Can I file a Missouri personal injury claim without an attorney?

When it comes to filing a personal injury claim in the state of Missouri, many people find themselves asking the same question: Can I file a Missouri personal injury claim without an attorney? The simple answer is yes, you can file a Missouri personal injury claim without an attorney. However, there are certain aspects of the process that could be quite complex and filing without an attorney could mean that you may not receive the amount of compensation you deserve.

The process of filing a personal injury claim in Missouri begins with understanding whether or not you have a valid case. To do this, it is important to understand what qualifies as a personal injury under Missouri law. In general, any physical or mental injury caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness may qualify as a personal injury. This includes physical injuries such as broken bones, burns, or head trauma as well as emotional injuries such as stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Once you have determined that your case meets the criteria for a personal injury claim in Missouri, the next step is to calculate damages.

Damages are typically determined based on the type and severity of the injury suffered, any medical expenses associated with treatment, lost wages due to time away from work, and pain and suffering endured from the incident. It is important to note that these damages can vary greatly depending on your individual situation and should be discussed with an experienced personal injury lawyer before proceeding with your case.

Once you have calculated your damages, you will need to begin gathering evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include medical records from any doctor visits related to the injury, proof of lost wages due to time away from work, photos of the accident scene if applicable, witness statements describing what happened during the accident, police reports if applicable and any other documents that can provide support for your case. Having all of this evidence collected before filing is key since it will be used by both parties to make their cases.

Although it is possible to file a Missouri personal injury claim without an attorney, it is highly recommended that any victim of such an incident seek professional legal advice before doing so. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable advice regarding your rights and options under Missouri law and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. Additionally, attorneys can help navigate through the complexities of insurance companies who may attempt to minimize your claims or deny them entirely.

Ultimately, while it may be possible to file a Missouri personal injury claim without an attorney, doing so could be risky and result in inadequate compensation for your losses. It is always best to seek professional legal advice prior to filing any sort of lawsuit so that proper steps are taken in order to protect yourself and maximize your chances for success.