After sustaining an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, financial burdens often begin piling up. Medical records play a crucial role in providing evidence for the injuries sustained. You may realize that you have the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party, but you may not be sure what steps you need to take. An understanding of the personal injury claims process will help you select the right representation and increase your chances of success. Consulting with a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases is essential to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and to represent you in court if necessary. At Goza & Honnold Trial Lawyers, we are eager to provide skilled and experienced legal support for our clients in Missouri.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a type of legal action commonly associated with various personal injury cases. These claims are commonly associated with auto and moto accidents, product malfunction cases, spinal cord injuries, truck accidents, wrongful death, and other circumstances in which an individual suffers a preventable injury.
Not all injury cases may result in a lawsuit, although this decision is best determined by a skilled injury attorney who has evaluated your case. If an insurance company or liable party attempts to settle your claim right away, it is best to seek legal counsel first to ensure your case is valued correctly.
What is the Missouri Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations outlines the time permitted for someone to file a lawsuit. In Missouri, the statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases, meaning that any injured individual must file a claim within the permitted time frame to hold the liable party responsible. If the statute of limitations expires before a person files a case, he or she will not be able to move forward with legal action. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years. That said, many factors can change the calculation of an individual statute of limitations. It is extremely important to have an experienced Missouri or Kansas City personal injury lawyer review your case to determine the correct filing deadline.
Types of Personal Injury Recovery
Depending on the accident and damages you have endured—whether economic or non-economic—there are different types of compensation you may recover. Types of compensation available in a personal injury case might include:
- Medical expenses, whether for current or future needs
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Loss of earnings and wages due to time away from work
Your attorney can thoroughly investigate your case to assess what you might recover based on the injuries and challenges associated with your accident. Personal injury attorneys play a crucial role in this process, ensuring that all potential types of compensation are considered and negotiated effectively.
A Timeline of Personal Injury Claims and Lawsuits in Missouri
While you are going through the challenging days following a traumatic event or accident, there are a number of elements to consider and check off your to-do list with the help of an attorney. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your rights and any possible legal processes. Steps in the injury claim and lawsuit process generally include:
- Notifying insurance companies and any other necessary parties of the accident and your injuries when you file a personal injury claim
- Contacting a personal injury attorney to represent you
- Collecting evidence and preparing for your case while you seek treatment and recover
- Once the evidence collection process is complete, your case could potentially go to trial as a personal injury lawsuit, or you may have a settlement to accept
- If your case goes to trial, your legal team will represent you and support your case through the personal injury lawsuit process
- If your case goes to court and a settlement is reached or negotiation is completed, you may receive the settlement to sign and accept
To ensure that your case is handled correctly and efficiently, hiring an experienced legal professional is your best option. Understanding the personal injury claim process is crucial to navigate the aftermath of the accident and seek compensation effectively.
Call Goza & Honnold to Consult a Knowledgeable Missouri Personal Injury Attorney
If you are seeking a dedicated legal team that has the experience and expertise necessary to reach a successful outcome in a Missouri personal injury case, turn to Goza & Honnold. Our client reviews and past cases exemplify the dedication and commitment we provide to our clients throughout their injury claims process. If you were injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, let us thoroughly investigate your case using our decades of experience. Contact us today by completing our contact form or calling (913) 451-3433 to schedule a free consultation.
FAQ about Personal Injury Claims Process in Missouri
What is the personal injury claim process in Missouri?
The personal injury claim process in Missouri involves notifying all relevant parties, such as insurance companies, collecting evidence to support your case, and seeking medical care. A Missouri personal injury lawyer can help you determine the best strategy for pursuing compensation. The process may end in a settlement or proceed to court as a personal injury lawsuit.
What types of cases are covered under Missouri personal injury law?
Missouri personal injury law encompasses a wide range of cases, car accidents in Kansas City, medical malpractice cases, slip-and-fall incidents, and product liability claims. These laws ensure that injured parties have a pathway to seek compensation for damages caused by another party’s negligence.
How does the statute of limitations affect personal injury lawsuits in Missouri?
The statute of limitations in Missouri sets a deadline—typically five years—for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing legal action. Consulting with a Missouri personal injury lawyer ensures you file your claim within the appropriate time frame.
What role does a personal injury lawyer play in medical malpractice cases?
A personal injury lawyer is critical in medical malpractice cases, as they help establish negligence by collecting medical records, consulting experts, and negotiating with insurance companies or hospital representatives. Their knowledge of Missouri personal injury law can strengthen your case.
Why is understanding Missouri personal injury law important for your claim?
Understanding Missouri personal injury law is essential to ensuring your rights are protected throughout the claim process. It provides guidance on recovering damages, understanding the statute of limitations, and deciding whether your case should proceed as a personal injury lawsuit. Working with an experienced lawyer can simplify this process.
Goza & Honnold, a trusted personal injury law firm serving Missouri and Kansas, is known for our dedication to client advocacy and trial excellence. With a strong focus on auto accidents, medical negligence, and product liability cases, our experienced attorneys work diligently to secure fair outcomes while being fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. We work closely with our clients to build strong cases that reflect their unique experiences.