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(314) 500-HURTDuring this difficult time, the wrongful death attorneys are up to the challenge of bringing your family justice. Representing the surviving family members of fatal accident victims is an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly. We have the professionalism, experience and compassion necessary to get the results you deserve.
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Have you lost someone you love due to someone else’s actions? Call Burger Law’s Missouri wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis today at (314) 500-HURT or reach us online. We will walk you through the legal process and demand a complete recovery for you and your family.
Here are some wrongful death cases we’ve won for our clients in St. Louis:
$5,000,000 Settlement – Father Killed by Reckless Truck Driver
$3 Million Judgment – Son Murdered by Pam Hupp
$2.5 Million Settlement for Father’s Fatal Car Accident
Burger Law’s wrongful death lawyers in St. Louis have decades of proven experience in wrongful death claims and have helped many surviving family members throughout Missouri and Illinois get compensation to alleviate the pressure and uncertainty they face in the wake of a loved one’s death. We have won wrongful death cases that come from all kinds of circumstances:Auto accidents, such as:
Medical malpractice, including:
Consoling and advising family members of wrongful death victims is one of our most delicate responsibilities and one that we take very seriously. We treat you with dignity and give you our pledge to provide you with our best guidance and fiercest dedication as we pursue your claim in honor of your loved one.
You deserve the expert representation of Burger Law’s wrongful death attorneys. Allow us to take this weight off of your shoulders as we take care of all aspects of your case. With decades of experience and millions of dollars won for our clients, you can be confident that we will do what it takes to hold the responsible parties accountable for their reckless actions and get you and your family the support you deserve. We will leave no stone unturned in proving their negligence, and we will not settle for anything less than the maximum recovery. Let the wrongful death lawyers of Burger Law bear the weight of your wrongful death claim by contacting us today. Call (314) 500-HURT or reach out online to discuss your case with an attorney for free.
Schedule a free case evaluation here. Litigation attorney
“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”
Gary Burger
After the death of a loved one, surviving family members can struggle to remain afloat financially. Medical bills and funeral costs may be overwhelming and families can find it difficult to make ends meet after losing a major source of income. To make matters worse, dependents of the deceased person may lose access to inheritance or college funds that would have remained theirs if their caretaker was still alive.
If the family of a deceased individual fails to file a wrongful death suit, they will be responsible for covering the previously mentioned expenses with their own money, which may not be enough. Fortunately, a strong wrongful death claim headed by a seasoned wrongful death attorney may have a strong chance of recovering some of these costs as damages. Burger Law’s experienced wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to answering your questions and supporting you during your entire case. Learn more about what damages you can recoverin a wrongful death suit and how much money you could receive here.
Missouri Law dictates what can be recovered from a wrongful death lawsuit in statute 537.090. Under Missouri Law, your family can recover a number of different damages. Damages are categorized as one of the following:
To collect the full damages you and your family are entitled to, you must find an experienced St. Louis wrongful death law firm you can trust. The Missouri wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law are committed to fighting for you and your family and bringing you a full financial recovery after your unspeakable loss. We will not rest until we have helped you recover any applicable damages, including damages such as:
This list does not include all the damages and expenses a wrongful death claim will cover. We understand that your loved one’s passing is difficult. We want to help you and your family recieve all of the compensation and financial recovery that you deserve. Your family deserves to have their needs and their concerns met. When you’re ready to talk, we can help. Call (314) 500-HURT or contact our Wrongful Death Lawyers in St. Louis.
To understand the value of your claim and the total amount you are eligible to receive, you need a Missouri wrongful death lawyer who is familiar with Missouri wrongful death cases like yours and can determine the total value of your damages, including the non-economic damages.
When calculating these damages, you may be wondering if there is a maximum amount of damages allowed in a St. Louis or Missouri wrongful death case. In most cases, there is no limit to the amount of damages you and your family can receive for the wrongful death of your loved one in Missouri. This means that your wrongful death attorney can demand the full value of all of your damages, regardless of the total.
We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to take your call. Live chat, text, and virtual meetings are available.
The one exception is in wrongful death cases due to medical malpractice. In Missouri, there are damage caps for noneconomic damages in all medical malpractice cases, including wrongful death. The current policy, established by Missouri Statute 538.205, sets the current maximum value for non-economic damages in a medical malpractice-related wrongful death case at $787,671 for the year 2022.
Regardless of the circumstances that caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you need to hire an experienced and dedicated wrongful death attorney from a reputable St. Louis law firm to fight for you and demand the full compensation to which you are entitled. Burger Law’s legal team will not rest until we get you the outcome you deserve. Discuss your wrongful death case with one of our wrongful death lawyers for free at (314) 500-HURT.
A wrongful death suit is a civil claim in Missouri state courts. As the plaintiff in a wrongful death case, you must demonstrate that the defendant owed your loved one a duty of care, and prove that their negligence in that duty caused your loved one’s death. If these facts do not apply to your case or you fail to convince the defense or, if you go to trial, the judge and jury that these facts are present in your case, you will not be able to collect damages from the defendant.
In order to make sure your family has a legitimate claim, and for the best chances of winning a wrongful death suit and recovering damages for your claim, you need to talk to an experienced wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis right away. The lawyers of Burger Law are available and ready to help you and your family with your wrongful death claim today. In proving your wrongful death case, you must prove the following facts are true:
Most personal injury and wrongful death cases are settled out of court, but several situations can make going to trial a wise decision. For example, if the negligent party is solely at fault, but the insurance company won’t acknowledge the policyholder’s fault, taking the case to trial allows the judge and jury to decide if damages should be awarded for expenses associated with the victim’s death. While this can ensure that you recover compensation for your family member’s wrongful death, taking a case to trial can be expensive, and often takes longer than cases that don’t go to trial to recover a satisfactory settlement.
Depending on the circumstances of your family member’s death, who the negligent party is, and if you have a wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis representing your family’s case, taking a wrongful death case to trial can be incredibly beneficial. Fighting for your case in court ensures that your wrongful death claim isn’t at the whims of the other party’s insurance company, and in cases involving product liability or negligence by a large company, taking a case to trial could pave the way for a class-action lawsuit if the families of other victims decide to come forward.
The wrongful death statute is different in all 50 states in the U.S., but most time limits for wrongful death claims are between 2-3 years after the accident. In Missouri, if someone is killed because another person broke the rules, Missouri Revised Statute 537.100 stipulates that the time limit for bringing a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of the victim’s death.
You only have one chance to make the person who ended your loved one’s life pay for what they have done and to receive monetary damages that alleviate your financial concerns for yourself and your family after the accident. To make sure you have the best chance of obtaining a full recovery, you need to find a skilled wrongful death attorney who has experience winning cases like yours.
There are many qualified wrongful death lawyers and law firms to choose from in St. Louis and the surrounding Missouri and Illinois areas. You will have to make the decision that is best for you and find the wrongful death lawyer you feel most comfortable with. There are numerous benefits of hiring a wrongful death lawyer.
Take the workload off of your plate. Rely on your wrongful death lawyer to handle all the administrative and other aspects of your case so you can focus on the things that matter to you. We have a fully staffed firm of legal professionals who can handle filing the proper paperwork, communicating with the defense and other parties involved, obtaining evidence to make your case and other clerical tasks.
Know the value of your claim. As an experienced attorney who has been handling cases like yours for more than two decades, your Burger Law wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis knows how to properly calculate the value of your claim. Without this experience, it is next to impossible to understand the monetary value of damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of support. Even when it comes to economic damages like medical bills and loss of income and benefits, your lawyer will make sure that every dollar is accounted for and that you and your family are demanding what your case is truly worth.
Make your case. This is what you hire your lawyer to do. A strong wrongful death attorney in St. Louis is prepared to go to any lengths to make sure you get what you and your family deserve. This includes collecting evidence; presenting an argument for negligence, fault, and damages; negotiating a settlement with the defense; and taking your case to trial in front of a jury of your peers if necessary. The litigation and trial experience of your wrongful death lawyer greatly increases your chances of success in your wrongful death suit.
Offer support and guidance. One of the most valuable things your lawyer can do for you is to simply be there for you and your family. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time. You have lost someone you love suddenly and tragically, and now you have to deal with the legal process of your wrongful death suit. The St. Louis wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law take our responsibility of representing and counseling mourning families very seriously and we understand that sometimes what you need from us most is encouragement, a kind word, or a hand to hold. We are here for you. We can provide you with sound legal advice on your options and the best course of action to take and we can listen when you need to unload. The role of your wrongful death attorney is one we wear with honor.
Wrongful death cases have several special considerations. In most cases, a wrongful death claim can only be filed by a child, spouse or parent/guardian of a deceased individual, and if the claimant is successful they may receive restitution for their financial losses.
Wrongful death suits can be filed under a myriad of circumstances. As long as a person is killed due to negligence or an intentional criminal act, most courts will hear a wrongful death case. Wrongful death claims are often filed in the wake of deaths caused by:
Even if a person is found not guilty by a criminal court, they can still be held financially responsible in civil court if a family chooses to file a wrongful death suit. This is because the burden of proof is not as great in civil court since the jury there can award monetary damages but cannot levy criminal charges.
Accidents do happen, but when they are avoidable, individuals and organizations can be held legally liable if they did not take reasonable steps to prevent the accident from occurring. Wrongful death cases are frequently governed by a legal principle known as negligence. Individuals and organizations that do not take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of others are said to be negligent if their actions or inaction result in an accident.
If a loved one has been killed or diagnosed with a terminal illness after using a product, you need to establish a connection between their use of the product, their illness, and the company. Proving product liability requires the following pieces of evidence:
Generally, only a family member can file a claim, but there are some exceptions. Missouri Revised Statute §537.080 lays out a series of certain groups of people who can file a wrongful death claim after someone’s death. These groups are listed in order of preference. In other words, if someone from the first group exists and has the capacity to file the claim, then they must do so. It is only if no one from the first group is available that someone from the second group can file. Likewise, someone from the third category can only file a wrongful death claim if nobody else from the first two groups is able to do so.
The groups of people who may file a wrongful death claim in Missouri are:
An experienced lawyer in St. Louis can help establish liability in your case, protect you and your family from the company’s insurance agents, and recover a settlement for your damages in trial or with an out of court settlement.
Settlements for wrongful death claims vary significantly, based on case-specific factors such as liability, the health of your loved one before an accident and other factors that determine a wrongful death settlement:
While most wrongful death settlements are reached outside of court, some wrongful death cases end up going to trial. Burger Law’s wrongful death attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who are not afraid to take the fight in front of a judge and jury if they have to.
Wrongful death settlements are designed to help the surviving family members of people killed by another person’s negligence maintain the same quality of life that they had before the their loved one’s death. While recovering compensation won’t take away the pain of losing a family member, it can help offset expenses that the family has struggled with since losing their loved one. Lost wages in a wrongful death claim are the most commonly reported damages, pertains to any financial benefits the deceased contributed to their household income before their death including:
When a person dies, all of the property and assets that they possessed while alive are listed under the deceased’s estate. An estate is represented by the personal representative of the deceased as defined by Missouri Revised Statute § 473.110, most often, the victim’s spouse, child, or parents. Personal representatives are responsible for allocating the deceased’s estate to the correct parties, including those listed in the person’s will, and handling claims against the deceased’s estate from debt collectors, attorneys, and other parties.
If your family is struggling with the death of a family member caused by another person’s negligence, and you are wondering, “Can I sue the estate of a deceased person for wrongful death?” The answer is yes, but there are rules for suing a person’s estate. When suing someone’s estate, there are limitations on who can sue for wrongful death, how long a person has to sue an estate for damages, and elements that need to be present when suing an estate for wrongful death.
The statute of limitations for suing an estate is different in every state. In Missouri, the time limit for suing a person’s estate for wrongful death is within six months of the estate going into probate, according to Missouri Revised Statute § 473.360. Probate is the process an estate goes through before dispersing a person’s will. During the first six months of probate, claims against a person’s estate are assessed and approved or denied. When making a wrongful death claim against a person’s estate, it’s essential to have proof of:
If you are thinking about suing someone’s estate for wrongful death, you are going to need a lawyer. Suing an estate for wrongful death requires extensive knowledge of Missouri’s legal process, wrongful death laws and experience negotiating damages. Without an attorney by your side, you could miss the time frame for filing a wrongful death claim, risk having your claim denied, or recover fewer damages for your wrongful death claim in St. Louis.
Burger Law’s Missouri wrongful death law firm based in St. Louis has a team of gifted litigators and trial lawyers with more than 100 years of combined experience practicing law and protecting the vulnerable and those who have experienced loss at the hands of others. We will fight to get you maximum compensation in any injury claim in Missouri, including the case types listed here. Click for more information.
Our skilled wrongful death attorneys in St. Louis, MO serving all of Missouri and Illinois have the knowledge, resources and background to demand justice and full compensation for you and your family after the tragedy of losing a loved one to someone else’s reckless behavior. You deserve a complete financial recovery for your St. Louis wrongful death case. While it will not undo the profound loss you have experienced, a financial recovery in your Missouri wrongful death case will allow you to honor the memory of your loved one and move forward as a family. Hire Burger Law’s capable wrongful death lawyers to represent you in your claim and offer personal support and counsel during this difficult time so that you do not have to worry about paperwork or legal requirements while processing your loss.
Our MO wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law have decades of experience working on and winning wrongful death cases. We will answer your questions for free now at (314) 500-HURT. In addition, we have produced additional resources for individuals and families in St. Louis and throughout Missouri going through a wrongful death or personal injury claim. Check out some of these additional resources below.
The death of a loved one can be traumatic. After their death, you may find yourself struggling to return to normal and wishing that the responsible party could be held accountable for their actions. If you want justice for your loved one, an attorney could help. An experienced wrongful death attorney can devote the time and resources necessary to achieve justice for your loved one. Contact a St. Louis wrongful death lawyer from Burger Law today to schedule a consultation.
Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO
Client Reviews
Year of 2023 
This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!
7 months ago I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.
3 months ago Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.
a year ago We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!
a year ago They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!
5 months ago Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.
2 months ago Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.
11 months ago Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!
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Frequently asked questions
How do you determine which personal injury lawyer is right for you? As you’ve undoubtedly heard the disclaimer at the end of TV and radio commercials for law firms, the choice of a lawyer is important and should not be based solely upon advertisements. The key is to speak with the lawyer and de …
How do you determine which personal injury lawyer is right for you? As you’ve undoubtedly heard the disclaimer at the end of TV and radio commercials for law firms, the choice of a lawyer is important and should not be based solely upon advertisements. The key is to speak with the lawyer and de …
When To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer. Accidents and injuries are always unexpected, and it can be hard to know what to do in the aftermath, and how to go about getting compensation for your property damage, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Burger Law knows how to handle cases and …
We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to take your call. Live chat, text, and virtual meetings are available.
or call us at
(314) 500-HURT
Genevieve and Laura have assisted me in my personal injury claim and have made the process so much less stressful. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. Laura is always on top of everything and very sweet. I had no idea how to navigate this process and they have made me feel at ease and like they truly cared about the outcome.
It has been a long 4 years, but it is finally over! Burger law did a great job handling my case. Grant Doty answered all my questions, promptly returned my phone calls, frequently kept me updated and insured me that he was fighting for me. Jennifer Zini also did a wonderful job, great customer service. It was pleasure getting to know the Burger Law team!
After a driver unexpectedly pulled out right in front of my motorcycle & I suffered injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance company offered me a $10,000 settlement. I hired Burger Law & they won a $109,000 settlement. I was very happy with the outcome. They were easy to work with & fully explained each step of the process & kept me informed along the way.
At Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer, we are a team of personal injury attorneys who have earned many distinctions and peer-reviewed awards for our civil litigation and trial work in Missouri and Illinois. A few of the honors we have earned include the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating, Super Lawyers selection as one of the top attorneys in the field of personal injury and board certifications in Civil Litigation.
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