Source: https://wallacesaunders.com/news-and-events
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 20:04:35+00:00

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It is important to stay up-to-date with the evolving landscape of court opinions and legislative changes that may affect your business’ ability to operate. In a continued effort to partner with you to proactively meet your legal needs, we provide these articles relating to recent changes in the law for your information.
On Friday, June 8, 2018, the Kansas Supreme Court decided Atkins v. Webcon and signaled an important change for determining whether accidents that occur while workers are out of town for employment-related purposes are compensable.
The relevant facts of the case are that the claimant and others were required to travel and stay in Enid, Oklahoma on a construction project. They took a company vehicle and their accommodations were provided by the employer. The hotel in which claimant and other co-workers were staying, though, was without a hotel bar. Claimant ventured across the street and went to a hotel that did have a hotel bar. He stayed until past two in the morning before attempting to cross the street to his hotel. Unfortunately, he was struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver and sustained severe injuries.
Kevin Weakley has been elected to serve as the new Managing Partner for Wallace Saunders Law Firm effective May 1, 2018. Mr. Weakley graduated with honors from Baker University in 1991, and has been in private practice since 1994, after he earned his law degree from the University of Kansas. He is licensed to practice in the state and federal courts of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, and also before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Weakley is an active member of the Johnson County Bar Association and KCMBA. His practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on personal injury defense. Mr. Weakley succeeds Mark McKinzie who served as Managing Partner for nearly 20 years. Mr. McKinzie will return to the full time practice of law. His practice focuses on Estate Planning, Corporate and Real Estate matters.
Four years before the Chamber was established, K.B. Wallace entered law practice with Frank Saunders, Jr., occupying a small office above the John Francis Restaurant in downtown Overland Park. They represented six insurance companies in Johnson County and went into competition with 141 active Johnson County attorneys.
Over the years, the firm evolved into Walllace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs, Chartered. Today, it is simply Wallace Saunders with offices in Overland Park, Kansas City, Wichita and Springfield, Mo.
Saunders was a Chamber Chairman in 1977. Managing Partner Mark McKinzie was Chamber Chairman in 1997 and he continues to lead the Chamber Foundation.
Is Missouri’s “no pay, no play” law on its way out?
The Jackson County Circuit Court recently found that Missouri’s “no pay, no play” law is unconstitutional as applied to common law damages claims based on negligence. Under § 303.390, uninsured motorists waive the ability to collect for non-economic loss against an insured motorist due to a motor vehicle accident in which the insured driver is alleged to be at fault.
In striking down defendant’s affirmative defense based on § 303.390 RSMo., the trial court applied Watts v. Lester E. Cox Medical Centers, 376 S.W.3d 633, 637 (Mo. banc 2012), finding that the 1820 Missouri Constitution permitted recovery of non-economic damages without restriction. Thus, the Circuit Court concluded that § 303.390 amounts to an unconstitutional infringement on the right to trial by jury. An appeal seems likely.
For more information on this or other insurance matters click here. And if you’d like to speak with a member of our insurance practice group today, contact Kelvin Fisher.
Recently, a Missouri court sent a slip and fall case to trial because defense counsel did not set out “elements facts” in their summary judgment motion. Custer v. Wal-Mart Stores East I, LP, 492 S.W.3d 212, 215 (Mo. Ct. App. S.D. 2016). The plaintiff testified she felt an onion or lettuce leaf under her foot, which caused her to slip. In response, defense counsel pointed out plaintiff testified in her deposition she had not actually seen the offending produce. Unfortunately for the defendant, the court ruled this was not enough.
Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters, rates lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Ten of our lawyers have hit the mark this year—Rod Richardson, Jim Sanders, Tim Finnerty, Mike Brown, Cara Rose, Schalie Johnson, Nathan Dulle, Brian Boos, Ryan Weltz, Aaron Schwartz, Kelvin Fisher, and Leo Logan.
But we think all our lawyers are pretty super and, more importantly, we know our clients are. That’s why every day; every one of our 46 lawyers strives to build a “Partnership that goes farther.” Call or click here and let Wallace Saunders show you what we can do together today.
Litigation has long been a cornerstone of our law firm, and we’ve recently joined forces with three of the best litigators we know—Bill Coates, Leo Logan, and Trey Windham.
Formerly Coates & Logan, Bill and Leo bring unparalleled legal talent and depth of experience to the firm’s already solid roster of over 30 lawyers whose practice emphasizes civil litigation. But that’s not all. In Trey, we’ve gained a lawyer whose fresh perspective inspires confidence in colleagues and clients alike.
The Governor recently approved H.B. 2446, increasing the required minimum motor vehicle insurance liability limit for property damage. Effective January 1, 2017, every policy of motor vehicle liability insurance issued or renewed in Kansas must contain stated limits of liability, exclusive of interest and costs, not less than $25,000 because of harm to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
This new law also requires, beginning in 2026 and not less than every 10 years afterwards, a legislative interim study committee to study the issue whether the minimum per person-per accident limits of liability for bodily injury or death should be adjusted.
Whether you’re confronted with a personal auto liability matter, or a complex commercial auto or common carrier claim, John Ross and the trucking and transportation practice group are here for you.
Jason Janoski—formerly with an LA-based Am Law 50 law firm—joins the Wallace Saunders employment law practice group in Wichita.
Tad Kardis and Kelvin Fisher bring 30 years of combined experience to the firm’s transportation and trucking practice group in Overland Park.
And if your matter involves products liability or requires deep litigation experience, you can count on Katie O’Shea and Russ Peterson to handle your needs throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.
In Missouri, the State Average Weekly Wage used to determine maximum workers’ compensation benefits between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 is $867.88. This SAWW produces a maximum weekly benefit rate of $911.27 for temporary total/permanent total disability and $477.33 for permanent partial disability. Also, as of July 1, 2016, the mileage allowance for travel expenses is 51 cents per mile.
In Kansas, the maximum rate will be $627.00 for temporary total/permanent total disability and permanent partial disability on injuries occurring July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.
Whether it’s Kansas or Missouri, we have one of the largest and most experienced groups of full-time workers’ comp defense attorneys in the Midwest. A member of the firm’s Workers’ Compensation group is standing by to answer your questions today.
Employees formerly exempt from the FLSA’s overtime pay requirements may become non-exempt after new regulations become effective later this year. The new regulations were drafted in an effort to increase the number of employees eligible for mandatory time-and-a half overtime pay.
Rick has a very good track record as a mediator and has been chosen by Plaintiff’s and Defense counsel because of his extensive trial practice of over 45 years. He is thorough and complete in the review of materials in advance of the mediation which is very helpful in creating an atmosphere which is comfortable for the parties and counsel. It is not uncommon for Judges to suggest him or appoint him in difficult cases. The rare combination of experience in court and a helpful demeanor is what is needed and successful. His rates are very reasonable.
Texas’ New Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) – How do you comply?
Does your Firm enter into contracts with governmental entities or state agencies in the state of Texas? If so, then be prepared to determine if you must complete and file a Form 1295 the next time your Firm submits a contract for professional services to be signed by a governmental entity or state agency in the state of Texas. If required to be filed, your contract cannot be approved until it is filed.

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