Todd C. Werts
Lawsuit & Dispute, Class Action, Multidistrict Litigation, Personal Injury, Wage & Hour, Unpaid Wages
Admitted in Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, and in federal courts around the country.
Admitted in Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, and in federal courts around the country.
Criminal, Traffic, Personal Injury,
903 E. Ash
Columbia, MO 65201
Accident & Injury, Workers' Compensation, Criminal,
903 E. Ash Street
Columbia, MO 65201
Criminal, Personal Injury, DUI-DWI, Wrongful Death,
903 E. Ash Street
Columbia, MO 65201
Accident & Injury, Workers' Compensation, Car Accident, Personal Injury, Slip & Fall Accident
3401 West Truman Blvd
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Estate, Accident & Injury, Real Estate, Business, Car Accident
231 Madison Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Termination, Legal Malpractice, Employment Discrimination
511 Foster Lane
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Banking & Finance, Estate,
1 Riviera Ct
Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367
Accident & Injury, Car Accident,
1795 Clarkson Road Suite 230
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Criminal, Accident & Injury, Juvenile Law, Divorce & Family Law,
1603 Boones Lick Road
Saint Charles, MO 63301
Call today to learn more about my fee structure.
Partner
Lear & Werts LLP
Present
Columbia, MO
Arizona
2019
Kansas
2002
Missouri
2001
University of Missouri
Bachelors (Mathematics)
N/A
Annual Workers’ Compensation Institute Healthcare Provider Applications for Direct Payment
2009
Lear Werts LLP Compensation Issues Under FLSA/Wage and Hour Laws
2009
Lear Werts LLP Nuts and Bolts of Missouri Practice, Employment Termination in Missouri
2007
MOBAR CLE: CONTRACTS Contract Interpretation
2007
Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I represented the family of a young woman who, along with her daughter and boyfriend, was killed in an apartment fire. The fire started overnight in the living room and spread to engulf the entire apartment. There were complex questions of fact regarding how the fire started and whether the deaths could have been avoided. Ultimately, we were able to recover a voluntary settlement of the full limits of the landlord\'s available insurance, based in large part on a complex application of the controlling city building codes.
How did you build a successful practice?
By trying to remember that each client\'s case is usually the most important thing happening in their life at the time we are working with them. From there, we focus on trying to do good work for our clients and to let the success follow on that good work.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Someone they are comfortable talking with and that they feel they can trust. Litigation is not easy. Clients should feel comfortable to ask any question of their lawyer.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It depends. Sometimes it is critical. Other times, it is much less relevant. It really just depends on the specific facts of a given situation. As someone who routinely practices law in federal courts around the country, local knowledge is often something I do not necessarily have. However, if a local perspective is needed, then we do not hesitate to consult with local counsel to fill-in any information gaps.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
Usually, we can let potential clients know whether they have a situation that we can help with. If we cannot take on their case, then we try to help make sure the person gets connected with someone who can help. If it is a case that we can help with, then we can explain the process, how attorneys fees and costs will work for a given case, and some discussion of what the client can expect from our representation.
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
The basics. It is good for clients to be prepared with general information regarding the \"who, what, when, where, and how\" of the situation. But we do not need to get into every possibly relevant document or split every hair in the initial discussion. There will be time to get into that detail. Ultimately, we just need to get a general idea of what happened, so we can plan out how best to perform a thorough investigation of the facts and work the file up for litigation. It is not usually possible to do all of that in the first telephone call, so it is better not to try.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
The scope of my practice is different than many lawyers in my community. Our office typically represents scores, hundreds, or even thousands of clients who have been harmed by a common cause. As such, we are often able to keep an eye on the big picture of a situation and help our client not get lost in the forest because of undue focus on the leaves.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Relieving clients of the stress of a particular situation. I have often said that a big part of my job is helping to manage my client\'s stress. It is very rewarding to have clients be able to let go of the stress and tension they have been bottling up as they cope with an issue.
What are your other interests in addition to law?
I am a voracious reader. Beyond that, my wife and I breed and raise Arabian horses.
Are you involved in your community?
I am active in the Arabian Horse Association and with Arabian Horseman\'s Distress Fund. I am also an active member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys Amicus Committee. That committee reviews and submits briefs to the Missouri State appellate courts, the Supreme Court of Missouri, and sometimes the United States Supreme Court, on behalf of the association and the individuals our members represent, advocating in favor of the rights of those harmed due to the negligence or malfeasance of others.
Founded 2003
Dispute Resolution, Civil Rights, Criminal, Discrimination, Employment, Insurance; Litigation; Car Accident; Personal Injury; Products Liability; Securities; Sexual Harassment; Workers' Compensation; Wrongful Death