Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Missouri: What You Need to Know

Suffering a personal injury can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, it’s important to know your rights and how Missouri law protects you. At Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., we’re here to help you pursue fair compensation and justice.

What Is a Personal Injury?
In Missouri, a personal injury occurs when someone else’s negligence causes harm. This includes physical injuries (like slip and falls, car accidents, or workplace injuries), as well as emotional distress or trauma from an incident.

If you are able to successfully prove the negligence of a third party in a personal injury claim, you will be entitled to receive damages and compensation.

What Compensation Can You Claim?
If you prove another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (including surgeries, treatments, and long-term care)
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
  • Home modifications required due to your injury
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

Can You Still Recover Compensation If You’re Partially at Fault?
Yes. Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still receive compensation, but your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply if:

  • The injured person was under 21 or mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury
  • The defendant leaves Missouri after the injury but before a lawsuit is filed, pausing the clock during their absence

The comparative fault rule means that the compensation paid out of the injured party is reduced by the percentage they are deemed to be at fault.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Delays can hurt your case, both in court and when negotiating with insurance companies. It’s crucial to begin your legal process as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Let Grafe & Batchelor Fight for Your Rights
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience helping injured clients across Missouri. We’ll guide you through the legal process, protect your interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve—even if you share some responsibility for your injuries.

As well as restricting your opportunity to pursue legal action, the statute of limitations can also have an impact on your position in personal injury settlement negotiations involving insurance companies.

Contact us today at 636-220-5934 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.