St. Louis Personal Injury Law Firm

Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle 

Our firm represents clients following all types of wrongful injuries. Below are some common personal injury cases we handle: 

How Do I Know if I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

The plaintiff bears the burden of proof in personal injury cases, meaning you are responsible for proving liability by a preponderance of the evidence. In other words, you must show that the defendant’s negligence “more likely than not” caused your injuries. 

To prove liability, you must establish the following key elements: 

1. The defendant owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic laws. 
2. The defendant breached this duty by acting negligently, such as running a red light. 
3. The defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of the accident.
4. You suffered actual harm or damages as a result of the breach.   

Our attorney is well-versed in these legal nuances to help you identify responsible liable parties and fight for a fair settlement while protecting your rights at every turn. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim? 

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally five years from the date of the accident. Failure to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of eligibility for damages, making it crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. Our lawyer can help you gather evidence, build a compelling case, and submit a claim within the appropriate deadline. 

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Personal Injury Claim?

There are two primary types of recoverable damages in a personal injury claim: 

1. Economic damages for direct financial losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. 
2. Non-economic damages for indirect losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Punitive damages may also be awarded in rare cases involving especially egregious misconduct. Unlike other damages, punitive damages are awarded solely to punish the defendant and deter repeat behavior in the future.

Can I Recover Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this law, plaintiffs can recover compensation in a personal injury claim as long as they are less than 100% at fault. However, any compensation awarded will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are 20% at fault for an accident totaling $100,000 in damages, you may only be eligible to recover $80,000. 

Insurance companies have a reputation for placing undue blame on victims in an effort to minimize or deny fair payouts, making it critical to have a knowledgeable attorney in your corner. We can calculate the full extent of damages to pursue a favorable outcome while protecting your rights and reputation.