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Can I sue on behalf of a family member?

If a family member can’t represent themselves, you may be able to help. But before we can
work together to get the justice you all deserve, it’s important to answer the following questions:

What is required to file on someone’s behalf?

  • Mental or Physical Impairment
  • Your family member cannot make decisions for themselves
  • Wrongful Death
  • Your family member has died in an accident
  • Class Action Suit
  • Your family member experienced injustice as part of a larger group
  • Being a Minor
  • Your family member is under the age of 18

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within one to three years. Although there are certain exemptions due to age and mental capacity, any claim should be filed as quickly as possible.

How would a personal injury attorney help?

Working with an expert can help you explore all your options, including the best way for you to get a fair settlement. At JVM, here’s how we support you:

  • No out-of-pocket fees or costs
  • Representation centered around your needs
  • Dedication to the maximum compensation
  • Proven trial advocacy

We’ll take it from here.

We know your situation is unique and that all your questions probably weren’t answered here.That’s where we can help: get in touch with us for a consultation at no cost to you. With over140 years of combined legal experience, we know how to fight for the justice you deserve. Let’s Get to Work

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Car Accidents

Honoring National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Some of our readers may believe that this month of observance is unnecessary. After all, numerous educational campaigns, technological innovations and local laws are already helping to curb the prevalence of distracted driving behavior. However, it is important to understand that distracted driving continues to kill a staggering number of Americans on an annual basis. Until this problem is significantly curbed, it will

April 27, 2015
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Car Accidents

Should I Hire a Plaintiff Attorney for my Car Accident Case?

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is likely that you will want to file a personal injury claim against those responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you may be considering handling your claim on your own in order to save on attorney’s fees. While you can indeed settle your own claim, this may not be the most desirable option. Before you attempt to take

June 22, 2016
The National Law Journal Verdict Search Logo
Press Release

$34 Million Verdict is top 100 in the U.S.

$34 MILLION JURY VERDICT AGAINST COXHEALTH HOSPITAL RANKED 58TH LARGEST IN UNITED STATES AND LARGEST MEDICAL MALPRACTICE VERDICT IN MISSOURI IN 2021 Springfield, Mo., July 8th, 2022 – The $34.1 million jury verdict against CoxHealth Hospital in Springfield obtained by the Joplin law firm Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci has been named the 58th largest jury verdict of 2021 in the United States by the National Law Journal and the largest

July 8, 2022
Let Us Take it From Here
Call now at (417) 222-4878 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to start fighting back.
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Roger Alan Johnson
Roger Alan Johnson
Founding Partner
Bringing Hope to Those in Need

For Roger, being a trial lawyer is the best job in the world. No matter the stress of someone’s situation, he knows that through hard work, dedication, and caring – something positive is always on the horizon. From a young age, Roger was wired to use logic to find the truth in every situation. Today, he applies that same drive to give every client the results they deserve.

The more I do this, the more I love what I’m doing. There’s nothing like helping people not just survive a difficult moment, but thrive afterwards.
Expertise Awards Education
Expertise in Action.

Roger has the experience to fight for you through whatever you’re dealing with:

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Birth Injuries
  • Wrongful Death
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Brain Injuries
  • Trucking Collisions
Education
  • University of Kansas School of Law, Lawrence, Kansas
    J.D. – 1991
  • University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
    M.A. – 1990
  • Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, Missouri
    B.A. magna cum laude – 1987
Professional Awards

Even after everything he’s accomplished, Roger believes everything he’s done is to the credit of a loyal, sacrificing family, partners and support staff.

  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2015-2024
  • Thomas G. Strong Award 2015 Recipient by Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
  • Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rated, 2006-2024
  • Best Lawyer Recipient 2020 in the areas of Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and “Lawyer of the Year” for Springfield, MO Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyer Recipient 2018 in the areas of Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and “Lawyer of the Year” for Springfield, MO Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyer Recipient 2017 in the areas of Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyer Recipient 2015 Plaintiff’s “Lawyer of the Year” – Malpractice – Springfield
  • Missouri Super Lawyers, 2011-2024
  • Kansas Super Lawyers, 2011-2024
  • Best Lawyer’s “Lawyer of the Year” – Medical Malpractice – Springfield – 2022
  • Best Lawyer Recipient 2024 in the area of Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and “Lawyer of the Year” for Springfield, MO.
  • Best Lawyer Recipient 2023 in the area of Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, and “Lawyer of the Year” for Springfield, MO.
Scott J. Vorhees
Scott J. Vorhees
Founding Partner
On a Mission to Help

After working his way through college at a personal injury firm, Scott knew exactly what he wanted to do next: advocate for people who need it most. Scott fights to help people get their lives back. He is aggressive and does not quit. When there’s an opportunity to change hopelessness to happiness, Scott works tirelessly to do it.

When I meet someone who’s had their world crumble around them, they don’t want me to sit and cry with them. They want me to show them the path to making their life better.
Expertise Awards Education Community
Expertise in Action.

From accidents to malpractice, Scott has stood up for the rights of clients in multiple areas:

  • Dangerous Premises
  • Car Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Business Litigation
  • Serious Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Wrongful Death
Education
  • The University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan J.D. – 2000
  • Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, Missouri B.A. magna cum laude – 1996
  • Missouri Southern State College Police Academy 1994
Professional Awards

Outstanding legal work on behalf of his clients has earned Scott recognition both in our community and across the country:

  • Missouri Lawyers Awards 2022: Top Plaintiffs’ Verdicts, 2021
  • Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rated, 2013-2022
  • American Institute of Personal Injury Lawyers “10 Best Under 40” Award
  • American Institute of Personal Injury Lawyers “10 Best Attorneys” Award
  • National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys – Top 10 Award
  • Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • Four States Finest Best Community Activist
Community Interests
  • Board of The Alliance of SW MO
  • Wildwood Homeowner’s Association, President
  • Building Bridges, President
  • Ascent Recovery Residence Board
  • United Way Board
  • Joplin Regional Community Foundation Board
  • Philanthropic Society Board
Patrick Martucci
Patrick Martucci
Partner
Leading the Way to Better

When someone experiences real tragedy in their lives, Patrick loves nothing more than being there to help. When he is not on a case, his wife Susan and his four children Chris, Meagan, Caroline and Marisa are his top priority. For him, the best part about practicing law is guiding people like you down a difficult, unfamiliar path. He knows that together, something better is always out there.

I promise you will receive the respect you deserve. Your case will be important to me, and I will represent you with integrity, tenacity, and dedication.
Expertise Awards Education
Expertise in Action.

No matter what you’re going through, Patrick can be the partner you need:

  • Serious Injury and Wrongful Death
  • Car Accidents
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
    Medical Negligence
  • Construction Injuries
  • Dangerous Property
  • Defective Products
  • Insurance Claims
Education
  • Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, California
    J.D. cum laude – 1993
  • University of California, Davis, Davis, California
    B.A., Highest Honors – 1990
Professional Awards

From charitable organizations to nationwide legal groups, Patrick has been consistently recognized for his dedication to helping others:

  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers, 2015-2022
  • National Trial Lawyers 2022: Top 25 Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers
  • Strathmore’s Who’s Who, 2004-2005
  • Man of the Year by Leukemia & Lymphoma® Society, 2000
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Nation’s Top One Percent, 2021-2022
  • Martindale – Hubbell AV Rating
Brian Johnston
Brian Johnston
Springfield Partner
Standing Up for What’s Right

One of Brian’s earliest memories was working with a younger boy at school in an effort to help him stop being bullied. This sparked Brian’s desire to stand up for people who need it for the rest of his life. Throughout more than 29 years, Brian has continued to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves. No matter who he’s helping, Brian works hard to make sure that bullies never win.

If someone is suffering, they need to know that someone is in their corner and that someone cares about them.
Expertise Education Admissions Associations
Expertise in Action.

In over 29 years of trial practice, Brian has stood up for his clients no matter what they’re going through:

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Wrongful Death
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Vehicular Accidents
  • Dangerous Premises
Education
  • Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, Kansas
    J.D. – 1993
  • University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
    B.S. – 1990
Bar Admissions
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Federal Courts in Missouri
  • Federal Courts in Kansas
Professional Associations
  • Jasper County Bar Association
  • Taney County Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar
  • American Association for Justice
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
  • Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
Joshua G. Decker
Joshua G. Decker
Springfield Partner
Facing Injustice Head On

After starting his career on the side of insurance companies, Josh saw how unfairly injury victims were being treated. Making the switch to advocating for the injured helped him quickly find his calling. For Josh, being a trial lawyer means relentlessly seeking accountability for clients through every aspect of the judicial process.

At JVM, we pursue our client’s interests through aggressive, creative lawyering, backed by experience, tenacity, and a willingness and proven track record to take cases to trial.
Expertise Awards Education
Expertise in Action.

Licensed in both Missouri and Arkansas, Josh has fought for clients in many areas:

  • Trucking Accidents
  • Vehicular Accidents
  • Premises Liability
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Workers’ Compensation
Education
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
    J.D. – 2009
  • Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
    B.A. – 2006
Professional Awards

From the classroom to the courtroom, Josh has been awarded for his excellent legal work:

  • Top overall score on Arkansas Bar Exam, 2010
  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars Selection, 2015-2021
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40, 2021
Anna Pace-Johnson
Anna Pace-Johnson
Partner
Inspired to Serve Others

At only 15, Anna’s father was killed in a trucking accident as the result of negligence. After seeing how Roger Johnson’s passion and perseverance brought her family justice, she was determined to do the same for others. Her unique perspective gives her the power to help clients overcome the obstacles in front of them and get back to living their lives.

Communication is everything. Both as an advocate and a human, there’s nothing more important than listening and trying to understand what a person is going through in order to help them get closure.
Expertise Awards Education Admissions
Expertise in Action.

Anna’s commitment to helping families comes through in all her areas of practice:

  • Wrongful Death
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Vehicular Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Nursing Home Negligence
  • Sexual Assualt
  • Insurance Bad Faith
Education
  • University of Arkansas School of Law, Fayetteville, Arkansas J.D. – 2016
  • Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, Missouri B.S. Political Science – 2013
Bar Admissions
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit
Professional Awards
  • 2023 Best Trial Lawyers in America for Civil
  • Litigation and Missouri Top 40 under 40 for civil litigation.
Max Blaser
Max Blaser
Partner in SGF
Proud to Fight For Everyday People

The safety and rights of individuals are constantly under attack by corporations, special interest groups, lobbyists, and the legislature. Max has made it his mission to protect those that would be taken advantage of or trampled on. Max carefully keeps up with the legal changes that threaten his clients’ rights, and he makes sure that each of his clients get the results they deserve. Max is proud to be a trial attorney.

It is an honor and a privilege to stand as a shield for those who need protection, and to speak for those who need a voice.
Expertise Education Associations
Expertise in Action.
  • Vehicle collisions
  • Trucking collisions
  • Pedestrian Injury
  • Motorcycle wrecks
Education
  • University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
    • J.D. – magna cum laude, 2011
    • CALI Award for Excellence in Indian Gaming Law
    • Kaplan Scholarship recipient
  • Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri
    • B.S. – 2005
Professional Associations
  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars Selection, 2017-2022
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40, 2019- 2022
  • United States Courts for the Western District of Missouri
  • Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
  • Oklahoma Association for Justice
Tatianya Hall
Tatianya Hall
Attorney

Tati is the eldest daughter of Roger Johnson and Piper Scholfield. Growing up on her family’s farm just outside of town, she spent much of her childhood at the offices of Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci, where she developed a deep connection to both the firm and its people. From an early age, she built lasting relationships with partners Scott Vorhees and Patrick Martucci, as well as many of the attorneys and staff members who helped shape her upbringing. Some of her favorite memories include getting ready for prom in the Joplin office and spending afternoons doing homework around the conference room tables.

As a child, Tati watched her father dedicate himself to helping clients overcome difficult challenges and regain control of their lives. Seeing firsthand the compassion, commitment, and advocacy he brought to every case inspired her to pursue a career in law. For Tati, becoming an attorney was more than a professional decision—it was a natural extension of the values and environment that had influenced her throughout her life. As she often says, “This place is my home, and these people are my family.”

Today, Tati is committed to helping individuals who have been injured through the negligence of others. She is passionate about guiding clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives, providing trusted legal representation while helping them move forward with confidence and hope for the future.

This place is my home, and these people are my family.
Expertise Education Associations
Expertise in Action.
  • Auto Accidents
  • Personal Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Serious Injury and Wrongful Death
  • Premises Liability
  • Products Liability
Education
  • University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City, Missouri, J.D. 2016
  • University of the South, Sewanee, Tenessee, B.A. History 2013
Professional Associations
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
  • The Missouri Bar
  • Professional Associations & Memberships
  • Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
  • The Missouri Bar
Taylor D. Haas
Taylor D. Haas
Attorney

Taylor believes his role as a trial lawyer is to be the man in the arena for people who have been bullied, abused, and ignored. When huge insurance companies and corporations with deep pockets try to take advantage of injured people, there’s nothing greater in the world to Taylor than to show up, step up, and fight.

I don’t like bullies. I became a trial lawyer because it gives me the opportunity to step into the ring and fight for people who have been hurt, abused, and bullied. The Courtroom is an arena where the stakes are high for those who have been injured, but they can’t fight for themselves. As a trial lawyer at JVM, I get to step in and take up the fight for my clients so they can focus on healing.
Awards Education
Education
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City, MO, May 2017
  • Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO, May 2014
Professional Awards
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Jasper County Bar Association (Treasurer 2023-2024)
  • Missouri Bar Young Lawyer Section District 10 Representative (2025)
  • American Association for Justice
Glenn Russell Gulick, Jr.
Glenn Russell Gulick, Jr.
Of Counsel
Holding the Powerful Accountable

For Glenn, just having rules isn’t enough. To best protect everyone in the community, he brings forward cases that punish those responsible for breaking the rules. This helps keep all of us from being injured. That drive to protect the well-being of the entire community has kept Glenn going for decades. Both an avid global traveler and lifelong resident of Missouri, Glenn knows that a healthy community is more important than ever.

When you’ve been through tragedy caused by the negligence of someone else, I’ll fight to make sure you are not only fairly compensated for the irreplaceable, but to protect others from similar harm.
Expertise Awards Education Admissions
Expertise in Action.

Since 1979, Glenn has fought to hold wrongdoers accountable in many different cases:

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Birth Injuries
  • Product Liability
  • Complex Litigation
  • Trucking and Motor Vehicle Collisions
  • Personal Injury
Education
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City, Missouri
    J.D. – 1979
  • Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, Missouri
    B.A. – 1975
Bar Admissions
  • Missouri
  • Arkansas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Professional Awards

For decades, Glenn’s efforts in and out of the courtroom haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s been very successful in handling appeals, successfully expanding the law to help others. Those appellate decisions have been cited by courts and attorneys hundreds of times:

  • Million Dollar Advocate
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