We’ve all heard the phrase “accidents happens” but in reality, there are many situations where reckless or careless actions are the sole reason an accident occurs. In such a scenario, the person or business responsible for the accident should pay financially for its negative effects. However, achieving this outcome may prove to be a long and challenging process when attempted alone.

When you are hurt because someone else acted irresponsibly—such as in a car crash, slip and fall, or by a defective product—speaking with a knowledgeable legal professional about your options for financial recovery should be one of your top priorities. A Maryland Heights personal injury lawyer at OnderLaw will be with you every step of the way. We work diligently to get you a fair settlement for your damages or, if necessary, progress your case to court.

How to Prove Someone Else Is Liable for an Injury?

While there are some situations in which a person, company, or government entity is strictly liable for an injury, most personal injury claims in Maryland Heights and around Missouri are built around the concept of legal negligence. Someone is considered legally negligent if:

  • they had a duty of care, obligating them to act responsibly in a certain context
  • they breached their duty by acting recklessly or careless, and their actions or inactions caused an injury to someone else that was serious enough to need professional medical care.

What counts as a breach of duty can vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, motor vehicle drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws at all times, but they are also expected to react rationally to any hazards they encounter while driving. Someone who swerves out of their lane and sideswipes another car would likely be considered negligent if they had no valid reason for doing so, but things might get more complicated if that driver was swerving to avoid hitting something that fell out of a vehicle in front of them.

Likewise, proving that a specific irresponsible act was the direct and primary cause of an accident can require evidence from multiple sources and substantial legal expertise. Working with an experienced Maryland Heights personal injury attorney can be key to building a strong and comprehensive claim within applicable filing deadlines.

Recovering for All Available Losses

Anyone found legally at fault for a personal injury can be held financially liable for all economic and non-economic forms of harm stemming from the accident they caused, including:

  • Physical pain and suffering;
  • Personal property damage or loss;
  • Past and future medical expenses;
  • Emotional trauma and psychological distress;
  • Lost enjoyment of life, including lost consortium;
  • Past and future loss of work income, including lost long-term earning capacity.

However, the specific damages available to an injured person will vary from case to case. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Maryland Heights can explain in further detail during an initial meeting.

Contact a Maryland Heights Personal Injury Attorney Today

Knowing what to do after a traumatic accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with severe and potentially life-altering physical injuries. Fortunately, help is available from the dedicated legal professionals at OnderLaw—who will not just be on your side, but by your side throughout the entire legal process.

A conversation with a Maryland Heights personal injury lawyer will provide you with clarity about your options and confidence regarding the next steps. Call today to schedule a free consultation with one of our capable and compassionate attorneys.