Pursuing Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Accident

A fatal accident can leave families facing grief, financial pressure, and unanswered questions. When another party's conduct contributes to a loved one's death, surviving family members might consider pursuing a wrongful death claim. These cases can involve serious accidents, including motor vehicle collisions, truck crashes, construction accidents, workplace incidents, and other events that cause fatal injuries.

At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we understand how difficult the aftermath of a fatal accident can be, and we work with families to pursue justice and compensation through wrongful death claims. We examine the circumstances surrounding the accident and the losses that surviving family members have suffered.

Our attorneys serve clients throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, Springfield, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and nationwide. If you lost a loved one because of another party's conduct, contact SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer today to discuss your legal options.

When to File a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim arises when a person's death results from another party's negligence, wrongful act, or other legally actionable conduct. Fatal accidents can occur in many settings, including motor vehicle collisions, truck crashes, workplace accidents, construction accidents, and incidents involving defective products.

The specific facts matter in every wrongful death case. We examine how the accident occurred, what actions or omissions contributed to it, and whether another person, business, manufacturer, or other party is legally responsible.

Evidence can play an important part in establishing what happened. Depending on the circumstances, relevant information includes:

• Accident reports, photographs, videos, and physical evidence

• Medical records, employment records, and financial documentation

• Witness statements and other information about the events leading to the death

Because evidence becomes more difficult to obtain as time passes, prompt attention can be important. With that in mind, we work to identify the information that helps evaluate a potential wrongful death claim.

Evaluating Liability After a Fatal Accident

Determining who is responsible requires a close review of the available facts. At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we examine whether a fatal accident involved more than one potentially responsible party, while also considering how the applicable legal rules vary depending on where the accident occurred and the circumstances involved. 

For example, a wrongful death claim arising from a motor vehicle collision requires an examination of driver conduct, roadway conditions, vehicle maintenance, or other contributing factors. A construction or workplace accident involves questions about equipment, site conditions, safety practices, or the conduct of other parties.

In product liability matters, we examine whether a defective automobile, truck, industrial machine, farm equipment, or other product contributed to the fatal accident. In other cases, the facts involve medical negligence or nursing home negligence. We assess the circumstances and consider how the available evidence connects the conduct at issue to the person's death.

Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case

The damages available in a wrongful death claim depend on the applicable law and the facts of the case. Surviving family members face losses that extend beyond immediate expenses associated with the death. Depending on the circumstances, a wrongful death claim involves consideration of losses such as:

• Medical expenses incurred before the person's death

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Lost income and financial support

• Loss of companionship or other legally recognized damages

The calculation of damages requires attention to the family's circumstances and the losses connected to the death. Financial records, employment information, medical documentation, and other evidence help establish the impact of the loss.

A wrongful death claim can also involve issues related to insurance coverage. In some cases, an insurer disputes responsibility or the amount of compensation available. We also represent clients in first-party insurance claims and bad-faith insurance claims, including matters involving serious losses.

Taking Action After a Fatal Accident

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident can leave families facing grief, financial hardship, and unanswered questions. When another party has contributed to the death, a wrongful death claim provides a path toward accountability and compensation.

We know these losses can affect every part of a family's life, and we work with clients seeking answers after devastating accidents. Whether a wrongful death involves a motor vehicle collision, truck accident, construction accident, workplace incident, defective product, or another fatal event, we're prepared to help you explore your legal options.

At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we help individuals and families throughout Kansas, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, the Kansas City metropolitan area, and nationwide pursue wrongful death claims after fatal accidents. Contact our firm today to discuss your situation and your legal options.