Your Rights

Know your rights after an accident.

Missouri law gives injury victims specific rights. Here is what you need to know.

You have the right to compensation for:

• ◆ Medical bills, both current and future
• ◆ Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• ◆ Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• ◆ Loss of enjoyment of life
• ◆ Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

What you should know about insurance companies:

Adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and cheaply. They may ask you to give a recorded statement, sign a release, or accept a small check before you know the full extent of your injuries. Do not do any of that without talking to a lawyer first.

Once you sign a release, your case is over. You cannot go back for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.

Missouri statute of limitations:

In most injury cases, Missouri gives you five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death, the deadline is three years. Medical malpractice may have shorter deadlines. Do not wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses become hard to find.