Popham Injury Law Firm

08/07/2026

At Popham, our work is always about the people who trust us to represent them.

Mark Schloegel recently secured a $750,000 collective action settlement. Congratulations, Mark, on another successful result for our deserving clients!

Read more about Mark's amazing track record on our website! Link in comments.

07/20/2026

Today, Tom Porto joins Elizabeth Fegan and Georgia Zacest of FeganScott as trial begins in Jefferson City on behalf of the family of Brandon Pace.

After more than three years, Brandon's mother will finally have the opportunity to present her case to a jury.

Brandon died while in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections. After correctional officers believed he had swallowed an illicit substance, they sprayed him at close range with a riot-sized canister of pepper spray. He remained restrained without medical treatment for more than four hours, repeatedly crying out that he could not breathe.

This trial asks what duty we owe to people whose lives are entirely in our hands. When someone is in state custody, there is nowhere else to turn for protection or medical care.

We are honored to stand alongside our co-counsel at FeganScott as Brandon's family seeks answers through the justice system.

07/07/2026

Will MO deputy face charges for punching suicidal man in ambulance? Here’s what to know
Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox said last week that he fired Deputy Jacob Sebren for his actions during the April 1 call and had referred the case to the prosecutor’s office.
Read more in the full story: bit.ly/4y5HWsq

07/03/2026

We say it because, when you need it—it's too late to get it. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage can be easily added to your current insurance policy for very little cost to you, and if you're a cyclist, you cannot afford to wait to get this little task off your to-do list.

It can change everything for you when you need it most.

Comment COVERED for a downloadable PDF explaining your rights and options in case of a car crash, including important information on UM/UIM coverage.

07/02/2026

Donald Bellos was a father in crisis. His family called 911 because they wanted him to live.

The Kansas City Star covered the Bellos family’s lawsuit and the body camera footage showing how first responders treated him after their call for help. We are proud to represent the Bellos family as they seek accountability, transparency, and justice.

Read the full story below.

Over the years, the Benton County Sheriff’s Department has responded to hundreds of mental health crisis calls, the sheriff said. “And we get them all right. Just that one they didn’t get right.”

06/30/2026

They called 911 for help during a mental health crisis. Their father was assaulted instead.

Popham Injury Law partner Tom Porto has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Donald Bellos and his family.

The lawsuit details an emergency response where a restrained patient was choked, punched, and tased inside an ambulance by Benton County law enforcement. A paramedic then administered 300mg of ketamine to a patient already experiencing a ketamine overdose—resulting in severe chemical toxicity and kidney failure—while joking about "k-holing" him on the ambulance ride to the hospital. To hide the abuse, the department released edited bodycam footage omitting the violence.

We will be sharing news stories about this important lawsuit as they become available.

NOTE: Sensitive Content | The Bellos Family wishes for these images and story to be made public in order to prevent this experience from happening to another family.

06/25/2026

The story of an injury lawyer’s first biking injury. 🚴‍♂️

Paul tells the story of how he learned to ride a bike.

06/19/2026

The driver who hits you on your bike may have ZERO insurance coverage for your injuries after the crash.

Someone else's mistake can cost you your income, your mobility, your savings, your independence, and the future care you may need to recover.

Check your policy—we recommend at least $250,000 of uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage to make sure you and your family have what you need if the unexpected happens.

Comment COVERED for a downloadable PDF you can share with friends about cyclist's rights after an accident—and why UM/UIM coverage is so important.

06/11/2026

Too often, when a bike crash happens, people are quick to blame the rider.

Popham partners Mark Schloegel and Paul Anderson are active in the cycling community and in civic leadership to help drivers, policymakers, and the broader public better understand cycling and cyclist rights. Cyclists deserve fair treatment, and anyone who endures a bike crash deserves the opportunity to recover.

Learn more about our advocacy for cyclists on our website and FOLLOW us here for safety advice and legal best practices for bike riders of all ages.

06/09/2026

Head to the Trial Lawyers University REPLAY series for Popham partner Dirk Vandever’s TLU Beach 2024 presentation, “Dirk’s Trial Manifesto.”

The webinar focuses on how trial lawyers can build stronger, clearer themes and visuals in any case — without starting from a blank page or overwhelming jurors with every fact in the file.

Dirk walks through a practical checklist process for identifying memorable themes, shaping the lens through which jurors see the evidence, and tailoring those themes to the unique facts of each case.

The program includes a one-hour lecture focused on the use of evolving trial theme checklists, along with breakout session work on applying recurring themes to specific cases and trial problems.

Trial lawyers can register through TLU for the June 10 replay at 12:30 PM CST.

Link to register in comments.