How much does a consultation cost?
The initial consultation is free. Fee terms for representation, if offered, will be explained in a written agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Clear starting points after an injury
These answers are general information, not advice about a particular case.
Do I have to pay anything up front?
No. Injury cases are handled on a contingency fee — you pay nothing out of pocket, and we are paid from what we recover for you. The consultation is free, and the fee terms will be explained in a written agreement before you sign anything.
Should I talk to the insurance company?
You may need to provide notice and basic information, but be careful about recorded statements, broad authorizations, or releases before understanding their effect.
What should I save after an accident?
Keep photographs, medical information, repair estimates, witness details, police or incident reports, insurance communications, and records of missed work or other losses.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Missouri generally allows five years to bring a personal-injury claim under RSMo § 516.120. Some claims have shorter deadlines. For certain injuries caused by defects in a Springfield city street, sidewalk, bridge, boulevard, or thoroughfare, written notice to the mayor may be required within 90 days under RSMo § 82.210. Because exceptions can change the deadline, have the facts reviewed promptly.
What is my case worth?
No reliable value can be assigned without reviewing liability, injuries, treatment, insurance, damages, and other case-specific evidence. Past outcomes do not guarantee a future result.
What if I was partly at fault?
Missouri uses pure comparative fault. A percentage of responsibility can reduce a recovery, but partial fault does not automatically prevent a negligence claim.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Not before you understand the injuries, treatment, lost income, available coverage, liens, future needs, and the rights a release would end. An early offer may arrive before the full loss is known.
Do I need a lawyer for every injury claim?
No. Some matters can be handled without representation. A consultation can help identify disputed fault, serious injuries, insufficient limits, multiple policies, deadlines, or other issues that make legal help more valuable.
What if the at-fault driver had no insurance?
Missouri automobile policies include uninsured-motorist bodily-injury coverage under RSMo § 379.203. A policy review can identify UM, MedPay, household policies, and other possible coverage.
Does a hit-and-run count as an uninsured-motorist claim?
It can. RSMo § 379.203 includes qualifying claims when the responsible owner or operator and vehicle leave before identification, even if there was no physical contact. Prompt reporting and evidence preservation are important.
What if I slipped on naturally accumulated snow or ice?
Missouri’s natural-accumulation rule can limit liability, but the analysis can change if a defendant created or increased the danger, cleared the area negligently, or had notice of an unusual condition. The exact source and appearance of the ice matter.
Does a store have to know about a spill before it is responsible?
Notice is usually important. Evidence may show the store created the condition, actually knew about it, or should have discovered it through reasonable inspection. The business’s method of operation can also affect the analysis.
What if there was no warning sign near the hazard?
The absence of a warning may support a claim, but it does not prove every element by itself. The dangerous condition, control, notice, causation, and injuries still need evidence.
What if my injury happened on Springfield city property?
Governmental-immunity rules and statutory exceptions apply. Certain claims involving defects in a Springfield street, sidewalk, bridge, boulevard, or thoroughfare may require written notice to the mayor within 90 days under RSMo § 82.210.