Category: Blog

With over 400,000 claims filed each year in the U.S., personal injuries are commonplace occurrences that often result in prolonged pain and suffering as well as costly medical bills. A personal injury results from the negligent actions of another or a situation that arises due to negligence. When it comes to filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your personal injury, you should understand the role that insurance companies play.

How Insurance Companies Handle Personal Injury Cases

The insurance providers for both you and the negligent party will both play a crucial role in how your personal injury case will turn out and pay out with regard to compensation. There is a thorough process conducted between both insurance companies, similar to an investigation. Once you file a personal injury claim, the investigation begins. This is usually followed by calls and a settlement offer between you and the other party.

It is important to know that when you are dealing with any legal circumstances, anything you say can and will be held against you. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to hire an experienced lawyer to guide them throughout the personal injury claims process.

The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

The insurance companies have an expert team of lawyers on their side helping them protect the bottom line of the company throughout the process, so you should do the same for yourself. A lawyer will represent your best interests and ensure that you have the documentation and guidance necessary to receive the right compensation.

Insurance companies will also try to delay the process by running out the clock and making you impatient, but an experienced lawyer will help expedite the process while guiding you through your claim from start to finish. Your personal injury attorney will:

• Help you file the initial claim
• Gather the necessary information for the case
• Properly respond to questions from the insurance claim adjuster
• Determine your fair and accurate amount of compensation
• Handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you receive an appropriate settlement

If you are going to file a personal injury claim and need professional legal services in the Missouri area, look no further than the professionals at Lanzotti & Rau to help you combat insurance providers and navigate the complicated intricacies of a personal injury claim.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Southeastern Missouri

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

Half of the number of annual traffic accidents result in serious injuries that often develop into long-term disabilities. With serious injuries come serious medical expenses that you, or someone you know, may not be able to cover. If you were involved in a car accident, here are some ways to make sense of any car accident medical expenses you may be facing.

Navigating Health Insurance vs. Car Insurance

Your health insurance will typically be first to receive the bill for your car-accident medical expenses. During this time, they expect to be compensated for however much they pay, and this will need to come from the driver-at-fault’s car insurance.

It is important to consider that a car insurance company can take weeks to review and reimburse your car-accident medical expenses. And even then, car insurance is liable for paying only up to its policy limits, which can make you or the party at-fault responsible for paying the rest.

To ensure you are reimbursed as fairly as possible, be sure to collect receipts from the hospital, doctor’s office, and/or pharmacy for treatment or medication resulting from the accident and show them to the at-fault party’s auto insurance provider.

If you are without health insurance, you will be forced to pay out-of-pocket for any car-accident medical expenses. If you live in an at-fault state, the car insurance company of the responsible driver will still be expected to reimburse you for whatever expenses you paid.

Know Your State Laws

Car accidents are categorized as at-fault or no-fault depending on which state you reside. For those living in states with no-fault policies, personal injury protection pays for whatever medical expenses you may incur from the accident, despite who is at fault.

However, in at-fault states, like Missouri, driving residents are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. Therefore, the car insurance provider for the at-fault party is responsible for reimbursing whatever medical expenses your health insurance incurs for the accident.

The Best Way to Handle Car Accident Medical Expenses

Instead of waiting days, weeks, months for car insurance to pay you back only to leave you or your health insurance shorthanded, rely on legal professionals to fight for the money you are owed and deserve. Insurance companies are always aiming to spend as little money as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer possesses the expertise to guide you toward the best steps to get the compensation you need for the suffering you endured.

Trusted Car Accident Lawyers That Represent You, Not Insurance Companies

For decades, the attorneys at Lanzotti & Rau have fought for and successfully led injured victims in the Southeastern Missouri area to receive the just amount of pay for their car-accident medical expenses. We do not require upfront costs or charge hidden fees, and we only get paid when you do.

If you want to learn more about our car accident legal services or how we handle our car accident cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free consultation.

The saying, “accidents happen,” definitely does not go unnoticed in the legal world. And when they happen to you as a result of another’s negligence, you can be eligible for financial compensation.

If you are a victim of personal injury after an automobile accident, medical malpractice, or slip and fall among other incidents, there are legal policies dictating the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. These laws are called a statute of limitations, and, as a Missouri resident, you are entitled to know how long you have to file a personal injury case.

How Long Do You Have to Seek Justice?

According to Section 516.120 of the Revised Missouri Statutes, for most personal injury cases, you have five years to pursue legal action from the date of the incident. However, slight exceptions occur if you are the victim of medical malpractice or someone you know is the victim of wrongful death. For the former, the Missouri statute of limitations gives you up to two years to file a case and up to three years for the latter.

Also important to note is the statute of limitation for an injury caused by the use of a defective product. While you have the standard five years to bring this type of case to court, it starts from the date of the injury — not the date you learned the defective product was the cause of injury.

No matter how long the Missouri statute of limitations gives you to file a personal injury case, you should always seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney to review the facts of your case, gather the evidence you need, and win you the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why It’s Important to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

When seeking compensation from them in personal injury cases, insurance companies will do anything to give you as little money as possible. By hiring a trusted personal injury attorney in the Cape Girardeau area to negotiate on your behalf, you’ll have a much better chance of successfully receiving the compensation you are owed before the statute of limitations times out.

Find a Personal Injury Attorney Missouri Trusts

If you or someone you know wants to bring a personal injury case, trust the licensed and equipped legal experts at Lanzotti & Rau. With decades of experience, Lanzotti & Rau’s team of personal injury attorney Missouri professionals have the expertise to bring your case to victory. And we only get paid when you do, charging no upfront or hidden fees.

To learn more about our personal injury legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.

Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence, and they can result in serious injuries. Slip and fall accidents occur when a person slips, trips, or falls on a dangerous or hazardous surface. These accidents can happen anywhere, but they are most common in public places, such as grocery stores, malls, and parking lots. Here is what you need to know about slip and fall accidents.

6 Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

The most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

1. Wet or slippery surfaces
2. Loose objects on the ground
3. Uneven surfaces
4. Debris or potholes
5. Obstructions in walkways
6. Ice and snow

Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

The most common injuries caused by slip and fall accidents include:

• Bruises
• Scrapes
• Cuts
• Sprains
• Strains
• Fractures
• Head, back, and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries 

What to Do Following a Slip and Fall Accident

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you should take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Take pictures of the accident scene.
3. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
4. File a report with the property owner or manager.
5. Contact an attorney who specializes in slip and fall and premises liability cases to discuss your legal options.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal doctrine that holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property. This doctrine is based on the idea that property owners have a duty to keep their property safe for visitors. If a property owner fails to meet this duty and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to premises liability claims, including:

• Defective or dangerous conditions

  If a property owner knows about a dangerous condition on their property and fails to fix it, they may be liable for injuries that occur as a result.

• Negligent security

  If a property owner fails to provide adequate security on their property, they may be liable for injuries that occur as a result of crime or violence.

• Failure to warn

  If a property owner knows about a potential hazard on their property and fails to warn visitors about it, they may be liable for injuries that occur as a result.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount of compensation that you are entitled to will depend on the specific facts of your case, so it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Southeastern Missouri

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau specialize in personal injury law and can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for slip and fall injury. 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.

Car accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States, with over 2 million car accidents per year. With such high numbers, it is important for drivers to be aware of the proper steps to take after experiencing a car accident. Aside from ensuring your safety, gathering evidence is the most important thing you can do following a car accident.

Types of Car Accident Evidence

Gathering car accident evidence can help prove the negligence and liability of the other party, and help you eventually receive compensation. Types of evidence to gather include:

1. Evidence from the scene

   Take photographs of damage, deployed airbags, skid marks, or debris, and gather any tangible evidence that can be useful.

2. Witness testimony

   Any witness from the scene that either saw or heard the accident can help your case tremendously by providing meaningful information that proves who was responsible.

3. Driver’s information

   Collecting contact and insurance information from the other driver is imperative to hold them accountable for the situation.

4. Documents

   Medical bills, police reports, and insurance claims all serve as valuable documentation that can help support your case.

Gathering the above car accident evidence can make all the difference in your case, especially when it comes to liability. After gathering car accident evidence, it is important to file a claim right away, especially if you sustained injuries.

The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a knowledgeable car accident lawyer will make the entire insurance claims process less of a hassle for you. A lawyer will represent your best interests and ensure that you have every piece of evidence and documentation needed to prove your case and successfully receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

If you have been in a car accident and need professional legal services in the Missouri area, look no further than the professionals at Lanzotti & Rau.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Near You

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

The death of a loved one is always tragic and distressing, however, circumstances are made much worse when their death is due to the negligence of another. When experiencing such mixed emotions, it can become difficult to figure out the next steps. Therefore, it is important to know what a wrongful death is and how you can take legal action for compensation if your loved one was killed due to negligence.

Examples of Wrongful Death

A wrongful death occurs when an individual dies from misconduct or negligence from another party. Their deaths are often sudden and unexpected. Some examples of wrongful deaths include, but are not limited to:

1. Automobile accidents
2. Manufacturing defects
3. Defective products
4. Falls
5. Death at the hands of a physician

How to Handle a Wrongful Death

Any negligent act which results in death can be legally pursued by filing a wrongful death claim. Furthermore, a wrongful death case can be pursued even if the deceased bore some responsibility in their death. Close family members can file a lawsuit against the negligent party on behalf of a wrongful death victim to recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

In the state of Missouri, there is a window of time in which you may file a wrongful death claim. The general time period is one to three years after a wrongful death; however, there are variables that can extend this time frame.

If you are the family member of a victim of wrongful death, you deserve both compensation and justice. Turn to the professionals at Lanzotti & Rau to help you and your family pursue legal action for the death of your loved one.

Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyers in Missouri

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you navigate the wrongful death claims process and pursue legal action to receive compensation for your loss. To learn more about our legal services or how we handle our wrongful death cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.

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.

Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6 million car accidents in 2020, resulting in over 38,000 deaths and over 2.3 million injuries. To avoid injury and stay safe while behind the wheel, here are some common car accident causes and tips for steering clear of them.

Common Car Accident Causes

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving

  This is one of the most dangerous causes of car accidents. Distracted driving can involve anything from talking on a cell phone to eating to changing the radio station. When you are distracted, you are not paying attention to the road, which can lead to accidents.

• Driving under the influence of drugs

  Drugs can impair your judgment and coordination, just like alcohol. If you are taking drugs, do not get behind the wheel.

• Drunk driving

  Drunk driving is another major cause of car accidents. Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, which can make it very difficult to drive safely. If you are going to drink, do not get behind the wheel.

• Fatigue

  Fatigue is a major factor in car accidents. When you are tired, your reaction time is slower and you are more likely to make mistakes. If you are feeling tired, pull over and take a nap.

• Mechanical problems

  Mechanical problems can also cause car accidents. If you notice any problems with your car, have it repaired immediately.

• Poor weather conditions

  Bad weather can make driving more difficult and dangerous. If you are driving in bad weather, be sure to slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you.

• Reckless driving

  Reckless driving is any type of driving that is dangerous and could put others at risk. This can include things like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and driving aggressively.

• Speeding

  Driving too fast is a leading factor in fatal car accidents. When you are speeding, you have less time to react to hazards on the road, which can lead to accidents.

Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents

There are many things you can do to avoid car accidents and stay safe on the road. A few tips include:

• Obeying the speed limit.
• Not drinking and driving.
• Not texting and driving.
• Wearing your seatbelt.
• Being aware of your surroundings.
• Not tailgating by leaving plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
• Being patient and courteous to other drivers.
• Not driving when tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Having your car regularly maintained.

By following these tips, you can help to avoid car accidents and stay safe on the road. However, in the event that you are injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact the Experienced Car Accident Lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau

The knowledgeable lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you understand your legal rights and pursue legal action to receive compensation for your car accident injury and automobile damage. To learn more about our car accident legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today to schedule a free consultation at 573-335-9300.

Without the dedication of hard-working construction workers, our society would not have progressed to its current level of advancement. However, despite its importance, construction work is also one of the most hazardous professions. Operating heavy machinery and constructing large structures can lead to accidents and injuries for workers. Although safety precautions and standards are in place to prevent construction site injuries, not all dangerous situations can be avoided.

The Top Four Construction Site Injuries

The four major causes of injuries at a construction jobsite include:

1. Falling

   As the most common cause of construction workplace injury falls account for 35% of construction accidents. Construction workers can fall from anything, including ladders, roofs, and scaffolding; therefore, many safety measures are in place. OSHA requires all workers to undergo climbing safety training and wear fall prevention harnesses when working above the ground.

2. Electrocution

   Construction and electrical work go hand-in-hand, and workers can easily hit power lines with machinery and equipment, leading to deadly electric shock.

3. Equipment and Machinery Injuries

   Most of the equipment and machinery used on a construction site is hazardous and can cause a great deal of injury if operated irresponsibly or by someone who lacks proper training. Occasionally, construction workers have been crushed or mangled after getting caught in heavy machinery. Such injuries can result in severe trauma, loss of limbs, or death.

4. Fallen Objects

   If workers do not secure their tools when climbing or maintain a strong grip, an object can easily fall and become a lethal projectile to workers below. Being struck by an object falling from great heights, even while wearing a hard hat,  can lead to traumatic injuries and even death.

A construction site is a dangerous workplace where accidents can always happen, no matter the amount of training and precautions put in place.

If you are a construction worker who has been injured on a job site, consult with the experienced construction injury lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau to help you successfully receive your workers’ compensation benefits.

Reliable Construction Injury Lawyers in Southeastern Missouri

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau will fight on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation for your on-the-job injury. If you want to learn more about our construction injury legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.

If a medical condition prevents you from working, you may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Unfortunately, the majority of SSD claims are denied at the initial filing, forcing you through the appeal process. The process of becoming eligible for Social Security disability payments is a lengthy and demanding one. It’s common for individuals to give up or withdraw from the process due to its complexity, which can be overwhelming to handle alone.

This is why you should hire a Social Security disability attorney to expertly guide you through your appeal and quickly help you receive your benefits. However, you may be uncertain of the costs of hiring a Social Security disability attorney.

The Price of a Qualified Social Security Disability Attorney

While the costs of hiring an SSD lawyer may differ from state to state, most reputable Missouri Social Security disability attorneys do not require upfront fees. Furthermore, you will only pay your Social Security disability attorney if you win your case. Your attorney’s fee is usually taken directly from your back pay award. The maximum amount an attorney can charge if you win your Social Security disability case is set by the government at 25%, or $7,200.

How You Can Afford a Social Security Disability Attorney

If you are in need of an SSDI attorney to help you receive your temporary or permanent disability benefits but are uncertain if you can afford one, contact the experienced team at Lanzotti & Rau.

At Lanzotti & Rau, we handle personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney fee and expenses are deducted from the settlement or award, and no attorney fee is paid unless you receive a settlement on your case.

Experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys Near You

The complicated process of Social Security disability benefits requires experienced help, so trust the knowledgeable team at Lanzotti & Rau to help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your disability.

To learn more about our Social Security Disability legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free consultation.