1. What is a personal injury claim? A Personal Injury claim is any injury caused by someone else’s misconduct. Personal injuries, sometimes referred to as bodily injuries, can result from: Auto Accidents Hospital, Physician or Nursing Home mistakes Birth Injuries Work Injuries, or Workers’ Compensation Wrongful Death Closed Head Injuries or Brain Injuries Dangerous or Defective Product Injuries (Product Liability) Slip and Falls Toxic Exposures, Asbestos, Mesothelioma 2. How do I know if I have a Personal Injury claim? To have a claim, you must have been injured. The injury may be physical or emotional. In addition, your injury must have been caused by someone else (the defendant). Lawyers and judges use the term “negligence” to describe the culpable actions of a defendant. What we are talking about is: Who is at fault, or Who is responsible for causing your injury. If you are unsure about whether you have a case, contact us for a free consultation. 3. How do I know if I need an attorney? If you needed expert medical attention, you likely need expert legal representation. If you have been seriously injured or are unsure as to the outcome of your injury, then an experienced attorney should always be consulted before you give any statements or sign any papers of any kind and as soon after your injury as possible. If you have been seriously injured, you will benefit by hiring an attorney. We offer a free consultation, with no obligation. You have nothing to lose by consulting an attorney. 4. Why do I need a “personal injury trial lawyer? We only handle personal injury cases, and we know the value of your case. As experienced trial lawyers, we provide a credible threat to the defendant’s insurance company, that if we do not receive a fair settlement for you, we will bring your case before a jury and do our best to win. Our opposition knows this. We receive favorable settlements for our clients because we provide the threat that only an experienced, successful personal injury trial lawyer can. 5. What financial compensation can I get in a personal injury claim? Injury Victims are entitled to recover money for all losses and expenses they incur as a result of an accident. Many factors determine the amount, including: The severity of the injury The amount of the medical bills The amount of time and money lost from work Pain & Suffering Physical Disability Disfigurement and Permanent Scars Mental Disability Property Damage Many out-of-pocket and other expenses 6. What if the accident is partly my fault, do I still have a claim? Yes. Even if an accident or injury was partially your fault you still have a claim. Lawyers and judges use the term “Comparative Fault.” In Missouri, the fault of all parties is compared, and the amount of your recovery is reduced by the percentage of your own fault. In this way, each person is held accountable only for the percentage of their respective fault for the accident. But even if you are mostly at fault for an injury or accident, you still have a claim. 7. How long do I have to make a claim? Every state has certain time limits for certain types of claims. These “statutes of limitations” require you to file suit within a specific period of time, depending upon the circumstances of your case, or else you will be prohibited from obtaining any compensation for your injuries. It is always better to act sooner, so that your claim and your chance at recovery do not expire. 8. What is a Contingency Fee? A contingency fee benefits you. Most personal injury lawyers use this arrangement. It is “contingent” in that you do not pay ANY fee or expenses unless we successfully recover for you. You do not pay any up-front fees or expenses. Only at the conclusion of a successful case, and from the client’s award, we collect our fee and expenses. 9. If I have a personal injury claim do I have to go to court? No. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court by the insurance companies and their attorneys. But if a case does go to trial, you most likely will have to appear so that your testimony can be heard. 10. How long will it take to settle my claim? Each case is different. It depends on the circumstances and complexity of the case, the injury and the willingness of the opposing party to act reasonably. Many auto cases can settle within 3 to 9 months from the date of the accident. Many medical malpractice cases or wrongful death cases can take anywhere from 6 to 30 months to resolve depending on its complexity.