What damages can I recover in a Missouri personal injury claim?
In Missouri, personal injury claims may be brought against those whose negligence or intentional conduct has caused harm to another person. If you have suffered a personal injury due to the fault of another person, you may be entitled to recover various damages in a personal injury claim. These damages are intended to make the victim “whole” again, by compensating them for their losses related to the injury. In this article, we will discuss the types of damages that can be recovered in a Missouri personal injury claim.
First, let’s start with what are referred to as “economic damages”. Economic damages are those which compensate you for your financial losses resulting from the injury. This could include medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of future medical care. Additionally, victims may also be able to recover compensation for property damage related to the incident.
In addition to economic damages, victims may also seek compensation for non-economic damages. Non-economic damages refer to losses that are more subjective and difficult to quantify. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (the loss of companionship).
Finally, punitive damages may also be available in certain cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their behavior and serve as a deterrent for others in similar situations. In Missouri, punitive damages are generally limited to cases involving intentional torts or when the defendant acted with wanton disregard for the safety of others.
It is important to note that there is no guarantee that you will receive any particular amount in a personal injury claim in Missouri. The amount of compensation available is based on various factors including the severity of injuries suffered, medical costs incurred and lost wages experienced by the victim. It is also important to remember that insurance companies typically attempt to minimize their liability by offering settlements far below what they should pay out in compensation. Therefore it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can fight aggressively on your behalf and make sure that you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve under Missouri law.
Overall, if you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness in Missouri, you may be entitled to recover various types of compensatory and punitive damages in a personal injury claim. Economic damages cover financial losses while non-economic damages provide compensation for subjective forms of harm such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be available under certain circumstances when the defendant acted with intentional disregard for safety or wanton disregard for safety standards. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries under Missouri law