Practice Overview

Injuries from car accidents can wreak havoc on a person's life. Mounting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, inability to care for yourself and your family, disability and dealing with insurance adjusters can all combine to the point of being unbearable. I can help. I know how insurance companies work, I used to defend them. I also know that insurance companies are at a distinct advantage over unrepresented claimants. They have more money, more resources, and claims adjusters that get to work immediately after an accident, taking statements, photos and doing anything they can possibly do to undermine your case. Claims adjusters are trained to save the insurance carriers money. These people are not your friends. If you have been in an accident recently and are thinking about giving a statement to the other person's insurance adjuster, call me first.

Finally, and on a personal note, I know what you are going through, as my family has been through it too (Besse v. Missouri Pacific (PDF file)). No amount of money can change what happened to you, but I assure you that if I take your case, I will do whatever it takes to maximize your recovery. If you have been hurt in a car accident, or any other type of accident, give me a call to discuss your legal rights and how I can help you breathe a little easier. If I take your case, it is on a contingency basis of the eventual recovery I am able to get for you. I offer free initial consultations and you don't pay anything at all until your case is settled.

Worker's Compensation

When you are hurt on the job, you expect that your employer will look out for you. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Under Worker's Compensation, you have certain rights guaranteed under the law, such as lost wages, medical treatment and if there is permanent impairment, a lump sum payment based upon the percentage of impairment that you have sustained. Worker's Compensation cases are complicated and very time sensitive in nature, meaning that if you do not file the appropriate forms and follow the legally mandated procedure, you can jeopardize or completely lose your claim (MODOLIR and KDHE). Call me for a free consultation on what your rights are. If I take your case, it is on a contingency basis of 25% of the permanent impairment award I am able to get for you.

Social Security Disability

Divorce

Wills and Probate

All too often, I am involved in estates which end up costing the heirs many valuable dollars simply because a loved one did not properly plan ahead. If you die without a will, state law dictates how your property is distributed. If you have minor children, you may want to set up testamentary guardianships to let your wishes known as to their placement upon your death. If you have a will, it may still be necessary to have your estate go through probate, and there are very strict guidelines that must be followed in order for the will to be effective. There are also ways to avoid probate, and I can advise you how. Having a will is just good planning, as is setting up your estate so that your heirs get as much coming to them as possible. Call me to discuss your estate, how to maximize what your heirs get, or how to handle the estate of a loved one who may have recently passed away.

Business Law

Incorporating is an important first step when entering the complex world of business law, and a properly incorporated business may shield your personal assets from creditors. There are also tax implications and accounting issues which deserve your attention. Give me a call if you want to incorporate, or if you want to take advantage of the tax savings of converting your existing corporation into an L.L.C.

Traffic

Speeding tickets and other violations of the law can end up costing you dearly in terms of fines and court costs, increased insurance premiums and possible driver's license suspensions. I can often get these matters amended to non-moving violations that will not appear on your driving record. Please call me if you have been recently cited with a traffic violation.

DUI

Driving under the influence charges are serious matters, and deserve serious legal analysis. Under state law, you could be sentenced to up to one year in jail for a first or second offense, and the third conviction in your lifetime is a felony, carrying even stiffer penalties. In addition, there are mandatory driver's license penalties for driving under the influence, including a suspension on a first offense, and a restriction after the initial suspension. Depending on your circumstances, you may be declared a habitual violator, and face up to ten years of mandatory driver's license suspension. If you have been cited with a DUI recently, call me immediately, there are very short time limitations to protect your rights. These are all issues you need to discuss with an experienced attorney right away.

Criminal Law

Criminal charges are intimidating, and it is not unusual to be confused by all of the procedural and substantive issues you face in the criminal system. Please contact me if I can assist you in any criminal case. I am familiar with the criminal justice system, and can help guide you through these troubling times.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you have reached the point of being unable to make ends meet, and are considering bankruptcy, give me a call to discuss your options. You may be able to keep many of your assets while obtaining a discharge from your debts under federal bankruptcy laws. Bankruptcy also halts all creditors from making phone contact, removes garnishments, and allows for you to obtain a "fresh start". If you have had your driver's license suspended for an unpaid judgment arising from a car accident, it may be possible to get it reinstated after a bankruptcy.