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Kansas City Wrongful Death Lawyers

Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Kansas City Families

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim filed when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Unlike a criminal case, which is brought by the state and focuses on punishment, the surviving family members pursue a wrongful death claim to recover financial compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

Missouri’s wrongful death laws exist to provide families with financial support after an unexpected loss. Compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship.

At Double Eagle Injury Law, our wrongful death attorneys in Kansas City stand with family members to fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.

How Do You Prove Wrongful Death in Missouri?

To recover compensation in a Missouri wrongful death case, the family must prove that another party’s actions directly caused the death. This requires establishing four legal elements:

 

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act safely.
  2. Breach of Duty: That obligation was violated through negligent or reckless conduct.
  3. Causation: This breach directly caused the fatal injury.
  4. Damages: The family suffered measurable financial and emotional loss.

 

Insurance companies routinely challenge liability, question medical causation, and attempt to minimize damages. An experienced Kansas City wrongful death lawyer helps preserve evidence, work with qualified experts, and prevent insurers from shifting blame or undervaluing your claim.

garrett logan & Kristopher Zeppenfeld, founding partners and personal injury attorneys in kansas city

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?

Missouri law strictly limits who may file a wrongful death claim under RSMo § 537.080. Eligible parties are prioritized in the following order:

 

  • First Class: Spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
  • Second Class: Siblings or descendants of siblings, if no first class claimants exist.
  • Third Class: A court-appointed plaintiff ad litem.

 

This structure prevents competing lawsuits and ensures claims move forward efficiently. If questions or disputes arise, speaking with a Missouri wrongful death attorney early can help protect your family’s rights.

Is It Worth Hiring a Kansas City Wrongful Death Lawyer?

After a fatal accident, insurance companies often try to contact families quickly, sometimes within days. Their goal is not to protect your interests; it’s to limit financial exposure before you can uncover the full impact of the loss. They may try to offer you a lowball settlement, shift blame onto the deceased, or even dispute the cause of death.

Handling a wrongful death claim alone places families at risk of accepting far less than their claim is worth. Once a settlement is accepted, families typically lose the right to pursue additional compensation later.

 

A wrongful death attorney in Kansas City helps level the playing field by:

 

  • Preserving and organizing critical evidence.
  • Calculating the full value of economic and non-economic losses.
  • Working with experts to support causation and damages.
  • Using litigation pressure when insurers refuse fair compensation.

Not sure how to find a wrongful death attorney? Our attorneys at Double Eagle Injury Law handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

 

  • No upfront or out-of-pocket costs
  • No hourly billing
  • You only pay if we win your case

Why Choose Double Eagle Injury Law for a Wrongful Death Case

Losing a loved one can be devastating, and you need a legal team on your side who will fight for justice and treat your case with the compassion and respect you deserve. 

 

At Double Eagle Injury Law, our team offers:

Kansas City–based, Missouri-focused representation.

Trial-ready attorneys, prepared to litigate when necessary.

Direct attorney access, not call centers or case managers.

Personalized legal strategies based on the facts of each case.

Experience handling serious injury and fatal accident litigation.

We combine firm advocacy with genuine care for grieving families. Compassion doesn’t mean passivity. It means protecting your family’s future while handling your case with respect and professionalism.

Wrongful Death Cases We Handle

A wrongful death can occur in nearly any situation involving negligence or misconduct. Our firm handles a wide range of fatal accident cases, including:

Car Accidents

Fatal car accidents can be caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or reckless behavior.

Truck Accidents

Collisions involving commercial trucks can often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries due to size and weight disparities.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists can be at a greater risk of death caused by negligent drivers failing to yield, improper lane changes, or roadway hazards.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities

Serious pedestrian and bicycle accidents can involve crosswalks, intersections, and unsafe driving conditions.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can lead to fatal outcomes due to surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or delayed treatments.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

Workplace deaths can result from unsafe job sites, equipment failures, or OSHA violations.

Defective Products

Dangerous or poorly designed products can lead to serious harm and even fatal injuries.

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

These cases often involve nursing neglect that leads to malnutrition, dehydration, medication errors, or unsafe supervision.

Premises Liability

These claims involve fatal accidents caused by unsafe property conditions, including slips, falls, and structural hazards.

Criminal Acts Resulting in Death

Our team handles civil wrongful death claims arising from intentional or violent acts.

What Compensation Is Available in a Missouri Wrongful Death Claim?

While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help provide financial stability and accountability after a preventable loss. Missouri law allows surviving families to pursue compensation for both financial and personal losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable financial impact of the death, including:

 

  • Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Lost income and employment benefits
  • Loss of future financial support

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and relational losses suffered by surviving family members, such as:

 

  • Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of parental or spousal support

Missouri allows non-economic damages in wrongful death cases. However, wrongful death claims involving medical malpractice are subject to statutory caps under RSMo §538.210. These caps are adjusted for inflation and apply only in specific medical negligence cases.

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

In limited cases, Missouri courts may award punitive damages if a death results from intentional misconduct or a deliberate disregard for safety. These damages are meant to punish wrongful behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. 


The state requires “clear and convincing evidence” to support punitive damages, according to RSMo § 510.261.

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

According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.100, you have three years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim.

Certain exceptions may apply, including cases involving minors or claims against government entities. Speaking with a Kansas City wrongful death lawyer early helps ensure important deadlines are not missed while allowing families to proceed at a respectful pace.

How the Wrongful Death Claims Process Works

Families facing a wrongful death should not have to manage legal deadlines, paperwork, or insurance calls while grieving. Our experienced attorneys at Double Eagle Injury Law handle the process from start to finish: 

  1. Free Consultation: Our attorneys listen, answer questions, and explain next steps with no obligation.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We collect and preserve accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements to strengthen your case.
  3. Damage Evaluation: We assess financial and non-economic losses to determine the value of your claim.
  4. Demand and Negotiation: We present a formal demand to insurers, followed by negotiations for fair compensation.
  5. Lawsuit Filing (If Needed): If insurers refuse a fair resolution, a lawsuit is filed to protect the claim.
  6. Settlement or Trial: Many cases resolve through settlement, but trial remains an option if negotiations aren’t productive.

Get a Free Case Evaluation From a Kansas City Wrongful Death Lawyer

If your family has lost a loved one due to negligence, you deserve clear answers and trusted legal guidance. At Double Eagle Injury Law, we provide compassionate, attorney-led representation for wrongful death cases throughout Kansas City and Missouri.


Let our personal injury attorneys handle the legal process while you focus on what matters most: your family. Contact Double Eagle Injury Law today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Lawsuits

What is a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim filed by surviving family members after a death caused by negligence or misconduct. Its purpose is to provide accountability and financial support, not criminal punishment.

The value of your case depends on medical expenses, lost income, the deceased’s age and health, the family relationship, emotional losses, and available insurance coverage.

Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. However, trial readiness matters because insurers are more likely to offer fair compensation if they know a case can be litigated.

Some cases resolve in months, while others take longer, depending on complexity, liability disputes, and insurer cooperation. Rushing a case often reduces compensation.

No. Once you have legal representation, your attorney handles all communications with the insurance companies. This protects families from recorded statements that can potentially be misused.

Many lawyers for wrongful death cases handle things on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront fees, no hourly billing, and no payment unless compensation is recovered.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Wrongful Death Attorney in Kansas City

Selecting the right legal representation for your wrongful death case is crucial, and Double Eagle Injury Law is a top choice. Here are several reasons to trust our team with your case:

  • Compassionate and Empathetic Representation: We understand that losing a loved one is a painful and emotionally draining experience. Our team is committed to handling your case with sensitivity, respect, and genuine empathy.
  • Extensive Experience and Expertise: Our attorneys have years of experience handling wrongful death cases, giving them a deep understanding of the unique legal requirements in each state.
  • Aggressive and Determined Advocacy: At Double Eagle Injury Law, we fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and other responsible parties to ensure your rights are protected.
  • Transparent Communication: We believe that open and honest communication is the foundation of a successful attorney-client relationship. Our team will keep you informed and updated throughout the entire legal process.
  • No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This allows you to focus on healing and moving forward without the financial burden of legal expenses.

Trust Double Eagle Injury Law to provide the dedicated, experienced representation you need during this challenging time.

Contact our office or fill out a free case evaluation form to learn more.