Top Causes of Personal Injury Claims in Missouri
Personal injury claims are unfortunate, but common. These types of cases often arise from accidents or incidents that result in injury due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. At Liberty Trial Law Group located in Liberty, Missouri, we’re here to help you understand these claims and how they happen.
Let’s explore some of the most common causes of personal injury claims in Missouri. By understanding these causes, you can understand what constitutes a personal injury claim and how a personal injury lawyer can assist you in pursuing justice.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Missouri sees a high number of motor vehicle accidents annually, with factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence playing a significant role in these incidents. Victims of car accidents often suffer serious injuries like broken bones, whiplash, or head trauma.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If they fail to do so, accidents can happen. In Missouri, slip-and-fall injuries can occur in various locations, including grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, or even on private property.
Common hazards that lead to slip-and-fall accidents include wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, and obstructed walkways. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Workplace Injuries
While workers' compensation laws provide benefits for employees injured on the job, there are cases where a third party may be responsible for the injury. For instance, accidents in construction, manufacturing, and agricultural settings can result from faulty equipment or unsafe work environments.
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you determine if you have a valid claim against a third party. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, in addition to workers' compensation benefits.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals are expected to meet a high standard of care, but mistakes can occur. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or failure to provide adequate treatment, medical malpractice can lead to long-term health issues for patients.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to medical malpractice, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer with experience in medical malpractice cases can help gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and advocate for your rights in court.
Defective Products
Product liability claims occur when consumers are injured by defective or unsafe products. Manufacturers, retailers, and distributors are responsible for making sure that the products they sell are safe for use. However, when a product is poorly designed, defectively manufactured or lacks proper safety warnings, consumers can be injured.
In Missouri, product liability claims can involve anything from defective car parts to hazardous toys or medications. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, a personal injury lawyer can help you identify the responsible parties and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Under Missouri law, pet owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, especially if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including deep puncture wounds, scarring, and infections.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you assess the situation, determine liability, and pursue compensation for medical bills and other losses.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims arise when a person dies as a result of the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
A personal injury lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim and work through the legal process during this difficult time. While no amount of compensation can replace a loved one, it can provide some financial relief and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
How Weather Conditions Affect Personal Injury Claims
While the causes of personal injury claims typically stem from human error or negligence, weather conditions can also play a significant role in many accidents. These conditions can create hazards that lead to accidents and injuries. These are some common conditions that lead to injuries:
Rain and wet roads: During heavy rainfall, roads can become slippery, leading to car accidents, especially if drivers don’t adjust their speed to the weather conditions. If a driver’s negligence or failure to respond to wet roads causes an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Extreme heat: It’s not uncommon for workers in outdoor industries (such as construction or agriculture) to suffer heat-related injuries or illnesses. Employers are legally required to provide a safe work environment, which includes providing workers with access to water, shade, and regular breaks to prevent heatstroke.
Flooding: The aftermath of a storm can create dangerous conditions. Water on roads or in buildings can cause slips, falls, and vehicle accidents. If a property owner fails to take adequate precautions to prevent injury during these events, they may be liable.
If weather conditions contribute to your injury, a personal injury lawyer can help investigate the cause and determine the extent of liability.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Missouri
What should I do immediately after an accident in Missouri?
It's important to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Document the scene, including photos and witness statements, and report the incident to the authorities if necessary. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and understand your rights.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically five years from the date of the accident. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer promptly, as evidence can deteriorate and witnesses may become unavailable over time.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me with my claim?
A personal injury lawyer can help you handle the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. Their goal is to see that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case?
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to recover economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) as well as non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering or emotional distress). A personal injury lawyer can help you assess the full scope of your damages.
Will my personal injury case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but some cases do go to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached. Your lawyer will help you understand your options and will represent you at trial if necessary.
Get In Touch With Our Firm
If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to seek legal help. Liberty Trial Law Group represents Liberty, Missouri, the Kansas City Metropolitan area in Missouri, and Missouri as a whole. Contact our personal injury lawyers today to discuss your case and begin the process of seeking justice.
