Were you injured by someone else’s actions in Columbia, Missouri? If so, they should be held accountable for your damages. At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers we can help you maximize your compensation. Call a Columbia personal injury attorney at (314) 444-4444 or contact us online to get started with your case.
We have 100+ years of combined experience. We’ve secured over $100 million for our clients. With us by your side, you’ll have trusted and highly skilled advocates with a passion for assisting injured people.
Contact us today to discuss your legal rights with an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney.
Why Should I Hire Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers To Handle My Columbia Personal Injury Case?
If you’re seeking compensation after an accident or injury in Columbia, MO, you’ll want an experienced attorney in your corner. You’ll most likely be dealing with an insurance company with vast resources to invalidate and undervalue claims.
Our personal injury attorneys won’t let opponents get away with unfair tactics. We’ll level the playing field, letting them know that we intend to pursue the full compensation available under Missouri law.
We have a winning track record and are locally and nationally recognized by leading organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
If you hire the award-winning legal team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ll handle all aspects of your claim; we will:
- Answer your questions, explain your legal options, and maintain open communication
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of how you were injured
- Gather evidence proving your case
- Consult leading experts as necessary
- Identify and assess your damages
- Submit all documentation and filings
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Help you understand the terms of any settlement offers
- Take your case to court and argue for you at trial if necessary
If you’ve received an offer from an insurance adjuster, consider scheduling an appointment to discuss it with a knowledgeable attorney. The company’s first offer is generally less than you deserve. We can review it and advise you of your rights.
Contact our law office for a free case evaluation with a Columbia injury attorney.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Columbia, MO
Visit our law office conveniently located at 28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201.
Phone: (314) 444-4444
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when an at-fault party’s actions (or inaction) cause harm to another.
By filing a claim, you’re seeking to hold them financially accountable for the damages they caused.
The following are examples of situations that can lead to a legal case:
- A van strikes a cyclist due to the driver’s inattention, causing bicycle accident injuries.
- A stranger’s dog bites a child in the park.
- A customer trips and falls on damaged flooring in a store.
- A negligent surgeon commits medical malpractice.
- A defective piece of machinery injures a construction worker.
Many other accidents and incidents can create a cause of action. Contact our law firm, and we’ll evaluate whether you have a valid case.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
There are many benefits to hiring an experienced injury lawyer. The biggest advantage is getting an advocate who will maximize the value of your legal claim.
Here’s how:
- They level the playing field: Your attorney will protect you from insurance tactics that attempt to take advantage of you. The insurer cannot escape liability or undervalue your claim if you have a skilled legal representative.
- They’ll protect you from unfair blame allegations: Under Missouri law, your compensation can be reduced if you share responsibility for the accident or injury. Accordingly, your opponent may try to unfairly blame you. Your attorney won’t let them get away with it.
- They have access to experts: Your case may involve questions regarding liability or complex issues that require expert guidance. Your lawyer will know who to contact to strengthen your claim.
- Legal representation gives you time to recover: You won’t have to worry about your case if it’s in an experienced attorney’s hands. They’ll handle everything, allowing you to focus on healing.
Want to learn more? Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Columbia for a free consultation.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in Columbia, MO
The skilled legal team at Schultz & Myers has over a century of combined legal experience. We help personal injury victims after various types of incidents and accidents, including:
Car Accidents
Many freeways and highways – such as I-70, US-63, and Route 740 – are in and around Columbia, MO, making it a common place for traffic collisions. Distractions, speeding, and aggressive driving can all lead to crashes. If you were injured, our Columbia car accident lawyers can help you pursue a claim covering all your damages.
Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcyclist can sustain traumatic brain injuries, road rash, paralysis, and other injuries in a crash – even if they wear protective gear. If you’ve been hurt, let our Columbia motorcycle accident attorneys handle your case while you focus on healing.
Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks travel through this city every day, transporting goods throughout the state and country. Unfortunately, fatigue, speeding, and distractions can lead to devastating crashes with these large vehicles. Truck drivers, trucking companies, suppliers, and others could be liable for damages. Our Columbia truck accident lawyers will help you hold them accountable.
Slip and Fall Accidents
You can slip and fall anywhere, from a hotel to a friend’s house. If an unreasonably dangerous condition on the premises caused your fall, the property owner can be held liable for your losses. Our Columbia slip and fall accident attorneys will help you prove your claim.
Bus Accidents
Bus accidents can happen for various reasons. Sometimes, they’re the bus driver’s fault; other times, a negligent third party is to blame. Our Columbia bus accident lawyers can identify who’s liable for your injuries and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Pedestrian Accidents
This city is car-dependent, meaning it’s not very pedestrian-friendly. Even so, many people walk in downtown and residential areas, and they’re at risk of being struck by distracted drivers. Our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyers will hold the at-fault party responsible for your losses.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, any of the accidents mentioned above and a myriad of other incidents can lead to someone’s death. If you lost a loved one due to someone’s carelessness or misconduct, our Columbia wrongful death lawyers can help with a legal case. Money won’t bring your loved one back, but it can help your family with the financial aftermath of losing a pivotal contributor to your household.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers throughout Missouri take cases on a contingency fee basis. You only pay attorney’s fees if your case is successfully resolved, and those fees are deducted directly from your financial award. They are a predetermined percentage, typically between 33–40%.
This payment arrangement is beneficial to accident victims who may be short on cash due to unexpected financial losses. You never pay anything out of pocket, so you can always “afford” legal representation.
We’ll provide more detailed information regarding our contingency fee agreement during your no-obligation case review.
What Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
After an accident in Columbia, Missouri, victims are typically entitled to compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Financial losses and expenses stemming from the accident and injury are known as economic damages; they could include:
- Medical expenses, such as bills for ER services, surgery, treatment, and tests
- Future medical costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, childcare, and household services
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Property damage
On the other hand, you may also suffer intangible losses that affect your everyday life – which are known as non-economic damages – including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- PTSD or anxiety
- Reduced quality of life
- Scarring
- Permanent disability
If the at-fault party intentionally disregarded your safety when they caused your injury, a court may award you punitive damages. These serve to punish defendants rather than compensate plaintiffs and are only awarded in rare cases involving egregious conduct.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
No two Missouri personal injury cases are identical. Each claim will require a thorough examination of the unique facts to determine the value of damages.
For example, we’ll consider:
- The severity of your injuries and how they affect your physical and emotional well-being
- Whether you’re expected to fully recover (versus suffering a permanent impairment or disability)
- The parties involved in your legal matter
- The value of your medical bills, lost income, and other financial losses
- Whether you’re able to continue working and making the same amount of money
- Whether you share any responsibility for causing the Missouri accident
- The terms and limits of any insurance policies that cover the incident
Don’t risk accepting a lowball settlement from an insurance company. Contact our attorneys to determine what your case is really worth.
Personal Injury FAQ:
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, claimants typically have five years from the accident or injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, other types of cases are subject to different statutes of limitations.
For example, you have three years from a decedent’s date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Most Missouri medical malpractice cases are subject to a two-year deadline.
Because there are so many exceptions that could affect your case, it’s best to consult an experienced Columbia injury lawyer as soon as possible. You don’t want to miss the applicable deadline. If you do, you’ll lose your right to seek monetary damages in court.
What is Negligence, and How Do I Prove It?
Most personal injury matters are initiated due to an at-fault party’s negligence. When someone acts negligently, they fail to conduct themselves with the appropriate degree of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
Negligence is comprised of four elements, and the plaintiff (injured party) has the burden of proving each one:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a certain duty of care, such as the requirement to follow Missouri traffic laws.
- The defendant somehow breached that duty, such as by disobeying the state’s right-of-way rules.
- The breach directly caused harm to the plaintiff. For example, the right-of-way violation led to the collision that injured the plaintiff.
- The plaintiff sustained damages, such as medical treatment costs and lost income.
The types of evidence that could help you prove each of these negligence elements include:
- Accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance footage and photos
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Expert witness reports and opinions
- Employment records
Our injury attorneys in Columbia will work to prove your case and recover full compensation under state law.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
Most Missouri personal injury cases don’t go to trial. Instead, they’re resolved through negotiations between the parties. This is typically the desired path because preparing for and going to trial can present uncertainty, extensive expenses, and a lengthened legal process.
However, if settlement negotiations fail to yield a fair result, we aren’t afraid to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Our team has fierce Missouri trial attorneys who have been recognized as Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
The choice will always be yours whether to proceed to trial. You can expect us to fully explain the pros and cons of each option to ensure you have the tools needed to make informed decisions.
How Long Will My Injury Case Take?
The timeline of your Columbia personal injury claim will depend on various factors. There isn’t a “standard” amount of time you can expect your case to conclude.
We’ve seen cases that are resolved within a few months and some that take years.
The following could impact how long your case will take:
- The time it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Whether liability is at issue
- Whether complex topics are involved, which could require expert witness participation
- The time it takes to gather evidence proving your case
- Whether we file a formal civil lawsuit (and the duration of the discovery process)
- Whether your case proceeds to trial
Anything could extend the timeline of your case, from a party’s lack of cooperation to an unexpected obstacle. We’ll maintain open communication throughout the process and ensure you know where your case stands.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
We understand that the aftermath of any type of accident can be an emotionally charged time.
However, whether you slip and fall, get into a car wreck, or are injured on the job, you should take steps to protect your rights:
- Report the incident to the proper authorities. For example, call 911 after a motor vehicle accident and cooperate with the police at the crash scene. Notify a store manager after a slip and fall and request an accident report.
- Exchange information with any parties involved in your accident.
- If possible, collect evidence to document the accident scene. Obtain eyewitness information and take photos and videos of anything that could be remotely relevant.
- Be careful what you say. Don’t apologize or give opinions as to who may be at fault. An investigation may turn up information that surprises you.
- Get a prompt medical evaluation – even if you don’t think you’re hurt. The heightened emotions stemming from your accident could mask symptoms of certain injuries. If so, your medical record will help prove that these injuries resulted from the accident rather than something else.
We also recommend consulting an experienced personal injury attorney near you before speaking with an insurance agent. If you decide to retain representation, your lawyer can communicate on your behalf to prevent you from saying things that could hurt your claim.
Contact Our Experienced Columbia Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help
If you were injured in Columbia, MO, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is here to provide immediate assistance. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and start building your case. Our paramount goal is to obtain the maximum financial recovery possible to help you move forward.
Contact our personal injury lawyers for the guidance, support, and advocacy you deserve. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, so don’t hesitate to call our law firm today to schedule your appointment with a compassionate attorney.
Local Courts
- Columbia Municipal Court – 600 E Broadway #200, Columbia, MO 65201
- Boone County Courthouse -705 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201
- Us Government CTE – 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
