Stephen Schultz | September 9, 2025 | Personal Injury
When someone files a lawsuit, one of the first questions the court asks is whether that person has the right to bring the case in the first place. This right is called legal standing. Without standing, a lawsuit cannot move forward, no matter how strong the claims might seem.
Understanding what standing means, how it works, and why it is so important is key for anyone considering a personal injury case in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri.
What Does “Standing” Mean?
Standing is a legal rule that decides who has the right to sue. At its core, standing requires that the person bringing the case has been directly affected by the issue they are suing over. Courts use this concept to make sure that only people with a real interest in the outcome can bring legal claims.
In other words, you can’t sue on behalf of a stranger just because you disagree with what happened to them. To move forward in court, you need to show that you personally suffered harm that the law can address.
The Three Basic Parts of Standing
While the details can get complicated, most courts—including those in Missouri—look at three main elements when deciding if someone has standing:
- Injury in fact: You must have experienced an actual injury. This injury can be physical, emotional, or financial, but it cannot be hypothetical. For example, if you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver, your medical bills and pain are direct injuries that give you standing.
- Causation: You need to show a clear link between the injury and the actions of the defendant. It’s not enough that you were harmed—you must prove that the other person or party’s actions caused your harm.
- Redressability: Finally, you must show that the court can fix the problem or provide a remedy. This usually means money damages, an injunction, or another legal order that can make things right.
Together, these elements make sure courts are handling genuine disputes rather than abstract disagreements.
Why Standing Matters in Missouri Personal Injury Cases
Standing is not just a technicality—it is the foundation of your case. If you do not have standing, the court will dismiss your lawsuit before it even begins. For people in St. Louis pursuing personal injury claims, this means that you must be able to prove that you were the one injured and that the injury is tied directly to the defendant’s actions.
For example, if your friend is hurt in a workplace accident, you cannot file a lawsuit on their behalf unless you are their legal guardian or have another special legal relationship. Only the injured person (or their legal representative) has standing.
Who Usually Lacks Standing?
There are also situations where people do not have standing, even if they feel strongly about the issue. Some common examples include:
- Someone who witnesses an accident but was not harmed themselves.
- A bystander who wants to sue over unsafe conditions at a store but has never shopped there or been injured.
- A person who claims a policy is unfair but has not been directly impacted by it.
These individuals might have concerns, but without a personal injury or direct harm, they cannot move forward in court.
Building a Strong Foundation for Justice
Legal standing may sound like a technical concept, but it serves an important purpose. It ensures that courts focus on real injuries suffered by real people—not abstract debates or hypothetical complaints.
For personal injury victims in St. Louis, standing is often the first and most important step in pursuing justice. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, understanding whether you have standing is crucial.
With the right legal team by your side, you can make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
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