Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Springfield

FAQs

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

  To reach the Springfield Police Department, call (417) 864-1810.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Springfield Police Department, visit the headquarters at 321 E. Chestnut Expressway. You can also call them at (417) 864-1810 for more information. Please note that each report costs $2.

• What are examples of injuries caused by medical malpractice in Springfield?

  Medical malpractice can mean that a professional in charge of your health in Springfield makes a costly error that resulted in the further worsening of your condition. Some of these include providing an incomplete diagnosis or delaying it, performing unnecessary surgeries or operating on the wrong part of the body, and ordering the wrong medicine for their patient.

• What is an example of a defective product by design in Springfield?

  A very good example would be the mass torts involving a line of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines that contained polyurethane foam. When the machine was turned on, the foam disintegrated into pieces tiny enough to enter a person's airways. This caused various types of cancers, respiratory failures, and pneumonia. Victims in Springfield are now suing the machine's manufacturer, Sue Philips Respironics.

• Can a personal injury attorney in Springfield help you after your Social Security Disability (SSD) application has been denied?

  Yes, they can. If you've already taken all the necessary steps to file for an SSD with the inclusion of your medical records and you got turned down, you can ask for the aid of an attorney in Springfield. Look for one who works on a contingency fee basis, so you won't have to pay them anything until your appeal becomes successful.

• Is it the gun owner's fault if the firearm misfires and injures somebody in Springfield?

  It would depend on how the gun misfired, as there is a high likelihood that a mishandling caused it. An example is a person accidentally getting shot by a friend whose finger tapped the trigger while moving the gun. However, there are real and rare instances when manufacturers and retailers in Springfield have been held accountable for shooting accidents because of a defect in design or inadequate warnings or instructions.

• Are the building administrators in Springfield at fault for a defective escalator that injured many people?

  If it can be proven that the building administrators in Springfield have become neglectful in maintaining the escalators, then yes, they can be held liable for an accident happening because of that. But, there have been instances when people themselves have gotten injured on an escalator because of improper use, such as attempting to ride down the rails. In this case, it is entirely the victim's fault.

• 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.