News Summary
The POWER List highlights Missouri’s top personal injury attorneys, emphasizing their achievements in severe cases, including motor vehicle collisions and wrongful death claims. The list showcases prominent names like Dirk Vandever and Terry Crouppen, reflecting their immense influence in the legal community. Additionally, the recent passage of Missouri House Bill 68 alters the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, prompting discussions about judicial efficiency and economic growth. Feedback from the public is encouraged to recognize lawyers that have made significant impacts in the field.
Missouri’s Power Players in Personal Injury Law Announced
In an exciting development for the legal community in Missouri, the POWER List has emerged, shedding light on the most esteemed personal injury attorneys in the state. This year’s list emphasizes those who tackle serious cases such as motor vehicle collisions, product-related injuries, and wrongful death claims. The selection criteria are rigorous, taking into account an attorney’s career winnings, which total hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, their community leadership, and recognition from the bar. The editorial team has meticulously reviewed significant case outcomes and consulted the archives of Missouri Lawyers Weekly to curate an impressive selection.
Celebrating the Legal Giants
Among the standout names featured is Dirk Vandever, who made history by becoming the youngest president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association in 1987—an achievement that speaks volumes about his influence in the field. Tim Dollar, the founding partner at Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, adds his considerable reputation to the list, bringing forth a wealth of experience and success as an attorney in Kansas City.
Terry Crouppen, co-founder of one of the premier personal injury law firms in Missouri, promises to be a formidable presence in the industry, while Teneil L. Kellerman, a partner at Growe Eisen Karlen Eilerts in Clayton, offers 22 years of experience, showcasing her consistent dedication to the practice.
Additionally, Steve B. Garner, a senior partner at Strong Law in Springfield, boasts an impressive 45 years in the field, while Stephen Gorny, the founder and shareholder of Gorny Dandurand, demonstrates expertise with over three decades of specialization in personal injury cases. Their inclusion on this prestigious list emphasizes their contributions to Missouri’s legal landscape.
Feedback Welcomed
While the list is subjective, reader feedback is highly encouraged to further refine and celebrate the unsung heroes of the legal world. Individuals wishing to share their thoughts or suggest attorneys who may have been overlooked can reach out to Editor Jordan Yount.
Missouri House Bill 68: A Change in Personal Injury Law
As the legal environment evolves, the recent passage of Missouri House Bill 68 introduces significant changes to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This new legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Matthew Overcast, proposes reducing the filing period for personal injury lawsuits from five years to just two years for incidents occurring after August 28, 2025. This bill aligns Missouri with 25 other states that have adopted shorter timeframes for such claims.
The Rationale Behind the Changes
Supporters of the bill argue that the existing five-year limit is unnecessarily lengthy and contributes to unnecessary delays in resolutions. They advocate for quicker claim resolutions, lower insurance costs, and a business-friendly environment that fosters economic growth. Advocates further argue that reducing the statute of limitations enhances judicial efficiency and promotes a more vibrant economic climate in Missouri.
Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims Remain Protected
In a notable amendment, the bill extends the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to file lawsuits within 20 years of reaching the age of 21 or within three years of discovering injury related to the abuse. This amendment replaces the previous 10-year limitation and aims to address the complexities and delays inherent in recognizing such traumas.
Next Steps for the Bill
Following a successful vote in the House, where the bill passed with a tally of 92-42, it will now move to the Missouri Senate for further review and debate. The inclusion of amendments for survivors of childhood abuse has garnered strong support, emphasizing the urgent need to adapt legal frameworks that acknowledge the delay in recognizing injuries stemming from trauma.
A Look to the Future
As the legal landscape in Missouri continues to shift, both the POWER List and the impending changes brought about by HB 68 represent pivotal moments for personal injury law. The spotlight remains on the lawyers who make significant strides in this field while navigating a changing environment that aims to improve judicial efficiency and accessibility for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Missouri Chamber of Commerce
- Wikipedia: Personal Injury Law
- KCTV5 News
- Google Search: Missouri House Bill 68
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law
