What types of damages are available in a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri?

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, obtaining compensation for your losses is key. But what types of damages are available in a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri? As with most states, Missouri law dictates the types of damages that are allowed in a personal injury case. Here’s a look at the various forms of damages available and what you need to know about seeking compensation in Fenton.

Damages, broadly speaking, refer to the financial losses an injured party can recover from the person responsible for their injury. Under Missouri law, there are three main types of damages available: economic, non-economic, and punitive. In a personal injury case, economic damages typically cover the tangible costs associated with the accident – things like medical bills, lost wages, damage to property and any other expenses that can be easily calculated. Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life due to a disability caused by the accident. Punitive damages are rarely awarded but are meant to punish individuals or entities whose negligent actions resulted in an injury – usually reserved for cases involving particularly egregious behavior or intentional wrongdoing.

In addition to these three main categories of damages, Missouri also allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for certain types of “special” damages. Special damages refer to losses that may be more difficult to calculate than economic or non-economic damages – such as future medical expenses or lost earning capacity due to a disability caused by the accident. In some cases, courts may also award “loss of consortium” damages – compensation for spouses who have lost companionship or support due to their loved one’s injury.

It’s important to note that not all losses will be compensable in a personal injury case – things like emotional distress or mental anguish will generally not be eligible for recovery unless they are due to physical injuries caused by the accident. Additionally, if the injured party is found partially at fault for their own injuries – even if it is only a small percentage – they may be barred from recovering any damages whatsoever under Missouri’s comparative fault rule. This means it is essential for victims of negligence seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident so that their rights can be fully protected.

When filing a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri it is important to understand what types of damages you may be entitled to recover. Economic and non-economic damages are generally available regardless of fault but special and punitive damages may require more complex legal analysis and are often harder to obtain. With this in mind, anyone who has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure that their rights are properly protected and they receive all of the compensation they deserve for their losses.