Personal Injury Lawyers
in Liberty, Missouri
No one expects to be injured in an accident, but thousands of people are injured in Missouri each year. When this happens, you need a personal injury lawyer in Liberty with the experience you need who will give you the attention you deserve. Many lives are suddenly changed as victims are often left with long-lasting pain and suffering, significant medical expenses, and emotional harm. The consequences can be worsened when an accident is caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of others.
Serving The Greater Kansas City Area
At Noland Law Firm, LLC, we fight for the rights of accident victims in Liberty and the greater Kansas City Area. We serve clients throughout:
- Blue Springs,
- Gladstone,
- Independence,
- Kearney,
- Smithville,
- Excelsior Springs
- Saint Joseph
- North Kansas City, and
- The Greater Kansas City area
We combine the sophistication of a large legal practice with the personal attention of a small firm, which helps us provide each and every client with exceptional service. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident resulting from negligence or intentional harm, you may be entitled to receive meaningful compensation.
Table of Contents
What are the most common types of personal injury cases in Missouri?
There are various personal injury cases that can result in severe and long-lasting damages. Here are the top ten most common personal injury claims in Missouri:
- Car Accidents: Often caused by factors like speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and adverse weather conditions.
- Truck Accidents: Negligence on the part of truck drivers, such as not following speed limits and safety regulations, can lead to accidents.
- Motorcycle Crashes: Due to the relatively unprotected nature of motorcycle riders, collisions can result in catastrophic injuries, although helmets can mitigate risks.
- Premises Liability: Property owners can be held liable for injuries sustained on their premises, including slip and fall accidents, chemical burns, and fires.
- Slip & Falls: All property owners, residential and commercial, have the duty to ensure safe environments for all visitors which is why you need to contact us if you have been hurt after a serious fall.
- Medical Malpractice: Claims arise when medical personnel deviate from the standard of care, leading to issues like failure to diagnose, improper medication, and failure to obtain proper consent.
- Dangerous Products: Manufacturers or distributors may be held responsible for injuries caused by products used as intended, including defective drugs, dangerous vehicles, and faulty machinery.
- Defamation: Claims related to damaging a person’s reputation, encompassing instances of discrimination, unfair treatment by employers, and other related issues.
- Workers’ Compensation: Employees injured on the job can file claims against their employers, covering incidents like slip and falls, accidents involving heavy machinery, and occupational exposure.
What are the different types of damages in personal injury cases?
In the aftermath of an injury in Missouri, understanding the avenues for compensation becomes pivotal. When individuals face injuries caused by another’s negligence or recklessness, the legal recourse lies in pursuing a personal injury claim. This civil lawsuit seeks to address the myriad consequences of the injury, encompassing various types of damages.
Missouri’s legal landscape recognizes distinct categories, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, and non-economic damages. Each plays a crucial role in offering redress to the affected parties.
Compensatory Damages
When individuals in Missouri suffer injuries due to another’s negligence, they can pursue a personal injury claim for compensatory damages. These damages cover actual costs like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, aiming to restore the injured person’s financial position pre-accident.
Punitive Damages
Missouri allows for punitive damages in cases of particularly egregious conduct. These damages are intended to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Typically higher than compensatory damages, punitive damages send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to compensatory and punitive damages, Missouri law recognizes non-economic damages. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Quantifying these damages lacks a set formula, relying on jury discretion for awards.
Missouri’s legal framework also provides protection for personal injury victims. The collateral source rule prevents defendants from using evidence of benefits received from other sources against compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, comparative negligence laws enable recovery even if the victim shares partial fault, as long as it’s less than 50%.
What is personal Injury Defense?
Personal injury defense is a legal strategy used to protect individuals or insurance companies from claims made by plaintiffs who allege harm or injury. While most people are familiar with personal injury law from the perspective of plaintiffs seeking compensation for damages, personal injury defense focuses on countering these claims. This may involve challenging the validity of the plaintiff’s allegations, disputing the extent of their damages, or asserting that the plaintiff shares some responsibility for their injuries.
Personal injury defense attorneys in personal injury cases work to reduce or eliminate liability for their clients. They use various legal tactics, such as arguing contributory negligence (where the plaintiff’s actions contributed to their injury), disputing causation, and invoking the statute of limitations. They may also challenge the claim by proving that the plaintiff assumed the risk of injury or that the evidence presented does not support the plaintiff’s claims.
If you are facing a personal injury lawsuit, having an experienced defense attorney is crucial to navigating these complexities and protecting your rights.
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Missouri?
(Statute of Limitations)
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is five years from the date of the injury. While there are limited exceptions to this timeframe, it is crucial to act promptly if you have recently experienced an injury. Seeking the assistance of a personal injury attorney early on is advisable, as they can assess the viability of your case and navigate you through the legal procedures.
Specific types of cases may have additional time restrictions. For example, in wrongful death claims, you have three years from the date of your loved one’s passing to initiate legal proceedings, distinct from the date of the accident causing life-threatening injuries. In situations involving medical malpractice, the applicable statute of limitations allows only two years to file a lawsuit.
To ensure accurate information and guidance tailored to your circumstances, it is prudent to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. They can provide insights into your legal options and assess the current feasibility of pursuing compensation.
Can you sue for pain and suffering after an accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, it is indeed possible to sue for pain and suffering if you have suffered personal injuries due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Pain and suffering fall under the category of non-economic damages, and the state’s law permits victims to seek compensation for the emotional trauma, physical discomfort, and psychological harm they have experienced. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life, but pursuing a legal claim for pain and suffering is a viable option. It’s crucial to discuss your specific case with our experienced attorneys at Noland Law Firm to fully understand your rights and options.
Contact our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in Liberty, Gladstone, Independence, Blue Springs, Excelsior Springs, Kearney, Smithville, Saint Joseph, North Kansas City, and throughout the greater Kansas City area, it is worth hiring a personal injury lawyer from Noland Law Firm to help settle your case with knowledge and compassion. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, or please call us at (816) 781-5055 to discuss your personal injury case.
