What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri?

When an individual has been injured due to the careless or intentional actions of another person, they may be entitled to file a personal injury claim in order to receive compensation for their losses. Personal injury claims can be complicated and involve a variety of legal issues, so it is important to understand the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri is five years from the date of the incident that caused the injury. This means that victims have five years from the date of their accident or injury to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If an individual does not file their lawsuit within this five-year period, then they may be barred from bringing their case to court.

Under Missouri law, there are some exceptions to this five-year statute of limitations. For instance, if an individual was injured as a minor (under 18 years old) at the time of the accident or injury, then they may have more time to file their claim. In such cases, the statute of limitations does not begin until their 18th birthday, giving them until their 23rd birthday to file a lawsuit. Additionally, if an individual was injured due to medical malpractice, then they may have three years from the date of discovery (when they learned about the negligence) instead of five years from the date of the incident.

In Missouri, there are also laws that determine what type of damages individuals may be able to recover in a personal injury claim. Generally speaking, these damages can include medical expenses and lost wages due to an inability to work as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The amount that an individual can receive depends on several factors including fault and severity of their injuries.

It is important for individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligent or intentional actions to understand their rights and seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can review all relevant facts and circumstances and provide guidance on how best to proceed with a personal injury claim in Missouri. Furthermore, understanding the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri is essential so victims do not miss out on their opportunity to seek justice and receive compensation for their losses.