Popham Injury Law Firm

09/04/2026

Cooper Mach tells part of a client story featured in his recent interview with the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys! If you haven’t had a chance to check out the story yet, read it via the link below.

08/27/2026

We are pleased to announce an important victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Corporate defendants often seek to move class actions to federal court, even when the dispute is purely local, because they perceive a strategic advantage in having the case decided in a forum further removed from the consumers and communities actually affected by their wrongful conduct.

In this case, the dispute concerns Missouri ma*****na dispensaries who collected a tax from consumers that was later declared unconstitutional. In recent months, the Missouri Department of Revenue has since refunded that money to the dispensaries. But instead of returning the refunds to the consumers who actually paid the tax, the dispensaries seek to keep the money for themselves, turning their customers' payments into an unjustified windfall. Missouri consumers bore the entire cost, yet the dispensaries now claim the entire benefit.

This class action seeks to hold the dispensaries accountable and return the money to the Missouri consumers who paid it.

In a victory for Missouri ma*****na consumers, the Eighth Circuit confirmed that the case belongs in Missouri state court. The court held that since this is a Missouri-centered dispute—brought on behalf of Missouri citizens against Missouri dispensaries—the case, as amended by the Plaintiffs, falls within the Class Action Fairness Act's "local-controversy" exception.

Congratulations to our co-counsel, Andy Schermerhorn, who served as lead appellate counsel and principal brief writer.

08/26/2026

As of last month, possessing kratom or its opioid-like derivative, 7-OH, is a felony in Kansas.

Across the state line, Missouri has not enacted a statewide ban—despite deaths linked to these products and multiple lawsuits involving kratom sold at local gas stations, smoke shops and other retailers. Some Missouri cities, including Kansas City, have adopted their own restrictions, but the laws remain inconsistent across the metro.

One of these lawsuits was filed by Popham partner Mark Schloegel on behalf of the family of David Thacker, who died from kratom intoxication in May 2025. The lawsuit alleges that local sellers marketed kratom as safe while selling some products in unmarked bags without warnings or ingredient labels.

This article by Abby Higgenbotham at Axios Kansas City examines the dangers of kratom and 7-OH—and the stark legal divide that continues to persist across the Kansas City metro.

Read the article below.

Kratom and 7-OH became felonies to possess in Kansas on July 1. Across the state line, they're still legal, even as cities pass their own bans.

08/21/2026

“In this business, your name is all you have.”

For more than 40 years, Scott Mach built his legal career by treating people with fairness, kindness and respect—clients, colleagues and opposing counsel alike.

Scott’s son, Cooper Mach, spent the first decade of his own career practicing alongside his father. In a profile piece for The Missouri Trial Attorney, Cooper reflects on the lessons Scott taught him, the first-chair verdict that brought a longtime Kansas City employee vindication after years in limbo, and what it means to carry forward a legacy while building your own at the same time.

Read the full article at the link in our bio.

08/19/2026

Some miles mean more than others.

Former Popham partner (now Of Counsel) Bert Braud recently took part in the Alzheimer's Association's Ride to End ALZ Classic, riding in honor of his mom and his sister, Teri, both of whom suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

Bert rode 30 miles along the Mississippi River levee for a cause that hits especially close to home.

We're proud of Bert for putting in the miles for two people he loved and in support of the many families whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer's disease.

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.”