Who Can Be Held Liable in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s actions, you may be wondering who can be held liable for your injury. Understanding liability is key to making sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

In Missouri, the laws surrounding personal injury provide a framework for determining responsibility, but each case comes with unique circumstances that may affect the outcome.

These cases often revolve around proving negligence. In simple terms, negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. Determining liability, however, involves identifying all parties who may have contributed to the accident. Missouri law recognizes that multiple parties can be held liable, and the allocation of responsibility is based on their degree of fault.

Negligent Individuals

In many personal injury cases, an individual is the primary party held liable. This typically happens when the person’s actions, whether intentional or unintentional, directly cause harm. For example, if a driver runs a red light and causes a car accident, they can be held liable for the injuries sustained by the other driver. Similarly, a property owner who fails to fix dangerous conditions, such as broken stairs, can be held responsible if someone falls and gets hurt.

However, Missouri’s laws also consider situations where multiple individuals are involved. If more than one person shares responsibility for the injury, each party’s liability will be determined based on the percentage of fault assigned to them. This means that in a multi-car accident, all drivers involved may be partially responsible for the injuries. We understand how frustrating and overwhelming these situations can be, but we are here to help you determine the right path forward.

Employers and Business Owners

Employers can be held liable for personal injury cases when the accident involves an employee acting within the scope of their job. This legal concept is known as “vicarious liability.” For instance, if a delivery driver causes an accident while performing their job duties, the employer may share responsibility for the injuries, even if they weren’t directly involved. Missouri courts recognize this type of liability when employees cause harm while doing their jobs.

Businesses can also be held accountable for injuries occurring on their premises. A customer who slips on a wet floor in a grocery store could file a claim against the business for failing to maintain safe conditions. Business owners must keep their premises safe for customers, and neglecting this duty can result in legal action. We know how important it is for you to hold the responsible party accountable, and we will work diligently to help you secure the results you’re entitled to.

Product Manufacturers

Another key area of personal injury law involves product liability. If a defective product causes injury, the manufacturer or distributor can be held liable. Missouri law allows injured individuals to file claims against manufacturers for design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings about the product's potential dangers. For example, if a faulty airbag fails to deploy during an accident, causing injury, the injured party may pursue legal action against the manufacturer.

In product liability cases, we’ll work closely with you to establish the connection between the defective product and the injury. We believe that when companies fail to produce safe products, they must be held responsible. Whether it’s a vehicle defect or a malfunctioning household appliance, your case deserves our utmost attention and effort. Our commitment is to fight for your right to fair compensation.

Government Entities

In some cases, government agencies may also be liable for personal injuries. If, for example, you were injured due to poorly maintained public property, such as a sidewalk or road, the local government could be held responsible. Missouri law allows individuals to pursue claims against governmental bodies, but these cases come with unique challenges.

Filing a lawsuit against a government entity requires following strict procedures, including giving timely notice of your claim. This type of personal injury case can involve additional hurdles, but we’re here to guide you through the process. We’re committed to giving each case the personalized attention it deserves and will work tirelessly to protect your rights, no matter how intricate the case may be.

When There Are Multiple Defendants in a Lawsuit

It’s not uncommon for personal injury cases to involve multiple defendants. As mentioned earlier, Missouri follows the legal doctrine of comparative fault, meaning that multiple parties can be assigned a portion of the blame. For instance, if a car accident involves two negligent drivers and a malfunctioning traffic light, a lawsuit might be filed against both drivers and the entity responsible for maintaining the traffic light.

When several parties are involved, it’s essential to determine how liability is shared. Missouri’s comparative fault laws allow plaintiffs to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident. This means that if you were found to be 20% responsible for an accident, you could still recover 80% of the awarded damages. We’ll work with you to identify each party’s role in the injury and pursue the appropriate legal actions to recover what you’re owed.

Your Role in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

While identifying liable parties is crucial, it’s also important to recognize that plaintiffs have responsibilities, too. Missouri law follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages.

That’s why it’s critical to have support that understands the intricacies of personal injury law. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we’re here to provide comprehensive support. We pride ourselves on our integrity and commitment to delivering the best possible results for our clients.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Assistance

Handling a case on your own can be overwhelming, especially when multiple parties are involved. Whether you’ve been injured by an individual, an employer, a product manufacturer, or a government entity, having experienced legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. We firmly believe that combining experience with integrity yields excellent results.

At our firm, we take pride in offering personalized attention to each case. We believe that your personal injury case deserves our full dedication and effort. You can trust that we’ll advocate for your best interests every step of the way, working toward a resolution that helps you move forward after your injury.

How We Can Help

Our firm is dedicated to securing compensation for your personal injury case. Whether you're dealing with a debilitating injury or facing financial hardships after an accident, we’re here to help you fight for your rights. From gathering evidence to presenting your case in court, we’ll handle the legal process with the highest level of professionalism and care.

While we pride ourselves on being attentive and approachable, we’re also driven to get results. Our courtroom victories reflect our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. We believe that integrity and experience lead to success, and we’re here to make sure your case is handled with the attention it deserves. Get in touch with us today for compassionate yet diligent support.

We know how challenging it can be to handle a personal injury claim, but you don't have to face it alone. At SJP Law Firm, LLC, we proudly serve clients across Kansas City, Missouri; Springfield, Missouri; and the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, Kansas. If you've been injured and need dedicated legal representation, reach out to us today for a consultation. We're committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, no matter where you are. Let us help you get the justice you're entitled to—contact us now.