St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer Stephen Schultz recently obtained court approval of a pre-trial settlement in the tragic case involving an 18-month old boy who was shaken to death in May 2007 by a Florissant Missouri home daycare provider.  Schultz filed a wrongful death lawsuit in early 2008 on behalf of the parents of the young boy, charging the defendants with various counts of negligence, assault, and battery.  The exact terms of the final agreement are confidential, but the end result was settlement for the full policy limits of homeowners insurance available to the defendants. 

The case itself received both local and national media attention.  The story was initially covered by KMOV television.  Print and streaming video coverage of the incident can be found by visiting KMOV's "Top Story" webpage. The defendant, Leslie Pollard, has pending criminal charges and is currently awaiting a trial.

Missouri's Wrongful Death Statute, Section 537.080 allows for the surviving blood relatives to file a wrongful death lawsuit depending on the statutory "class of persons" they fall within.  To be a class one (or tier one) representative entitled to file a wrongful death claim, the claimant must be a "a spouse or children or the surviving lineal descendants of any deceased children, natural or adopted, legitimate or illegitimate, or a father or mother of the deceased, natural or adoptive."

Even if a Wrongful Death Lawsuit is not filed, any settlements received as a result of the death itself must be approved by a Missouri court.  The persons entitled to sue and the damages recoverable are very particular, which is why anyone faced with the loss of a loved one should contact a Missouri injury lawyer immediately for competent legal advice.  The situation is obviously very sensitive, which is why St. Louis Wrongful Death Lawyer Stephen Schultz is especially compassionate in the handling of these types of cases.  You may reach him directly at (314) 448-0934 or by email at stephen@schultzlegalgroup.com.