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Health Insurance in Columbia, MO, Wrongful Death Claims

It is difficult to overstate the physical, financial, and emotional losses associated with losing a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. While nothing can ever undo the trauma you have experienced, seeking just compensation in a wrongful death claim could help you and your surviving family members on the journey forward.

Health insurance in Columbia, MO wrongful death claims plays a key role in the legal process. Ultimately, however, your wrongful death claim will address your loved one’s final medical expenses. To secure a fair settlement, reach out to the skilled legal team at AW Smith Law. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys could help you navigate the claims process and pursue justice for your loved one.

The Decedent’s Final Medical Expenses

Some people do not pass away at the scene of their accident but instead receive life-saving medical care for days or even weeks before their death. Even when this treatment is unsuccessful, the medical bills remain. In addition to covering a family’s wrongful death losses, claims must address the decedents’ final medical bills.

The Decedent’s Medical Insurance Provider

Final medical costs can be immense. While you can seek compensation for treatment expenses in a Columbia, MO wrongful death claim, they must generally first be submitted to the decedent’s health insurance provider.

The insurance company will then cover the medical bills in the same way they would have if the decedent survived, with the same co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses applying.

Recovery of Final Medical Expenses

In addition to addressing final medical bills through the decedent’s health insurance coverage, you can file a wrongful death claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. After submitting the claim, the decedent’s insurance provider will seek compensation for the final medical bills they covered. This process requires smooth communication and coordination between the health insurance provider and the liable party’s insurance company handling your loved one’s wrongful death claim.

The Wrongful Death Claim

There are many legal intricacies associated with wrongful death claims, making it essential to work closely with a seasoned lawyer from AW Smith Law from the start.

Filing the Claim

In Missouri, only specific surviving relatives have the legal standing to file wrongful death claims. These include the following people in order of priority:

  • The decedant’s surviving spouse
  • The decedant’s surviving children
  • The decedant’s surviving parents
  • The decedant’s surviving siblings

When there are no surviving relatives in any of these categories, the court will appoint a representative to file the claim on behalf of the estate.

Seeking Just Compensation

In addition to seeking compensation for the decedent’s final medical expenses, you could address all the following losses in a wrongful death claim:

  • The decedent’s funeral and burial expenses
  • The income that the decedent would have provided your household in the future
  • The services that the decedent would have continued to provide, such as home maintenance or childcare
  • The physical and emotional pain and suffering the decedent experienced from the point of their final accident to the time of their death
  • You and your family’s emotional pain and suffering following the tragic loss of your loved one
  • The loss of the companionship and guidance that the decedent provided their surviving family members

Wrongful death claims in Columbia, MO are legally complex and require ongoing communication with health insurance companies. A dedicated wrongful death attorney could support your family and examine every possible legal option in pursuit of a just settlement.

Contact an Experienced Columbia, MO Lawyer for Help Managing Health Insurance in a Wrongful Death Claim

The knowledgeable wrongful death attorneys at AW Smith Law have extensive experience guiding difficult wrongful death claims toward the best possible case outcome, and we could advocate for you. Health insurance in Columbia, MO, wrongful death claims is a complicating factor, but we have the legal insight to help. Learn more about what we could do for you by contacting our firm today.