538.229.  Certain statements, writings, and benevolent gestures inadmissible, when — definitions. — 1.  The portion of statements, writings, or benevolent gestures expressing sympathy or a general sense of benevolence relating to the pain, suffering, or death of a person and made to that person or to the family of that person shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability in a civil action.  However, nothing in this section shall prohibit admission of a statement of fault.

  2.  For the purposes of this section, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Benevolent gestures", actions which convey a sense of compassion or commiseration emanating from humane impulses;

  (2)  "Family", the spouse, parent, grandparent, stepmother, stepfather, child, grandchild, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, adopted children of a parent, or spouse's parents of an injured party.