The multiplier method with Missouri's actual rules applied: pure comparative fault, a 5-year filing window. Every statute cited and linked, every line of arithmetic shown.
Based on the multiplier method used by insurers and attorneys. This is an educational estimate, not legal advice. Every claim is different.
Any fault chargeable to you “diminish[es] proportionately the amount awarded … but shall not bar recovery”. There is no percentage at which you lose the claim. (Gustafson v. Benda, 661 S.W.2d 11 (Mo. banc 1983); RSMo §537.765)
5 years from the injury, among the longest in the country (medical malpractice: 2 years; wrongful death: 3 years) (RSMo §516.120(4)). The clock is jurisdictional. One day late and no court will hear the case.
At-fault state with mandatory liability insurance, no PIP requirement. (RSMo §303.025)
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage (plus mandatory 25/50 UM coverage). (RSMo §303.190) Policy limits are the practical ceiling on most settlements, which is why identifying every available policy (including your own underinsured-motorist coverage) matters.
Missouri insurers love to raise the seat belt, but by statute, not wearing one can reduce your award by at most 1%, and only with expert proof (RSMo §307.178.4). Also unusual: a settlement demand that follows §537.058's formalities starts a 90-day clock that can set up the insurer for bad-faith exposure if it stalls.
The same multiplier method used everywhere, so (medical bills + lost wages) × a 1.5–5× severity multiplier + property damage. Then Missouri's fault rule is applied: Any fault chargeable to you “diminish[es] proportionately the amount awarded … but shall not bar recovery”. There is no percentage at which you lose the claim. The calculator on this page runs exactly that math and prints every line.
5 years from the injury, among the longest in the country (medical malpractice: 2 years; wrongful death: 3 years) (RSMo §516.120(4)). Miss the deadline and the claim is barred permanently, no matter how strong it is. Claims against government entities often have much shorter notice requirements.
At-fault state with mandatory liability insurance, no PIP requirement.
Compensatory damages: No cap in ordinary injury cases. Economic and non-economic damages are uncapped. Medical malpractice (non-economic): $481,493, or $842,614 for catastrophic injury or death (2026 values, the caps rise 1.7% each January). Punitive damages: Greater of $500,000 or 5× the net judgment, and since 2020 you can't even plead punitives at filing. The court must grant leave on evidence first.