Accidents can happen at any time, in any place—especially in a major metropolitan area like St. Louis. From car collisions to dangerous properties, many accidents occur due to another person’s negligence. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an accident that someone else is responsible for, the St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Goza & Honnold, LLC can help.
Our personal injury attorneys represent injured St. Louis residents in lawsuits and insurance claims against negligent individuals, companies, and government agencies. We are a small firm with impressive credentials—so you can expect that we will fight for your right to compensation throughout each stage of your case.
Why Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers
- Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients in varied litigation, including truck accidents, nursing home negligence, car collisions, and more.
- Our track record of success speaks volumes. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- We believe in empathetic and consistent communication throughout the personal injury process. Our injury attorneys will take the time to learn your side of the story and understand your recovery goals.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle
At Goza & Honnold, LLC, our personal injury lawyers have experience representing clients in multiple types of personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims. Prior to opening our firm, our attorneys were part of a national product liability defense firm—meaning that we understand how opposing counsel operates.
Our firm handles a wide range of personal injury claims, including the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Inadequate security lawsuits
- Product liability claims
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and negligence
- Wrongful death lawsuits
Legal Options for St. Louis Injury Victims
If you suffer an injury due to the negligence of another person, you can hold him or her accountable for your losses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you could file an insurance claim against the at-fault party, if there is appropriate insurance to pay for your accident. For example, car accident victims often begin their cases by filing a claim under the at-fault party’s insurance.
In cases where insurance is unavailable or the insurance process does not result in a sufficient settlement, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri civil court against the at-fault party. For example, if you are in a car accident and the insurance company refuses to pay for your losses due to lack of evidence, you can escalate your claim to a civil lawsuit. If your loved one suffers injuries due to nursing home abuse, you can file a lawsuit against the facility where he or she experienced the violence.
Your optimal pathway to compensation depends on the specifics of your case. There are certain situations where you may want to file an insurance claim over a lawsuit, and vice versa. To determine your best options for recovery, speak to a St. Louis personal injury lawyer at Goza & Honnold, LLC.
Potential Damages for St. Louis Injury Victims
In a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim, you can recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to your financial losses, while non-economic damages concern the physical and emotional pain and suffering you developed due to the accident.
Common damages in personal injury claims include the following:
- All past and future medical expenses
- Disability accommodations
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Chronic pain
- Permanent disability
- Post-traumatic stress disorder/li>
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
Your personal injury attorney will work closely with you to identify each type of compensation you are eligible to receive. You can prove your right to this compensation using multiple pieces of evidence, including medical bills, paystubs, correspondence with your employer, journal entries, and vehicle repair invoices. If you require long-term care, your St. Louis personal injury lawyer will contact life care planners who can accurately calculate the cost of your future medical treatment.
The Missouri Statute of Limitations
After an accident, you will need to act quickly to secure the compensation you need to recover. As soon as your accident occurs, the statute of limitations begins. In Missouri, the statute of limitations establishes a filing deadline for all civil lawsuits. If you do not file your claim within the specified time frame, the court will dismiss your lawsuit.
For personal injury cases, you have five years from the date of the accident to file your claim. In cases that involve the negligence of a government agency, you only have 90 days to file your claim. There are certain exceptions to this rule, but they are not always applicable to most personal injury cases.
To ensure you file your case on time, contact a personal injury attorney in St. Louis at Goza & Honnold, LLC. Your attorney will understand these statutory rules and exceptions. He or she will evaluate your claim and determine your exact filing deadline, helping you file on time and protect your right to compensation.
Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in St. Louis?
After an accident, it can be tempting to handle your case on your own. However, self-representation is not always the best solution to achieve maximum compensation. If you are unfamiliar with the litigation process, it can be difficult to file paperwork correctly or truly understand your rights and how to prove the other party’s negligence.
With a personal injury lawyer on your side, you will have a knowledgeable, supportive advocate with you during each stage of the litigation process. A personal injury attorney can provide several benefits, including the following:
- Knowledge of Missouri personal injury law and the elements necessary to prove the at-fault party’s liability.
- Access to expert witnesses who can validate your injuries and the technical components of your case.
- Experience negotiating with insurance companies and the ability to advocate for a higher settlement on your behalf.
- The ability to accurately calculate your potential settlement
- Knowledge of the litigation process and the steps necessary to file a lawsuit in civil court.
- Experience representing clients with cases similar to yours in the courtroom.
- Knowledge of legal strategies that can help build a compelling case in your favor.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Goza & Honnold, LLC Today
If you are the victim of a St. Louis accident, Goza & Honnold, LLC can help you recover the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience across multiple personal injury practice areas, our firm has the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a St. Louis personal injury attorney.