Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Saint Joseph

FAQs

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

  816-271-4702 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Saint Joseph.

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

  You can access an incident or crash report online by going to https://secure.coplogic.com/rar/startrequest/. If you need further assistance, you can reach the police records department by calling 816-271-4705. The office is available during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• What are the options for compensation in an unidentified hit-and-run accident in Saint Joseph?

  If the driver in a hit-and-run accident in Saint Joseph is not found, it may still be possible for the victim to recover damages through Missouri's uninsured motorist policies. The victim can make a claim to their insurance company so that they may be able to recover damages. They will need to provide proof that the accident was caused by an uninsured motorist. If successful, the insurance company will compensate the victim for their losses.

• What are the common injuries from farm equipment accidents in Saint Joseph?

  Common injuries from farm equipment accidents in Saint Joseph include burns, electrocutions, fractures, herniated discs, amputations, and injuries to the brain and spinal cord. These types of injuries can be fatal or catastrophic. Victims of these accidents may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation and may be unable to work or have a decreased quality of life. It is important to take the necessary safety measures to avoid such accidents.

• Are you entitled to compensation if you were bitten by a dog in Saint Joseph?

  If you have been bitten by a dog without provocation on public or private property without provocation, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your injuries in Saint Joseph. These include economic damages such as medical expenses and loss of wages, as well as non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

• How does premises liability work in Saint Joseph?

  It is the responsibility of businesses in St. Joseph to ensure the safety of their customers and visitors when they provide services or sell products. Also, homeowners owe a duty of care to guests or neighbors who are on their premises. A premises liability claim can be filed by anyone who suffers an injury due to a slip and fall, an attack resulting from negligent security, or a dog bite. Claims can also be filed if the property owner is negligent in other ways.

• What is the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Saint Joseph?

  The cost of hiring a Saint Joseph personal injury lawyer can vary. However, in many cases, these lawyers handle claims on a contingency basis, meaning there is no fee unless compensation is obtained through settlement or verdict. This can alleviate concerns about legal costs while focusing on physical recovery and managing medical bills.

• 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.