Losing a loved one in a car accident is devastating. While no amount of money can replace what you’ve lost, working with an experienced St. Louis wrongful death lawyer can help your family secure justice and financial stability in the wake of tragedy.
Nothing affects a family more than the unexpected death of a father, mother, child, or other relative. The void left by this sudden death can seem impossible to fill. If one of your family members was killed in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you deserve compensation for your emotional and financial losses.
While compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit cannot replace what you have lost, it can provide you with a much-needed sense of justice and alleviate some of your family’s financial worries.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner:This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner:Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner:We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer.
At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner:Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner:Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner:Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner:Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner:Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner:Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner:Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
The term “wrongful death” is used to refer to the death of a person as a result of someone’s misconduct or negligence. Each state has a statute that governs wrongful death claims. In the state of Missouri, “wrongful death” is defined as “the death of a person resulting from any conduct, act, transaction, occurrence, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled the person to recover damages in respect thereof.”
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death is when a person’s negligent, reckless, or careless actions cause the death of another. This responsible party may be liable for the financial losses of the victim’s family. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, our St. Louis wrongful death lawyer has over 25 years of experience helping families pursue accountability and recover maximum compensation after fatal car crashes and negligent acts. Some of the common types of wrongful death cases include:
Some of the damages that may be able to be recovered in a wrongful death case include expenses related to the death, loss of earnings the person would have provided their family, loss of benefits they would have received, and possibly punitive damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri?
Like all other US states, Missouri has specific laws about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. The individuals who are the first in line to bring a claim to court include:
The spouse of the deceased person
The children or grandchildren of the deceased person
The parents of the deceased person. This is the most common situation if the claim involves the death of a child.
A sibling may bring the case to court if a deceased individual has no living spouse, parents, children, or grandchildren. If there are no siblings, the “personal representative” of the deceased person’s estate will be allowed to file the claim.
Finally, the court can appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” if none of the above situations apply. This person may pursue the case as requested by someone “entitled to share in the proceeds” of a wrongful death claim. For example, this could be a cousin or other extended familial relative named in the will of the deceased but may not be able to bring a claim to court under Missouri law.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Suit?
The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to obtain financial compensation for the losses incurred due to someone’s death. A few different factors affect the damages that you and your family can recover if you file a wrongful death suit after a car accident.
Generally, the following damages can often be recovered:
medical bills related to the deceased person’s injury or illness
funeral and burial expenses
pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
value of wages or benefits the deceased person would likely have earned
“reasonable value of the services, companionship, consortium, instruction, comfort, guidance, training, counsel, and support” the deceased person provided to the family members
Each case is different, so it’s important to work closely with a skilled St. Louis wrongful death lawyer who understands how to properly value your losses and navigate Missouri’s legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action brought when the negligence or misconduct of another party causes someone’s death. In Missouri, these claims allow the deceased’s loved ones to seek compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Wrongful death can occur in many scenarios, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents, where the death is a result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.
The duration of a wrongful death lawsuit can vary greatly depending on the case’s complexity, the amount of evidence, and the legal processes involved. While some cases may settle quickly, others can take years to resolve.
In Missouri, a wrongful death settlement is divided among the statutory beneficiaries, which can include the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, or siblings, based on the court’s determination of each beneficiary’s losses from the death.
As outlined by Missouri law, compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit is distributed to the deceased’s legal beneficiaries. These typically include immediate family members like spouses and children but can also extend to parents and siblings without a spouse or children.
Four Common Mistakes When Filing a Wrongful DeathSuit
Like every other state, Missouri imposes a “statute of limitations” for filing a wrongful death claim. This means that there is a deadline for filing a claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death within Missouri’s territorial jurisdiction is three years from the date of the death.
While it’s understandable to want to take some time to grieve, don’t let the clock run out on your opportunity to recover damages. If you wait too long, evidence may disappear, and witness memories may fade, making it difficult to prove your case. Don’t let this happen — take action now to protect your rights.
No matter how strong you think your evidence or your communication or negotiation skills are, representing yourself in a Missouri wrongful death claim is not recommended for several reasons.
First, the other driver and their Insurer will most likely have an experienced attorney. This attorney will work hard to poke holes in your case and, if possible, get the case dismissed entirely.
Second, wrongful death laws can be complicated. Hiring an attorney who understands these laws can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Third, without the right knowledge and experience, you may miss important evidence or underestimate the claim’s value.
Finally, even if you can build a strong claim, the Insurer may use legal loopholes or dirty tactics to discredit your case or devalue your claim.
After losing a loved one in a car crash, you may not think clearly or be able to cope with everything that needs to be done. As a result, you may fail to keep good records of the accident and related damages. This can be a problem when it comes time to pursue a wrongful death claim. The Insurer will require clear evidence of the accident and the damages before they agree to pay out any money. If you don’t have good records, you may find it difficult to prove your case and recover the compensation you deserve.
This is especially common in “chain reaction” car accidents, where it may not be immediately clear who is at fault. However, it’s important to take the time to investigate the accident and determine who was responsible before filing a claim. Otherwise, you may waste time and resources pursuing a case against the wrong person.
More common mistakes include:
Filing in the wrong court
Failing to gather evidence
Relying on insurance companies and their adjusters
Accepting the first settlement offer
These are only a few mistakes people make when filing a wrongful death claim in Missouri. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, it’s important to seek experienced legal help as soon as possible to avoid making these or other mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Contact a St. Louis Wrongful Death Attorney
St. Louis wrongful death lawyer Christopher Hoffmann has spent 25 years representing families in Missouri who have lost loved ones in tragic car and truck accidents. His focus on motor vehicle cases makes him uniquely qualified to pursue these complex, high-stakes claims. By focusing exclusively on motor vehicle accident cases, he has developed a solid understanding of how insurance companies handle such cases and the true value of these claims. He also understands insurance companies’ tactics to limit their liability in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including offering families only a portion of what their case is worth.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we aim to ensure that you receive maximum financial compensation for your losses. Mr. Hoffmann will thoroughly investigate all avenues of compensation for your family following a fatal car accident. In hit-and-run accidents, that may include your own car insurance policy for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers know about Christopher Hoffmann’s willingness to go to trial and his reputation as an effective trial lawyer. They also know that he does not quickly settle cases for less than their true value and works hard to obtain significant results in all wrongful death cases. You can rely on him to protect your rights and your family’s future during these difficult times.
Speak directly with a proven St. Louis wrongful death lawyer today. Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm at (314) 361-4242 for a free, private consultation. You never pay unless we recover compensation for your family.
Why Choose Us vs TV Lawyers?
Direct Attorney Access
Maximum Settlement Focus
Trial-Ready Cases
Paralegal Handling
Quick Settlement Push
Settlement-Only Focus
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
