According to a report from Fox 4, the family of Ronald McFadden—a legendary local jazz musician—has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Loews Kansas City Hotel and four other entities. Tragically, Mr. McFadden suffered cardiac arrest after a post-performance slip and fall accident earlier this year. Here, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer provides an overview of the case and explains the key things families should know about the wrongful death laws in Missouri.
Local Legend Killed in Fall Accident at Kansas City Hotel
The family of jazz legend Ronald McFadden, a member of the McFadden Brothers, has filed a lawsuit against a Loews Kansas City Hotel and other entities that were involved in the production of a performance that happened in February of 2023. The wrongful death lawsuit alleges that a contract slippery steel ramp with no handrails was the cause of Mr. McFadden’s fatal fall post-performance.
Notably, Mr. McFadden, who was wearing tap shoes at the time, reportedly slipped and fell onto his saxophone, leading to a cardiac arrest. The family contends that the performance contract specified certain safety-related conditions for the ramp but that the companies failed to comply with the terms of the agreement. Angela McFadden, the wife of the late musician, is seeking damages.
An Overview of Wrongful Death Claims in Missouri
Wrongful death claims are complicated. As a family member of someone killed in an accident, it is crucial that you know your rights and options under Missouri law. Here are four things to understand about wrongful death lawsuits in Missouri:
- Eligible Claimants: In Missouri, the decedent’s spouse, children, or grandchildren have the primary right to file a wrongful death claim. If these parties do not exist or choose not to file, then parents, siblings, or the personal representative of the estate can file a claim.
- Standard of Liability: Wrongful death lawsuits are fault-based legal cases in Missouri. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional action was the direct cause of the decedent’s death. Notably, Missouri is a comparative fault state.
- Statute of Limitations: The time limit to file a wrongful death claim in the state is three years from the date of the decedent’s death. As there is limited time to bring a claim, it is crucial that grieving families consult with a Missouri wrongful death lawyer right away.
- Damages: Compensation in wrongful death claims may include economic damages like lost potential earnings, medical expenses, and funeral costs, and non-economic damages like loss of companionship or consortium and mental anguish suffered by the survivors.
Contact Our Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer is a compassionate, experienced, and justice-focused advocate for grieving families. If your loved one was killed due to negligence, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential initial consultation. With a law office in Kansas City, we handle wrongful death claims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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