While criminal trials are effective in ensuring that justice is served for those convicted of murder, some families may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the aggressor in order to financially compensate for their loss. To determine if this is the right decision for you, it's a good idea to find a personal injury attorney who can provide consultation.
On October 26, 2009, 49-year-old dentist Phillip Gattuso was found bludgeoned to death in his North Dakota home, leading authorities to arrest the victim's father-in-law, 63-year-old Oklahoma resident Gene Kirkpatrick, after suspecting that he may have been involved in the incident. Kirkpatrick was ultimately convicted of conspiring to kill Gattuso in a murder-for-hire scheme, and is currently behind bars in a South Dakota prison.
The Associated Press reports that Gattuso's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Kirkpatrick, and that the plaintiffs were awarded $9.6 million in damages.
"No amount of money can replace their loss and make them whole," said Judge Lisa McEvers in her ruling, according to the news outlet. "This court is well aware of the continuing loss of not having a parent to care for, provide guidance and be present at milestones of a child's life."
In the event that your loved one dies due to another individual's negligent behavior, it may be in your best interest to file a wrongful death lawsuit. To get this process started, consider finding a personal injury lawyer in Missouri who you can count on to work tirelessly on your behalf. These experienced professionals can assess your claim, try your case in court and help you recover damages.