If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be debating whether to move forward with a personal injury case. If so, it’s important to understand that not all personal injury cases are the same. There are many factors that make each case completely unique.
As an experienced personal injury attorney in St Louis, I have handled hundreds of these cases over my career. The circumstances surrounding the incident, the types of injuries sustained, and the parties involved can all impact your legal options and outcome. Here, I’ll break down some of the key factors we examine when evaluating personal injury cases:
- Type of Accident – Was it a car accident, a slip and fall, medical malpractice, a dog bite, or another kind of incident? Different accident types lead to different liability claims and legal strategies.
- Severity of Injuries – Personal injury cases can involve mild soft tissue injuries that resolve in a few weeks or months, fractured bones that require surgery, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even wrongful death. More severe injuries often warrant higher compensation.
- Insurance Coverage – What liability insurance policies may provide coverage for your damages? It is critical to investigate all potential persons or entities which may be liable for your injuries. Insurance limits, exclusions in the policies, and “bad faith” practices by insurers can affect case strategies.
- Evidence Available – Police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, photos/videos, and other evidence proving liability and damages is crucial. Lack of evidence makes cases much more challenging.
- Shared Liability – Could you share a percentage of fault based on your own actions? Comparative negligence laws reduce compensation in these cases.
- Statute of Limitations – State laws dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit before it is time barred forever. Critical time limitations apply to injury cases, and it is important to hire an experienced injury attorney to determine the applicable statute of limitations date for your specific case.
As you can see, the unique circumstances surrounding your incident require an experienced attorney to thoroughly assess your situation and optimize your outcome. Don’t leave compensation on the table – call our office today to explore your legal options with a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you recover from your injuries and obtain maximum compensation for your damages.