Jeffrey C. Baker

Representative Matters Greenfield Energy Group, Inc. v. Exact Wonder, LLC, et al. Venue: Jackson County, Missouri Jeff represented several contractors in connection with a large, multi-party matter involving mechanics liens, delay and construction defect claims. After significant litigation, he was able to extricate his clients from this litigation without any payments being made directly by the client. Plaza Gas Explosion & JJs Restaurant Litigation Venue: Jackson County, Missouri The gas explosion at JJs Restaurant in Kansas Citys historic Country Club Plaza led to national headlines in 2013. Jeff Baker and Brad Russell represented the underground utility contractor that struck a buried gas line before the explosion. There were more than 20 lawsuits filed as a result of this incident, which involved a death and substantial personal injury and property damage claims. The firm provided public relations assistance and protected the legal and financial interests of its client from immediately after the explosion through the end of this protracted litigation. Kelley v. Gibson Electric Venue: Franklin County, Kansas Jeff Baker and Casey Housley obtained a defense verdict for Gibson Electric in this negligent house fire claim. Plaintiffs, Jeffrey and Lori Kelley, claimed that Gibson Electric negligently installed electrical wire in their home when running wire behind an existing wall, which also contained a fireplace. Plaintiffs alleged that while Gibson Electric ran the wire behind the existing wall, it was caught and subsequently damaged on a pre-existing nail. Plaintiffs further claimed that as a result of the damage, an electrical arc occurred and started a fire in the home. Gibson Electric, a company with decades of experience in residential electrical work, experienced no issues during installation of the wire and maintained that they met required codes, regulations, and standards in installing the wiring. Testimony revealed that Plaintiffs had been running their fireplace, which was located in the same enclosed wall as the allegedly damaged wire, for most of the day on the date of the fire. In addition, fire patterns within the home were inconsistent with an electrical fire caused by the allegedly damaged wire. The jury agreed and rendered a verdict in favor of Gibson Electric. Max True Fireproofing v. Balfour Walton, et al. Venue: Riley County, Kansas Jeff Baker represented a large national fireproofing contractor in connection with the construction of a large army hospital at Fort Riley, Kansas. This case involved nearly $100 million in claims being asserted by his client and other large national subcontractors and a large international general contractor against the United States federal government. Jeff was able to resolve the matter in favor of his client with his client receiving payment for the outstanding amount it was owed and dismissal of the claims against his client. The Board of Regents of Northwest Missouri State Univ. v. Lawhon Construction Company, et al. Venue: Nodaway County, Missouri Jeff Baker represented a general contractor in connection with a large, complex construction defect claim involving the largest dormitory at Northwest Missouri State University. This lawsuit involved in excess of 10 parties, and involved claims being asserted by the plaintiff for over $9 million. This case involved numerous indemnity and additional insured issues and was resolved to the satisfaction of his client. Professional Affiliations<Kansas Bar Association Missouri Bar Association Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Member Construction Law Section Johnson County Bar Association Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Kansas Association of Defense Counsel Recognitions2023 Lawyer of the Year in Construction Law and Litigation in Kansas Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2021-2023 for construction law & insurance litigation Named Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine in the area of construction law, 2013 through 2022 Named Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in the area of construction law, 2011 and 2012