Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys

When tragedy strikes, having a competent Kansas City personal injury attorney is crucial to navigate the legal process and ensure justice is served. The law firm of Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe has established itself in the heart of Kansas City as a formidable voice for victims. With a legacy spanning over a century, our trial lawyers have successfully recovered over $1 billion for our clients, embodying justice with every case we undertake. If you are an injury victim, call our Kansas City personal injury lawyers today at (818) 876-2600 for a free consultation.

What Sets Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe Apart

Our Track Record of Success

The hallmark of personal injury law firm Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe is our proven experience and success, which is evident in our remarkable track record. Notable cases like a $50 million verdict in a motor vehicle accident – a wrongful death case, and a $40.8 million settlement in a truck accident – a wrongful death case, showcase our unwavering commitment to achieving justice and a high settlement offer for our clients.

Trust and Commitment

At Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, our commitment goes beyond mere representation. We are devoted to our client’s cause, striving tirelessly to effect change and ensure accountability. We handle each case with a personalized approach, ensuring that our client’s voice is not just heard, but echoed throughout the legal process.

Award-Winning Recognition

Our law firm’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. National accolades such as America’s Top 100, Super Lawyers, and U.S. News Best Law Firms affirm the reputable standing of Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe in the legal community.

Our Practice Areas

At Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, the breadth and depth of our experience spans various areas of personal injury law, offering a sanctuary of justice to victims. Below are the core practice areas we specialize in:

Kansas City Truck Accidents

In the aftermath of truck accidents, victims often find themselves facing not just physical and emotional turmoil, but a difficult legal battle. The Kansas City truck accident attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe can step in as trusted allies, handling complex truck accident cases with a blend of experience and empathy. Our aim is clear: to ensure accountability and secure maximum compensation for victims of truck accidents.

Kansas City Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance companies sometimes act in bad faith, denying claims unjustly. Our Kansas City insurance bad faith lawyers champion the cause of holding these entities accountable, ensuring our clients receive the rightful compensation they are owed. Through meticulous investigation and strategic legal action, we fight against insurance bad faith, providing a shield of protection to policyholders.

Kansas City Sexual Assault & Abuse

The journey towards justice for victims of sexual assault and abuse is often an emotional one. At Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, each case is handled with the utmost sensitivity and determination. Our Kansas City sexual assault & abuse attorneys in Kansas City fight relentlessly to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable, providing a voice to the voiceless.

Kansas City Catastrophic Injury & Wrongful Death

Catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths bring about life-altering changes for victims and their families. Our Kansas City wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to easing this burden by pursuing justice and financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs. Our catastrophic injury lawyers have unwavering advocacy that is aimed at restoring a semblance of normalcy in lives that have been disrupted.

Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Entrusting the care of a loved one to a nursing home facility only to have them face abuse or neglect is a very upsetting experience. We take on Kansas City nursing home abuse and neglect cases with a zealous commitment to righting the wrongs, ensuring that justice is served, and preventive measures are instituted to prevent future occurrences of abuse and neglect in nursing homes in Kanas City.

Kansas City Child Injury & Wrongful Death

The future rests in the hands of our children, making it a grave concern when they fall victim to injuries or wrongful death. Our Kansas City child injury attorneys handle these sensitive cases with a blend of compassion and legal expertise, striving to secure a safer future for our children and justice for grieving families.

Kansas City Car Accident

Our Kansas City car accident attorneys possess a deep understanding of local traffic laws, insurance regulations, and personal injury litigation specific to the jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the complex legal processes associated with car accidents, or even motorcycle accidents, particularly when pursuing compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses.

Each of these practice areas showcases our unwavering commitment to justice, underpinned by a blend of compassion, legal expertise, and a stellar track record. Our multidimensional approach ensures that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice, making Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe a reliable choice for those seeking justice and compensation in Kansas City.

Client Testimonials

“Out of a 1 to 5 rating scale 5 being highest I personally rate them as a 5++”.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims in Kansas City

Personal injury law allows an injured person to seek legal redress for losses sustained from an accident or other incidents caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The core premise rests on the idea of compensating victims to restore them, as closely as possible, to their pre-injury state. In Kansas City, the legal framework for personal injury claims is governed by Missouri state laws. Key elements include:

• The Statute of Limitations: Victims have a designated time frame within which to file a claim, typically five years from the date of injury, but this may vary depending on all the factors of the incident.
• Comparative Fault: Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, where the compensation is adjusted based on the victim’s degree of fault in the incident.
• Damage Caps: Some categories of damages may have caps, limiting the amount of compensation a victim can receive.

If you are injured in an accident, it is important to remain calm and seek help as soon as possible. The actions that you take immediately after the accident could greatly affect your future claim; to preserve evidence and protect your health, take the following steps as soon as possible.

Report the Incident to the Authorities

After your accident, your first action should be to report the incident. This step is critical, whether the injury is due to a vehicle accident, a slip and fall accidentl in a public place, or an incident at work. Reporting to the authorities serves an important purpose: it creates an official record of your injury that you could leverage in your case.

In car accidents, a police report will capture essential details like the involved parties, witness statements, and the officer’s observations. For workplace or public place injuries, reporting to management ensures the incident is officially documented, which can help corroborate your claim later.

Go to the Doctor and Seek Treatment

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your health condition but also negatively impact your claim. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to establish a direct link between the incident and your injuries.

Your medical records will provide thorough documentation of your injuries, the treatment prescribed, and the follow-up care that you received. These documents serve as concrete evidence of the severity of your injuries, proving the physical and financial toll that the at-fault party caused.

Collect as Much Evidence as You Can

If you can move around safely after the accident, gather as much evidence as possible to protect your future claim. This evidence may include photographs of the scene and injuries, names and contact details of witnesses, and any other relevant information like weather conditions during a vehicular accident or the lack of hazard signs in a slip and fall case.

Additionally, keep a detailed record of your experiences after the accident, including pain levels, emotional distress, and how the injury affects your daily life. This personal record can help demonstrate the injury’s impact on your quality of life.

Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Attorney in Kansas City

Once you have received treatment for your injuries, contact an injury attorney in Kansas City who can represent your case as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney’s role extends beyond representing you in court or during negotiations; they provide guidance, negotiate with insurance companies, and can significantly enhance your chances of receiving fair compensation. With this support, you can advocate for the highest possible settlement so that you do not encounter financial hardship in the future.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims can pursue several types of compensation through a personal injury claim, depending on the nature and extent of their injuries. These damages may include:

• Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for non-quantifiable losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
• Punitive Damages: Aimed at punishing the negligent party and deterring similar behavior, these are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or malicious intent.

How Do I Maximize Compensation in a Personal Injury Case?

Fair compensation is essential in a personal injury claim, as it allows you to pay for necessary medical treatments, recover from lost wages, and address other effects of the injury on your life. Therefore, recovering maximum compensation is the ultimate goal in these lawsuits. To present the strongest case possible, it is important to gather solid evidence and hire a knowledgeable Kansas City personal injury attorney.

Collect all your medical records to show the full extent of your injuries and the treatments you’ve undergone. Keep track of all expenses related to your injury, including any lost wages and costs for things like medical travel or home adjustments needed due to your injury.

Also, keep a daily log of how your injury affects you. Note down your pain levels, any emotional struggles, and the ways your life has changed since the injury. This personal record helps paint a clearer picture of the impact on your life, which is important for proving intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

A Kansas City injury attorney will know how to value your claim properly, considering both your current and future needs. Your lawyer will also handle talks with insurance companies to negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses, including ongoing medical needs and changes in your lifestyle. They’ll guide you through the legal process and stand up for your rights, working to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Kansas City Personal Injury Case

Personal injury claims can be complex cases, and without legal guidance, it is common to make mistakes that can greatly affect your claim. A personal injury lawyer in Kansas City can help you navigate these pitfalls so that you can provide the strongest possible case for compensation.

Mistake #1: Accepting the First Settlement

The initial settlement offer from insurance companies is often very low, designed to close the case quickly and without impacting the insurer’s bottom line. Accepting this without consulting an attorney can lead to financial difficulties down the line, especially if your injuries require long-term care or result in chronic conditions.

Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to File

Time is of the essence in personal injury cases due to the statute of limitations. In Kansas, you have two years, and in Missouri, five years to file a claim. Missing these deadlines can result in the court dismissing your case and, subsequently, the loss of the right to compensation.

Mistake #3: Not Seeking Medical Attention

After an unexpected accident, immediate and consistent medical treatment is key. If you do not seek medical attention right away, it can cast doubt on your claim. Gaps or delays in treatment can be used by the opposing party to argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed.

Mistake #4: Discussing Your Accident Online

Social media posts can have a detrimental effect on a personal injury lawsuit. Even seemingly innocuous posts can be detrimental to your case, as they might suggest a level of physical or emotional well-being that contradicts your claims. Insurers and defense attorneys may research your online presence for this purpose, so it is important to be mindful of what you say.

Mistake #5: Not Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Kansas City to Represent Your Case

While you may want to pursue your claim alone, doing so could do more harm than good. While you are recovering from an unexpected injury, you have other tasks on your mind—from attending medical appointments to coping with physical limitations. This can make it difficult to focus on the process, increasing the risk of errors. A personal injury attorney will hold deep expertise in these claims, handling the legal aspects so that you can focus on healing and recovery.

Contact a Skilled Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer at Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe

Navigating the aftermath of a personal tragedy requires not just legal expertise, but a dedicated Kansas City personal injury lawyer who is ready to fight relentlessly for your rights. If you or a loved one needs a personal injury attorney in Kansas City, Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe is ready to fight for you.

Call us today for a free case evalutation at (816) 876-2600, or toll-free at (877) 816-2600. Remember, your choice of a personal injury lawyer is a crucial decision; make it count with Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe.