The Wrongful Death Experts of St. Louis

The loss of a loved one is devastating. When a life is cut short by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, the sense of injustice can be overwhelming. While compensation can never replace what was taken, it can ease financial burdens and force accountability.

Wolff Trial Lawyers brings nearly a century of combined experience to wrongful death and catastrophic loss cases. We pair compassionate counsel with relentless advocacy—and we’ve helped families recover millions in verdicts and settlements.

Why Families Choose Wolff Trial Lawyers

• Experience that matters: 46+ years of experience in wrongful death law; 7,500+ injury cases handled across Missouri & Colorado.
• Compassion + tenacity: We meet families where they are—then fight tirelessly for accountability and full compensation.
• Trial-ready reputation: We prepare every case as if it will be tried to a jury. Insurers and defendants take us seriously.
• Local roots, regional reach: Based in St. Louis with a Colorado presence in Steamboat Springs, serving families throughout both regions.

Wrongful Death in Missouri: Who Can File & What Must Be Proven

Wrongful death is a civil action under Missouri law. To recover, you must show the defendant’s negligent or wrongful act caused your loved one’s death. Missouri statutes identify who may file:

• First priority: Spouse, children, or lineal descendants of deceased children; or the parents of the deceased.
• Second priority: Siblings (if no one in the first class survives).
• Personal representative: If no eligible family member is available, the decedent’s representative may file.

Damages Your Family May Be Entitled To

In medical malpractice wrongful death claims, Missouri law applies caps to non-economic damages (indexed annually). In non-medical wrongful death claims, non-economic damages are not capped.

How Long Do You Have to File?

Missouri generally requires wrongful death actions to be filed within three (3) years of the date of death. Evidence fades and witnesses move—contact us as early as you can so we can preserve proof and protect your claim.

What We Do to Prove Your Case

We handle the legal burden so your family can focus on grieving and healing:

• Secure police, OSHA, or incident reports; preserve vehicles, product components, and scene evidence
• Obtain medical records and autopsy findings; coordinate expert reviews
• Identify all liable parties (drivers, employers, contractors, property owners, manufacturers, healthcare entities)
• Calculate full lifetime economic loss with economists and vocational experts
• Build a clear, trial-ready narrative of fault, causation, and damages

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Negotiation or Litigation?

Some cases are clear-cut (e.g., drunk-driving fatalities). In those, insurers may negotiate to avoid a public trial. When offers fall short—or liability is disputed—we proceed to court. Our team is skilled in both arenas and will advise you on the best path to maximize recovery and accountability.

How Wolff Trial Lawyers Supports Your Family

• Answer your legal questions with compassion and candor
• Assess your claim and outline strategy
• Conduct thorough investigation and evidence gathering
• Keep you informed with regular updates
• Communicate with insurers and defense counsel on your behalf
• Negotiate assertively; litigate decisively when needed

Proudly Serving St. Louis & Steamboat Springs

Missouri: St. Louis City, St. Louis County (Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Brentwood, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, Florissant, University City), St. Charles County (St. Charles, O’Fallon, St. Peters, Wentzville), Jefferson County (Arnold, Fenton), and surrounding communities.

Colorado: Steamboat Springs and Routt County (Hayden, Oak Creek, Yampa), serving families across the Yampa Valley and Northwest Colorado.

Free Consultation

If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, contact Wolff Trial Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue the full measure of compensation your family deserves.