Missouri Personal Injury Laws
Missouri uses pure comparative fault and has a 5-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases — one of the longest in the country. The Missouri Supreme Court struck down statutory caps on non-economic damages as unconstitutional, leaving the state without such caps. St. Louis and Kansas City are known for significant jury verdicts in personal injury and products liability cases.
Statute of Limitations
5 years
Fault Rule
Pure Comparative Fault
Non-Economic Damages Cap
No Cap
Fault Rule: Pure Comparative Fault
You can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Average Settlement Amounts in Missouri
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability, and other factors. Below are estimated average settlements for common injury types in Missouri.
| Injury Type | Average Settlement |
|---|---|
| Car Accident | $21,000 |
| Slip and Fall | $17,000 |
| Dog Bite | $33,000 |
Key Missouri Personal Injury Statutes
- •Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120 (statute of limitations, 5 years)
- •Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.765 (pure comparative fault)
- •Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036 (dog bite strict liability)
Damage Caps in Missouri
Missouri does not impose a general cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no statutory limit on pain and suffering awards in most cases.
Missouri does not have a specific medical malpractice damages cap.
Injury Claims in Missouri
Learn more about specific injury types and how Missouri law applies to each.
Major Cities in Missouri
Personal injury attorneys in Missouri serve clients in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured in any of these cities, the same state laws described above apply to your claim.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.