St. Louis Personal Injury Attorneys
Fighting for Personal Injury Victims in Missouri
If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident that was not your fault, a St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and take action quickly. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, and early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in protecting your claim.
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we take the time to understand your situation and evaluate whether you have a viable personal injury case. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who prepare every claim with the expectation that it may go to trial if necessary to pursue full and fair compensation. We represent injured individuals only—not insurance companies or at-fault parties—and we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Discuss your legal options with our St. Louis personal injury attorneys. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in St. Louis
Our team of St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Sedey Harper Westhoff has the experience and resources to effectively take on many types of personal injury claims. We are familiar with how Missouri courts adjudicate these cases and what goes into a successful claim.
We are prepared to represent Missouri personal injury victims in cases involving:
- Car accidents: Collisions caused by negligent drivers, including speeding, distraction, or failure to yield, often resulting in serious injuries and complex insurance claims.
- Construction site accidents: Injuries occurring on or near job sites due to unsafe conditions, falling objects, equipment failures, or lack of proper safety measures.
- Catastrophic injuries: Severe, life-altering harm such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns that require long-term medical care and significantly impact daily life.
- Dangerous products: Injuries caused by defective or unsafe products, including design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
- Premises liabilities: Accidents resulting from hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, such as slips and falls, poor maintenance, or negligent security.
- Motorcycle accidents: Crashes involving motorcycles, where riders are especially vulnerable to serious injuries due to limited protection.
- Pedestrian accidents: Incidents where individuals are struck by vehicles, often in crosswalks or intersections, leading to significant injuries.
- Truck accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks or tractor-trailers, which often cause severe damage due to their size and weight.
- Work accidents: Injuries that occur in the workplace due to unsafe conditions, lack of training, defective equipment, or employer negligence, sometimes involving both workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
- Wrongful death: Claims brought by surviving family members when a fatal accident occurs due to another party’s negligence or misconduct.
Because we regularly handle cases arising from collisions, falls, and unsafe conditions throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County, we understand how local law enforcement reports, medical providers, and courts approach these matters. Our lawyers can evaluate whether your circumstances fit within one of these categories, identify all potentially responsible parties, and explain which types of damages may be available so you can decide how to move forward.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
We Get Results!
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.- Francine K.
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"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.- Rickey D.
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"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.- Terry H.
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"I felt not only well represented but emotionally supported, and I got the best possible outcome."She helped me understand where the law could protect me and where it would not. She is thorough, knows the law, and was always more prepared than the other lawyers.- Lori C.
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"She was honest, straightforward and very professional."It was a privilege working with Donna. She was always prepared, got me prepared for every step along the way, and her skills and tenacity got me a great result.- Jim M.
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"She is a brilliant attorney and I felt very lucky to have her in my corner."Being involved in a lawsuit is a scary situation but at my first meeting with Mary Anne Sedey I was put at ease.- John W.
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"I can truly say that they are ‘simply the best’ law firm that I have worked with."It has been a professional pleasure working with your law firm. Ben Westhoff clearly explained all my rights to help resolve my legal issues, and always provided the answers in a timely manner.- Emma T.
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"I would not hesitate to refer this amazing law group to friends and family for future legal issues."Many thanks to Sedey Harper Westhoff! From the start they believed in me and fought for what was right. Bob and Ben were both professional yet personable which made for a very pleasant experience.- Scott B.
Elements to Prove a St. Louis Personal Injury Claim
If you were harmed by the negligence, carelessness, or malicious conduct of another person or organization, you may have a personal injury claim. Building the foundation for a successful case will involve gathering and presenting evidence that demonstrates four key elements. Our lawyers can help obtain evidence and craft strong arguments.
Proving a personal injury claim involves establishing the following elements:
- Duty of care. You must demonstrate that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This means the defendant was required to act in a reasonably prudent manner to prevent harm. For example, drivers owe others on the road a duty of care whenever they get behind the wheel.
- Breach of duty. You must show that the defendant breached this duty of care through action or inaction, which a reasonable person would not have done under similar circumstances.
- Causation. You must establish a clear link between the defendant's breach of duty and the injury incurred by the plaintiff.
- Damages. You must provide evidence of actual damages resulting from your injuries, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These damages must be directly connected to the defendant's breach of duty.
Recoverable Damages in a Missouri Personal Injury Lawsuit
In a Missouri personal injury lawsuit, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages, which serve to compensate for different kinds of losses experienced due to your injuries. Economic damages refer to the tangible, quantifiable costs incurred as a result of your injuries. Non-economic damages address the more subjective, intangible losses linked to your injuries that do not have a direct monetary value.
Our personal injury attorneys can fight to get you maximum compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Additionally, a court can sometimes award punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was malicious or extremely egregious. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter others from behaving similarly in the future. Note that Missouri generally enforces caps on punitive damages.
Understanding the Personal Injury Claim Process in St. Louis
Recovering compensation through a personal injury claim involves specific legal procedures. We understand how to navigate this process and can provide results-oriented guidance from start to finish.
The personal injury claim process tends to involve the following steps:
- Initial consultation. It is in your best interest to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. You will need to provide details of what happened and any relevant documentation of your injuries, such as medical reports. Our team at Sedey Harper Westhoff can assess and advise you of the strength of your case and how we can help.
- Investigation. Once we take your case, we can conduct a thorough investigation. This involves gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, acquiring police reports, and consulting professionals if necessary. Our goal is to build a robust foundation to support your claim.
- Filing the claim. After collecting sufficient evidence, we can file the claim with the appropriate insurance company or court. This entails detailing the damages suffered and the compensation sought.
- Negotiation. Following the filing, the next stage is negotiation with the insurance company. We may engage in discussions to reach a settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses without the need for litigation.
- Litigation. If negotiations do not result in a satisfactory settlement, the case may advance to litigation. During this phase, both parties present their evidence and arguments before a court. The litigation process involves discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial where a judge or jury renders a final decision.
For cases arising in St. Louis, this process often plays out in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis or the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, and local rules can affect everything from filing requirements to how quickly a case moves toward trial. We factor in these procedural details, along with the insurance coverage available and the severity of your injuries, when advising you about whether to accept a settlement or continue litigating. Throughout the process, we stay in close contact so you understand each step, what comes next, and how your decisions can influence the timeline and potential outcome of your claim.
Why Choose Sedey Harper Westhoff for Your Personal Injury Case in St. Louis?
- Extensive Experience: Our St. Louis personal injury law firm has a proven track record of success in handling complex personal injury cases. With years of experience, we understand the intricacies of personal injury law and how to maximize compensation for our clients.
- No Fee Unless You Win: At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every client like family. You can expect open communication, regular updates on your case, and personal attention from our legal team.
- Aggressive Representation: Whether we are negotiating with insurance companies or fighting for you in the courtroom, our attorneys are strong advocates for your rights. Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers will not settle for less than you deserve.
Contact Sedey Harper Westhoff or call (314) 819-0963 today for a free consultation with our experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyers. Let us fight for your rights and full compensation.
Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
You may understandably be worried about the expense of hiring an attorney to help with your personal injury claim, especially if you are already dealing with lost wages from missed work and overwhelming medical expenses. The good news is that our St. Louis personal injury lawyers handle these claims on a contingency fee basis. This means we can agree to represent you without any upfront payment and instead receive a percentage of your settlement or court-awarded damages if the case is successful. In other words, you owe nothing unless we help you recover compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Missouri?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Missouri is five years from the date the victim was injured. This means you have five years from the date you were injured to bring your claim. Failing to file within these five years can result in the loss of your right to recover damages. Note that if a loved one suffered fatal injuries, you only have three years from the date they passed away to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Can I Represent Myself in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Representing yourself in a personal injury lawsuit is technically permitted but generally not advisable due to the complexities involved in these cases. Personal injury law is intricate and often involves a deep understanding of legal procedures, evidence gathering, and litigation strategies that you may lack. Legal professionals are skilled at navigating these complexities and can help you meet all procedural requirements, reducing the risk of an unfavorable outcome due to technical errors.
Additionally, attorneys can help accurately assess the true value of your claim. Experienced lawyers understand how to consider all potential damages, including future medical expenses and lost wages, which you may not know to include. Moreover, insurance companies are experienced in negotiating settlements that benefit them and, if you lack legal representation, may attempt to take advantage of you to offer less than what might be fair or appropriate. Having legal representation can increase the likelihood of securing a better settlement or court decision.
Can I Get a Settlement Without Going to Court?
Yes, it is entirely possible to obtain a settlement without going to court. In fact, a significant number of personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the injured party's attorney and the at-fault party's insurance company. The primary advantage of settling out of court is that it often results in a quicker resolution, allowing you to receive compensation sooner without the time and expense associated with a trial.
During settlement negotiations, both parties have the opportunity to discuss and agree upon a settlement amount that adequately covers your damages. This process involves careful evaluation of your claim's value, considering factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Your attorney will play a crucial role in these negotiations, as they advocate for your best interests and verify whether a settlement offer is fair and comprehensive. While most cases can be settled this way, if the parties cannot agree on an offer, taking the matter to court remains an option. You are not required to accept a settlement just because the insurance company offers one.
When you suffer life-altering injuries due to another party’s negligence, we can help explore your legal options and work to enforce your rights. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online today with our personal injury lawyers in St. Louis!
Our Settlements & Verdicts
We are nationally recognized employment lawyers and experienced personal injury lawyers who will aggressively fight for your rights.
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$2,000,000 $2 Million Dollar Verdict
Ben Westhoff and Donna Harper won an invasion of privacy action for an individual whose history of addiction and medical issues were publicly discussed on air by the radio station where he worked. The jury awarded compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages.
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$3,500,000 $3.5 Million Settlement for Wrongful Death
Ben Westhoff and Erin Lueker resolved a wrongful death action for the family of a man who died suddenly after the tire fell off his vehicle as he drove home following service of the vehicle at a repair shop in St. Louis County. The repair shop had failed to secure the lug nuts on the wheel, which caused the car to crash and led to the man suffering a fatal heart attack at the scene.
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$350,000 $350,000 Discrimination Claim
In May 2022, Ben Westhoff settled an age discrimination claim against Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri. Three long-term Phelps Health employees shared the settlement after they were terminated in a what was called a “reorganization.”
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$395,000 $395,000 Settlement for Whistleblower Suit
Ben Westhoff and Mary Anne Sedey achieved a $395,000 settlement in an age discrimination and whistleblower suit that they litigated for over a year on behalf of an employee who was terminated from a Fortune 500 company.
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$400,000 $400,000 Settlement For Couple Injured in Auto Accident
Ben Westhoff successfully settled an injury case for a husband and wife injured in a car crash on Interstate 64 in St. Louis County. The crash occurred after the couple were struck from behind by a drunk driver speeding down the highway. In addition to bodily injuries, the intensity of the crash caused significant psychological injuries to the young couple. The case settled for $400,000 after several months of litigation in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
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