Cortney LeNeave, Hunegs, LeNeave & Kvas, P.A.

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in the personal injury field.

I think AI could be the biggest challenge facing the practice of law, but I do not really know much about it — yet. Otherwise, I think we still face the decades long bias created by the tort reform/insurance industry towards injury victims. I see it with juries and even judges.

I think we could all be more compassionate for the troubles and hardships of our neighbors. I love to remind jurors that they have a duty to understand those hardships and compensate the injured for their losses — it’s the law we all must live by.

What advice would you give your client to avoid legal complications in a personal injury case. 

Develop a close relationship with your lawyer. We want to know as much as possible about you and your life. Don’t withhold information you think might be harmful to your case. Finally, listen to your lawyer and follow their lead. 

What is the most interesting case you have worked on lately? 

We have a case involving a client who was injured by an Uber vehicle. The client has suffered a traumatic brain injury. Uber is unwilling to accept any responsibility for the injuries despite the clear responsibility of the driver of the vehicle and the fact they were actively soliciting a client on the Uber app when they struck our client. We are working on establishing the control and or joint venture/enterprise as well as product liability of Uber for the serious injuries suffered by our client at the hands of the Uber driver.

How do you manage work/life balance. 

For the most part, work has been a major priority because it is how I provide for my family and my clients depend on us. My kids are grown now and definitely appreciate it. Don’t get me wrong, I coached my kids in baseball, hockey and soccer. I was very active in their lives, but my clients and work came first.  

What is one thing most people don’t know about you? 

I went to law school to become a trial lawyer. I like the courtroom. I am pretty fearless and don’t mind a good battle. I have lost a few cases over the years, but I really think you learn a lot from your losses.