Frequently asked questions

A personal injury lawyer represents clients injured due to someone else's negligence. They handle insurance negotiations, gather evidence, and seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. However, it's best to contact an attorney immediately after your accident to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person's assets. It's typically required when someone dies with assets in their name alone, but proper estate planning can help avoid this lengthy court process.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for your case through settlement or trial.

Probate in Missouri usually takes six months to two years, depending on the estate's complexity and whether disputes arise. Simple estates with proper documentation can move through the process more quickly.

Seek medical attention first, then document the scene with photos and gather contact information. Report the accident to police and your insurance company, but avoid admitting fault or signing statements without legal advice.

Yes, proper estate planning tools like trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations can help your assets pass directly to heirs without going through the probate court system.

You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In wrongful death cases, families can also seek compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Contact an attorney if your claim is denied, you're not receiving proper benefits, or you're facing retaliation from your employer. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the complex workers' comp system.

Strong cases have clear evidence of negligence, well-documented injuries, and prompt medical treatment. Witness statements, photos, and expert testimony also help establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of damages.