St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney

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Accidents can happen to anyone and in several ways. Whether caused by an auto collision, slip and fall, or defective product, an accident can result in serious or catastrophic injuries affecting the victim for years or even the rest of their life. The short- or long-term medical treatment, inability to work, and pain and suffering arising from these incidents can have substantial financial effects on the injured party. But they don’t have to be stuck with the monetary burdens. The person whose negligence or carelessness caused the accident can and should be held responsible. Miller & Hine is here to seek justice for victims.

Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue just compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. From the beginning of your case to the end, we will stand by your side, explaining your legal options and protecting your best interests. Whether your case can be settled through negotiations with an insurance company or must be taken to trial, we are prepared to fight for you and seek a favorable outcome on your behalf.

To learn more about how our personal injury lawyers in St. Louis can assist with your claim, please contact us at (314) 413-2053. Your initial consultation is free.

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How Much Compensation Can I Expect After Being Injured in an Accident?

It is hard to know what kind of compensation a personal injury victim can expect to receive after being injured in an accident. Although there may be general patterns associated with the settlement values of previous injury cases like yours, no two cases are alike, and there are many variables that will affect the final outcome of your case, including:

The Medical Cost Needed to Treat Your Injuries

Physical injury is the primary basis for personal injury cases, and medical care and treatment are the major items for recovering damages. Keep an accurate record of the various doctor, hospital, and paramedic bills stemming from your accident. In addition, keep track of bills and receipts for any medication or other items associated with treatment.

Your Lost Wages and Income Resulting From Your Injuries

If you have been severely injured in an accident, the money you have lost in unpaid leave and future wages may far outweigh the cost of your medical expenses.

To accurately determine your economic loss, your attorney will need the following records:

Your Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering are often the most difficult aspects of a personal injury claim to prove. You and your attorney will need to show the negative impact the accident had on your quality of life.

Prepare a history of routine activities you engaged in before the accident, and keep a daily record of the frequency and level of your pain and what activities you are no longer able to do. Do not be concerned that the list contains mundane things, it is the lost ability to perform simple, but necessary, tasks that present the biggest social and psychological problems.

Until these factors have been thoroughly evaluated and accounted for, a true estimate of the compensation you stand to receive for your personal injury case cannot be given. That said, the more serious your injuries, the more compensation you are likely to recover, given the at-fault party has enough insurance coverage or financial resources to cover all of your losses.

Why Hire a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney?

After being injured in an accident, the doctor’s visits, missed work, pain and suffering, and cost to repair or replace your personal property can be overwhelming. So, it makes sense to let an experienced attorney assist you rather than going it alone. Here’s why:

Experience and Expertise

Without an attorney, you will be at a huge disadvantage when going up against the insurance company’s highly-paid lawyers. But, the experience and expertise that a qualified personal injury attorney can bring to your case will level the playing field. Your lawyer will handle the obstacles put in your way by the insurance company, so you can focus on your recovery.

Proving Liability

A successful personal injury lawsuit hinges on whether you can prove liability in court. You will need evidence in the form of accident reports, witness testimony, and other information to support your claim. Personal injury lawyers are skilled at collecting and presenting the evidence needed to prove liability that can give your case the best chance of succeeding.

Maximizing Your Claim

Insurance companies increase their profits by minimizing how much they pay out on claims. Therefore, the first offer the insurance company makes to settle your injury claim is likely to be less than what you are entitled to for all of your losses.

What’s more, personal injury claims are often difficult to value, which could put you at an even greater disadvantage. Nevertheless, you will need a fair settlement to take away some of the financial stress and help you move on from your accident with confidence.

Your medical bills, missed time from work, and other losses can add up quickly. In addition, if you are unable to go back to your job, a loss of future income or earning capacity may need to be factored into the value of your claim.

An experienced personal injury attorney can maximize your claim by ensuring that all of your losses are accounted for and that you are treated fairly by the liable insurance company. Studies show that personal injury claimants who are represented by an attorney frequently recover as much as three times more compensation than those who go it alone.

What is Negligence in a Missouri Personal Injury Case?

At its most basic, negligence is a failure to act how a reasonable person would under the same circumstances. A person may be held liable to compensate you for your injuries and losses if you can prove that he or she was negligent, and that their negligence resulted in your injuries and losses.

In order to prove negligence on the part of the defendant, you need to be able to show:

  1. The defendant owed you a duty of care
  2. The defendant breached that duty of care
  3. The alleged defendant’s breach caused you to be injured
  4. You suffered actual damages as a result of the alleged defendant’s actions

Negligence is not always easy to prove, and it is often up to a jury to decide if a person’s actions were negligent. Two important questions that must be answered in every personal injury case are:

  1. Did the alleged wrongdoer have a duty to take steps to ensure your safety and prevent you from being harmed?
  2. Did the alleged wrongdoer do what a reasonable person would have done under the same circumstances?

It is your personal injury lawyer’s job to convince an insurance company or a jury that the person who caused you harm was negligent in their actions, and therefore, liable to compensate you for the injuries and losses you suffered as a result.

Why Choose Miller & Hine to Protect Your Legal Rights After an Accident in Missouri

Entering talks with the at-fault party’s insurer or building a case to present in court takes time, substantial effort, and an in-depth understanding of the law. Navigating the complex legal processes for pursuing financial recovery can be difficult, especially when you are healing from your injuries or dealing with the loss of a loved one.

When you retain the services of our personal injury lawyers in St. Louis, you will have an advocate on your side taking care of the details of your case. Additionally, because we work as a team, you will benefit from the various perspectives and insights of each of our attorneys.

Recognizing how the outcome of your case can affect your future, we will maintain consistent communication with you, allowing you to stay updated on the status of your case. We are also available to our clients 24/7, which means that when you have a question or concern, a member of our team will be ready to provide a response.

Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of matters, including, but not limited to:

A St. Louis personal injury attorney from our firm can assist through every stage of your case, delivering compassionate guidance through the claims or lawsuit process. Backed by over 50 years of combined experience and a thorough understanding of Missouri law, we are confident in our ability to provide the legal counsel you need.

Statute of Limitations for a Missouri Personal Injury Case

The statute of limitations establishes how long a plaintiff has to file a court case following a personal injury. In Missouri, you must bring a lawsuit within 5 years. Failing to do so can result in the court denying your case and losing your opportunity to pursue compensation.

Note that claims involving a government agency or employee have a 90-day statute of limitations.

If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else, seek assistance from a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis as soon as possible. Waiting to get started could have adverse implications for your case. At Miller & Hine, our team is here to help take legal action.

Comparative (Shared) Fault and Damages

Missouri personal injury claims follow a shared fault, or comparative fault, rule. This doctrine establishes that if an injured plaintiff is partly at fault for the incident, their compensation could be reduced by an amount equal to their percentage of fault. For example, suppose a person is warranted $10,000 in total damages following an accident. However, they are also found to be 10% responsible. The $10,000 award is decreased by 10%, leaving the individual with a $9,000 settlement.

Call Our Firm Today for Help Pursuing Compensation

Having an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer on your side can increase the chances of seeking a favorable outcome in your case. At Miller & Hine, our attorneys know how to approach each case to negotiate a fair and just amount of compensation. We deliver personalized service and will work one-on-one with you to get a full picture of the incident and your needs and goals. Taking the time to understand what you are going through, we will tailor our legal strategy for your specific situation and will be sure to answer your questions and address your concerns.

With our team, you will receive aggressive representation. Whether we can pursue compensation through a negotiated settlement or by taking your case to a jury trial, we will work diligently to protect your rights and future.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone else, please call us at (314) 413-2053 or contact us online. One of our St. Louis personal injury attorneys will listen to the details of your case and discuss paths forward.