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

When you are injured in an accident in Missouri, you may be able to recover damages for your losses. The type of damages that you can recover is dependent upon the facts and circumstances of your individual case. However, in general, Missouri law allows victims of personal injury to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses related to their injuries.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as compensatory damages, are intended to compensate an injured person for the financial losses they have suffered as a result of their injuries. This type of damage is often easier to calculate than non-economic damages because it is based on objective financial losses. Examples of economic damages that an individual might be able to recover in a Missouri personal injury claim include:

Medical expenses: If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to recover any medical expenses you incurred as a result. This includes expenses such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy and other medical treatments.

Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, then you can seek compensation for the wages or income that you lost due to your inability to work. This could include both lost wages from missed work days and any potential loss of future earnings due to your inability to work.

Property damage: If property was damaged in the accident, then you can seek reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing it.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to economic damages, Missouri law also allows individuals who have been injured in an accident to seek non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for losses that cannot be easily quantified with a dollar amount such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Examples of non-economic damages that an individual might be able to recover in a Missouri personal injury claim include:

Pain and suffering: If you have been injured in an accident, then you may be able to seek compensation for physical pain and mental anguish caused by your injuries.

Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities that you previously enjoyed, then you may be able to seek compensation for this loss of enjoyment.

Emotional distress: Victims of personal injury may also be able to seek compensation for any emotional distress caused by their accident such as anxiety or depression.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, a Missouri court may also award punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their actions in order to deter similar conduct in the future. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded and will only be considered if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious.

It is important to remember that each case is unique and not all types of damage will be available in every situation. If you have been injured in an accident in Missouri, it is important that you speak with an experienced attorney who can review your case and determine which types of damage may be available for recovery in your specific situation.