Frequently Asked Questions

If You Have Legal Questions, Davis, Bethune & Jones Attorneys Are Here With Answers.

The attorneys at Davis, Bethune & Jones are here to answer legal questions, help you understand our practice areas, and set expectations to ease the process. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our team — we’re always happy to help.

Getting Started: Questions About Our Kansas City Law Firm

Learn about our Kansas City law firm to understand what we have to offer and how we can help you find a resolution for an accident, injury, or defective product claim. Use these FAQs to get to know our firm and find the right legal representation for your case:

What Types of Cases Does Davis, Bethune & Jones Handle?

The law firm Davis, Bethune & Jones represents individuals and families in serious and sensitive cases involving personal injury, sexual abuse, and dangerous or defective products. Our law firm’s practice areas include:

Sexual assault and abuse
Traumatic brain injuries
Catastrophic injuries
Car and truck wrecks
Medical malpractice
Defective or dangerous products
Railroad-related injuries
Mass torts involving harmful products, such as talcum powder
Insurance bad faith

We are committed to holding powerful institutions accountable and helping our clients pursue justice with compassion and expertise.

What Sets Davis, Bethune & Jones Apart From Other Law Firms?

Our Kansas City law firm has a proven track record of securing significant verdicts and settlements for our clients. We are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and have the resources and experience to take on complex cases.

How Do I Know If Your Firm Is the Right Fit for Me?

An attorney will likely be a good fit if they are experienced with cases similar to yours, they are a good communicator, and you feel comfortable asking legal questions and speaking honestly with them to develop a solid rapport. To gauge these factors, ask the attorney to share their thoughts on your claim’s strengths or weaknesses and tell you about their experience with similar cases.

Does Your Law Firm Win Cases?

We’ve built our reputation by going toe-to-toe with powerful opponents—and winning. We bring everything we’ve got to make sure our clients get real results.

Where Are the Offices for Davis, Bethune & Jones Located?

Our law firm is located in Kansas City, Missouri, but we litigate cases nationwide.

How Does Your Fee Structure Work?

Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. Our fees are a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

How Do I Hire a Lawyer?

If you are interested in hiring the attorneys at Davis, Bethune & Jones, please contact us so we can learn more about your potential case.

Questions on Legal Terminology

We’re happy to answer questions about legal terminology and concepts anytime. Here are a few explanations to questions we hear frequently:

What Is the Difference Between a Settlement and a Verdict?

A settlement is an agreement reached between parties to resolve a case without going to trial. A verdict is a decision made by a judge or jury after a trial. Our trial lawyers prepare every case for court to ensure the best possible outcome, whether through a settlement or a verdict.

What Is a Release in a Settlement?

A release is a legal document in which a plaintiff agrees to forfeit their right to pursue further legal action against the defendant, typically in exchange for monetary compensation. We recommend that you speak to an attorney before signing a settlement release so you fully understand any potential risks or future considerations.

What Do Economic and Non-Economic Compensation Mean?

The terms “economic” and “non-economic” refer to two types of compensatory damages, meaning money awarded to someone harmed due to someone else’s wrongdoing. Economic compensation refers to financial losses, while non-economic compensation refers to pain and suffering and other intangible consequences.

Legal Process Questions: What To Expect

Claim-filing processes can be daunting, and we want our clients to feel prepared about what to expect when taking legal action. Find answers to frequently asked questions about legal processes below:

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation?

Bring any documents related to your case, such as medical records, accident reports, photographs, correspondence with insurance companies, and other relevant information. This will help our attorneys effectively evaluate your case.

How Long Will My Case Take?

Some cases resolve in months, while others may take years. The duration of a case depends on its complexity, the parties involved, and court schedules. We keep you informed every step of the way.

How Long Do I Have To File a Claim?

In general, the Missouri statute of limitations allows between two and five years to file a claim, depending on the legal field, jurisdiction, and case specifics, such as whether it involved a minor or government entities. Typically, wrongful deaths, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice observe two-year statutes of limitations, and most personal injury claims allow five years.

Because all claim types are subject to extenuating circumstances that can extend or shorten the statute of limitations, it’s best to speak to an attorney early to avoid missing critical filing deadlines.

Do I Have To Go to Court?

Not every claim requires a trial to resolve. Many cases are settled out of court. If we do not receive a fair settlement offer for your claims, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?

The decision to accept a settlement offer is different for everyone, but before accepting, you should consult an attorney who can help walk you through the decision.

How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Case?

If you’ve suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may have a valid case. Assessing a claim’s strength requires examining the facts, the law, and the evidence. Our law firm offers free consultations to help get the legal process started.

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Contact Our Attorneys Today.

Contact an experienced attorney to fight for your case.

(816) 421-1600