As a founding member and Lead Trial Lawyer of SWL Personal Injury Lawyers, James F. Stigall believes that his duty is to represent people who have been harmed and help them when they are at their lowest point. James comes from a long tradition of Kansas City lawyers and is carrying his own torch since founding the law firm of SWL Personal Injury Lawyers. As a young child he remembers hearing stories from his grandfather and father about fighting for the rights of victims of terrible tragedies at both the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and in the civil law forum at their own respective firms. In addition, his mother was a successful attorney at one of the most distinguished defense firms in the nation. This has afforded James the opportunity to learn from successful attorneys on both sides of the law and cultivate not only the work ethic, but also the experience and resources needed to vigorously fight for his clients.
James’ legal career began at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law where he focused on trial practice and worked for several judges in Jackson County and the Missouri Court of Appeals. After he graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City and made the tough decision to join the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, rather than immediately enter the civil law forum. While at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office, he handled hundreds of cases that consisted of homicides, assaults, burglaries, sex crimes, and vehicular crimes. His courtroom experience at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office consisted of over twenty jury trials, ranging from homicides to vehicular fatalities, and handling over two hundred pleas of guilty. This resulted in him ultimately winning the Patrick B. Trial Attorney of the Year Award, which is presented to the top trial attorney at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office.
In 2016, James decided to leave the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office and fight for the rights of injured individuals at one of the most respected and prominent personal injury law firms in the United States. James participated in and received broad training from experienced attorneys that taught him our two main goals, as attorneys, are to help a family or individual through a tragic moment and make sure that nobody ever has to go through that same tragedy again. Over time he was able to work on multi-million-dollar cases and obtain large, favorable results for his clients that now encourage defendants to settle for sizable amounts rather than roll the dice at trial.
The lessons and experience James learned from his family, at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law, at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and in the civil law forum provided him with the opportunity to found Stigall Whitworth with his lifelong friend Luke Whitworth. Luke had previously developed a prosperous personal injury firm in Kansas City, Whitworth Law Office. Luke expanded his practice with the addition of James Stigall, a persuasive and successful trial attorney that could capture the respect of clients and jurors alike. In 2024, Luke and James partnered with Jarrett Leiker to form SWL Personal Injury Lawyers. Luke, James and Jarrett are currently regarded as some of the most sought after and talented young lawyers in Kansas City. SWL Personal Injury Lawyers is one of the largest personal injury law firms in the Midwest and one of the fastest growing personal injury law firms in America.
James grew up in Blue Springs, MO and attended Blue Springs High School. He then attended the University of Missouri Columbia on a full football scholarship and earned spots on the Big 12 All-Academic First Team and Commissioner’s Honor Roll. When James is not busy working on obtaining results for his clients you can find him spending time with his wife, Cicily, and daughter, Vivienne, at or near their home in Kansas City. James also enjoys golfing (aka looking for his lost golf balls), hunting, fishing, playing with his two dogs, and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Legal matters can feel overwhelming. Here's what most clients want to know before they call.
Get Free Case ReviewDuring a personal injury case in Kansas City, state laws prohibit insurance companies from engaging in deceptive or unfair practices, such as misrepresenting facts, delaying claims without reason, or pressuring you into low settlements. If you feel harassed, document all interactions, communicate in writing, and consider consulting a personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Complaints can also be filed with the Kansas Insurance Department or the Missouri Department of Insurance for further action.
In Kansas City, insurance companies may investigate your work history to evaluate your personal injury claim, but they must comply with privacy laws and regulations. They can gather information relevant to your claim, such as employment status, income, and job duties, to assess the impact of your injury on your ability to work. However, they are prohibited from using deceptive or unfair practices under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and must respect your rights to privacy and fair treatment during the investigation. If you have concerns, consult a personal injury attorney to protect your rights.
A subpoena is a legal document issued by a court compelling an individual to testify as a witness at a deposition, hearing, or trial or to produce documents or evidence relevant to a legal proceeding. Governed by Kansas and Missouri state laws, subpoenas ensure that necessary information or testimony is available to support the judicial process. Failure to comply with a subpoena can result in legal penalties, including fines or contempt of court charges.
If the negligent party in Kansas City lacks insurance, you can still pursue compensation through other means, such as filing a lawsuit directly against them to seek damages. Your insurance policy also may include uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your losses. Kansas and Missouri laws mandate that insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage, providing a safety net. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you explore all available options to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In Kansas City, it is generally advisable not to speak directly with the negligent party’s insurance company without consulting a personal injury attorney. While the insurance company may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize their payout. Kansas and Missouri laws protect you from unfair claims practices, and having an attorney can ensure your rights are upheld and that you don’t inadvertently jeopardize your claim. An attorney can handle communications on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement.
Suppose your personal injury claim occurred in another part of Kansas or Missouri; the same state laws apply, including those governing negligence, liability, and insurance practices. Regardless of where the injury happened, you can still seek legal assistance from a Kansas City attorney licensed to practice statewide. They can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring compliance with local jurisdictional rules and maximizing your potential compensation.
To prove your personal injury claim in Kansas City, you must demonstrate that the negligent party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries, resulting in damages. This involves gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. Kansas and Missouri laws require clear documentation and credible evidence to establish liability and the extent of your damages. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help you compile and present the necessary evidence to strengthen your case.
In Kansas City, you can recover various damages for your personal injury claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Kansas and Missouri laws compensate for economic damages (like medical bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you identify and pursue all applicable damages to maximize your compensation.
In Kansas City, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident is crucial to ensure your health and strengthen your personal injury claim. Prompt medical attention addresses potential injuries and creates important medical records documenting the extent and cause of your injuries. Both Kansas and Missouri laws recognize the importance of timely medical treatment in establishing a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for recovering damages. Delaying treatment can harm your health and weaken your claim.
A personal injury in Kansas City refers to physical or emotional harm caused by another’s negligence or intentional actions, such as car crashes, slips and falls, or medical malpractice. That is why our Car Crash Kings team is ready to fight for victims of all types of personal injury cases. A personal injury claim is a legal process where the injured party seeks compensation for damages from the responsible party. Under Kansas and Missouri laws, these claims require proving the other party’s fault and demonstrating the extent of your injuries and losses.
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