Top-rated Wrongful Death Attorneys in St. Louis, MO

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Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
Excellent
5.0
Based on 355 reviews
Hired Mullen & Mullen for the first time and the experience I had was terrific! They are on top of things! They keep you well informed In every step of the way and they answer any questions or concerns to its entirety!
I definitely recommend Mullen and Mullen, from the start they went above and beyond to make my situation less stressful and comprehended. Michael Foster showed me that this law firm genuinely is here to help. They kept me updated constantly and answered all my questions without hesitations. A big thank you to Greg, Olivia, Kimberly, and everyone involved who made this process easier and kept me informed on every step. Without a doubt this is the right law firm to go to if you’re in need.
Josh did a really good job for me on my accident case! I would recommend Mullen and Mullen to anyone!
Mullen & Mullen is a great law firm I would definitely recommend. From the start with Micheal F. He showed great compassion for our case and made me feel like he really wanted to help. To the end with Greg, he was very knowledgeable and only excepted what he believed we deserved nothing less. If you are ever in an accident you should definitely reach out to them!
I have been working with Josh and I swear they made everything so easy for me and did such a great Job on my case! Thank you guys!!
Everyone that worked with me regarding my case was awesome from start to finish and very knowledgeable.
Mullen and Mullen were great handling my case. The medical providers they sent me to for my injuries were top notch. Joseph Morrison was quick to respond to my texts and phone calls when I had questions. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome and would not have been able to navigate this complex experience without Mullen and Mullen's assistance and guidance.
It took me a little while to post this but absolutely 10/10, Josh is absolutely amazing and kept us informed every step of the way and helped us get everything settled very fast! Definitely recommend! ❤️
I am very pleased with this firm. Josh was very helpful and always returned all and kept me informed all the time. Will be telling people about this Law firm
I had a fantastic experience working with Josh. His communication was excellent, and he always kept me updated on the progress of my case. I'm extremely grateful for the team at Mullen and Mullen and would call them for their services if needed in the future. Highly recommended.
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Join The Family That Wins

In the last four years, our firm made Top Verdict’s “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements in Texas list 44 times, and the “Top 100” list 70 times.

2023 Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements
2021 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2021 Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2020 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2019 Texas Top 20 Settlements All Practice Areas Mullen & Mullen
Table of Contents

Top St. Louis Accidental Death Lawyers Who Settle For More

YOU CAN TRUST OUR FAMILY TO FIGHT FOR YOURS™

If your loved suffered a wrongful death due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or company, our skilled St. Louis attorneys are ready to assist. Obviously, no amount of money can ever undo the ultimate injustice. Rest assured, however, that we will hold the wrongdoer accountable, get the answers you deserve, and seek the maximum financial compensation available.

Mullen & Mullen is consistently recognized by TopVerdict for obtaining some of the largest recoveries. In the last 3 years our firm made the Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. Our stellar results allow us to offer a below industry standard 29% pre-suit contingency fee which means more money in your pocket.

Our experienced local team has an incredibly strong work ethic and truly cares. We’ve been privileged to serve injured clients for over 40 years. This is our backyard. Call (314) 465-8733 now for a free consultation and some excellent advice.

What Your Attorney Says

We fought for this family like we’ll fight for yours.

In the face of unthinkable tragedies, grieving families deserve answers. For decades, our firm has been dedicated to obtaining compensation and holding wrongdoers accountable on behalf of those who have lost loved ones.

While most of our firm’s results in wrongful death cases are confidential and cannot be disclosed in detail, there’s one particular case that exemplifies our commitment.

We were approached by the family of an individual who was struck by a motorist while walking on the shoulder of a highway. Despite the motorist’s liability insurance disclosing their policy limits promptly, they denied responsibility and refused to meet the policy limits, citing the police report that attributed fault to our deceased client.

According to the motorist’s statement to the police, our client had stumbled into their lane. To cast doubt on this claim, we ordered a toxicology report, which revealed that our client had no drugs or alcohol in their system, discrediting the motorist’s assertion that our client seemed to be stumbling before the incident.

To further uncover the truth, we obtained the investigating officer’s body-worn camera footage. This footage contained a crucial moment where the motorist acknowledged having seen our client before the incident, establishing that there was ample time for the motorist to react and avoid the collision. This suggested that the motorist had not made sufficient effort to swerve and avoid hitting our client, despite having the opportunity to do so.

With this crucial video evidence, we submitted it along with our settlement demand, prompting a swift reversal by the insurance carrier. More importantly, the grieving family could now find solace in knowing the complete story of what transpired in the tragic event.

Our commitment extends beyond mere acceptance of the police report’s initial findings or yielding when the motorist’s insurance provider denied liability. We delved deeper into the matter, uncovering the truth and tirelessly advocated for this family, just as we are prepared to do for yours.

Shane V. Mullen
Eagle

Our Results Speak For Themselves

Gross Settlements Before Fees & Expenses

We have achieved numerous multimillion-dollar settlements across all practice areas, but we are restricted from displaying some very large results due to settlement confidentiality. Here are a few recent results without confidentiality agreements:

$6,150,000.00
Work Accident

$4,000,000.00
Wrongful Death

$2,978,104.95
Vehicle Accident

$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident

$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident

$2,250,000.00
Premises Liability

Why Choose Mullen & Mullen to Handle Your Case?

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last four years, we’ve made their Texas “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements list 43 times, and their “Top 100” list 70 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last three years we’ve made their “Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

We have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology through well-established relationships with medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, neurologists, counselors, and other healthcare providers in the entire DFW Metroplex. You receive the quality medical attention you need from local providers near where you live or work. These providers specialize in treating people hurt in accidents of all kinds and they know how to properly document injuries to meet the legal burden of proof in your personal injury case. These providers are also willing to delay billing collections until after your case is resolved so you can focus on recovering without additional stress. Physicians that don’t routinely treat accident victims as part of their practice usually turn away patients over fear of being involved in the legal process or fear of health insurance companies refusing to pay accident-related healthcare bills. Please call us at 214-747-5240 for a free consultation and some advice.

Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford your deductible, Mullen & Mullen will secure you the quality healthcare and state-of-the art diagnostics you deserve with no upfront out of pocket costs.

Shane, Joseph and Regis have almost 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law. That doesn’t even include the combined experience of the attorneys that serve as of-counsel to Mullen & Mullen at no additional cost to our clients. Our firm continues to evolve, but we never forget our Core Values. We do the right thing, handle cases the way we would want our own case handled, and we truly listen to clients. We have over 40 years of local knowledge, and that matters!

Some lawyers forget that they represent the client, but we never have. Our legal team will make YOU the priority. You are the boss, and we will respond quickly to your requests for case updates and assistance. We guarantee that when you need to speak to your counsel, you will speak directly to your counsel, not to a paralegal or secretary, because that’s the way it should be.

Most firms hire an investigator to help develop evidence on your case and charge you back for that service. Our firm, however, has 2 full-time accident investigators on staff and we offer their services to you for free. This is another way we will maximize your compensation.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Video footage is worth a lot more. Our in-house videographer allows us to capture the true impact the accident has on your life beyond mere words on a piece of paper.

When necessary, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm uses cutting edge technology like 3D imaging videos to fully demonstrate the extent of our clients’ injuries to the insurance companies. This also helps maximize the value of your claim.

Mullen & Mullen’s attorneys live and work right here in Dallas, and always have. We believe in paying our success forward by helping people in the North Texas community, and are dedicated to supporting these local charities.

About Our Highly Skilled Attorneys

Attorney Shane V. Mullen, Managing Partner
Shane V. Mullen, Attorney at Law

Shane V. Mullen, Managing Partner

Our Managing Partner, Shane V. Mullen, has been handling personal injury cases for 21 years. He is “Top-rated” by Thompson Reuters who named him as a Texas Super Lawyer 3 consecutive years. Shane is also a lifetime member of both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, solidifying his expertise in handling significant cases. He is also an esteemed member of Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America, further attesting to his exceptional legal prowess. Shane brings hard-won, battle born knowledge to your case.

Attorney Joseph R. Morrison, Senior Associate
Joseph R. Morrison, Attorney at Law

Joseph R. Morrison, Senior Associate

With 18 years of personal injury experience, Attorney Joseph R. Morrison has established himself as a highly skilled legal professional. Notably, he served as counsel of record in a case that garnered recognition from VerdictSearch.com as a top 5 Premises liability (slip and fall) verdict in Texas. The defendant in this case was a Fortune 500 company with an annual revenue exceeding 11 billion. The specific case, Jeffrey Young v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., showcased Joe’s exceptional abilities in achieving favorable outcomes.

Joe is a distinguished member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, solidifying his standing among the nation’s most esteemed legal practitioners. Furthermore, his membership in both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums further attests to his expertise in handling substantial cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member

Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Both Shane and Joseph are lifetime members of the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, meaning they have each settled cases in excess of two million. This solidifies their expertise in handling significant personal injury cases.

Regis L. Mullen, Founding Attorney
Regis L Mullen, Attorney at Law

Regis L. Mullen, Founder

Our Founder, Attorney Regis L. Mullen, has 56 years of personal injury experience. Regis received his Admission to practice law in 1967. Previously a Litigation Supervisor at Allstate Insurance Company, he knows all the tactics liability carriers use to deny or reduce personal injury settlements. Drawing upon his profound comprehension of the inner workings of the insurance industry, Regis established a law firm dedicated to meeting the legal needs of injured individuals in North Texas.

2021 Texas Top 50 settlements for Wrongful Death

According to our records, the result obtained by Shane V. Mullen, Joseph R. Morrison in the case Estate of Unborn Child v. Motorist was one of the Top 50 Wrongful Death Settlements in the United States in the year 2021 and has made our list of the Top 50 Wrongful Death Settlements in the Nation in 2021. See the list here.

Case: Estate of Unborn Child v. Motorist
Type: Car Accident, Motor Vehicle Accident, Wrongful Death, Negligent Tort
Attorneys: Shane V. Mullen, Joseph R. Morrison of Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
Amount: $1,510,000.00
State: Texas

ABOUT WRONGFUL DEATH CASES

What Is A Wrongful Death Claim?

When a family member succumbs to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, intentional actions, or misconduct, the surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim. The definition of a “wrongful death” under Missouri law is a death that results “from any act, conduct, occurrence, transaction, or circumstance which, if death had not ensued, would have entitled such person to recover damages in respect thereof.”

The statute of limitations for wrongful death is 3 years from the date of death. It is critical, however, to move quickly since – in some instances – a probate estate must be opened within one year from the date of death.
A survival action can be filed along with a wrongful death action. This type of action compensates the deceased for damages occurring between the time of injury and death. Damages would include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

How Long Do You Have To File A Wrongful Death Claim?

Time is of the essence, and swift action is crucial. 

  • Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death (generally)
  • Survival Action: 3 years from the date of death (generally)
  • Decisions made now will significantly impact your case’s outcome. You have only one opportunity to convey your loved one’s story accurately.
  • Immediate strategic decisions must be made.
  • Evidence must be promptly gathered.
  • Experts may be required without delay.

Remember: If you are not included in class 1 or class 2 of the Missouri wrongful death statute you may be required to have a probate court open an estate to have a personal representative bring a survival action on the behalf of the deceased (or lost chance of recovery case in the context of medical malpractice cases).

What Is The Difference Between Wrongful Death And A Survival Action?

A Wrongful Death claim is initiated by specific family members who directly suffer financial and/or emotional harm due to the untimely and unjust loss of a relative caused by someone else’s negligence or gross negligence.

A Survival Action is initiated by the deceased’s estate, suing for the deceased’s own harm and damages caused directly by someone else’s negligence or gross negligence that led to their demise.

The nature of the harm determines the course of action. For instance, if a father dies instantly, leaving children without support, they may sue for loss of companionship and financial support. In the case of a prolonged and painful death of an individual, the estate may sue for pain, suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, and medical bills incurred leading up to the death.

In most cases, it’s prudent to pursue both causes of action. However, when dealing with limited funds and substantial medical bills owed by the estate, focusing on wrongful death claims may prevent lien holders from intervening, safeguarding your family’s compensation.

Who Is Eligible To File A Wrongful Death Claim?

The eligibility to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri is defined by statute and the statute gives priority to three (3) groups of persons:

  • Group 1 – Spouse, Child/Children and Surviving Descendants of Any Child Who Predeceased the Decedent, and Parents (Whether natural or adoptive)
  • Group 2 – Group 2 is only applicable if there are no persons under Group 1 who qualify to bring a wrongful death action. Persons included in Group 2 include the decedent’s siblings and any descendants of the decedent’s siblings
  • Group 3 – Group 3 is only applicable if there are no persons under Group 1 or Group 2 who qualify to bring a wrongful death action. This group includes class members that are minors or are incapacitated but would be entitled to share in the proceeds of the action. In this scenario, the statute allows for the appointment of a plaintiff ad litem to be appointed by the Court upon request.

Remember: If no Group 1 or Group 2 members exist (including minors or incapacitated individuals who otherwise would be group members), then no cause of action for wrongful death can be established.

Are Siblings Permitted To File A Wrongful Death Claim?

Yes, siblings are included in Group 2 of the Missouri wrongful death statute but can only bring a cause of action if there are no Group 1 members who qualify. Recall that Group 1 members typically include the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents.

Remember: Any money recovered from a survival action – as opposed to wrongful death – is directed to the estate. If the deceased had a will designating a sibling as a beneficiary, the sibling may indirectly benefit financially from the lawsuit.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in Missouri Wrongful Death Claims?

Available damages include burial / funeral expenses, medical bills incurred prior to death, value of benefits and wages the deceased would have earned over the remainder of their expected lifetime, and loss of consortium – including the reasonable value of companionship, comfort & guidance, and counsel / training / support your loved one would have provided. There is no damage cap for wrongful death cases in Missouri except those involving medical malpractice.

What “Actual Damages” Can Be Recovered by Parents of A Deceased Minor Child In A Wrongful Death Claim?

In tragic cases involving deceased minor children, the parents can recover the damages indicated previously. Please note lost wages can be claimed but there is a rebuttable presumption that the pecuniary loss should be based on the annual income of one working parent or the average income of both parents if they both earn income. Please note a viable fetus is a person within the meaning of the wrongful death statute but a non-viable fetus is not.

What Factors Do Jurors Typically Consider In Determining Damages For Loss of Consortium / Loss Of Companionship?

Jurors are typically instructed to consider various factors, including the relationship between the deceased and the party filing the claim, living arrangements, any periods of extended absence, family harmony, and shared interests or activities.

Is It Possible to Recover Punitive Damages If a Child, Spouse, Or Parent Dies?

Yes, punitive damages may be recoverable if the loved one’s demise resulted due to the Defendant’s complete indifference to and/or conscious disregard for the safety of others i.e. recklessness. Please note punitive damages are only available as part of a Survival action.

Can Damages Be Recovered for The Wrongful Death Of A Fetus If The Mother Is Pregnant?

Yes, but only if the fetus is viable – capable of living outside of the uterus under normal conditions.

What Constitutes A “Survival Action”?

A survival action is initiated by or on behalf of the deceased’s estate to seek damages for injuries sustained by the decedent prior to his or her passing.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a “Survival Action”?

Recoverable damages include – but aren’t limited to – the physical pain and mental anguish endured by the victim before their death, medical expenses incurred, and potentially punitive damages.

In A Survival Action, Can the Estate Recover Damages for Physical Pain And Mental Anguish If The Victim Died Instantly?

It is unlikely. Recovery of such damages is generally restricted to situations where conscious pain and suffering can be demonstrated, even if only for a brief period.

Was The Defendant Negligent?

Proving negligence is often the most challenging aspect of any wrongful death claim. While cases involving clear negligence, such as drunk driving well above the legal limit, are straightforward, instances like medical malpractice can be less clear-cut, requiring substantial time and resources to determine. The term “breach of duty” may also be utilized which is the defendant’s liability for a violation of his or her duty of care.

Facing The Reality of Decisions Leading To The Passing Of A Loved One

It’s a harsh reality that decisions made by others can lead to the loss of a loved one. If you find yourself in this heart-wrenching situation, reach out to our St. Louis lawyers for a free consultation and guidance.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call (314) 465-8733 to talk to a St. Louis wrongful death attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Missouri statute of limitations gives you just 5 years from the date of your accident to file a claim. BUT if you wait to contact a lawyer it may be too late to gather evidence. It’s critical to your potential claim to ACT FAST.

We’ll come to your home or hospital room if it makes it easier on you! Phone and Zoom consultations are also available. You can call us, or use the form or chat feature on this page to request a free consultation now.

Seriously Hurt? We’ll Come to You!

ST. LOUIS OFFICE

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm in St. Louis
100 S 4th St #550
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 465-8733
By Appointment Only

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The Mullen & Mullen family is here to address your concerns and make the path to recovery smooth. There are no fees to get started and you pay $0 if we don’t settle your case.

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