Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorneys

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed by the surviving family of someone whose death was caused by another's negligence, recklessness or intentional act. It provides a legal pathway for families to seek financial compensation for losses caused by the tragic and preventable death of their loved one.

To bring a successful wrongful death claim, your legal team must establish:

Duty of Care - The responsible party owed a duty to act safely;

• Breach of Duty - That party failed in their obligation;
• Causation - Their actions directly led to the death; and
• Damages - The surviving family has suffered losses as a result.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of circumstances, including:

• Car Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Nursing Home Abuse and/or Neglect
• Defective Products
• Fires & Premises Liability (unsafe property conditions)

Regardless of how the death occurred, our trial attorneys are ready to help your family understand your rights and take the next steps.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death laws and eligibility vary by state:

Missouri (RSMo § 537.080)

Missouri uses a tiered priority system:

First Priority: Spouse, children, or parents;

• Second Priority: Siblings or their descendants (if no immediate family); and
• Third Priority: A court-appointed plaintiff ad litem (if no eligible family).

Kansas (K.S.A. § 60-1902)

In Kansas, any heir at law may bring a claim. This may include:

Spouse;

• Children;
• Parents; and
• Siblings.

When multiple heirs file a claim, the court will determine a fair distribution of compensation.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

While no amount of money can ever make up for such a loss, a wrongful death claim can ease the financial burden and hold negligent parties accountable.

Economic Damages

Medical bills prior to death;

• Funeral and burial costs; and
• Loss of future income or financial support.

Non-Economic Damages

Loss of companionship and care;

• Emotional suffering by the surviving family; and
• Pain and suffering endured by the deceased.

State Damage Limits:

Kansas: Non-economic damages are capped at $250,000, but economic damages have no cap.

• Missouri: No general cap except in medical malpractice cases (adjusted annually for inflation).

Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Each state has strict legal deadlines for filing a claim:

Kansas: 2 years from the date of death

• Missouri: 3 years from the date of death

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to recover compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your family’s rights.

What Should You Do After a Wrongful Death?

If you suspect negligence caused your loved one’s death, taking quick action can make a big difference in your case:

🔹 Obtain medical records and the death certificate🔹 Gather accident reports, witness statements, and photographs🔹 Track expenses such as medical bills and funeral costs🔹 Avoid dealing with insurers on your own🔹 Contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible

According to Kansas City estate planning lawyer Antonette DuPree, "Many families are surprised to learn that a wrongful death claim is only one part of what must be addressed after losing a loved one. Estate administration, probate proceedings, beneficiary designations, and trust matters often need immediate attention as well. Speaking with experienced legal counsel can help families protect their loved one's legacy while navigating this difficult time."

How Our Wrongful Death Trial Attorneys Can Help

Pursuing a wrongful death claim while grieving can be overwhelming. Our trial team provides aggressive legal representation while treating your family with compassion and respect.

We will:

Investigate thoroughly to identify liable parties;

• Gather critical evidence to support your case;
• Calculate damages accurately, both financial and emotional; and
• Negotiate and litigate to pursue maximum compensation.

At Kendall Law Group, we are committed to making sure your loved one’s story is heard and that justice is pursued.

Why Clients Choose Kendall Law Group

When a family experiences the loss of a loved one due to the negligence or misconduct of another party, the need for compassionate and capable legal representation becomes urgent. At Kendall Law Group, we are committed to helping families throughout the Kansas City Metro pursue justice with clarity, confidence, and strength.

Here are several reasons families choose our firm during some of the most difficult times of their lives:

Local Knowledge and Community Commitment

Kendall Law Group is based in Kansas City and has long-standing ties to the local community. Our understanding of regional laws, court procedures, and the local legal landscape gives our clients a meaningful advantage. We are familiar with how cases move through the courts in Missouri and Kansas, and we use that knowledge to help position our clients for the best possible outcome.

Tailored Legal Strategies for Every Case

Each wrongful death case presents unique facts and challenges. We approach every situation by first listening carefully and understanding the individual needs of each client. From there, we develop a personalized legal strategy designed to address those specific circumstances. This individualized approach ensures that our clients receive focused and strategic representation throughout the legal process.

A Commitment to Pursuing Justice

Our firm is dedicated to holding wrongdoers accountable. We are prepared to resolve cases through settlement when appropriate, but we also prepare every case with the expectation that it may go to trial. This trial-readiness ensures that our clients have strong representation whether inside or outside the courtroom. Our commitment to pursuing justice means we are ready to take every necessary step to protect your rights and your future.

Ethical and Compassionate Client Service

At Kendall Law Group, we lead with integrity. Our clients are treated with respect, honesty, and compassion throughout their legal journey. We maintain the highest ethical standards in how we communicate, how we handle sensitive information, and how we advocate on behalf of our clients. Our goal is to ensure that every client feels valued, heard, and supported from the beginning to the end of their case.

Contingency Fee Representation

We understand that financial concerns can prevent individuals and families from seeking legal help. To make quality representation accessible, our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that our legal fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Here is how our contingency fee structure works:

No upfront costs

Clients are not required to pay any attorney fees when retaining our services.

Percentage-based fee

If a recovery is made through settlement or trial, a pre-agreed percentage is taken from the total compensation as payment for legal services.

Advance of case-related expenses

We cover the costs of filing fees, obtaining medical records, and hiring expert witnesses. These expenses are reimbursed only if we obtain a recovery.

No fee if no recovery

If we do not recover compensation, you will not owe us any attorney fees.

This model ensures that our interests are aligned with those of our clients and that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from pursuing their legal rights.

A History of Results

Kendall Law Group has successfully represented individuals and families across Kansas and Missouri in complex wrongful death and personal injury cases. Our record of favorable outcomes reflects both our legal skill and our unwavering commitment to the people we serve. We understand the emotional and financial toll these cases bring, and we work diligently to achieve meaningful results for our clients.

Your Legal Partner in a Time of Crisis

Choosing Kendall Law Group means choosing a legal team that prioritizes your well-being, protects your rights, and advocates on your behalf with professionalism and purpose. We understand that no case is simply about compensation. It is about accountability, closure, and the opportunity to begin moving forward.

To learn how our firm can help your family, please contact Kendall Law Group to schedule a free consultation.

• How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney
• Wrongful Death Claims: How Families Can Seek Justice After a Tragic Loss