What is the process for filing a personal injury claim in Lebanon, Missouri?
The small town of Lebanon, Missouri is home to around 15,000 people who are proud of their hometown’s rural charm and beauty. Though the city is mostly known for its peaceful atmosphere, it does have a few risks that can result in personal injury. If you have been injured in Lebanon, you may be wondering what the process is for filing a personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to know about the process of filing a personal injury claim in Lebanon, Missouri.
Step One: Identify the Responsible Party
The first step in filing a personal injury claim in Lebanon is to identify the responsible party. In many cases, this will be fairly straightforward if there was another person or entity involved in causing your injury. If you were injured due to a car accident, for example, it would be clear that the other driver was responsible for your injuries. In other cases, like a slip and fall accident, it may take more investigation to determine who should be held liable. It’s important to have an experienced attorney help you determine who is responsible before moving forward with your case.
Step Two: Gather Evidence
Once you have identified the responsible party, it’s time to start gathering evidence to support your claim. This includes any photos or videos from the scene of the accident as well as medical records and bills related to your treatment. It’s also important to get witness statements from anyone who saw the incident happen or can speak about your injuries. Your attorney can help you collect all of this evidence and build your case.
Step Three: File Your Claim
The next step is filing your claim with the court system in Missouri. You can do this by filing a complaint with the court clerk’s office which will provide information on how much money you are seeking in damages as well as any other details regarding your case. It’s important that all documents are filled out correctly and signed by both parties involved in order for your case to move forward.
Step Four: Negotiate With Insurance Companies
After filing your claim, it’s likely that insurance companies will begin negotiations with you or your attorney regarding settlement amounts. It’s important that you don’t agree to any settlement until all evidence has been reviewed and all negotiations have been completed. Your attorney will be able to advise you on what type of settlement amount is fair and reasonable based on the evidence presented and their experience handling similar cases in Lebanon, Missouri.
Step Five: Go To Court
If negotiations with insurance companies fail to result in a settlement agreement that is acceptable to both parties involved, then it may be necessary for you to go to court and present your case before a judge or jury. At this point, it’s critical that you have an experienced attorney who can present your evidence effectively and argue why you should receive full compensation for your injuries and other damages related to the incident. If successful, the court will award damages based on their ruling and those funds will be distributed between yourself and any other parties involved according to Missouri state law.
Getting Help From An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The process of filing a personal injury claim in Lebanon can be complicated and time-consuming if done without proper guidance from an experienced attorney. An experienced attorney can help ensure that all steps are taken properly so that your case receives its best chance at success while minimizing stress on yourself during this difficult time in your life. They can also help negotiate with insurance companies so that you receive an appropriate settlement amount for both economic and non-economic damages related to your injuries. If negotiations fail or if going through court is necessary, they can represent you every step of the way so that justice is served.