If you’ve been hurt by someone else, you should not have to bear the burden of your injuries all alone. Thankfully, the law protects you.
If you’ve been injured through someone else’s carelessness, you have a legal right to compensation. At Barnes & Associates, we represent real people who have been harmed by the negligence of others. Whether it’s a car accident, slip-and-fall on someone else’s negligently maintained property, or medical malpractice, if you’ve been injured, we’ll fight to ensure you get the full recovery you deserve.
Though our physical offices are located in Jefferson City, we help Missourians throughout the state – including folks in Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. Call us today or fill out the forms below to set up your free consultation.
There are many misconceptions about lawsuits for negligence. The questions below are intended to provide some guidance to anyone who might be interested in the civil justice system. If you believe you might have a claim for negligence, call us today at 573.634.8884 to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My medical bills are high and I’m too hurt to work. How can I possibly hire an attorney to help me through the legal process?
At Barnes & Associates, we take personal injury cases on a contingency basis. We only get paid when you recover compensation for your damages.
The insurance company’s claims adjuster says its not worth it to hire an attorney. He seems like a nice guy, and I’m not sure what an attorney can really do for me. Should I take his advice?
The claims adjuster likely is a nice guy. Most are. But you have to remember who they work for. Their job is to help make their employer a profitable insurance company. They have an interest in paying you the least amount possible – actually underpaying you for your injury.
What is negligence?
Negligence is not synonymous with carelessness, but their definitions overlap. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use the standard of care of a reasonable person in a given situation. To prevail on a negligence claim in court, a person must prove four things. First, they must show that the defendant had a duty to the plaintiff. Second, a person must show that the defendant breached that duty. Third, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused damage. Fourth, the plaintiff must show how much damage the defendant caused – this will determine the amount of recovery. So, for example, let’s say Donnie Driver hits Penny Pedestrian while Penny is walking on a sidewalk. Penny satisfies the first element because Donnie, as a driver, owes a duty to other drivers and to pedestrians to drive with reasonable caution under the circumstances. Penny can prove the second element by showing that Donnie ran his car off the road before striking her with it. She satisfies the third element by proving that the accident caused her hospitalization and broken bones. And she proves the fourth element by showing hospital bills, lost income, and testifying to the pain and suffering she suffered as a result of the accident.
What should I do if I think I have a claim for negligence?
If you believe you have a claim for negligence, you should first contact an attorney and set up an appointment. Fill out the information below to set up a free consultation with Barnes & Associates. We should also work quickly to preserve potential evidence in your case. Take down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Record a contemporaneous account of the incident. If your injuries are substantial, try to keep a journal detailing their impact on your daily life.
Aren’t there too many lawsuits already?
This is something we hear quite often, but not necessarily true. Though you might hear about outlandish lawsuits in the news occasionally, the vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are brought because someone has been suffered serious injuries through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, the outlier cases are the ones that get the most attention. But for every questionable case, there are hundreds of legitimate cases. We don’t take frivolous cases. If you’ve been harmed by someone else, don’t let your pre-conceptions prevent you from getting the relief you deserve. Call us today to evaluate your case and defend your rights.