Personal Injury Lawyer Columbia MO

Personal injury lawyer in Columbia, MO. Burger Law defends the rights of those who are injured because of negligent and reckless actions. After an injury, getting the right medical attention immediately following the accident is extremely important. After that, you need a personal injury lawyer to fight for you and get you the best possible results in your case. Reach out to Burger Law now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.

If you want to know the value of your personal injury claim in Columbia, or anywhere in Missouri, fill out our free personal injury calculator.

Those who hurt you are responsible for compensating you for all of your damages, but they will not do it willingly. Burger Law’s personal injury lawyer team fights hard for the injured against anyone who is trying to keep them from the recovery they deserve. That includes anything from making claims against large trucking companies, holding negligent physicians, product manufacturers, restaurant owners accountable, suing City Hall, to securing justice and financial security for Columbia residents after a loved one passed too soon. If you have questions about your case, what compensation you are owed or other questions regarding personal injury claims, speak to one of our personal injury lawyers in Columbia, MO today at (314) 500-HURT.

Why Burger Law Is The Columbia, MO Personal Injury Law Firm For You

It can be difficult to know how to choose the right personal injury lawyer for you. You want someone who has won your type of case before and who is not afraid of a fight. In order to have a good understanding of the abilities of a law firm, you need to look at the cases they have won, and what their clients and other lawyers say about them:

Award-Winning Columbia, MO Personal Injury Lawyers

The numerous awards and honors Burger Law has received from other attorneys include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a significant achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all attorneys in the U.S.
• Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Honor — Members of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor only given to 1 percent of attorneys in the United States.
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers Honor — Selected to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only honor that is made up of the most qualified attorneys in each state.
• Board Certified By the National Board of Trial Advocacy — Board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Less than 4 percent of all practicing attorneys are certified by an ABA accredited certification board.

Personal Injury Lawyer Columbia, MO – Recent Successes

Our Columbia, MO personal injury lawyers have a demonstrated history of getting great results. We fight all who have hurt our clients, and we insist on nothing but maximum compensation. Our lawyers are devoted to providing our clients the highest standard of legal representation, and we take great pride in our hard-fought victories. Check out some of our case results for our personal injury clients below:

• $5 Million Settlement – Father Killed By Reckless Truck Driver
• $3 Million Judgment – Son Murdered by Pam Hupp
• $2.5 Million Settlement for Father’s Fatal Car Accident
• $2 Million Settlement – Injured Woman Settles Highway Crash Lawsuit
• $1.435 Million Settlement For Deck Collapse That Injured Couple
• $1 Million Settlement to Family of Man with Sepsis Infection
• Medical Malpractice Case Settles for Over $1 Million
• $900,000 Medical Malpractice Settlement
• $900,000 Medical Malpractice Settlement
• $780,000 Federal Tort Medical Malpractice Settlement
• $765,000 Settlement After Fatal Collision
• $600,000 Tractor-Trailer Crash
• $600,000 Settlement – Widow in ATV Accident Settles with Property Owner
• $495,000 Uninsured Motorcycle Verdict
• $400,000 Settlement in Employment Discrimination Case
• $350,000 Settlement in Ladder Case
• $305,000 Settlement in Dog Bite

It is worth pointing out that no two cases are the same, and what you may be eligible to recover is going to depend on the circumstances of your claim. We fight for you so that we get the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Burger Law Reviews

In addition to the videos below, you can watch more client testimonials here.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim in Columbia, MO?

Under Missouri and U.S. law, you have a right to file a personal injury claim to get a financial recovery for the harm someone else caused, and to hold wrongdoers accountable. The purpose of personal injury claims is to make one whole. The idea is convert all the ways an injury affected you into a dollar amount.

In some cases, no attorney or financial award can truly “put back” all the things you lost in an injury. While you can be reimbursed for medical bills, time spent off work recovering and other financial losses, other damages are less tangible. If you lost a loved one, you are permanently disabled, are disfigured or will have to live the rest of your life in chronic pain, no one can truly change that. What empathetic and talented personal injury lawyers like those at Burger Law are able to do is ensure your injuries are recognized, and to provide you with financial security as it relates to your injuries.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Columbia, MO?

That depends on the specifics of your case, but most of the time, yes, you will need a personal injury lawyer to get the full compensation you are owed in Columbia, MO. The question to ask when thinking about whether or not you need a lawyer is, can they increase my compensation? If your medical expenses are low, you did not miss much time off work and the insurance adjuster is being reasonable, a lawyer might not be necessary. But, you should hire an attorney in Columbia, MO if the following is true about your claim:

• There is disagreement over liability, or the insurance company says the accident are your fault
• The insurance company is denying they have to cover certain damages
• Your injuries are significant and require extensive care
• There are multiple parties that is liable for your injuries
• Your damages exceed an insurance company’s policy limits

We offer consultations for free, and we will always be honest with you about how much value we can add your claim. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you only pay after you have received the full compensation you are owed, and we have no reason to accept you as a client if we do not think we can get you substantially more money.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case in Columbia, MO?

While legal doctrine can be hard to navigate, whether or not you have a claim depends on the answer to one essential question: did someone else’s negligence cause you injuries? From a legal standpoint, you must prove the five elements of negligence:

1. Duty of care — You first need to show that the liable party owed it to you to value your safety. In some cases this is automatic, as motorists all owe everyone on the Columbia, MO roads a duty of care, or dog owners owe it to others to keep their dog from biting anyone. Other times, a special relationship must have formed, for example the relationship between a doctor and patient or between a vendor and a buyer.
2. Breach of duty — Did someone neglect that obligation? Did a driver crash into you you because they were running a red light? Did a doctor misdiagnose a condition? Did a store owner not salt the ice in front of their property sufficiently?
3. Cause-in-fact — You must demonstrate how the breach of duty resulted in your injuries. For instance, you received a concussions after being thrown off your bicycle, or were burned by a defective product when it overheated.
4. Proximate cause — This determines liability. If you were rear ended, the liable party is usually the driver that hit you. But if the brakes were faulty, someone in the product’s chain of distribution may be ultimately liable.
5. Damages — Finally, you have to show that you sustained some form of financial loss as a direct result of your injuries. In most cases damages are medical expenses and wages you could not earn while you were not able to work. If you hold onto your medical bills, this last part will be fairly easy to prove with the help of an attorney. After proving economic damages, we can pursue a financial recovery for the other ways your injuries have affected you.

The only way to know for certain if you have an injury claim is to speak to an attorney who has handled your type of claim in Columbia, MO before. You can speak to a personal injury lawyer now at (314) 500-HURT.

What Are Common Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbia, MO?

Being a personal injury lawyer in Columbia, MO requires that your lawyers and firm know how liability laws apply to a wide range of cases. Knowing the difference between the laws and defendants applicable to different types of claims is paramount. A lawyer who only knows how to deal with car insurance companies may not be the best choice to get you full compensation in a different claim. At Burger Law, we know how to secure justice for the injured no matter the circumstances. Cases we specialize in in Columbia and throughout Missouri include:

• Auto accidents, including:
  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and falls
• Medical malpractice
• Product liability
• Workers’ compensation
• Dog bites
• Construction accidents
• Wrongful death

Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers will take on any case in which someone was injured through no fault of their own. One of the great parts of choosing a Burger Law Columbia, MO personal injury lawyer is that our team takes on all types of personal injury claims, and have won your type of claim before. We understand that case types often overlap, and having experience with each type of claim gives our team the perfect understanding of how to fight for our clients’ rights and recoveries.

What Is the Personal Injury Claims Process in Columbia, MO?

The path to getting a financial settlement or verdict for your injuries can be long and complex. While some cases only take a few months, others can take several years before a jury finally renders a decision. Generally, the personal injury claims process includes:

• Getting Medical Care — Get medical care immediately after an injury, and follow your doctor’s treatment plans to a “T.” If you delay, it could bring complications to your claim, and not attending all your appointments will lower both your economic and noneconomic damages. Our personal injury lawyers work with several experienced Columbia, MO doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists who can ensure you recover physically as best as possible.
• Discussing Your Case With an Attorney — Even if you are not sure you are going to need to hire a lawyer, it is best to know what your options are as soon as possible. A good attorney will be straightforward with you about whether or not their services are needed.
• Investigation and Documentation — Once you have legal representation, your personal injury lawyer will perform a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injuries, determine every liable party and acquire the evidence needed for the best possible financial recovery. You should also keep detailed records of your expenses related to your injuries, and how they affect your day-to-day life.
• Settlement Demand and Negotiations — Once we have determined the full extent of your damages, we will send a settlement demand package to those who are liable for compensating you. In the package we will include how we calculated your damages, and insist that nothing but the full amount is acceptable. Usually, they will respond with a lower offer, and there will be several back-and-forths until they agree to pay for 100 percent of your damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit — If the insurance company will not be fair in negotiations, we will proceed to litigating the case and setting up a trial. During this time, both parties continue negotiating.
• Mediation — If a settlement agreement still has not been reached, your personal injury lawyer and the liable party will likely pursue mediation. In mediation, an unbiased third party listens to arguments from both sides and tries to break the stalemate.
• Pre-Trial — If mediation still does not result in a fair settlement, we will go into the pre-trial “discovery” phase. In discovery, we will speak to eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, acquire more evidence and share with and request documentation with the other side.
• Trial — It is rare that a personal injury claim makes it all the way to trial. Indeed, we often finally get the settlement we were seeking on the eve of trial. However, if the insurance company still cannot see reason, the case will go in front of a judge and jury. Trial consists of:
  • Jury selection
  • Opening statements
  • Testimony and cross-examination
  • Closing arguments
  • Jury instruction
  • Jury deliberation and verdict

Most people who speak with our Columbia, MO personal injury lawyers have never been through the personal injury claims process before, and do not know what to expect. Burger Law will be by your side from our initial consultation to full compensation, keep you up to date on the status of your claim and handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can focus on healing.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Schedule a free case evaluation here.

Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

What Compensation Can I Get In My Columbia, MO Personal Injury Claim?

In general, there are two types of compensation available in a personal injury claim: economic damages and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages compensate you for the economic harm related to your injuries, including:
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential if your injuries result in permanent disability
  • Medical bills, past and future
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages compensate you for the less tangible aspects of your injuries, such as:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Stress
  • Loss of ability to enjoy life
  • Scarring
  • Inconvenience
  • Physical impairment
  • Loss of consortium

Sometimes, you may also be eligible for punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was purposefully harmful or grossly negligent. Examples can include a drunk driver, or a doctor who performs surgery after drinking. While punitive damages do not apply to most personal injury claims, your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will pursue every legal avenue available to get you the best possible financial recovery.

What If I Was Partially Responsible For My Injuries?

Trying to completely or partially blame you for your injuries is a common trick insurance companies employ to minimize your recovery. If you were indeed partially responsible, you are still eligible for compensation. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute §537.060 and Missouri Revised Statute §537.765, the state has adopted “pure comparative negligence.” Meaning, if you were partially at fault, your compensation will be lowered by the percentage of fault you bear.

For example, if your damages come out to $100,000, but you were 10 percent at fault for your injuries, with the comparative fault rule, you would be eligible for a $90,000 financial recovery.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Columbia, MO?

Because we charge a contingency fee, you do not need to pay us anything upfront. We take a percentage of your final payout, but only after we win and after you receive your compensation. The benefits of this for you are twofold:

1. You can get expert legal advocacy, no matter if you are trying to make up for medical bills and lost wages
2. We have no reason to take on your case unless we genuinely believe in it, and will fight hard to maximize your compensation

At Burger Law, we know that an unexpected injury can put a dent in your back account. You still have a right to justice and fair compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim in Columbia, MO?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations is five years for the majority of personal injury claims, according to Missouri Revised Statute §516.120. There are four notable exceptions:

1. If you were under the age of 21 or “mentally incapacitated” on the date of the accident, you have five years from your 21st birthday or the day your disability ends to seek compensation, under Missouri Revised Statute §516.170.
2. If the person or corporation who is responsible for your injuries is a resident of Missouri but departs from the state for a period of time, their time out of state does not take away from the five years, under Missouri Revised Statute §516.200.
3. Medical malpractice cases must generally be made within two years of the injury or you learned of the injury, under Missouri Revised Statute § 516.105.
4. Any claim against a governmental organization in Missouri must be filed within 90 days with the Missouri Office of Administration’s Risk Management Division.

While five years may seem like plenty of time, that is not always the case in the legal world. Investigation and communication by your personal injury lawyer at Burger Law is time-consuming. It is not worth taking the time to wonder if you want to pursue a claim. Contact a Burger Law Columbia, MO personal injury lawyer now at (314) 500-HURT.

Other cases we handle in Columbia, MO include:

• Survival Action Lawyer in Missouri
• Truck Crash Lawyers in Missouri
• Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Missouri

Other Missouri Locations Our Personal Injury Lawyers Serve

Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Columbia, MO Now

Burger Law’s Columbia, MO personal injury lawyers fiercely believe in zealous representation. That means we get started on your case the moment you hire us, investigate your case thoroughly, stand up to insurance companies on your behalf and do not let down until you get the full compensation you deserve. We offer the highest standard of legal representation; all of our advice will be sincere and in your best interest, but we always leave the ultimate decisions on your claim to you and your Columbia, MO family. You do not have to pay for someone else’s careless actions. To start on your road to true recovery, call a Burger Law Columbia, MO personal injury lawyer now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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