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Posted on Posted in Auto Accidents

Cell Phone Records in Court: How Attorneys Prove Distracted Driving Cases

It’s a sight that has become all too common on Missouri roads: a car ahead suddenly swerves, drifts out of its lane or changes speeds erratically. The likely culprit? A distracted driver looking at their cell phone. For years, this behavior was a source of frustration and danger, but now, it is explicitly illegal in…
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An empty jury box and gallery of a courtroom, representing the litigation services of a law firm in St. Louis.
Posted on Posted in Firm News

Daughter Sues St. Louis Over Father’s Death in May 16 Tornado

Fox2Now July 3, 2025 Newsroom Write-up:  Deborah Patrick filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of St. Louis following the death of her father, Larry Patrick, during the May 16 tornado. The lawsuit claims the city failed to activate tornado sirens and address hazardous conditions, including a decaying tree that Larry Patrick had previously…
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claim rejection
Posted on Posted in Articles and Resources

Vexatious Refusal: Key Elements of Proving Insurer Misconduct

When insurance companies wrongfully delay or deny payment on an insurance claim, it causes more than harm and frustration. It also potentially breaches legal and contractual obligations to the policyholder. However, there are consumer protection laws that help make sure this behavior does not go unchecked. In a previous post, we presented the potential legal…
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Person in a black suit holding a note card that reads, "claim denied".
Posted on Posted in Accidents and Injuries, Articles and Resources, Legal News

Insurance Companies Behaving Badly

Bad Faith, Vexatious Refusal and the Role of an Insurance Claims Lawyer Bad faith insurance claims are one example of how insurance companies can be deceptive and unfair. Insurance is designed to protect people. Policyholders pay into the system expecting to have coverage for some of life’s most devastating challenges: such as car accidents, burglary, flooding,…
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Nicole Knepper, a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, at Padberg Law Firm.
Posted on Posted in Firm News

Legal Limelight: Nicole Burlison Knepper, Principal and Partner, Padberg Appelbaum Knepper

Missouri Lawyers Media Sept. 13, 2024 Newsroom Write-up: Nicole Burlison Knepper, Principal and Partner at Padberg Appelbaum Knepper, has been elected as the new president of the Lawyers Association of St. Louis for the 2024-2025 term. A seasoned litigator with extensive experience in complex injury cases, Knepper aims to enhance engagement and foster a more…
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Close-up of a doctor or nurse in blue scrubs with a stethoscope, representing a case handled by a medical malpractice lawyer in St. Louis.
Posted on Posted in Firm News

Missouri Nurse’s Guilty Plea Sparks $8M State Fund Appeals Court Battle

Missouri Lawyers Media December 14, 2023 Newsroom Write-up:  The Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the circuit court’s ruling mandating the state to pay more than $8 million to Vernell Beach, a man injured by a state-employed nurse at a mental health facility. Despite the nurse, Rita Davis, pleading guilty to criminal charges and seeking to…
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Jenna DeBarry in a graduation cap with the St. Louis skyline behind her.
Posted on Posted in Firm News

Padberg Appelbaum Knepper Adds Associate Attorney Jenna DeBarry to Team

St. Louis litigation firm continues to add experienced talent to benefit clients. St. Louis, MO, October 2, 2023 — The law firm of Padberg Appelbaum Knepper (PAK) is pleased to welcome Jenna DeBarry to the team.   In her role as an Associate Attorney, Jenna brings more than a year of experience working as a clerk…
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Cop car on a street, illustrating a case that might be handled by a car accident lawsuit attorney.
Posted on Posted in Firm News

Maplewood Agrees to Pay Couple $500,000 Over Police Crash

STL Post-Dispatch Sept. 28, 2023 Newsroom Write-up:  The City of Maplewood has agreed to pay $504,000 to Michael and Joan Gerard following a 2013 crash caused by a police officer responding to a Walmart theft. The settlement resolves their 2017 lawsuit, which alleged the city was negligent for the officer’s actions and lack of proper…
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Doctor helping patient after a workers comp injusty
Posted on Posted in Workers' Comp

Choosing a Doctor for a Workers’ Comp Claim: Options & Legal Rights

Your treating doctor plays a crucial role in your Workers’ Compensation case. They determine when you can return to work and what benefits you will receive — and ultimately, help you heal from an injury. Choosing a physician for a work injury is an extremely important decision. You may be wondering, “Who gets to choose…
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Legal marijuana next to gravel.
Posted on Posted in Legal News, Workers' Comp

The Impact of Legal Marijuana on Workers’ Compensation Claims

One notable result of the November 8, 2022 midterm election was the passing of Missouri Amendment 3, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21, following suit of neighboring Illinois and a handful of other states. Furthermore, more than half of the states have passed laws to decriminalize marijuana…
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