Wrongful death claims are normally filed by representatives of the deceased victim’s estate, on behalf of any survivors that are directly related to the victim. State regulations define who these survivors can be. In the state of Missouri, one who brings a wrongful death claim must have legal standing. The Wrongful Death Statute of the state of Missouri gives clear specifications of persons that can take legal action for wrongful death. These are the only individuals whose cases are considered valid in a court of law.
Surviving spouses are allowed to file wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of their spouse who is deceased. If a minor was killed by wrongful action, their parents may sue the perpetrators in a wrongful death case. Similarly, minors have a right to get compensated for any of their parent’s death.
Other individuals not classified above may also file a wrongful death claim if they are siblings or descendants of the deceased family member. The court may rule that they get compensated for all damages they incurred.
If the familial relationship is distant, it is difficult to receive legal remedy by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
It is imperative to note that no more than one action may be filed against a defendant under the Wrongful Death Statute. For that reason, you may be required to hire a competent wrongful death lawyer to decide the parties to be charged in the claim as plaintiffs.