Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Kansas City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Kansas City, Missouri?

  816-234-1111 is the non-emergency number of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Kansas City, Missouri?

  To obtain a police incident report related to your case, you may call 816-234-5100 to check its availability and visit any patrol division station in Kansas City. Bring a photo identification.

• What kind of damage claim can you recover in a personal injury case in Kansas City?

  The amount of money you can get in a personal injury case in Kansas City depends on how much damage you sustained. When you require medical treatment, past and future medical treatment and past and future lost wages are recoverable. Furthermore, you can also recover general damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and inconvenience associated with the injury. If applicable, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer for intentional or reckless actions.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury case in Kansas City?

  In Kansas City, the time you must sue for a personal injury lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. It varies depending on where you live and the type of case. Under Missouri law, you have five years to sue for accidents and three years for wrongful death. Ask a lawyer if you need to figure out how much time you have. There are some unique situations where you might have more time to sue.

• How long does resolving a personal injury case in Kansas City take?

  The duration of a personal injury case in Kansas City can vary depending on its complexity, but generally, settling a case takes less time than taking it to trial. It can take several months or years to resolve a case in court. The timeline involves hiring a personal injury attorney, investigating the claim and medical records, filing a lawsuit, and going to trial if no settlement is reached.

• Who should you hold accountable for your personal injury case in Kansas City?

  Multiple parties may be liable in some personal injury cases in Kansas City. To establish negligence and prove your right to compensation, you must show that the responsible party or parties caused your injuries, resulting in losses and damages. However, insurance companies may try to deflect blame and dispute the extent of your injuries to minimize or deny your claim. It is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to help determine who may be liable for your losses.

• Why does a personal injury case in Kansas City go to trial?

  Personal injury cases in Kansas City rarely go to trial, with only about 5% of cases ending up in court. Specific circumstances may lead to a trial, such as when the at-fault party disputes liability or the extent of damages or if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.