How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Missouri?

By Zane T. Cagle | June 25, 2024 | Personal Injury

If you or someone in your family has been injured, you may have grounds to file a personal injury case, and you may be significantly more likely to succeed with your claim if you have reliable legal counsel on your side. However, you may wonder, how much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Missouri? The reality is that it may not be as expensive as you might assume to hire the legal counsel you need in this difficult time.

Understanding Personal Injury Attorneys’ Fees

It is understandable to have concerns about the potential cost of hiring an attorney to represent you if you intend to pursue a personal injury case. Many people mistakenly believe that hiring an attorney is always expensive, and this, unfortunately, deters many people from seeking legal representation when they need it most. In the face of medical bills and other compounding economic losses, additional attorneys’ fees may feel like an unrealistic expense.

The reality is that a majority of the personal injury attorneys working in the state offer their services on a contingency fee basis. When an injured client has a contingency fee agreement with their attorney, the client does not pay any upfront fees for legal representation. Instead, the attorney charges a percentage of the total compensation they recover for their client. However, they only recover this fee if and when they win their client’s case. Thus, the attorney is risking all expenses and betting on their ability to obtain winning results for you.

A contingency fee policy makes legal counsel more accessible to those who need it most, regardless of their financial situation. If you have already suffered significant economic losses and cannot fathom paying expensive hourly rates for a personal injury lawyer, finding a lawyer who offers contingency fee billing can ensure you have access to the legal counsel you need at no economic risk to you.

A good attorney should take time to carefully explain all of the elements of their billing policy to a prospective client at the outset of a case before any contracts are signed. Taking time to review your attorney’s billing policy helps ensure there are no unwelcome surprises at the end of your case when it comes to your legal fees.

It is also important to remember that if you have a contingency fee agreement with your attorney, it will mean parting with a percentage of your settlement or verdict, but this loss is typically offset by the value the attorney provides to your case. They may be able to secure far more recompense for your damages than you initially expected, and even after accounting for their fee, you may receive far more compensation than you could have expected to secure on your own.

The Cagle Law Firm has successfully resolved many personal injury cases for clients throughout Missouri, and we understand the hesitation many injured claimants feel when they approach the subject of hiring legal representation. When you hire our team to represent you, we can carefully explain all facets of our billing policy so you know exactly what to expect when it comes to the cost of our legal services.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Missouri?

A: The amount of time you have to file a personal injury case is dictated by the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases in the state of Missouri, the time limit for filing a lawsuit is five years from the date the injury occurred. Failure to have a petition filed in the appropriate court on or before that five-year date results in your case being barred regardless of the merits.

However, the claimant has the greatest chance of success with their claim if they connect with a personal injury lawyer and begin building their case as quickly as possible after their injury occurs. If you wait until the statute of limitations expires, your case will be thrown out, regardless of its merits.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Personal Injury in Missouri?

A: The amount of compensation you could claim for a personal injury in the state will depend on the severity of your injuries. The purpose of a personal injury case is for the victim of another party’s negligence or misconduct to prove fault for their losses and to recover compensation for those losses. An experienced attorney can advise you as to how much you could realistically obtain in recompense for your damages.

Q: Can I Claim Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for My Personal Injury?

A: Yes, it is possible to claim compensation even if you were partially at fault for your personal injury. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence statute that will apply to any civil claim for damages in which the plaintiff is partially liable for causing their claimed damages. If a judge or jury decide the case, the plaintiff will have a percentage of fault assigned and then will lose this percentage of their final award.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Missouri?

A: You should hire a personal injury lawyer because you are substantially more likely to succeed with your case when you have legal representation. Filing your claim can be much easier with an attorney’s help, and they should know what avenues of recovery are available to you that may enhance the total compensation you receive for your damages. They can also streamline your case, reducing the time you must wait to receive your compensation.

Q: Will I Win More Compensation if I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: You are likely to win more compensation if you hire a personal injury lawyer than you could obtain on your own. You may be unaware of the full scope of damages you can seek with your claim or how to accurately calculate projected future economic losses and pain and suffering. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer not only increases your chance of success with the claim but also your chance of maximizing your recovery.

Based on the difference in compensation without legal assistance, you may not be able to afford not getting an attorney.  According to the Insurance Research Council, 85 percent of all insurance payouts for bodily injury went to people with an attorney.  Those with legal representation average 3.5 times greater awards.

The Cagle Law Firm has years of professional experience handling all sorts of personal injury cases for clients in Missouri, and we can help you make a clearer sense of your impending case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn more about the legal services we provide.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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