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Sedey Harper Westhoff: Belleville, IL Attorneys
Southern Illinois Law Firm Fighting for the Rights of Employees and Injury Victims
When your rights as an employee have been violated or if you have suffered injuries due to negligence, turn to our team at Sedey Harper Westhoff. Our team has over 40 years of legal experience and is made up of nationally recognized employment lawyers and seasoned personal injury attorneys.
We only represent individuals in employment law and personal injury cases. Our firm does not represent employers, insurance companies, or corporations. Whether you work for a small business or a Fortune 500 corporation, we are prepared to take on your employer. If you are injured in an accident or by a dangerous product or machine, we can help with your claim.
If you think you may have a case or have questions about your rights, don't wait to get legal advice. Schedule a consultation with our Belleville lawyers today by calling (314) 819-0963 or contacting us online.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
We Get Results!
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.- Francine K.
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"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.- Rickey D.
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"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.- Terry H.
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"I felt not only well represented but emotionally supported, and I got the best possible outcome."She helped me understand where the law could protect me and where it would not. She is thorough, knows the law, and was always more prepared than the other lawyers.- Lori C.
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"She was honest, straightforward and very professional."It was a privilege working with Donna. She was always prepared, got me prepared for every step along the way, and her skills and tenacity got me a great result.- Jim M.
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"She is a brilliant attorney and I felt very lucky to have her in my corner."Being involved in a lawsuit is a scary situation but at my first meeting with Mary Anne Sedey I was put at ease.- John W.
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"I can truly say that they are ‘simply the best’ law firm that I have worked with."It has been a professional pleasure working with your law firm. Ben Westhoff clearly explained all my rights to help resolve my legal issues, and always provided the answers in a timely manner.- Emma T.
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"I would not hesitate to refer this amazing law group to friends and family for future legal issues."Many thanks to Sedey Harper Westhoff! From the start they believed in me and fought for what was right. Bob and Ben were both professional yet personable which made for a very pleasant experience.- Scott B.
Meet Our Team
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Our Settlements & Verdicts
We are nationally recognized employment lawyers and experienced personal injury lawyers who will aggressively fight for your rights.
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$2,000,000 $2 Million Dollar Verdict
Ben Westhoff and Donna Harper won an invasion of privacy action for an individual whose history of addiction and medical issues were publicly discussed on air by the radio station where he worked. The jury awarded compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages.
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$3,500,000 $3.5 Million Settlement for Wrongful Death
Ben Westhoff and Erin Lueker resolved a wrongful death action for the family of a man who died suddenly after the tire fell off his vehicle as he drove home following service of the vehicle at a repair shop in St. Louis County. The repair shop had failed to secure the lug nuts on the wheel, which caused the car to crash and led to the man suffering a fatal heart attack at the scene.
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$350,000 $350,000 Discrimination Claim
In May 2022, Ben Westhoff settled an age discrimination claim against Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri. Three long-term Phelps Health employees shared the settlement after they were terminated in a what was called a “reorganization.”
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$395,000 $395,000 Settlement for Whistleblower Suit
Ben Westhoff and Mary Anne Sedey achieved a $395,000 settlement in an age discrimination and whistleblower suit that they litigated for over a year on behalf of an employee who was terminated from a Fortune 500 company.
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$400,000 $400,000 Settlement For Couple Injured in Auto Accident
Ben Westhoff successfully settled an injury case for a husband and wife injured in a car crash on Interstate 64 in St. Louis County. The crash occurred after the couple were struck from behind by a drunk driver speeding down the highway. In addition to bodily injuries, the intensity of the crash caused significant psychological injuries to the young couple. The case settled for $400,000 after several months of litigation in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
We want the best outcome for you, whether that is an excellent severance package, a negotiated settlement, or a vigorously prosecuted lawsuit. We are advocates for you, recognized locally and nationally as formidable lawyers.
We Have a Track Record of Success
Our Belleville attorneys are prepared to go to trial if that's what it takes to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. To that end, we obtained a $3.5 million verdict in a whistleblower case. We've also secured a $2.7 million trial victory for two victims of sexual and racial harassment.
What You Can Expect When Working with Our Firm
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working advocates who fight for what's right. In your consultation, we can help you understand your legal options and how we can help. If you choose our firm to represent you, we will leverage the full extent of our experience and resources as we work to achieve the best possible outcome, no matter the complexity of your case. We recognize what's at stake, and you can count on clear, transparent communication and personalized advice from start to finish.
In your employment case, we can:
- Advise you on whether you have a case and how strong it is
- Help you negotiate severance or a better severance package
- File charges for you with the Illinois Department of Human Rights
- Prosecute your case in state court
In your personal injury case, we can:
- Investigate and evaluate your injury and the harm you have suffered
- Determine who can be held legally responsible
- Negotiate a quick, fair settlement with the insurance company when possible
- Work with your medical providers to get you the care you need and develop a strong claim
- Take your case to court to fight for the best possible result if necessary
We Fight for the Rights of Employees!
We have handled thousands of cases for employees, and we are not afraid to go to court. Our trial attorneys have litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts around the country, all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and the Illinois Supreme Court.
Protecting and enforcing your rights is our priority. When you come to us for help, our compassionate team can listen to your story, advise whether we believe you have a strong case, and walk you through your legal options. We understand you are probably concerned about retaliation and can provide aggressive advocacy as we work to hold your employer accountable.
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we can represent you in matters of employment law involving:
- Breaches of contract
- Discrimination on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, religion, or sex
- Executive severance
- Non-compete agreements
- Overtime or minimum wage violations
- Retaliation
- Sales commission disputes
- Severance negotiation
- Whistleblowing
- Workplace harassment
- Wrongful termination
Results-Driven Personal Injury Representation
If you are injured in an accident or by a dangerous machine or product, you may be entitled to compensation. Our personal injury lawyers have secured excellent results for injury victims in claims involving automobile accidents, pedestrian collisions, and dangerous property conditions. We can investigate how you were hurt, identify liable parties, and fight to recover maximum damages.
Our team is prepared to assist with personal injury claims involving:
- Car accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Truck accidents
- Wrongful death
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Contact Your Firm to Schedule a Consultation?
You can schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation by calling (314) 819-0963 or contacting us online.
What Documents Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation?
In general, the more information you can provide our team with, the better. For matters of employment law, it's crucial to bring all relevant documents that can help our attorneys understand the full context of your situation.
Here are some documents you should bring to your employment law case consultation:
- Employment contract: Any agreements or contracts you signed upon being hired.
- Employee handbook: Any manual or documentation of company policies.
- Pay stubs: Recent pay stubs to verify employment status and payment details.
- Correspondence: E-mails, letters, or any communication with your employer related to your case.
- Performance reviews: Copies of any evaluations or feedback provided to you by your employer.
- Termination notices: If applicable, bring any notices or documents related to your termination or layoff.
For a personal injury case consultation, we need to know the details about the accident and its consequences, so you should make every effort to bring the following documents:
- Accident report: Any official police reports.
- Medical records: Documentation of any medical treatment received as a result of the accident.
- Insurance information: Details of your insurance coverage and a copy of any communications with your insurance company.
- Photographs: Pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Contact information: Contact details of potentially at-fault parties and any witnesses to the event.
- Receipts and bills: Documentation of any expenses incurred due to your injuries, including medical bills, repair estimates, or evidence of lost wages.
You have limited time to pursue an employment law case or personal injury claim, so don't wait to explore your legal options. When you need an aggressive advocate on your side, call (314) 819-0963 or contact us online.
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About Your Employment Case- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
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About Your Personal Injury Case
- We investigate and evaluate your injury and the harm you have suffered.
- We negotiate a quick, fair settlement with the insurance company where possible.
- We work with your medical providers to develop a strong case of negligence.
- We take your case to court to get you the best result.
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