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You lost someone you loved because of someone else's negligence.
TopDog fights for justice and your family's financial security.
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Wrongful death is the most devastating outcome of someone else's negligence. Car accidents on St. Louis's most dangerous corridors, construction accidents, medical malpractice at area hospitals, and Port of St. Louis incidents claim lives every year. Missouri recorded 955 traffic fatalities in 2024 per MoDOT data. St. Louis City recorded 23 pedestrian fatalities in 2024 — the deadliest year on record per East-West Gateway Council data. Families are left without a spouse, a parent, a child. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may minimize the loss of life and use delay tactics to pay grieving families as little as possible. TopDog fights to get you every dollar your family deserves.
Wrongful deaths in St. Louis happen on I-70 and Natural Bridge Avenue, in construction zones across St. Louis City and County, in hospital rooms at Barnes-Jewish, and in workplaces throughout the metro. We know how these cases are built in Missouri and how to hold defendants accountable. Those losses cause real damage to families and we fight to get them the justice and financial security they deserve.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys across St. Louis often use delay, denial, and lowball tactics to minimize the loss of life and pay grieving families as little as possible. Metro transit and City of St. Louis involvement require written Tort Claims Act notice. We know how to leverage the justice system in Missouri courts to fight back for the full recovery your family may be entitled to.
IMPORTANT MISSOURI LEGAL INFORMATION — WRONGFUL DEATH
Statute of Limitations: 3 years from the date of death — RSMo § 537.100. This is completely separate from Missouri's 5-year general PI deadline.
Who Can File — Class System: Only specific categories of family members may file, in priority order — RSMo § 537.080:
Class 1: Spouse, children, or lineal descendants of any deceased children; OR father or mother of the deceased.
Class 2: Brothers or sisters of the deceased, or their descendants — but only if no Class 1 members exist.
Only One Action: Only one wrongful death action may be brought against any one defendant — § 537.080(2). All eligible family members must coordinate in a single action.
Parent Deadline Caution: If the deceased left a surviving parent, the spouse and minor children must exercise their preferred right within 1 year of the date of death, or the parent may bring the action.
Government Entity: If the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Metro Transit, or MODOT was responsible, written notice must be filed within 90 days under the MTCA — RSMo §§ 537.600, 537.610.
Comparative Fault: Pure comparative fault — RSMo § 537.765. Applies to wrongful death claims.
Split Jurisdiction: City of St. Louis claims go to 22nd Judicial Circuit; County claims to 21st Judicial Circuit.
This is a brief summary of commonly applied laws in the jurisdiction. There are often different laws that apply to different circumstances. Once you hire TopDog, your attorney will advise you on the applicable laws.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may make early low offers and often use delay tactics to minimize the loss of life. Missouri has no statutory cap on wrongful death damages. TopDog fights for your family's full recovery.
Wrongful Death | $2,545,036 avg | $4,400,000+ highest
Recoveries by TopDog Law and its co-counsel. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in your case.
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Call us or fill out our form — getting started takes about 5 minutes. Tell us what happened. We'll review your information and get back to you fast to discuss your case. No pressure.
Get medical attention and document everything — your health comes first. Keep records of every doctor visit, every bill, every day you missed work or could not do what you normally do.
Do not talk to insurance without us. They may use delay, deny, and lowball tactics from the moment you pick up the phone. Anything you say can be used to reduce what you are owed. Let TopDog handle them.
Time Is Critical
In Missouri the family has 3 years from the date of death to file — and government entity cases require Tort Claims Act notice. Call TopDog immediately. This is a general summary — deadlines vary. Contact TopDog Law to confirm what may apply in your situation.
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"Top Dog Law provided exceptional support and expertise during my hit and run case. Their professionalism, dedication, and clear communication made a challenging situation much easier to navigate. They truly went above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for me. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of strong legal representation. Thanks Top Dog!!!!"
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"After calling 3 law offices and lead to believe that I didn't have a case. TOP DOG not only picked up my case but explained in detail why myself and daughter have a huge case. TOP DOG got the ball rolling on my case. It's been an effortless process and I am so grateful!"
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