McDuffey Law Firm LLC: Personal Injury Attorney Lake Ozarks

Thursday, September 10, 2015

5 Things You Might Not Have Known About Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law is complex and involved. Even if you spend months or years researching your personal injury case, you probably won't learn everything there is to know. Because of all the little details requiring attention, hiring a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks will give you your best shot at getting the best compensation for your injuries.

The team at McDuffey Law Firm aims to make the process easier on our clients in any way we can. This week, we're here to help shed some light on some little-known facts about personal injury law.

1. You May Not Be Required To Pay Your Attorney If You Don't Win Your Case.
Many personal injury attorneys, like our local personal injury law firm in Osage Beach MO, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients will not owe us a single penny for our services unless we win! We are strong believers in our "no win, no fee" policy because it helps takes some of the stress off our clients' shoulders.

2. "Personal Injuries" Don't Have To Be Physical.
When most people think of injuries, they think of fractures, sprains, or broken bones. In fact, personal injuries encompass a wide variety of non-physical injuries. For example, you may be able to get financial compensation for associated pain and suffering and any emotional or psychological damage.

3. If You Are Injured On Commercial Property, You Have Rights.
Business owners who have commercial property have a legal obligation to create a safe environment for their customers. If you are injured on commercial property (for example, slip-and-fall or machinery accidents), you may have the grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.

4. You Have To File Within The Statute Of Limitations In Order For Your Case To Be Considered.
Every state has a statute of limitations that dictates when lawsuits can be filed. If you wait to file your personal injury lawsuit until after the statute of limitations has expired, your case will not be valid. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is two years. If you are debating whether or not to file a personal injury case, be sure to make your decision within those time constraints.

5. The Settlement You Ask For In The Very Beginning Directly Impacts The Damages You Will Receive.
Demanding too little in the very beginning could cause you to get stuck with a tiny recovery. Asking too much, on the other hand, could cause you to seem inexperienced and incapable of properly valuing your claims. Your personal injury attorney will be able to help you determine the best starting point.

We Can Help You Navigate Your Personal Injury Case.
With so much at stake, it's important to make sure you approach everything strategically and accurately. Our experienced team can help you properly value and manage your personal injury case in order to increase your chances of earning a large settlement. If you would like more information, give us a call to schedule your free consultation.

McDuffey Law Firm, LLC
www.McDuffeyLaw.com
Ph. (573) 302-7211
Fax. (573) 302-7215

5754 Parkside Village Ct.,
P.O. Box 368
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
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Thursday, July 23, 2015

What Do I Do If I Am Injured At Work?

Every employer and every employee should be dedicated to preventing accidents and injuries at work. Even with the best intentions, however, work-related injuries can and do still happen. If you are injured at work, it's important to act quickly.

Phase 1: Seek Medical Attention
Finances are important, but they are not nearly as important as your physical health. If you suffer an injury at work (or anywhere else) the very first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. The rest can happen once you have been properly treated.

Phase 2: Report The Accident
You will be doing both yourself and your employer a disadvantage if you fail to report the accident. In the worst-case scenario, your employer could refuse to pay for your medical treatment and associated benefits while you are out of work. Your workers' compensation insurance may deny paying your claim, too. You can prevent these potential issues by immediately reporting every accident to your employer or supervisor, even if the injuries are minor.

Phase 3: File A Claim
The next step is to file a claim with the Workman's Compensation Insurance Board (WCIB). Your employer may also be required to file a claim. It is always better to file your claim sooner than later. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is two years; if you do not file your worker's compensation claim within two years of the accident, you may be denied compensation for your injuries and associated pain and suffering.

Phase 4: Consult A Worker's Compensation Attorney
If your claim is denied or if your employer resists covering your medical or out-of-work benefits, you may have the grounds for a worker's compensation lawsuit. If have questions about your claim, you are always welcome to set up a free consultation with our workers' compensation attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. McDuffey Law Firm has experience handling all forms of work-related accidents, including:

Construction Accidents
Back & Neck Injuries
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Burning, Scarring, & Disfigurement
Psychological Stress
And More

If you have been injured at work, it is important to act as soon as possible. Contact our personal injury law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks to get started today.