Sunset Hills Personal Injury Lawyers
Accidents that result in severe injuries can disrupt multiple aspects of your life. You may have to undergo surgery, take time off work, and pay for repairs to your personal property. However, if another person or entity was responsible for your accident, you may be able to hold them liable for your damages.
With the help of an experienced lawyer, you could pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party. Our Sunset Hills personal injury lawyers could help you navigate the legal system and seek the compensation you need to heal.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Any physical, emotional, or mental injury is considered a personal injury. In contrast to criminal cases, personal injury lawsuits are civil claims. These actions brought before civil courts are legally referred to as torts. They aim to restore the injured party to their position prior to the accident through monetary compensation.
Some of the most common types of accidents that result in personal injury claims include:
- Car accidents
- Truck wrecks
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slips and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Defective product accidents
Each of these types of cases involves one party who is injured due to the negligent actions of another. However, the circumstances surrounding the injury can significantly impact who is held liable and what type of compensation can be recovered. For example, a store owner may be liable for a slip and fall accident, while a reckless driver would be responsible for a car crash. An experienced attorney in Sunset Hills could provide valuable insight into who is liable in a personal injury case.
Damages is the legal term for court-awarded monetary compensation in a personal injury case. An injured party may recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to calculable damages such as the loss of money or expenses incurred in connection with a personal injury. Non-economic damages, on the opposite end of the spectrum, are more difficult to calculate and relate to pain and suffering.
Both forms of damages seek to place the victim in the same position they were in before the accident occurred. Therefore, successful claimants in personal injury cases may be able to recover damages related to:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Additionally, in cases that involve particularly reckless or cruel intent, the court may consider awarding punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish egregious behavior by fining the liable party through additional damages. A dedicated lawyer could help a plaintiff fight for the maximum amount of damages in a personal injury claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies in a Personal Injury Claim
After an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company will likely contact the injured party immediately. Though the insurance agent may seem eager to help, they are not looking out for the injured person’s best interest. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit and will attempt to settle the case for the lowest amount possible.
For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to seek legal help after suffering an injury in a preventable accident. An experienced lawyer could help claimants communicate effectively with insurance companies, seek adequate compensation, and pursue a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
What Is the Deadline to File a Lawsuit?
All personal injury claims in Missouri are subject to the statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a case. It is crucial for the outcome of a case to file within this time limit. If the claimant does not file in time, they can lose the right to recover the damages caused by the accident.
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, claimants are given five years from the date of the injury to file a claim successfully. However, the statute of limitations is three years for a wrongful death claim. It is always best to consult an experienced injury attorney soon after an accident to avoid missing the filing deadline.
Contact a Sunset Hills Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you believe you have a personal injury claim, do not hesitate to seek legal help. Contact our office to speak with a Sunset Hills personal injury lawyer about your situation. Our team is ready to fight for you and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- High Ridge
- Arnold