What legal options do I have if I have been injured in an accident in Lebanon, Missouri?
If you have been injured in an accident in Lebanon, Missouri, you may be entitled to legal recourse through a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims are civil lawsuits that allow victims of another’s negligence or recklessness to seek financial compensation for their injuries and associated damages. These claims can provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses. In this article, we will discuss the legal options available to those injured in accidents in Lebanon, Missouri.
The Statute of Limitations
In the state of Missouri, there is a statute of limitations that restricts how long one has to file a personal injury claim after an accident. The statute of limitations varies by each type of claim. For most personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is five years from the date of the injury; however, if the injury was caused by a municipality or government entity, then the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. It is important to note that these time limits are strictly enforced, so it is important to act quickly if you have been injured in an accident.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover?
In a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover several types of damages depending on your individual circumstances. These include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages typically refer to any measurable financial losses such as medical bills or lost wages due to missed work days. Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses such as emotional distress or pain and suffering due to your injuries. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available in order to punish wrongdoers for their actions and serve as a deterrent for similar actions in the future.
How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim?
If you have been injured in an accident in Lebanon, Missouri, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for your injuries and associated damages. The first step is to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can help evaluate your case and determine whether it meets the necessary legal criteria for filing a claim. Your attorney can also help you gather evidence such as medical records and eyewitness testimony that will strengthen your case and increase your chances of success. After filing your claim with the court system, you will need to go through the legal process which includes filing paperwork, attending court hearings and possibly going through mediation or arbitration with the other party involved in order to reach a settlement agreement.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in an accident in Lebanon, Missouri, you may be entitled to legal recourse through a personal injury claim. It is important to note that there are certain time limits that restrict how long one has after an accident before they can no longer file a claim – known as statutes of limitations – so it is best to act quickly if you believe you have been wronged by another’s negligence or recklessness. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case and help you understand all of your legal options for seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries.