The Personal Injury Lawyer Kansas City Trusts.

Sam Wendt - Kansas City personal injury lawyer

When unexpected accidents happen in Kansas City, and you find yourself injured, knowing where to get help is crucial. A personal injury lawyer is there to protect your rights and help you seek compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. For instance, if you’re hit by a distracted driver while crossing the street and suffer serious injuries, a personal injury lawyer will assist you in navigating the legal process to recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

At Wendt Law Firm, we are dedicated to supporting you during these tough times. Our team of skilled attorneys offers personalized attention and legal guidance to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. We provide free consultation and case evaluation to discuss your situation, so you can understand your options without any financial stress. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the assistance you need. Call us today at 816-531-4415, and let us help you on your path to recovery.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A personal injury lawyer is vital in assisting individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. Their main goal is to advocate for the rights of injured victims and ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses. Here are the key responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer:

  1. Case Evaluation: They assess the details of a case to determine its validity and potential for compensation, offering legal advice and outlining the best course of action.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: They conduct thorough investigations to collect evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimonies, to build a strong case.
  3. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: They negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement, handling all communication to protect clients from tactics that might minimize their claims.
  4. Legal Representation in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, they represent clients in court, presenting evidence and arguing the case to achieve a favorable verdict.
  5. Legal Guidance and Support: Throughout the legal process, they provide guidance and support, helping clients understand their rights and the complexities of their case.
  6. Calculating Damages: They assess the full extent of clients’ damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs, to ensure comprehensive compensation.
  7. Advocacy for Clients’ Best Interests: They are dedicated to advocating for their clients’ best interests, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

By handling all legal aspects of a personal injury claim, these lawyers allow clients to focus on recovery while working towards a successful resolution of their case.

Types of Cases We Handle

Woman lying in hospital bed. If you've been injured due to the negligent acts of others, our personal injury lawyers are ready to help you.

Personal injury law covers many different cases, each with its challenges and we have developed strategies for every situation. At Wendt Law Firm, we focus on a variety of personal injury claims such as:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Automobile collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles may be fairly common, but that does not necessarily mean they are simple. Even minor fender-benders can result in injuries that take years to heal, and car insurance providers are often all too willing to settle for the minimum amount of compensation necessary. We can help you determine the full value of your claim and ensure your case receives the care it deserves.
  • Premises liability: Those who own and/or manage a property have a duty to keep their grounds well-maintained and free of any potential hazards for those who use or regularly visit the premises. If their failure to keep their premises safe leads to a serious accident and injury, the victim may be entitled to significant compensation from any liable parties. We can help you hold any and all at-fault parties accountable for your injuries.
  • Medical malpractice: We expect medical professionals and healthcare providers to ensure our safety and well-being when we are hurt or seeking medical treatment. Unfortunately, some fail to uphold these standards and their negligence results in significant and often permanent injuries in vulnerable patients. We can hold these medical providers fully accountable for their negligence, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
  • Nursing home abuse: Unfortunately, the most vulnerable members of our society are often abused and neglected by those who are tasked with caring for their health and well-being. Our attorneys take these claims seriously, fully investigating any cases of nursing home abuse before proceeding with a claim against the at-fault parties. Our goal is to hold these negligent people fully accountable for their despicable actions.
  • Wrongful death: The passing of a loved one is never easy to bear, especially when it’s caused by the carelessness or negligence of another. Our injury attorneys have successfully handled countless wrongful death claims and understand how to best help those who are left behind.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: These types of accidents often result in serious injuries for the victim. We can help you receive compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury.
  • Bicycle Accidents: Bike riders are especially vulnerable on the road, and even minor accidents can cause long-term injury or disability. We understand how to best pursue these claims and will make sure your rights are fully protected throughout the process.
  • Dog Bite Injuries: If you’ve been attacked or bitten by someone else’s pet, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. We will make sure the liable party is held accountable for their negligence and that you receive all possible forms of compensation.
  • Construction accidents: Construction sites are full of potential hazards that require strict safety regulations and procedures to be followed. If these standards have been ignored, leading to a serious injury, our injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
  • Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Claims: Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer primarily associated with asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s critical to seek legal assistance.
  • Sexual Assault and Abuse: Victims of sexual assault and abuse endure profound physical and emotional trauma. Our compassionate legal team is dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable and seeking justice for these heinous acts. We offer sensitive and comprehensive support to help victims navigate the legal complexities and pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to negligence, please contact our personal injury attorneys at Wendt Law Firm today to see how we can help you with your case.

How We Prove Negligence in Personal Injury Claims

Proving negligence is a key part of personal injury cases, and it involves showing several important elements. At Wendt Law Firm, we carefully construct your case by proving the following:

  1. Duty of Care: We first need to show that the defendant had a responsibility to ensure your safety. This duty varies depending on the relationship between the parties and the situation. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws to keep others safe on the road.
  2. Breach of Duty: Next, we demonstrate that the defendant failed to meet this responsibility. This breach can happen through actions or inactions that a reasonable person would not have done in similar circumstances, like running a red light or neglecting to maintain safe premises.
  3. Causation: We establish a direct connection between the breach of duty and your injuries. This means showing that the defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries and that the harm wouldn’t have happened without their negligence.
  4. Damages: Finally, we prove that you suffered real damages because of the negligence. These damages can include physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, and medical bills.

Our skilled personal injury attorneys gather solid evidence to support these points, such as eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, accident reports, and medical records. By clearly proving negligence, we aim to secure fair compensation for your injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.

 Personal Injury Law book sitting on desk next to judge gavel and stethescope. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, our Kansas City injury lawyers are ready to fight for you.

What Types of Evidence Are Critical in Proving Negligence?

Proving negligence in personal injury cases requires gathering substantial evidence to support your claim. Here are the critical types of evidence needed:

  1. Eyewitness Testimonies: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident can provide an unbiased account of what happened and support your version of events.
  2. Photographic and Video Evidence: Capturing images or videos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage can visually demonstrate the circumstances and impact of the incident.
  3. Accident Reports: Official reports from law enforcement or other authorities document the details of the accident and can serve as vital evidence in establishing negligence.
  4. Medical Records: Detailed medical documentation of your injuries and treatment is essential to prove the extent of harm caused by the negligent party.
  5. Expert Opinions: Testimonies from experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, can provide professional insights that strengthen your case.
  6. Maintenance and Safety Records: In cases involving premises liability or defective products, records showing a lack of proper maintenance or safety measures can highlight negligence.

Collecting and presenting this evidence effectively can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim. At Wendt Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are skilled in gathering and utilizing evidence to build a compelling case for fair compensation.

Statute of Limitations

Understanding the statute of limitations is essential when filing a personal injury claim in Missouri. This timeframe sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after an accident. In Missouri, you typically have five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury case. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to file your lawsuit within this period to maintain your right to seek compensation.

Some exceptions might change this timeframe. For example, if the injury involves a minor or if the person responsible leaves the state, the statute of limitations may be paused or extended. Consulting with a seasoned personal injury attorney can clarify how these rules apply to your case and ensure you take timely legal action.

At Wendt Law Firm, we stress the importance of acting quickly to protect your rights. Our dedicated legal team is ready to help you understand the statute of limitations and ensure your claim is filed on time.

Potential Compensation for Personal Injury Victims

Victims of personal injury accidents in Kansas City have the right to pursue various types of compensation to cover both financial and personal losses. Knowing what compensation you can claim is key to securing a fair settlement.

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses directly related to the accident:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes all costs for healthcare, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care needed because of the injury.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery, as well as any reduction in earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
  • Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, like a vehicle in a car accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These address non-financial losses that impact your quality of life:

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury.
  • Emotional Distress: Covers the psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation for losing the ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies.
  • Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to family members for losing companionship and support due to the victim’s injuries.

Punitive Damages

In cases where there is extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may be sought to punish the responsible party and prevent similar behavior in the future. However, these are limited under Kansas law.

At Wendt Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the maximum compensation possible. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will thoroughly assess every aspect of your case to determine the full extent of your losses and advocate for fair compensation.

How is Compensation Impacted if I’m Partially at Fault?

In Missouri, personal injury claims follow a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means if you’re partly to blame for an accident, your compensation is reduced by your share of the fault. For instance, if you’re 20% at fault, your compensation is cut by 20%.

This rule allows you to still get compensation even if you’re mostly at fault, unlike some states that stop you from recovering anything if you’re 50% or more responsible. That’s why it’s important to accurately determine fault, as it directly impacts how much you can recover.

Working with a personal injury attorney is crucial in these situations. They can help ensure fault is assessed correctly and that you get fair compensation for your injuries, even if you’re partly responsible. At Wendt Law Firm, we’re dedicated to fighting for your best interests and maximizing your financial recovery.

The Importance of Immediate Legal Assistance

In personal injury cases, acting quickly is key. Getting legal help right away ensures you meet deadlines and keep your right to compensation intact. The longer you wait to get a lawyer, the harder it becomes to secure a favorable result. At Wendt Law Firm, we advise accident victims to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

By seeking legal assistance promptly, our attorneys can start investigating your case, gathering evidence, and building a strong claim from the start. This proactive approach greatly improves your chances of recovering compensation.

Additionally, consulting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney helps you understand the legal process and avoid mistakes, like talking to the insurance company or accepting a settlement without legal advice. After an accident, your health and legal rights should be your main focus.

How Wendt Law Firm Can Help You

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is vital for your case’s success. Wendt Law Firm is known for its strong representation and commitment to client satisfaction. We provide personalized support, addressing each client’s unique needs and circumstances. This individual approach sets us apart from other law firms, ensuring our clients feel heard and valued throughout the legal process.

Our legal team excels in thorough case preparation and effective negotiation. From the moment you choose us, we focus on gathering evidence, building a solid case, and advocating for you. Whether negotiating settlements or representing you in court, our main goal is to achieve the best outcome for you. Our dedication to quality legal representation is evident in our strategic approach.

At Wendt Law Firm, we believe every client deserves focused attention and strong legal support. Our successful track record reflects our commitment to client satisfaction. We understand how serious personal injuries can affect your life, and we are here to help you through the legal process.

Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 816-531-4415, and take the first step towards recovery with confidence.

Personal Injury Resources

How is a Personal Injury Settlement Determined?

Paying Medical Bills Before a Settlement is Reached

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case if I Am Not Hurt?

Car Accidents

Trucking Accidents

Medical Malpractice

Motorcycle Accidents

Defective/ Dangerous Product Injuries

Sex Crimes

Wrongful Death

Drunk Driving Accidents

Uber/ Lyft Accidents

Rollover Accidents

Texting and Driving Accidents

Bicycle Accidents

Catastrophic Injury

Burn Injuries

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What questions should I ask my personal injury attorney?

When should I hire a personal injury lawyer in Kansas City?

What is a catastrophic injury and how is it different from other types of injuries?

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Kansas City?

How can I pay for my medical bills and other expenses while my personal injury case is pending in Kansas City?

What kind of proof do I need to have a successful personal injury case?