Other Legal News

Homeownership comes with both privileges and responsibilities. One aspect of these responsibilities involves understanding homeowner liability concerning trespassers. When is a visitor legally considered a trespasser? What are the obligations and rights of homeowners with respect to trespassers as compared to those who have been invited? In this article, we look at the legal boundaries surrounding homeowner liability in scenarios involving trespassers, emphasizing the importance of knowing your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner. Even if you are not a homeowner, understanding how liability works in these scenarios can benefit you if you are injured on someone else’s property.  Defining Trespassers and Licensees First and foremost, it’s essential to distinguish between a trespasser, a licensee, and an invitee. An invitee is someone you have invited to your property. A licensee is someone who enters your property with your consent but for their purposes. A trespasser, on the other hand, enters your property without permission. Different legal standards apply to each category, affecting a homeowner’s liability. Trespasser Liability Generally, homeowners owe the least duty of care to trespassers. However, it doesn’t mean they can be entirely reckless. Homeowners are not allowed to intentionally harm trespassers by setting booby traps or by intentionally creating dangerous conditions.. But the threshold for liability is relatively high, and it typically requires intentional misconduct or gross negligence on the homeowner’s part. Attractive Nuisance Doctrine One exception to the limited duty of care toward trespassers is the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine. This legal principle states that homeowners must take reasonable precautions to protect children from dangerous conditions if they are likely to be attracted to them. Examples include unfenced swimming pools, construction sites, or hazardous play equipment. Implied Licensees: Legitimate Trespassers In some cases, a visitor who enters without permission might be considered an implied licensee. This occurs when the homeowner knows about the trespasser’s presence but doesn’t take any action to remove them. As a result, this individual is treated with the same standard of care as a licensee.  Duty to Warn and Discover Homeowners also have a duty to warn or discover dangers on their property that could harm any lawful visitors. This responsibility extends to licensees and even invited guests. If a licensee is injured by something not known to them, then they may be able to seek compensation for damages However, trespassers fall outside this category, and homeowners are not obligated to warn them or ensure their safety. How to Protect Your Rights To safeguard your rights as a homeowner, consider these steps: Post Signs: Clear and conspicuous “No Trespassing” signs can help establish that trespassers knowingly entered your property against your wishes. Secure Hazardous Areas: Prevent access to areas that could pose dangers, such as pools or construction sites, by installing proper fencing and barriers. Know Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific laws regarding trespassers and homeowner liability. Document Incidents: If you face recurring issues with trespassers, document incidents and any actions you take to address them. Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a legal professional to understand the nuances of your state’s trespasser laws and your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner. Injured on Someone Else’s Property? If you find yourself or a loved one injured on someone else’s property, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights and seek compensation for the damages. First, make sure to seek immediate medical attention. Your well-being should be your top priority. Document the accident scene, your injuries, and any other relevant details as thoroughly as possible. It’s crucial to gather evidence that can support your claim later on. Additionally, if there were any witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information, as their testimony may be valuable. Afterward, consider consulting a knowledgeable premises liability attorney to understand your legal options and the best course of action. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.  Our Premises Liability Lawyers are Here to Help Understanding the legal boundaries of homeowner liability concerning trespassers is crucial for responsible homeownership. While the duty of care is relatively low for trespassers, homeowners must still exercise caution, especially when potentially dangerous conditions exist on their property.  If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages. Contact our Kansas City area premises liability lawyers today.

As a consumer, you have certain legal rights when it comes to defective products. If you are injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In this article, our attorneys will break down the definition of “defective product,” your rights if injured by one, and what steps you can take. What is a defective product? A defective product is a product that is not safe for its intended use. This can be due to a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or a warning/instruction defect. Design defect: A design defect occurs when the product is inherently unsafe, even when it is used as intended. For example, a car with faulty brakes would have a design defect. Manufacturing defect: A manufacturing defect occurs when a product is not made to the required specifications. For example, a toy that is made with a sharp edge that was designed to be rounded would have a manufacturing defect. Warning or instruction defect: A warning or instruction defect occurs when the product is not properly labeled or it does not have necessary warnings or instructions.. For example, a medication that does not list all of its potential side effects would have a warning defect.  Common Defective Products Any consumer product can be considered defective if it is not reasonably safe for its intended use. Some common examples that we see include: Medical devices and equipment Medications and pharmaceuticals Food and beverages Motor vehicles and components Home appliances and furnishings Toys and children’s products Cleaning agents and gardening supplies What are my legal rights if I am injured by a defective product? If you are injured by a defective product, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the product. To win a product liability lawsuit, you must prove that: The product was defective. You used the product as intended. The defect caused your injuries. If you are successful in a product liability lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. How can a Kansas City area personal injury attorney help? If you have been injured by a defective product, you should contact a Kansas City area personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights. An experienced attorney can help you investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit on your behalf. Morefield, Speicher, Bachman Morefield, Speicher, Bachman is a Kansas City area personal injury law firm with over 60 years of collective experience. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining compensation for our clients who have been injured by defective products. If you have been injured by a defective product, contact Morefield, Speicher, Bachman today for a free consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal rights. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

The untimely death of a loved one is a devastating experience, and when it occurs due to someone else’s actions, it raises complex legal questions. In such cases, understanding the distinctions between wrongful death and criminal homicide is crucial. While both involve the death of an individual, they have distinct legal purposes, processes, and consequences. In this blog, our wrongful death attorneys break this down. Wrongful Death Lawsuits Wrongful death lawsuits are civil claims filed by family members of the deceased against whoever they believe legally bears responsibility for their loved one’s death. These civil actions aim to make the liable party financially accountable. Wrongful death cases are brought directly by surviving relatives, not criminal prosecutors. The purpose is to help the family obtain compensation for their loss. Criminal Homicide Criminal homicide charges, on the other hand, are prosecuted by the state through public prosecutors when someone is suspected of unlawfully causing another person’s death. These criminal cases can lead to penalties like imprisonment, probation or monetary fines. Criminal homicide charges have a punitive purpose and involve government prosecutors, unlike wrongful death civil lawsuits initiated by the deceased’s family primarily seeking financial remedies. Key Differences The following are the key differences between wrongful death and criminal homicide: Legal purpose: Wrongful death lawsuits are filed to seek financial compensation for the deceased person’s family, while criminal homicide cases are prosecuted to punish the offender for their crime and deter future crimes. Brought by: Wrongful death lawsuits are brought by the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased person, while criminal homicide cases are brought by the government. Burden of proof: The burden of proof in a wrongful death case is lower than in a criminal homicide case. In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff must prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions or negligence caused the death. In a criminal homicide case, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Element of intent: Intent is not a required element in a wrongful death case, but it is a required element in a criminal homicide case. Outcome: The outcome of a wrongful death case is financial compensation for the deceased person’s family, while the outcome of a criminal homicide case is criminal penalties for the wrongdoer such as imprisonment, probation, or fines. Wrongful Death Cases Wrongful death cases can be filed in a variety of circumstances, such as when a death is caused by: Medical malpractice Negligent driving Defective products Workplace accidents Premises liability Intentional acts of violence In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions or negligence caused the death of their loved one. The plaintiff may also seek compensation for other losses, such as funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and the emotional suffering of the survivors. Criminal Homicide Cases Criminal charges relating to a death can include: Murder Manslaughter Negligent homicide The specific charges filed will depend on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s intent. For example, if the defendant intentionally killed the victim with malice aforethought, they may be charged with murder. If the defendant killed the victim recklessly or negligently, they may be charged with manslaughter. Our Kansas City Area Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help The loss of a loved one is a tragic event, and it can be difficult to know how to proceed legally in such circumstances. If you are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit or pursuing criminal charges against the responsible party, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney. Our Kansas City wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and develop a strategy for pursuing justice for your loved one. Contact us today.

Defective products can cause serious injuries, even death. The consequences of a defective product can be costly, both in terms of medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, victims of defective products may suffer from pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other long-term consequences. Types of Defective Products There are many different types of defective products, including: Products with design defects. These products are inherently unsafe due to their design. For example, a car with a faulty brake system is a product with a design defect. Products with manufacturing defects. These products are safe when they are manufactured properly, but they are damaged or improperly completed during the manufacturing process. For example, a toy with a sharp edge may be a product with a manufacturing defect. Products with inadequate warnings or instructions. These products are safe when used properly, but they are not accompanied by adequate warnings or instructions. For example, a medication with no warning about its side effects is a product with inadequate warnings or instructions. Consequences of Defective Products The consequences of a defective product can be devastating. Victims of defective products may suffer from: Serious injuries. Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, burns, poisoning, and even death. Medical expenses. The cost of medical treatment for a defective product injury can be high. Lost wages. Victims of defective product injuries may be unable to work, resulting in lost wages. Pain and suffering. Defective product injuries can cause pain and suffering that can last for a lifetime. Emotional distress. Victims of defective product injuries may also suffer from emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. What Can Victims Do? If you have been injured by a defective product, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the product. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact an experienced attorney ASAP. Our Kansas City Area Defective Product Attorneys are Here to Help  The consequences of defective products can be costly and devastating. If you have been injured by a defective product, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how your pre-existing conditions will impact the value of your claim. In general, pre-existing conditions will not prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries, but they may reduce the amount of compensation you receive. How Pre-Existing Conditions Are Considered When evaluating a personal injury claim, insurance companies will consider several factors, including: The severity of the injuries The extent of medical expenses The impact of the injuries on the victim’s ability to work and enjoy life The victim’s pre-existing conditions Insurance companies often over-emphasize pre-existing conditions in an attempt to minimize their financial responsibility for your injuries and losses. Juries will consider the impact of pre-existing conditions when awarding damages. Legally, the defendant is only responsible for the harm they caused, not for problems that already existed before the accident. It’s important to remember the corollary to that rule: defendants are responsible for all of the increased injuries they have caused. Everyone has some health problems and these problems are frequently exacerbated by accidents.  How Pre-Existing Conditions Can Reduce Claim Value Pre-existing conditions can impact personal injury claims in several ways: Contesting accident causation: Insurance companies may argue that the accident didn’t worsen existing injuries. Diminishing pain and suffering compensation: If pre-existing conditions caused pain, the impact of accident-related pain might be contested. Limiting lost wage compensation: If pre-existing conditions affected work capacity, the accident’s effect on earning ability may be questioned. What Can You Do to Protect Your Claim Value? If you have pre-existing conditions, get medical attention right away, keep detailed records of your treatment, get copies of your medical records, and be honest with your lawyer about your conditions. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to build your case in a way that you are compensated fully for your injuries and losses. Your attorney will be able to respond appropriately with unfair attempts to blame your losses on preexisting conditions. Contact Our Kansas City Area Personal Injury Attorneys If you have been injured in an accident and have pre-existing conditions, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss how your claim may be affected. Morefield Speicher Bachman can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today.

Wrongful death is a civil lawsuit that can be filed by the survivors of a person who has been killed due to the negligence or intentional act of another person. In order to prove wrongful death, the survivors must show that the deceased person’s death was caused by the defendant’s negligence or intentional act and that the survivors have suffered damages as a result. Elements of Wrongful Death To ensure the success of a wrongful death lawsuit, you must prove that: The deceased person died. This can be proven with a death certificate or other documentation. The defendant’s negligence or intentional act caused the death The survivors have suffered damages as a result of the death The defendant’s negligence or intentional act was the proximate cause of the death Proving Wrongful Death There are a number of different types of evidence that may be helpful in proving wrongful death, including: Police reports: Police reports can provide information about the circumstances surrounding the death, such as the cause of the accident or the identity of the person who caused it. Medical records: Medical records can provide information about the deceased person’s injuries, the cause of those injuries and their treatment of those injuries. Witness statements: Witness statements can provide information about the events that led to the death. Expert testimony: Expert testimony can be helpful in explaining the medical or scientific evidence in your case. Morefield Speicher Bachman’s Wrongful Death Attorneys are Here for You If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or intentional act of another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove wrongful death and recover the compensation you deserve. It’s important to get a lawyer involved early before evidence is lost or forgotten.  Contact Morefield Speicher Bachman today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options in detail.