Legal Question in Personal Injury in Missouri
Injury Liability
I was recently injured when a college wreslting teammate purposely pushed a wrestling mat into me. I have extensive damages to my knee. Can I still recover damages, even if he does not have many assets. Can his parents be liable if he is still considered a dependent?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Injury Liability
The extent of your legal damages will depend a great deal on the total amount of your medical expenses, and whether or not you have sustained any degree of permanancy. If your damages justify it, you may certainly sue the other fellow and attempt to obtain a Judgment against him. The Judgment might be for a reasonable amount to compensate you for your injury, including pain and suffering, lost income if any, lost enjoyment of life, lost opportunity to participate on a college athletic team and other factors. The Judgment might also include a claim for punitive damges for the reason that the other fellow did this intentionally. If you obtain a Judgment in the Circuit Court it will be good for ten years and you can revive it for additonal ten year periods as needed. Sooner or later, if you can keep track of the other fellow you should be able to collect. There is a Statute that makes parents responsable for their minor children's actions up to a limit which I believe is $2000 or so in certain circumstances. You might want to consult with an attorney in your geographical area.