No one wants to engage in legal complications. They can be draining for both parties. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can feel more overwhelming for the victim, especially when one’s trying to heal. But it’s not a smart idea to let the defendant go loose.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Springfield, MO, the law gives you the right to seek compensation. That compensation could cover your medical costs, lost income, and more. But to get there, you’ll need to take the right steps within a stipulated time. While it might sound draining, this blog can guide you in the right direction. Let’s walk through the basics of how to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri:
Know Your Right to File
Missouri law allows you to file a personal injury claim if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence or intentional harm. Whether it was a car crash, a slip and fall, or a medical error, your case rests on proving three things:
- The other party had a duty to act safely.
- They failed in that duty.
- That failure caused your injury.
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, the victim has five years from the date of injury to file their claim. The sooner you act, the better evidence you can present in support of your case.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Don’t sit idly with minor injuries. Even injuries that look like nothing can take a serious turn down the line without medical help. Medical records also act as evidence. They play a vital role in proving your injury due to the accident. Plus, waiting to see a doctor can make it look like your injuries weren’t serious.
Collect and Keep All Evidence
Strong evidence builds strong cases. The more documentation you have, the better. Be sure to gather:
- Photos or video from the scene
- Police reports
- Medical bills and records
- Witness names and contact details
Get help from a personal injury attorney in Springfield to better preserve security footage or retrieve reports from the healthcare institution.
Talk with a Local Personal Injury Attorney
It helps to have someone who knows Missouri law and the local court system. A personal injury attorney in Springfield can evaluate your claim, advise you on your rights, and help calculate the true value of your losses.
Filing the Lawsuit
If negotiations with the other party’s insurance company don’t result in a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Your lawyer will prepare a legal complaint and file it in the court. From there, the case enters the stage of discovery, where both sides exchange evidence. Some cases settle during this phase. Others go to trial. A court date may be scheduled months out, depending on local case backlogs.
Stay Involved in the Process
Throughout your case, stay in touch with your attorney. Share updates on your recovery. Be open about any new medical costs or missed work. All of this plays a role in your compensation handling.
So the best advice a victim can abide by is not to wait months or years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Springfield, MO. Missouri law offers protection—but only if you act in time. Every detail matters when it comes to getting justice for your injury. Call tel:4175122333 to reach out to our trusted attorney to discuss your next move. We can guide you, support you, and fight for what you deserve.
