By: Ethan Rogers

James Roswold, founder of Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, has more than 30 years of experience, 650+ five star reviews, and the 2025 Best in Law Award. In this interview, he shares what accident victims should know about navigating insurance claims, choosing the right lawyer, and protecting their rights after an injury.

Q: What led you to personal injury law?

James Roswold:
I began my career working for insurance companies, defending claims. That experience opened my eyes to how insurance adjusters and defense firms operate. I saw good people get pushed aside or offered far less than what they needed to recover. Three years into my career, I switched to representing injured people. My goal became leveling the playing field. I also had a personal reason. My older brother was injured growing up, and I remember the pain and challenges that came with that. Those experiences taught me empathy and the importance of having someone on your side.

Q: What do most people misunderstand about personal injury law?

James Roswold:
Many people think hiring a lawyer automatically means a lawsuit. The truth is, most cases are resolved through negotiation once a strong claim is built. Another common misconception is that insurance will handle everything fairly. Insurance companies are not in the business of paying full value. They have teams of adjusters trained to reduce payouts. Having an attorney who understands their tactics makes all the difference.

Q: What is the first thing someone should do after an accident?

James Roswold:
Get medical treatment immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take days to show symptoms. Then contact a personal injury lawyer before talking to insurance companies. Early mistakes, such as giving a recorded statement or accepting a low offer, can limit your recovery and are often impossible to undo later.

Q: What kinds of cases does your firm handle?

James Roswold:
We handle car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, product liability, and wrongful death cases. Most of our clients have serious injuries that disrupt their work and quality of life. We focus on helping people rebuild, both financially and personally.

Q: You have used jury consultants in major cases. When are they worth it?

James Roswold:
In catastrophic cases involving brain or spinal injuries, absolutely. A good consultant can help test arguments, visuals, and language that resonate with jurors. They can be expensive, but when the stakes are life changing, the investment often pays for itself. In smaller cases, I prefer to direct resources toward expert witnesses, visuals, or day in the life videos that tell the client’s story clearly.

Q: What was your hardest case?

James Roswold:
The most emotionally difficult cases always involve children. I handled a wrongful death case against the federal government involving a young girl. We secured a record verdict, but the limitations of suing under federal law made it very challenging. Cases like that stay with you forever. The hardest legally are those with disputed liability where you know the client deserves justice. Those cases test every skill and ounce of determination you have.

Q: How do you handle the negative stereotypes about personal injury lawyers?

James Roswold:
By focusing on results and compassion. People might joke about “ambulance chasers,” but when someone has lost the ability to work or is facing lifelong pain, those stereotypes fade away. The best way to fight the stereotype is to do great work for good people. My favorite lawyer joke, though, is still this one: Why do not sharks attack lawyers? Professional courtesy.

Q: What case has been the most rewarding?

James Roswold:
A multimillion dollar brain injury case comes to mind. The client’s life changed forever, and the defense fought hard to deny responsibility. We built the case from the ground up with medical experts, visuals, and consistent preparation. Seeing that client finally secure justice was incredibly rewarding. But the cases that touch me the most are those involving children. That is why I founded the Roswold Foundation for Injured Children, which helps families facing unimaginable challenges.

Q: What makes your firm different from others?

James Roswold:
We are not a high volume settlement operation. We focus on communication, preparation, and real client care. We call it Extreme Client Delight. That means keeping clients informed, setting clear expectations, and treating every case with respect. Our 650+ five star reviews reflect that commitment.

Q: What does the 2025 Best in Law Award mean to you?

James Roswold:
It is a meaningful honor because it recognizes leadership, ethics, and results. But what matters most to me is the trust our clients place in us. Awards are nice, but the real reward is hearing a client say, “You changed my life.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone unsure about calling a lawyer?

James Roswold:
If your injuries required medical care, caused missed work, or continue to affect your life, reach out for a consultation. It costs nothing to ask questions, but waiting too long can cost you your case. A short conversation with an attorney can give you clarity and protect your rights before it is too late.

About James Roswold

James Roswold is a personal injury attorney licensed in Kansas and Missouri and the founder of Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys. With more than 30 years of experience, 650+ five star reviews, and millions recovered for clients, he has earned a reputation for results and compassion. He received the 2025 Best in Law Award for leadership and excellence in personal injury advocacy. Learn more at www.kansascityaccidentinjuryattorneys.com.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results may vary based on individual circumstances. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized legal guidance before making any decisions.