What is the process for filing a personal injury claim in Licking, Missouri?

Filing a personal injury claim in Licking, Missouri is a process that requires attention to detail, an understanding of the law, and a commitment to pursuing justice. The experienced attorneys at The Smith Law Firm are well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury is any harm done to an individual due to another party’s negligence or intentional act. Personal injury claims can be made for physical harm, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, or even pain and suffering. In order to recover damages for a personal injury claim in Licking, Missouri, it is essential that you understand the legal process and take appropriate steps to protect your rights.

What Are the Steps Involved in Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

The first step in filing a personal injury claim in Licking, Missouri is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A qualified attorney will be able to advise you on how best to proceed and will be able to guide you through each step of the process. It is important that you provide your attorney with as much information about your case as possible so he or she can provide an accurate assessment of your chances for success.

Once you have contacted an attorney, the process of filing a personal injury claim in Licking, Missouri begins with gathering evidence. This evidence should include medical records, witness statements, photographs of the scene or any relevant property damage, police reports or other official documents related to the incident, and any other relevant information that may help support your claim.

Next, you will need to file a Notice of Claim with the court in Licking County. This document must be filed within 90 days of the incident in order for your case to move forward. Once this has been done successfully, your attorney will then draft and file a Complaint on your behalf against the responsible party for damages related to your injuries. This is followed by discovery—the process of collecting information from both sides about their respective cases—and negotiation between both parties’ legal teams if necessary.

Finally, if both parties cannot reach an agreement on their own, it may be necessary for them to attend mediation or arbitration before going to trial. At trial, each side will present their case before a judge or jury who will then decide on an appropriate verdict and award damages according to what they determine is fair based on the evidence presented during trial.

What Damages Can I Receive Through a Personal Injury Claim?

When filing a personal injury claim in Licking County it is important that you understand what types of damages are available through this type of case so that you can pursue justice accordingly. Generally speaking, damages are awarded based on economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. Additionally, punitive damages may also be awarded if it can be shown that the responsible party acted recklessly or with malicious intent.

What If I Don’t Win My Personal Injury Case?
Missouri law allows for “shared fault” when determining who is liable for damages related to a personal injury case. In cases where two parties are found equally responsible for an incident resulting in injury then each party may potentially only receive half of what they would have otherwise been awarded had one party been solely responsible for causing the harm in question. It is important that when filing a personal injury claim in Licking County that all parties involved are aware of this possibility so that expectations around potential outcomes remain realistic throughout the process.

Conclusion
Filing a personal injury claim in Licking County can be complex but with proper guidance from an experienced attorney it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Knowing what steps are involved and what types of damages may be available can help ensure that those injured due to another party’s negligence receive fair compensation for their losses suffered.