If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, a trusted St. Joseph personal injury lawyer can help you take the next step forward.
At Empower Injury Law, we understand how stressful life can feel after an accident. While you focus on your recovery, we handle the legal details. That includes communicating with insurance companies, organizing the paperwork, and handling your claim from start to finish.
You don’t have to do this alone. Call today for your free consultation.
HOW OUR ST. JOSEPH PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER STANDS WITH YOU
Whether you were injured in Historic Downtown St. Joseph, along I-29, or near Krug Park, you deserve clear guidance and steady support from the start.
An accident is stressful enough. The legal process shouldn’t make it harder. Here’s how Empower Injury Law supports clients across St. Joseph:
Free Legal Strategy Session We begin with a no-cost consultation where a St. Joseph personal injury attorney listens carefully, explains your legal options, and helps you understand what to expect.
Client Onboarding Once we take on your case, we handle all the initial steps. That includes collecting important documents and keeping you updated, so you’re never left in the dark.
Medical Treatment & Investigation While you focus on your recovery, we gather everything needed to support your claim, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong foundation for your case.
Settlement Demand We prepare a strong demand package that outlines your injuries, treatment, and the financial toll the accident has taken on your life.
Negotiations We don’t settle for less than what’s fair. Our team negotiates directly with the insurance company to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Settlement or Lawsuit Most claims settle, but if your case goes to trial, your St. Joseph personal injury lawyer will be ready to represent you in court.
“I was in a car accident. I experienced back injuries, neck injuries, and ongoing concussion symptoms. It was a very difficult and challenging time in my life and I asked Kevin to represent me.
With everything I was experiencing, life was completely overwhelming. But, Kevin made the court case as easy and as painless as possible. He also helped advise me on different kinds of specialists who could assist me in my recovery. In the end, he got me the highest payout possible.
Kevin is excellent to work with. He is attentive, prompt to respond, patient, and very understanding. It was a great decision to have Kevin represent me, and I would highly recommend him!”
“Thank you Mr. Kevin Jones for such a professional and personable experience during a very difficult time in our lives. Your knowledge, resources, and great communication was able to provide a calmness and reassurance during the process of our personal injury case. Exceeding expectations and fighting to win the best results for our family!”
Our client was an elderly man of modest means who was killed in a car accident by a reckless driver. The other driver claimed that our client was at-fault for causing the accident. After hard-fought litigation, we obtained a financial settlement that provided financial security for his widow and college funds for his grandchildren.
$2,000,000 Motorcycle Accident
Our client was injured in a motorcycle accident when another car crashed into him at an intersection. He suffered a serious brain injury that left him permanently disabled.
At first, the insurance company told his family there was only $100,000 in coverage to pay for his medical bills and replace his income for his family. However, our investigation revealed additional insurance coverages that provided him and his family with much-needed financial resources. Now, he doesn’t have to worry about taking care of his family while he continues to regain his health.
$2,000,000 Bicycle Accident
A teenager struck our client while our client was riding his bicycle around his neighborhood. Our client ultimately died from his injuries.
The teenager had minimum insurance limits, but using creative legal strategies, we were able to unlock millions of additional coverage for our client’s family.
Our client’s widow was able to retire early so she could spend more time with her family, while our client’s children could get a head start on retirement and become first-time homeowners. No amount of money will ever replace a loved one, but we were able to pull a few blessings from this very tragic situation.
$800,000+ Semi-Truck Accident
Our client was hit on the side of her car by a fully loaded semi-truck when the truck driver made a last-second lane change to avoid taking an exit on the highway. Our client suffered spinal injuries that were so severe she couldn’t work in her job as a house cleaner anymore, and she didn’t have health insurance to get the treatment she needed to get better.
We were able to help her find medical providers who would work with her insurance situation. Then we got her a settlement that paid off her medical bills and put a large amount in her pocket so she could start a new career as a real estate investor. She’s doing well now.
$300,000 Car Accident
Our client was t-boned by a young driver when he was passing through an intersection on his way home from work. He suffered a serious concussion and soft tissue orthopedic injuries that made it difficult for him to work in his landscaping job.
The insurance company initially offered him $10,000, but after we got involved, we were able to get the full limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. He used the money to support himself and his family while transitioning to a less labor-intensive career.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN ST. JOSEPH, MO
If you were injured because of someone else’s carelessness in St. Joseph, Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life. A personal injury claim allows you to hold the at-fault party accountable under Missouri law.
Accidents happen throughout St. Joseph, whether it’s a distracted driver near Missouri Western State University, a crash on the Belt Highway, or a fall in a local business. No matter where it occurs, understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting your well-being and your future.
Negligence Negligence forms the basis of most personal injury cases. This legal concept means that someone failed to act with reasonable care, causing harm to another person. For example, a driver texting behind the wheel who causes a rear-end accident may be held responsible for the injuries they caused.
Intentional Acts Not all injuries are accidental. If someone intentionally harms another person, such as in an assault, the injured individual may pursue compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, and other related losses through a personal injury claim.
Strict Liability
Some cases do not require proof of negligence or intent. Missouri’s strict liability laws allow a person to be held responsible simply because their actions, or the actions of their pet or product, caused harm. One common example is a dog bite. In St. Joseph, a dog owner may be legally responsible for an attack even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
WHAT A ST. JOSEPH PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER NEEDS TO PROVE YOUR CLAIM
When you pursue a personal injury claim in St. Joseph, Missouri, you must show that someone else’s careless or wrongful actions cause your injuries and resulting losses. A strong claim rests on four key elements.
Duty of Care To begin, we must show that the other party had a legal obligation to act in a reasonably safe manner. For instance, drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road, and property owners are required to maintain a safe environment for their guests.
Breach of Duty The next step is proving that the person failed to uphold that duty. This could involve reckless driving, unsafe property conditions, or any action, or inaction, that puts others at risk.
Causal Connection We then establish a clear link between the unsafe behavior and your injury. Your harm must be directly connected to the other party’s negligence, not caused by unrelated factors.
Documented Damages Finally, we must provide evidence that the injury resulted in real harm. This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on your life.
HOW COMPARATIVE FAULT AFFECTS PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN MISSOURI
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation for your injuries, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example Scenario: Crash Near Frederick Avenue and North Belt Highway Let’s say you’re driving down Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph and approaching the busy intersection at North Belt Highway. You’re going a few miles over the speed limit when another driver suddenly makes a left turn in front of you, and a crash occurs.
After an investigation:
You’re found to be 25% at fault for speeding.
The other driver is 75% at fault for failing to yield.
Your total damages amount to $80,000.
Because of Missouri’s comparative fault rules, your compensation would be reduced by 25%. That means you could still recover $60,000.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather the evidence needed to strengthen your case and minimize your share of fault, so you can pursue the full compensation you deserve.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN MISSOURI
If you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Joseph, Missouri, it’s important to understand the statute of limitations. This is the legal time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have five years from the date of your injury to take legal action.
For wrongful death cases, the window is shorter. Missouri law gives families three years from the date of their loved one’s passing to file a claim.
If your injury involves a government agency, such as a hazardous road condition or poor maintenance, you may need to file a formal notice of your claim within 90 days of the incident.
Waiting too long to act can prevent you from pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to. To avoid missing these critical deadlines, contact a St. Joseph personal injury lawyer at Empower Injury Law as soon as possible.
COMPENSATION AVAILABLE TO ST. JOSEPH PERSONAL INJURY VICTIMS
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, a St. Joseph personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for both the financial losses and the personal impact of your injury. These damages are intended to ease the burden of your recovery and help you move forward.
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Economic damages cover the measurable costs that come from serious injuries. These are the direct financial expenses related to your care and recovery.
Medical Costs: Reimbursement for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing treatment needs.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work and future loss of income if your injury affects your ability to work long term.
Property Loss: Payment for damage to personal property, such as your vehicle or belongings, as a result of the accident.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
These damages reflect the emotional and physical toll of the injury impacts that don’t come with a price tag, but still change your life.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for chronic pain, physical discomfort, and reduced quality of life.
Emotional and Mental Distress: Recovery for anxiety, depression, or trauma that develops after the incident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Payment for the activities, hobbies, or routines you’re no longer able to enjoy due to your injuries.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
A judge may award punitive damages in cases where the wrongdoer’s actions are especially reckless or show a willful disregard for others’ safety. Unlike other forms of compensation, punitive damages are not meant to repay the victim but to punish the offender and help prevent similar behavior in the future.
HOW MUCH IS MY ST. JOSEPH PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM WORTH?
The value of a personal injury claim in St. Joseph, Missouri, depends on several key factors. These include the seriousness of your injuries, the cost of medical care, the amount of income you’ve lost during recovery, and how the accident has affected your daily life both physically and emotionally.
Understanding what your case may be worth is an important part of moving forward. In this video, we explain what goes into evaluating a claim and how a St. Joseph personal injury lawyer at Empower Injury Law works to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT IN ST. JOSEPH, MO
What you do in the minutes, hours, and days after an accident can make a big difference in your personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in St. Joseph, taking the right steps early on can help protect your health and your legal rights.
Get Medical Care Right Away Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries take time to show up, and timely medical treatment helps connect your condition to the accident.
File an Official Report Report the incident to the appropriate authority, whether that’s the police, a property owner, or your supervisor. A written report creates documentation that can support your claim later on.
Watch What You Say In stressful moments, it’s natural to want to explain or apologize. Try to avoid statements that could be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts and let the investigation determine who’s responsible.
Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries If you’re able, take photos of the scene, any damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and jot down your own account while the details are still fresh. This information can help support your claim as your case moves forward.
Speak With a St. Joseph Personal Injury Lawyer Before Settling
Insurance companies may reach out with a quick offer, but those early settlements rarely reflect the full value of your case. Before you sign anything, talk to a knowledgeable St. Joseph personal injury lawyer who can review your options and help you pursue fair compensation.
WHAT DOES A ST. JOSEPH PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER COST?
Hiring a St. Joseph personal injury lawyer shouldn’t create more financial stress at a time when you’re already dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the pain of recovery. At Empower Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront.
Free Consultation to Get Started Your first consultation is completely free. There are no initial charges to discuss your case or begin the legal process.
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If your case doesn’t result in compensation, you owe us nothing.
Transparent and Fair Terms
We explain our fee agreement clearly from the start. There are no hidden fees, only straightforward and honest terms that help you feel confident moving forward.
CONTACT A ST. JOSEPH PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER TODAY
Choosing the right St. Joseph personal injury lawyer can make all the difference after an accident. At Empower Injury Law, we take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. From start to finish, we’re committed to helping you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
We’re proud to serve clients across St. Joseph and surrounding communities in Buchanan County, providing compassionate support and trusted legal guidance to those who need it most.
If you’ve been injured, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us at (816) 892-9909 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
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This page was fact-checked and approved by Kevin Jones, a personal injury attorney with over 15 years of experience and a frequent speaker on personal injury topics. Voted the #1 attorney in the Courier Tribune and Gladstone Dispatch’s “Best of the Northland” annual community survey, Kevin has empowered hundreds of clients to reclaim control of their lives after serious injuries, helping them restore their finances, support their families, and move forward with confidence. His commitment to accurate, trustworthy guidance makes every page a reliable resource for those seeking support on their path to recovery.
I was in a car accident in Missouri and had no idea how to deal with all the medical bills or insurance stuff. Thankfully, I found this amazing personal injury lawyer. Kevin and his team handled everything from start to finish, and not only did they get me a great settlement, but they also got my medical bills reduced and paid off! I even ended up with a nice amount in my pocket. The whole team was super helpful, keeping me in the loop the whole time. If you need a car accident lawyer who actually cares and gets things done, I can’t recommend them enough!
—JM
Kevin went above and beyond to get the max amount awarded to me in a settlement for an automobile accident I was involved in. He guided me through the process and advocated for me until we were able to get the best settlement possible in my case. His experience, knowledge, negotiation skills, communication, and follow through took the stress off my plate and made something that could have been extremely difficult and stressful for me, an easy and stress free process. I would highly recommend Kevin if you are in need of a trustworthy and reliable lawyer who will fight for you.
—HS
After a car accident and a terrible time with the insurance companies, I contacted Kevin Jones. He jumped right in and was able to work with all parties to get a great settlement offer. He made the process easy and gave me great advice about which steps to take moving forward. I am grateful for his help and would definitely recommend him to my family and friends, should they ever find themselves in a similar situation. It is very comforting to have an expert on your side. Thank you!
—SB
I was involved in a car accident that left my life changed forever. Hiring Kevin Jones was the best decision my wife and I made after. He went to battle with the insurance companies and got me the the treatment I needed. His skills awarded my wife and I a substantial recovery along with peace of mind that we were never alone. Thank you Kevin for all the hard work you put in to protect us and keep me moving forward with my recovery.
—CJ
Kevin helped us with a moto vehicle accident. He was knowledgeable, respectful and truly was concerned with our well-being. Most importantly, he listened to us. He explained the process he would go through in dealing with the insurance companies and handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about dealing with anything except recovering from our injuries and for that we are extremely grateful!
—JS
Kevin came highly recommended by another attorney I had worked with, so he’s well thought of in the legal community and is considered an expert in his field. He’s knowledgeable, professional and experienced, so he made a very bad situation manageable. He’s also a very kind person and was so helpful during the entire process.
