In a recent episode of The Attorney Post, the spotlight was on Jerry “Wally” Wallentine, a seasoned personal injury attorney and founder of his self-named law firm serving clients across Kansas and Missouri. While the show is hosted by the ever-curious Justin West, this episode focused not on the host but on the fascinating journey, legal insights, and deeply rooted values that drive Jerry’s successful practice.
Jerry Wallentine operates a dedicated personal injury law firm known simply as Wallentine Law. With offices serving both sides of the state line—Kansas and Missouri—his firm ensures accessibility for clients in the Kansas City metro. The firm even simplifies contact with state-specific phone numbers: 913-934-NEED for Kansas, and 816-934-NEED for Missouri.
Wallentine is not just another attorney on a billboard. With 19 years of legal experience and over 1,000 clients served, he brings both grit and empathy to the table. Formerly a full-time minister, Jerry’s transition to law in 2003 reflects a profound shift in vocation—but not necessarily in mission. His sense of purpose remains the same: helping people through life's most difficult moments.
Jerry’s path to the courtroom wasn’t traditional. Originally intending to become a lawyer, he delayed law school and instead served in full-time ministry. Eventually, he followed his calling into law, graduating and shifting from criminal defense to a full-time personal injury practice.
This blend of ministry and legal work makes Wallentine a uniquely empathetic advocate. His practice even includes an in-house medical professional with ER experience, ensuring that clients’ injuries and long-term needs are clearly understood and well represented in negotiations or court.
One of the highlights of the episode was Jerry’s candid reflections on the complexities of personal injury law. He discussed how insurance companies often pressure victims into quick settlements and how his firm fights against that, even taking seemingly “small” cases to trial if necessary.
He recounted one particular case where the insurance company offered $3,000. Jerry took the case to trial and won $34,000 for his client. In another case, even when the policy limit was $100,000 and the insurance company initially refused to settle, his persistence led to securing a payment that exceeded that limit. These victories underscore the value of having a dedicated and experienced attorney in your corner.
Jerry expressed legitimate concerns about how technology—particularly AI and self-driving cars—may complicate liability cases in the future. Determining fault in these scenarios could become more difficult, potentially delaying or denying justice to injury victims.
The pandemic also shifted legal procedures, with courts moving toward Zoom hearings. Jerry worries that virtual trials remove important non-verbal cues between jurors and attorneys—subtleties that can make or break a case.
Although Jerry doesn’t explicitly brand his firm as Christian, his faith plays a role in how he approaches clients and legal strategy. He occasionally prays with clients when appropriate and seeks spiritual discernment—but is cautious not to use faith as a marketing tool. For Jerry, authenticity and respect are paramount.
He also touched on a common misconception: clients thinking their attorney should lie for them. Jerry strongly refuted this, reinforcing that truth and integrity are essential to long-term legal success.
Jerry stressed that adrenaline can mask injuries, which often delays medical treatment. His advice: always seek a medical evaluation after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Then, consult with a lawyer promptly. Delaying legal action can harm your case due to statutes of limitation—just two years in Kansas and five in Missouri.
He also explained how jury outcomes can vary widely depending on jurisdiction. For instance, the same case might result in a $4 million verdict in Jackson County but only $200,000 in neighboring Johnson County. This knowledge shapes case strategy and underscores the importance of local experience.
One of the most eye-opening moments came when Jerry discussed outdated insurance policy limits. The minimum required coverage in many states is just $25,000—an amount set back in 1984. With rising medical costs, many victims are left under-compensated. Jerry sees this as an area ripe for policy change, arguing that injured people deserve more than outdated caps.
He also applauded the 2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling that deemed caps on non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) unconstitutional, although wrongful death claims still face limitations.
Jerry Wallentine’s story is one of compassion, perseverance, and legal mastery. His journey from the ministry to the courtroom is more than a career switch—it's a testament to his unwavering commitment to helping people through pain, confusion, and injustice.
For those injured in Kansas or Missouri, Wallentine Law isn’t just another firm. It's a place where legal expertise meets personal care—and where justice isn’t just a goal, but a promise.
Wallentine Injury Law
720 Main St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-934-NEED (6333)
130 N Cherry St STE 100
Olathe, KS 66061
913-934-NEED (6333)
Online at: Wallentine Injury Law
