What damages can I recover in a Missouri personal injury claim?

When it comes to personal injury claims, Missouri law allows victims to seek compensation for a variety of damages. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of incident, understanding what types of damages are available can be key to getting the full compensation you deserve. Knowing the different types of damages and how they work can help you better understand the value of your claim and what’s at stake. Here’s an overview of the damages available in a Missouri personal injury claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to compensate victims for tangible losses resulting from an injury. These losses can include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other costs related to the injury. In addition to compensating for direct expenses, economic damages can also cover more indirect costs such as the cost of hiring someone else to do household chores in case you are unable to do them yourself.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for intangible losses resulting from an injury such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium (the ability to enjoy life with your spouse), disfigurement or disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of damages are often more subjective than economic damages and require careful consideration when determining their value.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for particularly egregious conduct beyond mere negligence or fault. They are usually reserved for cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the defendant. In Missouri, punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or five times the amount of compensatory damages awarded, whichever is greater.

Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages refer to all types of economic and non-economic damages awarded in a personal injury claim in order to make up for any losses suffered as a result of the injury. The goal is to put the victim in roughly the same position they would have been if they had not been injured. The amount awarded depends on several factors including the nature and extent of the injuries suffered, medical expenses incurred, any lost wages due to missed work time, and other costs associated with the incident.

Statute of Limitations
In Missouri, all personal injury claims must be filed within five years from the date of injury or discovery of injury (whichever is later). If you miss this deadline it could mean that your case will be dismissed and you will no longer be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Therefore it’s important that you consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident so that they can advise you on your legal rights and help ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Conclusion
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Missouri, it’s important that you understand what types of damages may be available in a personal injury claim so that you can get the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. If you need help determining what type of recovery may be available in your case or if you have any questions about filing a claim in Missouri please contact an experienced personal injury attorney today who can advise you on your legal rights and options going forward.