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Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about working with a trial lawyer in Southern Missouri.

General Questions

What areas of Missouri do you serve?

Walsh Law Firm is based in Poplar Bluff, in Southeast Missouri, and we have tried cases across the state — from St. Louis County south to Springfield and the counties east of it. Most of our work is in Southern and Southeastern Missouri, in both state and federal court.

How are your fees structured?

Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee — you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you. Other civil matters are generally billed hourly. In criminal cases we take an initial retainer that covers the work up to, but not including, a jury trial.

Does the first consultation cost anything?

No. The initial consultation is always free and confidential.

I've been injured. What should I do?

Take a few steps to protect both your health and your case:

  1. Keep a journal. Note your pain, your physical limits, your doctor visits, and the ways the injury has affected your daily life.
  2. Save everything. Keep a folder of all bills, letters, and documents related to your injury — they may matter later.
  3. Call a lawyer. Walsh Law Firm offers a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Call (573) 712-2909.
  4. Watch the deadlines. Missouri sets time limits for filing suit based on the type of case. Miss the window and you can be barred from recovering at all.
  5. Get well. Your health is the top priority — do whatever it takes to get back on your feet.

Personal InjuryView practice area

How much does it cost to hire Walsh Law Firm for a personal injury case?

Nothing up front. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee, so you pay no legal fees unless we recover money damages for you.

Who will actually handle my case?

Your case is handled directly by our attorneys — Stephen Walsh and BJ Knapp — working alongside the firm's legal team. You'll deal with the people actually handling your case, from the first interview through settlement or trial.

What if my injury prevents me from coming to your office?

Just reach out by phone or email and let us know your situation. We handle these on a case-by-case basis and will work out the best way to meet and move your case forward.

Wrongful DeathView practice area

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Missouri?

Missouri law sets an order of who may bring the claim — generally the spouse, children, or parents first. We'll walk you through whether you're entitled to file during a free consultation.

What can we recover in a wrongful death case?

Medical and funeral expenses, the income and benefits your loved one would have provided, their conscious pain and suffering, and the loss of care, companionship, and guidance to the family.

How much does it cost to pursue a wrongful death case?

Nothing up front. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee — you owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Auto & Truck AccidentsView practice area

What should I do after a car or truck crash?

Get medical care, document the scene if you can, and avoid giving a recorded statement to the other side's insurer before you talk to a lawyer. Then call us for a free consultation.

How is a truck accident case different from a car accident?

Trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and far more serious injuries. They require fast investigation — we move quickly to preserve evidence.

What does it cost to hire Walsh Law Firm after a crash?

Nothing up front. Crash cases are handled on a contingency fee — you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you.

Criminal DefenseView practice area

Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?

Be polite, but you have the right to remain silent and to an attorney — use both. Talk to us before you give any statement.

What does criminal defense cost at Walsh Law Firm?

We charge flat fees for criminal defense work, so you know the cost up front rather than watching an hourly bill grow.

Will a criminal charge stay on my record?

It depends on the charge and the outcome. We'll explain how it could affect your record, job, and license — and fight to protect all three.

DWI / DUI DefenseView practice area

Will I lose my license after a DWI arrest?

Not automatically — but you must act fast. You generally have about 15 days to appeal or request a hearing; we file in time to keep you driving while the case is pending.

What's the difference between the license case and the criminal case?

They're separate. The Department of Revenue handles your license; a prosecutor handles the criminal charge. We defend both.

What are the penalties for a DWI in Missouri?

They range from fines and probation to jail, and prison for repeat offenses — depending on your record and the facts. We work to minimize or avoid them.

Civil Rights & §1983View practice area

What is a Section 1983 claim?

Section 1983 is a federal law that lets you sue government officials — like police — who violate your constitutional rights while acting under color of law.

What kinds of civil rights cases do you handle?

Police misconduct, other government misconduct, and the rights of criminal defendants, among other constitutional-rights matters.

Do I need to pay up front for a civil rights case?

Reach out for a free consultation and we'll explain how fees work for your specific situation before you commit to anything.

Free Consultation

We Fight For You

Tell us what happened. The consultation is free and confidential — or call and talk to us right now.