recovered more than $250 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 800-264-3455 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our strategic wrongful death lawyers in Missouri.

In the meantime, let’s explore a few common mistakes that could hurt your claim:

Insurance adjusters are adept at dealing with people in times of crisis; however, they are also skilled negotiators. Although they might come off as caring and compassionate, they have incentive to find a reason to dispute your claim.

As a result, it is unwise to talk to the insurance adjuster when you are in such a vulnerable state. Instead, wait until you hire a wrongful death attorney. Then you will have an experienced legal team to handle all correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf.  

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, some critical evidence may be time sensitive. For example, if your loved one died in a collision with an 18-wheeler, the trucker’s driver’s logs may only be available for six months afterward because that’s how long motor carriers are required to retain them.  

If you forget to consider certain damages when calculating a fair settlement amount, it could seriously jeopardize your family’s financial security. For example, if you relied on the deceased for financial support, including lost income might be obvious, but what about the cost of lost benefits?  

If multiple parties are liable for your loved one’s death, it is essential to bring a claim against all of them. Individually, they may not have enough insurance to cover all the damages you have incurred, but when combined, their policies just might cover everything.    

Call 800-264-3455 to Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Missouri

If you lost a loved one in some kind of preventable accident and want to hold the liable party financially accountable, turn to the Missouri wrongful death attorneys at Gump & Faiella. We represent clients in Moberly, Columbia, and throughout the state. Call 800-264-3455 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate personal injury lawyer in Missouri.

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