Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

Catastrophic injuries include skull fractures, organ damage, spinal cord injuries, serious burns, disfigurement, and traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, catastrophic injuries are often devastating and may result in temporary or permanent impairment, loss of body parts, or sometimes death. If you believe that someone else's negligence or recklessness might have caused your catastrophic injury, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation. 

At Burgess Law Firm PC, we're dedicated to offering personalized representation, support, and reliable advocacy to catastrophic injury victims and their loved ones. Our seasoned Missouri personal injury attorney can examine all of the facts of your unique situation and explore your options to seek damages. In addition, we will advocate for your best interests and help you pursue your rightful financial compensation to cover your catastrophic injuries and losses. 

Burgess Law Firm PC proudly represents clients across Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. 

Defining Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries comprise serious injuries and damage to a person's spine, brain, internal organs, spinal cord, or other body parts. Such severe injuries may result in long-term disability, permanent impairment, or a total inability to function. In most cases, victims who suffer catastrophic injuries may need multiple surgeries and extended recovery periods. 

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Skull fractures 

• Head and traumatic brain injuries 

• Internal injuries 

• Disfigurement 

• Knee injuries 

• Multiple bone fractures 

• Amputations 

• Loss of hearing, sight, or other senses. 

• Internal organ damage 

• Neck and back injuries 

• Severe burn injuries 

• Permanent injuries to the central nervous system 

• Spine or spinal cord injuries 

• Hip injuries/fractured pelvises 

• Neurological disorders 

In many cases, a catastrophic injury may result in loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, or even death. A skilled personal injury attorney can examine the nature and magnitude of your injuries and explore your possible legal options to pursue damages. 

Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

Missouri is an "at-fault" state for personal injury and auto accidents. Under the state's fault system, the party who caused your catastrophic injury (the at-fault party) will be held financially and civilly liable for medical expenses, damages, and other losses suffered. To pursue damages, you can: 

• File a first-party claim with your own insurance carrier. 

• File a third-party claim against the insurance company of the at-fault party. 

• File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court. 

Comparative Fault in Missouri 

Also, Missouri follows the "pure comparative fault" rule. According to the principle, you're still allowed to seek damages even if your actions contributed to the catastrophic injury. However, the amount of compensation that you can recover will be reduced by your degree of fault. Under Missouri's pure comparative fault system, you can still pursue damages even if you were up to 99% responsible for your injuries. 

Statute of Limitations 

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Missouri, including catastrophic accidents, is five (5) years from the date of the injury or incident.  

Wrongful Death Suit in Missouri

Additionally, if a catastrophic injury results in the victim's death, their surviving loved ones may be eligible to recover wrongful death benefits. Under Missouri laws, the following individuals may bring a wrongful death suit: 

• First in line, the decedent's surviving spouse, children, parents, or children's descendants. 

• Next, the decedent's surviving siblings or their lineal descendants. 

• Next, a "plaintiff ad litem" or personal representative of the decedent's estate appointed by the Missouri court to handle the claim. 

However, a wrongful death action must be commenced within three years from the date the victim died. A trusted lawyer can fight vigorously for your rights and help you seek the maximum possible damages for your injuries and losses. 

Work With a Practiced Personal Injury Attorney

Sustaining a catastrophic injury can be overwhelming and may result in devastating, lifelong consequences. Regardless, you don't have to suffer the pain and challenges alone.  

If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, you should act quickly and consult a practiced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and help you seek justice. 

At Burgess Law Firm PC, we're poised and ready to support and represent catastrophic injury victims during such a difficult period. Our reliable lawyer can guide you through the complicated procedures involved in filing catastrophic injury claims.