Frederick “Rick” Schleipman is a partner at SWL Personal Injury Lawyers, having joined the firm in 2024. Rick’s practice focuses on civil litigation including auto and trucking accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, and medical malpractice cases.
Rick understands that every case is unique and requires an individualized approach. He combines analytical skills with creative problem solving to ensure his clients obtain the best possible results. Rick has a reputation with local attorneys, judges, and former clients as being hardworking and sincere. He takes great pride in zealously advocating for clients and helping to make people whole after they have been injured by the negligent conduct of others.
Rick grew up in North St. Louis County as the oldest of four boys. He attended college at Drury University in Springfield before enlisting in the United States Navy in 2009. While in the Navy, Rick served as an Arabic linguist focusing on counterterrorism while attached with the National Security Agency, ultimately achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and serving as Mission Manager for his NSA division. While enlisted, he deployed as an Airborne Cryptologic Direct Support Element to the Horn of Africa providing direct support to mission aircraft commanders onboard a reconnaissance platform during overseas counterterrorism operations.
After his six-year enlistment was complete, Rick attended law school at the University of Colorado School in Boulder for one year before transferring to University of Missouri-Kansas City. Rick graduated from UMKC School of Law in the top 10% of his class and was awarded the Candler S. Rogers Legal Writing Award for the best Law Review submission in 2018.
After graduating law school, Rick began working as an associate attorney at a prominent civil defense firm where he had clerked during law school. This experience taught him the ins and outs of how personal injury, malpractice, and insurance claims are defended before and during litigation. He then moved on to join a well-respected plaintiff’s firm in Kansas City where he maintained a large docket of cases, and obtained a wealth of experience, including first-chairing five jury trials in his first few years. Rick is also active with the Kansas City Missouri Bar Association’s Military Matters program representing veterans pro bono on various legal issues.
Rick and his wife Erin (a Jackson County Prosecutor) live in Lee’s Summit with their three young kids, Sawyer, Stevie, and Marlowe. In his rare free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, running, cycling, golfing, and playing guitar.
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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