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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a personal injury case in Missouri?

You likely have a case if someone else's negligence caused you real harm — medical bills, lost income, lasting injuries, or the loss of a loved one. Missouri law requires four things to prove negligence: a duty of care, a breach of that duty, a direct link between the breach and your injury, and actual damages. The only way to know for sure is a free consultation. Call (314) 651-8631 — we'll tell you honestly whether there's a case worth pursuing.

How long do I have to file a claim in Missouri?

Most Missouri personal injury cases have a five-year statute of limitations under RSMo § 516.120 — the same five-year deadline applies to most Missouri car accident lawsuits. Medical malpractice is only two years, wrongful death is three, and claims against government entities can be much shorter. Don't wait on the longer end; evidence and witnesses disappear fast. Call (314) 651-8631 so we can protect your filing rights.

What does it cost to hire Wolff Trial Lawyers?

A: No recovery, no fee. We handle personal injury and medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, agreed to in writing before we begin. Depending on what your case requires, there may still be case costs involved. We walk you through all of that at your free consultation. Your consultation is no pressure, no obligation.

Do I actually need a lawyer, or can I handle it myself?

You can handle it yourself, but Insurance Research Council studies have consistently found that represented claimants recover significantly more on average — even after attorney's fees. Adjusters are trained to close claims for as little as possible. An experienced St. Louis trial lawyer levels that field.

How much is my case worth?

Case value depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, future care, the severity and permanence of your injuries, how clearly fault falls on the other side, and the insurance coverage available. No honest lawyer can promise a specific number, and Missouri Bar rules prohibit us from doing so. What we can promise is a thorough valuation of every component of your claim.

What should I do right after a serious accident or injury in Missouri?

Get medical care immediately, report the incident in writing (police report, incident report, or hospital record), photograph everything, collect witness names, and do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company. Then call a St. Louis personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offer — initial offers are almost always a fraction of what the case is worth.

What if the accident was partly my fault? Can I still recover in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule from Gustafson v. Benda (Mo. 1983), which lets you recover even if you were up to 99% at fault — your compensation is simply reduced by your share of the blame. Insurance carriers work hard to inflate that share, which is exactly why representation matters.

How long will my case take?

Every personal injury case in St. Louis is different. A straightforward claim may resolve in a few months; a complex medical malpractice or catastrophic injury case that goes to trial can take a year or longer. We give you an honest timeline at your first consultation and keep you updated at every stage.

Will my case go to trial?

Most personal injury cases settle before trial, and we work hard to secure full value at the negotiating table. But insurance carriers pay more when they know the lawyer across the table will actually try the case — and Alvin Wolff, Jr. has tried over 100 cases to a jury verdict. Being trial-ready is what makes settlements bigger.

What kinds of cases does Wolff Trial Lawyers handle?

Serious personal injury and wrongful death matters throughout Missouri and Colorado — including medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, car and truck accidents, motorcycle and bicycle accidents, premises liability, slip and fall, dog bites, prescription errors, and negligent security. If you're not sure whether your situation fits, call and ask. If it isn't something we handle, we'll point you to someone who does.

More FAQs

Be cautious. Early settlement offers are usually much lower than the true value of your case. Once you accept, you can’t go back for more. Always have an experienced attorney review any offer before signing.
Missouri follows a “comparative fault” system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation, though it could be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
Bring any accident reports, medical records, photos, witness contact information, and insurance correspondence. The more information you provide, the better we can evaluate your case.
You should see a doctor as soon as possible. Delays in treatment can harm both your health and your case, since insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Most personal injury cases settle without trial. However, if a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
You may still have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or by pursuing other liable parties. We can investigate all possible sources of recovery.
If you were injured because a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions—like wet floors, poor lighting, or unsafe walkways—you may have a valid claim. The key question is whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
You may be entitled to recover lost wages, future lost earnings, and compensation for reduced earning capacity. We work with experts to calculate the full financial impact of your injury.
Your health insurance may cover costs initially, or medical providers may agree to be paid from your eventual settlement. We can also work to negotiate bills and protect you from collections while your case is ongoing.
Our attorneys have more than 45 years of experience and have handled over 7,500 personal injury cases in Missouri. Our depth of experience gives us the insight and strategy needed to fight for maximum results.

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Important Disclosure:

The Missouri Bar requires a disclosure that contacting an attorney on this website does not constitute an attorney client relationship. Legal advice is not given here and any past case results listed have no bearing on what your case might be worth. Every case rises and falls on its own particular merits.

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