If you have been injured in an accident in Missouri, you need to know how long you have to file a personal injury claim. The time limit for filing a personal injury claim is known as the statute of limitations and varies depending on the type of accident and injury.
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Types of Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims can arise from a variety of accidents and incidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. The statute of limitations for each type of claim can vary.
Car Accidents
If you have been injured in a car accident in Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if the accident involved a government vehicle or employee, you must file a formal claim within 90 days of the accident.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often happen on someone else’s property and can result in serious injuries. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide proper medical care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. In Missouri, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim for medical malpractice.
Product Liability
Product liability claims arise when a product is defective or dangerous, causing injury or harm to the user. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim for product liability.
Why It’s Important To File Within the Statute of Limitations
Filing a personal injury claim is a complex process that can take time, particularly if your claim involves gathering evidence or negotiating with insurance companies. However, it’s important to file your claim within the statute of limitations to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
If you wait too long to file a personal injury claim, the court may dismiss your case, and you may be unable to recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses.
Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident in Missouri, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations.
Your attorney can also help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Conclusion
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Missouri varies depending on the type of accident and injury. If you have been injured in an accident, it’s important to file your claim within the statute of limitations to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
To ensure that you file your claim on time and receive the compensation you deserve, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.