Understanding Personal Injury Law: What You Need to Know

A personal injury is caused by any civil wrong that inflicts harm to a person’s body, mind, or property. Under personal injury law, these wrongs are called “torts.” Personal injury law is a branch of law that deals with the legal rights of individuals who have been injured or harmed by such torts due to the negligence of others.

Often, injured parties will file a claim to recover damages in the form of monetary compensation for their personal injuries. Personal injury cases can involve a wide range of accidents, including car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and product liability. If you have suffered a personal injury, here is what you need to know about personal injury law.

Recoverable Damages of a Personal Injury Case

There are two main types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case:

• Economic damages

  These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

• Non-economic damages

  These damages are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

Filing a Personal Injury Law Claim

In order to win a personal injury claim, you must prove the following:

• The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
• The defendant breached that duty of care.
• The breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
• The plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of their injuries.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

The statute of limitations is the time limit in which a personal injury lawsuit must be filed. Statutes of limitations vary from state-to-state, so it is important to consult with a local Southeastern Missouri attorney to determine the deadline in your state.

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers can:

• Guide you through the complex legal system.
• Help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case.
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Represent you in court, if necessary.

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Near You

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau specialize in personal injury law and can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. To learn more about our personal injury law services or how we handle our cases, call us today to schedule a free consultation at 573-335-9300.