Answering Common Personal Injury Questions
What evidence do I need for my injury claim?
Strong evidence makes a strong case. Common examples include medical records, accident reports, photos or videos, witness statements, and employment records. In some cases, expert testimony is also important. The sooner evidence is gathered, the better your chances of success.
How much do most personal injury lawyers charge?
There’s no set dollar amount for a burn injury case. Compensation depends on factors like burn severity, medical treatment, permanent scarring, lost income, and long-term care needs. Severe burns often result in higher compensation due to ongoing surgeries and emotional trauma. We evaluate both current and future damages to build a strong claim.
What should I do after getting in an accident?
First, seek medical attention—even if you think your injuries are minor. Document everything: photos, witness information, and notes about what happened. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice. Then, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights from the start.
What if I’m partially at fault for my accident?
You may still have a valid claim, even if you were partly responsible. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, so your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Kansas uses a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. These cases often come down to evidence and negotiation, which is where legal representation matters.
What exactly does my car accident insurance cover?
Your coverage depends on your specific policy, but it often includes liability, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and sometimes collision coverage. Liability covers damage you cause to others, while medical payments can help with your own medical bills. Uninsured motorist coverage is especially important if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. We review policies carefully to identify every available source of compensation.
Who do I sue after a truck accident?
Truck accident claims often involve more than just the driver. You may have claims against the trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or even a manufacturer. These cases are more complex because commercial trucking is heavily regulated. Identifying all responsible parties is key to recovering full compensation.
How much compensation can I get for a burn injury?
There’s no set dollar amount for a burn injury case. Compensation depends on factors like burn severity, medical treatment, permanent scarring, lost income, and long-term care needs. Severe burns often result in higher compensation due to ongoing surgeries and emotional trauma. We evaluate both current and future damages to build a strong claim.
What is the dog bite law in Kansas City?
Kansas City spans both Missouri and Kansas, and the laws are different. Missouri follows strict liability, meaning dog owners are usually responsible even if the dog has never bitten before. Kansas generally follows a negligence or “one-bite” rule, though leash laws and prior behavior still matter. Where the bite occurred can significantly affect your case, so local experience is important.
What is considered a catastrophic injury or illness?
A catastrophic injury is one that causes permanent or long-term disability. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns, and paralysis. These injuries often prevent someone from returning to work or living independently. Because the stakes are high, these cases require detailed medical and financial planning.
How long do I have to sue for my brain injury?
Deadlines depend on the state and circumstances of the injury. In Missouri, most personal injury claims—including brain injuries—have a five-year statute of limitations. In Kansas, the deadline is generally two years. Certain factors can shorten or extend these timelines, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Should I file a workers’ comp or personal injury claim for a construction accident?
It depends on who caused the accident. If your employer was responsible, workers’ compensation usually applies and limits what you can recover. If a third party—such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—was at fault, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, both types of claims are available.
Who’s eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Eligibility depends on state law. In Missouri, spouses, children, parents, or a court-appointed representative may file a claim. Kansas has similar rules but allows any heir-at-law to bring the claim. These cases seek compensation for loss of income, companionship, and funeral expenses.