If you have been involved in a personal injury case in Missouri and there are multiple defendants, you may be wondering how to proceed with your case. This can be confusing and overwhelming, but with the right guidance and approach, you can effectively handle your case and get the compensation you deserve.
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Understanding Multiple Defendants
When there are multiple defendants in a personal injury case, it means that there are multiple parties who may be responsible for your injuries. This could be individuals, businesses, or even government entities.
The important thing to remember is that each defendant will have their own insurance company and legal team, and they will all be working to protect themselves and minimize their liability. This can make the case more complex, but with the right strategies, you can hold each defendant accountable for their role in your injuries.
Identifying Each Defendant’s Role
The first step in handling a personal injury case with multiple defendants is to identify each party’s involvement in your injuries. This requires a thorough investigation of the accident and all parties involved.
For example, if you were involved in a car accident with multiple vehicles, you will need to determine who was at fault for the accident and which parties contributed to your injuries. This could include the drivers of each vehicle, as well as any businesses or organizations that may have played a role, such as a trucking company or a government entity responsible for road maintenance.
Filing a Lawsuit
Once you have identified all defendants, you will need to file a lawsuit against each of them. This may seem overwhelming, but it is important to remember that each defendant will have their own legal team and insurance company to handle the case.
Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that each defendant is held accountable for their role in your injuries. This may involve negotiating with each defendant’s insurance company, deposing witnesses, and presenting evidence in court.
Allocating Liability
One of the most challenging aspects of handling a personal injury case with multiple defendants is determining how liability should be allocated. This can be complicated, as each defendant may have played a different role in your injuries and may have different levels of insurance coverage.
In Missouri, liability is allocated based on each defendant’s percentage of fault. This means that each defendant will be assigned a percentage of the blame for your injuries, and they will be responsible for paying that percentage of the damages.
For example, if a jury determines that one defendant was 60% responsible for your injuries and another was 40% responsible, the first defendant would be responsible for paying 60% of the damages, while the second would be responsible for paying 40%.
Working with an Experienced Attorney
Handling a personal injury case with multiple defendants can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help ensure that your case is handled properly and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will be able to investigate the accident and identify all responsible parties, negotiate with each defendant’s insurance company, and work to allocate liability in a fair and just manner. With the right guidance and approach, you can successfully handle your personal injury case and move forward with your life.