Life is unpredictable, and, unfortunately, accidents occur every day. If an incident left you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the losses. You’ll have to show that someone else’s negligent behavior put you in harm’s way. The skilled attorneys at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C., in Lake St. Louis, MO, help clients determine if they have grounds to file a personal injury case. Here they outline three elements you have to prove to establish liability. 

Serious Injuries 

For a personal injury claim to be valid, you must have suffered significant injuries, whether physical or emotional. If you sustained only property damages or minor injuries that don’t require medical care, it’s likely you will only be able to seek remedy through an insurance claim. 

Negligence

You must show that your injuries were the direct result of another party’s negligent actions. Under the law, negligence is defined as the failure to behave with a level of care that any reasonable person would have exhibited under a similar situation. Some of the most common examples of someone breaching their duty of care include texting while driving, failing to fix hazardous slip and fall conditions, and making surgical errors. 

Damages 

You must have endured injuries and financial harm that can be remedied by a monetary award. Recoverable damages can be economical and non-economical, such as medical expenses, lost income, reduction in earning capacity, diminished quality of life, and loss of companionship. 

If you want to file a personal injury claim, an experienced lawyer at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. will determine its validity. If you have grounds for a case, they will collect evidence and advocate on your behalf. With over 75 years of combined experience, the legal team has successfully represented numerous victims of negligence. They have the resources and knowledge needed to help prove your case and maximize your compensation. Call the law firm at (636) 561-5599 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about their expertise.