Following an accident that resulted in a serious injury, you will likely be faced with a growing stack of expensive medical bills. Recovering compensation from the at-fault party can be essential as you attempt to rebuild your life. At the Morelli Law Firm, our team of Cape Girardeau crane accident lawyers has helped countless injury victims get the money they need.
Reach out to us today by completing our online contact form or giving us a call and schedule a free case review with a member of our team.
Damages You May Be Eligible to Pursue Following a Cape Girardeau Crane Accident
After suffering an injury in a crane accident, there are a variety of damages you may be able to pursue. However, determining the exact damages that apply to your case will depend on the details of your situation.
For example, when suffering a crane accident injury while on the job, you will likely be limited to filing a workers’ compensation claim. When submitting a workers’ comp claim, you will only be able to claim non-economic damages. However, when filing a personal injury lawsuit, you will also be able to recover non-economic damages and may even be eligible for punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover any monetary losses caused by your accident. In this category, you will find the money you were compelled to spend because of your accident, as well as any income you were prevented from earning. In addition to covering your current costs, economic damages can be awarded for projected future losses as well.
In crane accident cases, the most frequently awarded economic damages include:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Decreased ability to earn
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are awarded to replace any other losses that result from your crane accident. Instead of hurting you financially, these losses tend to have a far more personal impact. Because of the fact that these damages are frequently profound and irreplaceable, the money awarded for non-economic damages is usually quite substantial.
In crane accident cases, the most frequently awarded economic damages include:
- Permanent disability
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not available in most crane accident cases. Punitive damages differ significantly from compensatory damages. While compensatory damages are focused on replacing the losses suffered by accident victims, punitive damages are meant as a punishment for the at-fault party.
A judge will only award punitive damages if the liable party was grossly negligent or intentionally caused harm.
Have You Been Injured In An Accident? Contact Morelli Law
877-751-9800Pure Comparative Negligence in Missouri
Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence rule when dealing with fault after an accident. Under this rule, accident victims can recover compensation for their injuries, even if they were partially at fault. As long as an injury victim was not 100% to blame for an accident, they can file a claim for compensation.
However, the amount of money you can recover will vary depending on your level of liability. For example, if your damages are worth $100,000 and you were 60% at fault, the money you can claim will be reduced comparatively to $40,000.
Pay Attention to the Statute of Limitations When Pursuing a Crane Accident Lawsuit
When looking to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, it is critical that you are mindful of the applicable statute of limitations. In Missouri, accident victims have five years to submit the paperwork necessary for filing a lawsuit. Letting this deadline pass without taking action could mean the loss of your ability to recover compensation.
However, it is critical to understand that the five-year deadline does not apply in all cases. Various circumstances can alter the amount of time you have to file. In some situations, this could mean you can still file after the standard deadline has passed. Meanwhile, in other cases, you could find yourself further limited in the amount of time you have to take action.
In order to ensure that all deadlines are met, you should hire an experienced Cape Girardeau crane accident attorney soon after suffering your injury. Your lawyer can identify whether or not any special circumstances apply to your case and make sure that all of the necessary paperwork gets filed on time.
Contact our Cape Girardeau Personal Injury Lawyers today
877-751-9800Taking a Settlement Vs. Going to Court
The vast majority of crane accident cases are concluded with out-of-court settlements. The reason for this is that settling is usually in the best interest of both parties.
An injury victim can benefit from a settlement by recovering compensation far quicker than they would if their case went to court. Additionally, a settlement means avoiding the unpredictable nature of a jury trial. Although you may be able to recover more money through a court-ordered payout, the risk of coming away with nothing is rarely worth the reward.
For the defendant, a settlement offers the added benefit of allowing them to pay less in legal fees. Furthermore, they can avoid any unwanted media coverage that may accompany a trial.
Contact a Cape Girardeau Crane Accident Lawyer to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
The best thing you can do for your case is to hire an attorney with a history of handling cases similar to yours. It’s essential that you choose a lawyer with a proven track record of successfully recovering fair compensation for their clients.
At the Morelli Law Firm, our team of Cape Girardeau crane accident lawyers has a long history of helping accident victims recover significant compensation both through settlement deals and court rulings. Reach out to us today to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.
Call or text 877-751-9800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
