Graves Bartle & Marcus LLC -- Counselors and Attorneys at Law

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge?

Our hourly rate is set on a case-by-case basis depending on the complexity of the case. We also accept contingent-fee cases, where our fee is based on a percentage of the recovery.

Can you adequately staff my case?

Graves Bartle & Marcus LLC was founded in part on the principal that one attorney—the right attorney—can make a difference in the outcome of a lawsuit. Oftentimes, additional staff only means additional cost. However, we can call on help if needed. We have developed close relationships with other attorneys in the Kansas City area who will affiliate with us on case-by-case basis.

What is a class action?

A class action is a type of lawsuit in which the claims and rights of many people are decided in a single case. Specific plaintiffs are named in the lawsuit to assert the claims of the entire class so that everyone with the same claim or injury doesn’t have to file their own separate lawsuit.

What types of cases can be brought as class actions?

The typical class action lawsuit involves a situation where a large group of people is injured by the same conduct. For example, a group of investors may have purchased stock of the same company based upon misrepresentations the company made as to its earnings. Alternatively, customers of a business may have been charged an illegal fee for using the company’s services. In each case, all persons who are injured can attempt to seek relief through a class representative in a single proceeding.

How does a case become a class action?

One or more individual plaintiffs file suit on behalf of others who are similarly situated and asks the court to “certify” the suit as a class action. If the court grants this request, a class is created, and the members of the class are notified about the suit and given the opportunity to participate.

How many people are needed for a class action?

Although it is often helpful if several people are named as plaintiffs in the suit, a single person is generally enough to file a lawsuit so long as the attorney for the class has a good faith belief that a number of other people were injured in a similar way.

How much does a class action cost?

Generally, the lawyer pays for all the costs and, if the lawsuit is successful, petitions the court to award attorney fees, which are usually paid by the defendant.