Recovering Damages After a Serious Car Accident in Missouri: What You Need to Know

What types of damages can be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit after a serious car accident in Missouri?

In a personal injury lawsuit following a serious car accident in Missouri, several types of damages can be recovered.

One variety of damages would be commonly referred to as “economic” damages.  One example of this would be lost wages and/or compensation for lost earning capacity, which encompasses both the loss of earnings from the date of the injury to the date of judgment and the loss of future earnings or diminished ability to earn.  Another example would be damages for medical and hospital costs / expenses / bills resulting from treatment of the relevant injuries that the motor vehicle accident caused or contributed to cause.

A second variety of damages would be commonly referred to as “noneconomic” damages.  This would include things that do not really come with a specific price tag like pain endured, suffering experienced, or loss of your ability to enjoy your life in the same ways.  For the most part, Missouri does not place a cap on non-economic damages outside of certain case types.  Some states place such caps with much greater frequency / regularity / uniformity.

A third type of damages would be “punitive” damages, which may be awarded if the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.

A fourth type of damages would be for “loss of consortium”, which can compensate a loved one for their loss of your companionship and support due to your injuries.

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