The capable team of personal injury attorneys at The Bates & Merryman Law Firm knows how important financial compensation is to your overall recovery. We’ll work with purpose and urgency to secure the damages you’re entitled to receive under the law. Your needs come first.
Essentially, if an objectively reasonable person wouldn’t have acted in the way the at-fault party did, they can be said to be negligent. To prove this negligence, your lawyer will need to gather, analyze, and present compelling evidence, such as:
Your lawyer may also seek other relevant evidence that can help your claim succeed. For example, in a car accident case involving a professional truck driver, your attorney may attempt to obtain the trucker’s driving history and any training manuals their employer provides outlining safe driving practices and company policies.
Tragically, some accidents cause injuries so severe that the victim doesn’t survive. When you lose a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you can file a wrongful death action against the responsible party. Wrongful death cases are similar to personal injury cases, with the following key distinctions:
Only a deceased individual’s spouse, adult children or grandchildren, or personal representative can bring a wrongful death case. If someone dies in a wrongful death accident but doesn’t have anyone who can file a claim, the court may appoint someone to act on behalf of them and their beneficiaries.
Missouri’s personal injury statute of limitations is five years from the date of the accident. That means you have five years to file a claim for damages before losing your right to seek compensation. At only three years, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is even shorter.
As such, it’s best to contact The Bates & Merryman Law Firm and build momentum for your case as soon as possible.
Investigating your claim and identifying those responsible can take time, and your creditors typically won’t wait five years before trying to collect. Furthermore, over time, evidence can be irretrievably lost or destroyed, and eyewitness memories can fade or become distorted.
Failing to file your lawsuit within the statutory period can have serious consequences. Most significantly, the court could dismiss your case without ever considering your injuries or needs. If your claim is dismissed under these circumstances, you won’t be able to refile.
Speak to The Bates & Merryman Law Firm as soon as possible after being hurt or losing a loved one in an accident. We can ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner so you have the best opportunity to receive the compensation you need.
Contact us today to discuss your situation with a skilled and compassionate personal injury lawyer.
If you have been arrested or believe you may be the target of a criminal investigation, contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Bates & Merryman Law Firm today.
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