At Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz, we’re committed to holding companies accountable when their actions put others in harm’s way. Here’s the latest example: CAPE GIRARDEAU, Sept. 10, 2019 – A Cape Girardeau County jury has awarded a record $17 million in damages to a 9-year-old Southeast Missouri girl who...
Personal Injury – Vehicle Crashes
Ford issues recall of Ranger, Fusion models
Do you own a Ford Fusion or Ranger? The automaker is recalling almost 300,000 Ford Fusion and Ranger pickup trucks in North America that could roll away if not in “park” mode. Fusion models from 2013 through 2016 allow the key to be removed when the vehicle is not in...
Recent Recalls: Motor Vehicles
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for users, and to follow engineering standards that build in safety. Still, every day at worksites around America, in homes and on our roads, product failures result in tragedy for those who should be protected because manufacturers take shortcuts to...
Understanding under-insured motorist coverage
Each year, about 2.9 million people are injured in car crashes – resulting in medical care and productivity loss costs of about $99 billion nationally. Motor vehicle insurance coverage covers some of that cost in most cases. But what happens when you’re injured by another driver, and the cost of...
Teaching teens to drive under the (right) influence
Nothing kills more 15- to 20-year-olds than traffic accidents. And 80 percent of crashes involve some form of distracted driving – talking on a cell phone, or texting. Eating or paying attention to the back seat instead of the road. Many of those crashes could be prevented, which is why...
Comparative fault – seeking damages when you’re partly responsible for a wreck
Missouri, along with 12 other states, recognizes what’s known as the Pure Comparative Fault Rule. This allows a damaged party to recover even if he/she is 99 percent at fault, although the recovery is reduced by the damaged party’s degree of fault. An easy way to look at comparative fault...
Injury – What are my rights?
If you are involved in an accident, what are your rights? Most people know they are eligible to hire a lawyer, but what are you really entitled to? Every case is unique, but we have narrowed down the top rights you may receive if someone else injures you: 1.Past Medical...
8 Reasons CBPW is right for your case
We have over 101 years of combined legal experience. Partner Michael Ponder has over 25 years’ experience and was awarded the Lon O. Hocker Award from the Missouri Bar. $2.55 Million Settlement in Electrocution Case. We’ve litigated cases from Kansas City to Cape Girardeau, from Phoenix to Philadelphia and Miami...
5 Steps to Take After a Car Wreck
A car wreck can be a traumatic experience for anyone. Even if damages are minor and both parties are uninjured, you may find yourself panicking about what to do next. Here’s a list of important steps to take following any crash, no matter how severe: Step 1.) Stay calm. This is...
5 important questions you should ask before hiring a personal injury attorney
Selecting your personal injury attorney should be one of the first decisions that you make after your injury. You have 100% control in this situation. This is a critical decision, so it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in your choice. Here’s a list of important questions to consider when choosing an...
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
Q: What are economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury case? A: Clients in personal injury cases may recover economic and non-economic damages. Some attorneys may refer to them as “general” or “special” damages. In some circumstances, punitive damages may be available as well. So, what exactly are economic damages? Economic damages...
Missouri car wreck statistics
Missouri’s beautiful landscapes, rivers and tourist attractions bring in much traffic in and around Southeast Missouri. Many commercial and passenger vehicles regularly use our highways, along with our locals and visitors, to travel through the state. Car wrecks can still occur even when drivers are being cautious and obeying all...