Importance of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney Right Away

Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit after the loss of a loved one is the last thing on most people’s mind.  Losing a loved one is utterly devastating regardless of the cause, but when the death is unanticipated, it can be especially tragic because family members don’t get the chance to say goodbye. Although filing a lawsuit against those who were responsible for the accident will not bring the deceased back, it may provide some sense of closure for surviving family members, as well as the compensation needed to maintain financial security. It can also improve safety practices and help prevent a similar tragedy happening to someone else. Companies and individuals who are not held accountable for their negligence do not change their conduct, because there is no incentive to do so.

According to the National Safety Council , accidental injuries have become a leading cause of death in the United States. Statistics reveal that someone in America sustains an accidental injury every second, and preventable events kill one person every three minutes.  The word accident however, only refers to the fact that the injury was unintentional, it does not mean that the conduct leading to the injury was innocent. Many of these injuries and resulting deaths are preventable because they are the result of unsafe practices and negligence.

Hiring a wrongful death attorney is not necessarily a priority for people mourning the loss of a relative, but if they postpone doing so, important evidence may disappear before it can be gathered. If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident and are ready to discuss your case, turn to Gump & Faiella.

A personal injury attorney from our law firm will review any evidence you have compiled and listen to your account of events to determine the most strategic way to proceed. We represent clients throughout Moberly, Columbia, and all of Missouri. Call 888-262-2718 to schedule a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer.

Read on to learn why you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after losing a loved one:

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney Right Away

If you lose a loved one because of someone else’s reckless, negligent, or wrongful actions, it is wise to call a lawyer at the earliest possible point in time. An attorney can help you avoid making critical mistakes that would jeopardize your claim such as:

  • Acknowledging that the deceased may have been partially liable for the accident;
  • Giving the insurance adjuster a recorded statement; or
  • Failing to gather time-sensitive evidence before it becomes unavailable.

It is also important to remember that claimants only have a limited amount of time to file a formal wrongful death lawsuit in Missouri. That means if you postpone starting the claims process and then spend months negotiating to no avail, you may lose the opportunity to bring the case to trial.

The statute of limitations is typically three years; however, there are exceptions that can shorten this deadline considerably. For example, if you want to bring a suit against a government entity, you have just 90 days to file a formal claim. Since this is such a short window of time, it is absolutely essential to call an attorney immediately if there is even a chance the local municipality or state government played a role in the accident.

 

Call 888-262-2718 to Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Missouri  

If your loved one died in a preventable accident, contact Gump & Faiella. Your family may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages including lost income and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, and pain and suffering. Call 888-262-2718 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a Missouri personal injury attorney.

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