Do’s and Don’ts to Know When Fighting a Personal Injury Case

Gibbons Law Firm knows that being involved in a personal injury case can be stressful. You are already dealing with your injuries and recovery as well as lost wages, then you have to deal with the logistics of the court case as well. But when you have suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you should know your rights. Having a personal injury attorney in mid-Missouri to help you is key to the outcome of your case. To help make things a little less stressful and keep you informed, we wanted to talk to you about the dos and don’ts during a personal injury case. There are different things that can help or hurt your case, and knowing those ahead of time can improve your chances of success. If you’d like to know some tips for navigating through your personal injury case at Lake of the Ozarks, we have 5 to share with you in this blog.

Don’t Refuse Medical Care

It is not enough to self-assess after a serious accident. It’s important to seek professional medical care to make sure you don’t have injuries that you’re not aware of. You may be in shock, and there are things that you may not feel immediately that the doctor may know to look for. You may even have broken bones and not know it. Seeking medical care right after a serious accident also helps you document your injuries which may be essential to your personal injury case. You also want to be sure to follow medical advice as that will help show that you’re doing everything you can to recover and that you are not creating your own limitations.

Don’t Wait to Seek Legal Advice

The sooner you seek legal advice, the sooner you can be doing all the things you need to help your case. In addition, it allows your attorney to start investigating to determine what happened and start building your case. That evidence is going to be better early when memories are still fresh. Throughout your entire case, stay in touch and keep your attorney informed regarding your medical condition or any changes. Consider your personal injury attorney at Lake of the Ozarks your partner in the process you work with him/her the better they can look out for your best interest.

Document Everything

You do want to document as much as possible throughout your personal injury case. From the accident all the way through including every doctor's visit and every medical change that you experience during that time. It will be hard to remember all the details without putting them on paper. It’s a great idea just to have a notebook specifically for your personal injury case and to write notes after every doctor visit, conversation with the insurance company, or any meeting related to your injury.

Don’t Give Statements Without an Attorney

Unfortunately, if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person, it could be very detrimental to your case. That is why it is very important that you always have your attorney with you when giving any statements or dealing with the other parties involved or their attorneys. Gibbons Law Firm has represented countless personal injury victims and knows the kind of things that can be used against them. Roger Gibbons is very dedicated to communicating with his clients and can help you through these types of conversations and help you from being drawn in to damage your own case.

Be Honest and Don't Volunteer

You do want people to understand the seriousness of your injury, but you do not want to exaggerate or make any false statements because it can be very damaging to your credibility. Details about how the accident happened, the level of pain you’re dealing with, and the exact limitations in your ability to work, are all things that you want to be clear and honest about. At the same time, you do not want to volunteer information. It’s best not to talk about your case even with friends and extended family. It is especially important to stay off social media. Even an inspiring quote about how you are hopeful about your recovery could be misinterpreted to mean that everything is fine. Overall, the rule is the less said the better.

Schedule YOUR Free Consultation, Today!

At Gibbons Law Firm, we want you to be informed, and we don’t want you to be overwhelmed. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by someone else’s negligence, we want you to know your rights. We offer a free initial consultation and would be happy to sit down with you and talk to you about your case. We are very dedicated to our personal injury clients because we understand how important it is for them to receive the compensation they are due when they are depending on it to pay their medical bills and deal with lost wages and potentially life-changing injuries. We never want a victim to feel like they have to do it alone. We handle most of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to have money for us to represent you. We will receive our pay when you win your case. So give us a call and schedule that free consultation! It may be one of the best decisions you ever make. If you are interested in hearing more legal tips and information from our law firm in Lake Ozark, please use the link below to follow us on social media.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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What Life Changes Might Cause You to Need to Update Your Will?

Unfortunately, too many people put off even having a will made. Then once they do, they put it away and don’t think about it again. But if your will is not up-to-date, it can be almost as bad as not having a will at all. You know that if something happened to you, it would be devastating for your loved ones. The last thing they need to think about is how your assets should be divided or having to go through probate. Our estate planning attorneys in Lake Ozarks can help if you do not have a will or have not had it updated.  You don’t have to put it off. Because Gibbons Law Firm knows how important it is to have a proper and accurate will, we wanted to talk about a few life circumstances that might trigger your need to update your will. If you want to be prepared and know when to recognize it’s time to update your will, just keep reading this blog.

Getting Married

If you already have a will in place when you get married, you may have other relatives listed as beneficiaries. Once you get married, you may want to make some changes.

Having a Child

It’s so easy to forget, with all the things you have to think about when you have a newborn. But it is important to make sure that your will reflects your current life situation and includes (all) your kid(s).

Kids turning 18

When your child has his/her 18th birthday, their legal status changes in some ways. That means it is time to sit down with your attorney and make the relevant updates to reflect your child’s new status as an adult.

Having Grandkids

When you have grandkids, you may want to include them in your will and make sure they get certain assets of yours. Our estate planning attorneys in mid-Missouri can help you make sure they are included and your wishes are known.

New Charity

If you have become very involved or dedicated to a charity or cause since you updated your will last, you may want to include them in your estate plan. Many wonderful charities are able to survive and continue doing good work because of donations they receive from estates. If you have a cause you care deeply about, we can help you include them in your will. 

Beneficiary Dies

This is a life event where thinking about your will is the last thing on your mind. Usually, people appoint someone they are very close to you as a beneficiary, so the passing of that person may be very devastating. You can trust Gibbons Law Firm to help you with that update with compassion and consideration for what you are going through.

Let Us Help You Get Your Will Up-to-Date!

These are just a few examples of situations in life that should remind you to talk to your attorney and review your estate plan. Life changes and your will should too. That’s why Gibbons Law Firm is here. Whenever you have questions about estate planning or updating your will at Lake of the Ozarks, feel free to give us a call! We know how important it is, and we are proud of you for taking that step to look out for those you care about. If you would like to hear more tips and information from our law firm in Lake Ozark, be sure to follow us on social media!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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3 Common Types of Summertime Personal Injuries to Avoid at Lake of the Ozarks

Even though the weather can’t seem to decide day-to-day, summer really is right around the corner. Soon, people will be coming from all over the state to enjoy the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. As personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, we hope everyone has a fun and safe summer. We are aware that injuries happen every year, and we also know that some of them are avoidable. This week's blog is dedicated to the most common personal injury cases at Lake of the Ozarks. If you or someone you know is a victim of personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important for you to know your rights, so you can receive the compensation you need and deserve. If you would like to speak to a personal injury lawyer in mid-Missouri, give our office a call for a free consultation. To learn what causes some of the most common personal injuries during the summertime at Lake of the Ozarks, read on!

Motorcycle Accidents

The Lake of the Ozarks is just as attractive to motorcyclists as it is to boating enthusiasts! The natural scenery plus the fun curves and hills of the roads at the lake are a joy to experience on a motorcycle. But motorcycles are smaller, harder to see, and far less forgiving in an accident with a vehicle. It is important for drivers to look out for motorcyclists and allow them plenty of distance when traveling with them on the road. It is also important for motorcycles to look out, wear the proper safety gear, use turn signals, etc. 

Boating Accidents Involving Someone Who Has Been Drinking

Summertime is peak boating season, and there can be an extreme amount of traffic on the lake during that time. Boats of all speeds and sizes, and drivers of all levels of skill are out together at the same time. Some are enjoying their speed boats, while others are pulling the kids on the tube behind a tri-Toon, and others chasing waves on their PWCs. Sometimes people get hurt. Unfortunately, this happens more often when somebody has been drinking or is under the influence of alcohol. That is why the importance of having a designated driver cannot be underestimated. No one wants to be injured or cause someone else to be hurt. In addition, look out for your passengers by making sure they are wearing their life jackets while out on the lake.

Car Accidents Involving Someone Who Has Been Drinking

For similar reasons, car accidents happen more often in the summer. There are more people here, and not everyone is familiar with the roads. The Ozarks have a lot more curves and blind hills than other areas, so when we have visitors, it can be more of a challenge. On top of that there are more teenage drivers during the summer when school is out. There may also be more distracted drivers during the summer with people in town for reunions, vacations, and even parties and concerts. As people enjoy celebrating and making memories at the lake, they may make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Reach Out to Gibbons Law Firm Today. 

At Gibbons Law Firm, we are familiar with handling these types of personal injury cases. We see how devastating a life-changing injury can be for the victim and all the ways it can affect their future. We also understand the elements necessary to build a successful personal injury case. We want you to know that if you are suffering from a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you are welcome to a free initial consultation with our law firm in Lake Ozark. We can answer your questions and discuss your rights and how you might be able to seek compensation. You are worth the time, don’t hesitate to make the appointment. If you would like to stay in touch with us and hear more tips and legal information from our law firm, use the links below to follow us on your favorite social media channel. 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Ways Gibbons Law Firm be an Asset to the Small Business Owner

Since beginning his private practice in 1992, Roger Gibbons has represented numerous business and business interests in his legal career. His client base includes builders and contractors, small businesses and subcontractors, as well as municipalities and government entities. He understands the laws and regulations that affect your small business. His diverse knowledge and experience in so many areas of law have proven to be a great asset to business owners over the years, and Roger enjoys being a part of their dream and seeing their success. If you are an entrepreneur or are thinking about starting a business yourself, there are a number of ways that a business attorney in mid-Missouri could be of benefit to you. If you would like to find out 5 ways Gibbons Law Firm could help you with your business, just keep reading this blog.

Business Structure

How you structure your business will make a difference in your legal liability and safeguards and create other advantages (or liabilities). It depends on the specifics of your business whether you should structure it as a sole proprietorship, or an LLC. Roger Gibbons understands those specifics and after speaking with you and learning about your business, can help you structure it to give you the most safeguards and the least liability possible.

Employment Law

Employment law is another area where it is best to have a professional legal opinion. When it comes to your workplace environment, employment contracts, hiring and firing, and staying compliant with laws and regulations regarding employers and employees, it makes more sense to rely on decades of experience from a legal professional than your own experience or even worse, Google. An attorney experienced in employment law in mid-Missouri can help you prevent problems that can be costly down the road.

Contracts

In most businesses, there are contracts that you will use between you and your clients, between you and other vendors, perhaps between you and business partners, and more. Sometimes people opt for pre-made fillable contracts, but those are not detailed to your situation, and your locality. Having an experienced attorney at Lake of the Ozarks draw up your contracts specifically for your business and your situation will be much safer than using a generic form.

Workers Compensation

The last thing any business owner wants to have happen is an employee being seriously injured on the job. Business owners value their employees, and they want them to be taken care of if something happens without it sinking the business financially and eliminating everyone’s jobs. So, understanding Workers' Compensation laws, how to prevent injuries and liabilities, and how to handle it if an employee is injured, are all critical to protecting the business you have worked so hard to create. A skilled business attorney at Lake of the Ozarks can help equip you with the knowledge and legal information you need to protect yourself and your employees.

Landlord-Tenant Law

The better landlords and tenants understand expectations regarding the rental agreement between them, the easier it is for both sides to look out for their own rights while being respectful of the other's. Tenants need to know what is acceptable and what the consequences are if they do not keep their rental agreement. Landlords need to understand their responsibilities, but also be protected so that if a tenant breaks their agreement, the landlord has legal recourse. Clear contracts and an accurate understanding of the law are what you need when it comes to any type of rental business.

Gibbons Law Firm is Your Small Business Advocate!

At Gibbons Law Firm we have the utmost respect for small business owners. We appreciate the role they play in our community and in our economy. We are here to support and help them in any way we can. If you have questions about any area of business law in Missouri, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Your initial consultation is free, and scheduling is as easy as calling our office. If you enjoyed this blog and would like to hear more tips and information from our Law Firm in Lake Ozark, be sure to follow us on social media! We have links to our channels below.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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The Diverse Knowledge Base of Gibbons Law Firm

Gibbons Law Firm in Lake Ozark handles a wide variety of legal issues at the Lake of the Ozarks and Central Missouri. Roger Gibbons has been in private practice since 1992 and has a tremendously diverse knowledge base and extensive background when it comes to trying cases successfully. He has done this in his private practice in addition to spending over a decade working as a prosecuting attorney for the state of Missouri where he successfully prosecuted thousands of criminal cases of all types. If you’d like to know the diverse areas of law our mid-Missouri attorneys can help with and how our Lake Ozark law firm can be an asset to you, keep reading this blog.

Roger Gibbons

Roger is deeply committed to clear communication with his clients. He is very focused on listening, understanding clients' concerns, providing sound legal advice, and answering their questions fully and clearly. With his experience as a lawyer and litigator, he is able to provide legal advice that is well balanced and based on a comprehensive understanding of multiple areas of the law. If you are looking for an attorney who will listen, and provide straightforward and honest advice, you cannot beat Roger Gibbons.

Types of Cases

Gibbons Law Firm has helped clients with the following types of cases including:

-accident/personal injury law

-appellate practice

-business and corporate law

-child custody matters

-construction law

-contracts

-criminal defense

-divorce and family law

-employment law

-landlord-tenant

-land use and zoning

-real estate laws

-wills and probate

-workers’ compensation

Types of Clients

Gibbons Law Firm has helped a wide variety of clients including:

-individuals

-employees

-builders

-contractors

-homeowners

-lenders

-small businesses

-subcontractors

-municipalities

-government entities

Accident and Personal Injury Law

This area of law covers a wider variety of situations than most people realize. The cases range from those involved in motor vehicle and boating accidents, business torts, defective products, premises liability, sexual harassment and discrimination, Worker’s Compensation, and wrongful death. Usually, these types of cases are done on a contingency fee basis, so Gibbons Law Firm will only receive compensation when the case is successfully resolved. If you think you have a personal injury case, it is important for you to know your legal rights. It will be your burden to prove your case, and having a personal injury attorney in mid-Missouri that is willing and able to do the research, and take your case to trial if necessary is of utmost importance. Gibbons has a proven record of obtaining settlements and winning jury trials. He has successfully tried hundreds of cases and has the experience and resources to give you the opportunity for a successful outcome on your personal injury case.

Criminal defense

When you are facing criminal charges, you are up against the extensive resources available to law-enforcement agencies and prosecutors. You may be facing the potential of lengthy incarceration, serious fines, and other penalties. In addition, a criminal record can affect you for many years in a number of other aspects of your life. At Gibbons Law Firm, we are committed to providing clients with criminal defense at Lake of the Ozarks that will ensure their rights are protected and they are treated fairly.

Family Law

Family law is another highly diversified area of law. It can include everything from divorce to legal separation, division of assets and liabilities, spousal support, child custody, child support, and more. You can also include adoptions, annulments, guardianships, paternity cases, termination of parental rights, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. As you might imagine, family law can be very emotional and complex. It is also very sensitive because the stakes are so high for the parties involved. That is why is particularly important to have an experienced attorney who is capable of listening, negotiating, investigating, diffusing conflict, and being willing to litigate the case if it’s necessary to bring a successful outcome. When you need a family law attorney in central Missouri, you want one with knowledge and heart like Roger Gibbons.

Gibbons Law Firm helps clients of all kinds with a multitude of legal issues. No matter what legal challenge you are facing, we are committed to providing the legal counseling and advice that you need to navigate the situation and achieve a successful outcome. We offer free initial consultations, so no one should hesitate to find out what their legal rights are and where they stand. To arrange a free consultation, just go to our website and fill out the contact form, or call 573-348-2211. Our attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks will listen to your concerns and give you straightforward and honest advice. To stay in touch and hear all of our tips and information about legal issues from our law firm, don’t forget to follow us on social media. We have links to our channels below.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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