We have been filing a lot of lawsuits lately. Often, I talk about settlements in these newsletters, but thought I would mention some new suits that cover a wide variety of legal issues. We pride ourselves in representing clients for a lot more than only car and truck crashes. Wrongful Death against Pam Hupp We […]

The Court of Appeals affirmed the Trial Court’s judgment and denied all six points raised by the Missouri Department of Corrections. Here is a link to the opinion. Here’s a link to the Post article on the opinion. Here are my 16 favorite quotes from the opinion: Here, viewing the facts in the light most […]

It can happen. Defendants get resentful that someone is pursuing them or may try to dodge their responsibility. Unfortunately for the claimant, there is an exclusion in every insurance policy – auto or homeowners – that if an insured does not cooperate with the insurance company, the insurance company either: (1) declines coverage all together […]

I write to ask for your vote for the Missouri Bar Board of Governors. If elected I will work to improve services the Bar provides to us lawyers and ensure issues that concern us are heard and promptly addressed. The election begins Tomorrow – Friday, July 19 and ends on Thursday, August 15. Votes will […]

You need to ask venirepersons about any prejudices or personal feelings which could prevent a panelist from following the court’s instructions. State v. Henderson, 750 S.W.2d 555 (Mo. App. 1988). In particular: A plaintiff seeking money for personal injuries has a right to inquire whether anyone has any prejudices or beliefs about the amount or […]

A party “is entitled to a full panel of qualified jurors before being required to make peremptory challenges and that there is prejudicial error in failing to sustain a meritorious challenge for cause.” State v. Wacaser, 794 S.W.2d 190, 193 (Mo. banc 1990). So after voir dire, lawyers ask the court to strike jurors for […]

The cornerstone of our judicial system lies upon the constitutional right to a fair and impartial jury, composed of twelve qualified jurors. Williams v. Barnes Hosp., 736 S.W.2d 33, 36 (Mo. Banc 1987). It is fundamental that jurors should be thoroughly impartial. Kendall v. Prudential Inc. Co., 327 S. W. 2d 174, 177 (Mo. 1959). […]

This past week was the tenth anniversary of my paralegal Casey and I working together and a simple bio in my newsletter is not long enough to tell everyone what she does on a daily basis for my firm. Ever have someone you love working with, who seems like she can read your mind, and […]