Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Portable Pools Create Increased Risk of Drowning

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:13:19 -0600

Portable pools can be a cost-effective way to create summer fun in your own backyard, without the expense and maintenance of a permanent pool. However, portable pool systems also create significant risks of drowning and should be treated carefully, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The CPSC estimates that 11 percent of all summer drowning incidents occur in portable pools. The agency receives about 35 reports of drownings or near-drownings in portable pools each summer that involve children under 5 years of age. Families can help prevent these accidents in several ways:

Put a fence around a portable pool to prevent children from accidentally falling in. If you cannot fence your pool, empty it completely and store it upside-down whenever you are not using it. Remove the ladder from larger pools and cover them securely.
Never leave a child unsupervised near any pool or spa, even if the child knows how to swim.
Make sure children learn how to float, how to swim, and how to protect themselves in the water. All people who cannot swim should wear a personal floatation device (PFD) while in the pool. Never let inflatable pool toys substitute for a properly-fitted PFD.
Never dive headfirst into a portable pool or let anyone else dive headfirst into one.

At Page Law, our skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you need after a water accident causes the injury or loss of a loved one. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free, confidential consultation.

After Multiple Accidents, Joplin Police Reinforce Importance of Motorcycle Helmet Use

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:04:43 -0600

Two recent accidents in the Joplin, Missouri area have prompted Joplin police to speak up once again about the importance of wearing a proper helmet, according to a news report from KOAM-TV.

One accident involved a rider on a motor scooter who was not wearing a helmet. The other involved a motorcyclist who was wearing only a novelty helmet not designed to protect against serious harm. Both were seriously injured in these MO motorcycle accidents.

Under Missouri law, motorcyclists are required to wear helmets that meet the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) minimum requirements for helmet safety and protection. DOT-approved helmets are designed to fit the head snugly, so they are less likely to fall off in an accident. They are also made of more rugged materials and contain more padding than novelty helmets, increasing the chances that the wearer will avoid death if an accident involving head trauma occurs.

Riders of scooters and other small vehicles with an engine size under 49 cc are not required by law to wear helmets. However, the Joplin police recommend that such riders wear helmets anyway, especially if they plan to ride on public roads where an accident can easily occur.

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious harm. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys in Missouri at Page Law today. We’ll help you unravel the details of your case and seek the compensation you need from any party whose negligence caused your injuries. For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at (314) 322-8515.

Understanding Rabies in Missouri Dog Bite Cases

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:53:32 -0600

Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain tissue in mammals, including dogs and humans. It is most often transmitted when one animal bites another animal or a person.

About 90 percent of the 8,000 or so rabies cases reported in the U.S. every year involve wild animals, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Missouri sees approximately 50 total rabies cases per year. The rate of rabies in domestic dogs has decreased in recent years because of the widespread use of effective vaccines. Aggressive quarantining and examination of potentially rabid animals and improved rabies treatments for exposed humans have also helped lower the human death rate from the disease.

Rabies in dogs typically takes one of two forms. The first is “silent” rabies, which is generally not transmitted to humans. Silent rabies is marked by slow movements and a slack jaw, often accompanied by drooling. The slack jaw is caused by paralysis, which makes it impossible for the dog to bite.

The second form of rabies in dogs is “violent” rabies, which accounts for nearly all dog bite rabies cases. Dogs with violent rabies become extremely restless and will often do anything to break out of fencing or other restraints. Once free, they may roam for miles, attacking anything in their path. Dogs with violent rabies will bite, often fiercely, causing heavy damage as well as transmitting the disease.

Even if the dog is healthy, a dog bite can cause a human being severe pain, scarring, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. In the most severe cases, dog bites are fatal. If you or a child you care for has been bitten by a dog, a skilled Missouri dog bite injury attorney at Page Law can help. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free, confidential consultation.

Republic, Missouri Motorcycle Crash Leaves One Dead, One Injured

Thu, 03 May 2012 19:47:45 -0600

A motorcyclist lost his life in a fatal MO motorcycle crash and his passenger was severely injured when their motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at an intersection northwest of Republic, Missouri, according to a recent article in the News-Leader.

According to investigators, the motorcyclist, a 35-year-old man, was riding along Farm Road 135 outside Republic. He was carrying one passenger, a 34-year-old woman. The motorcycle was navigating an intersection when it collided with a Toyota pickup truck. The accident occurred at about 8 p.m., before it was fully dark outside.

Rescue workers were unable to save the life of the motorcycle’s driver, who lost his life in the crash. He was not wearing a helmet at the time, according to news reports. The motorcycle’s passenger was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. She was not wearing a helmet during the accident either.

The driver of the pickup truck did not report any injuries at the scene and was released to go home. He was wearing his seat belt when the accident occurred, according to investigators.

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious harm to motorcyclists, who have little protection from the force of a crash. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries can cause permanent disabilities or even take a life. At Page Law, our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Louis work hard to provide top-quality representation to each client we represent. If you’ve been hurt in a Missouri motorcycle crash, call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free, confidential consultation.

Missouri Governor Rejects Changes to Workers Compensation System

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:30:31 -0600

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon recently vetoed a bill that would have made several changes to the workers’ compensation system in Missouri. Although his office gave various reasons for the veto, the reasons given followed a similar theme: the bill would make changes that would hurt Missourians who needed Missouri workers’ compensation or other benefits after a workplace injury or illness.

The rejected bill would have made several changes to Missouri’s current system of workers’ compensation. The primary change the bill would have made was to eliminate the right of workers with occupational diseases to sue their employers for compensation, instead forcing them to go through the same workers’ compensation system as workers who are injured on the job.

Workers with mesothelioma, other cancers, and other serious diseases related to toxic-substance exposure would have had to deal with a system set up to handle immediate injuries - even though occupational diseases may take years or even decades to fully present themselves, and they often require different types and lengths of treatment than workplace injuries. The governor’s office stated that the governor vetoed the change because he believed workers with occupational diseases need the right to go to court in Missouri to seek compensation for the specific types of harm they suffered.

At Page Law, our knowledgeable Missouri on the job injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers and their families seek the compensation they need, from filing a workers’ compensation claim to holding any third parties accountable for their actions. To learn more about your legal rights and options after a workplace injury or illness, call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential telephone consultation.

Studies Indicate Many Infant Deaths Are Preventable

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:25:47 -0600

Mounting research indicates that many of the 4,000 unexplained infant deaths each year may be preventable, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The published study looked at several thousand cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the most common diagnosis when an infant under the age of one year dies of unintentional causes, usually suffocation.

The study found that only about 25 percent of the infants who lost their lives were sleeping alone, in a crib, and on their backs at the time. Meanwhile, 70 percent of the infant deaths over the last decade occurred when the infant was sleeping somewhere not approved for infants, like on a couch or adult bed. Researchers also found that 64 percent of deaths from SIDS occurred when an infant was sleeping with another person, often an adult.

The study concluded that better sleep situations for young children may help prevent sudden death. Although the risks of having infants sleep in beds intended for older people and the risks of infants co-sleeping with others are well known, researchers were surprised how many parents ignored the advice or simply forgot it - often with devastating results.

SIDS can be devastating to a family that loses a child, but the condition is often preventable. Caretakers of children should be aware of the risk and never allow infants to co-sleep with others or to sleep in places other than a crib. If you or someone you love has had a child injured by a caretaker, call an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney at Page Law today. Our number is (314) 322-8515.

Missouri Legislators Reach Across Aisle to Save Second Injury Fund

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:02:08 -0600

A bipartisan committee of Missouri legislators sat down together recently to discuss ways to save the state’s Second Injury Fund from collapse, according to a recent article in Ozarks First. If successful, the committee may preserve needed funds for thousands of Missourians who have been totally disabled as the result of MO workplace injuries.

The Second Injury Fund was founded in the 1940s. Its purpose was to provide a source of money for living and for basic medical expenses for workers who, having already suffered a workplace injury, suffered a second injury that left them totally disabled and unable to work at all. Missouri’s workers’ compensation laws require employers to carry workers compensation insurance that pays the medical bills, some lost wages, and other costs related to an initial workplace injury. The Second Injury Fund pays these costs for some workers who are disabled by a second or later workplace injury.

Unlike the state’s workers’ compensation program, which is paid for with a percentage tax on workers’ compensation insurance premiums, the Second Injury Fund is paid for with a flat fee paid by Missouri employers. This system worked until the recent economic downturn, when Missouri found itself with more people needing help from the Fund than there were employers to pay into it. The Second Injury Fund suspended processing applications last year while lawmakers scrambled for a solution. While the current committee has no answers yet, its members are committed to working together to find one.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in an on the job accident, a diligent St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer at Page Law can help. For a free and confidential telephone consultation, call us today at (314) 322-8515.

Missouri Company Cited for Safety Violations after Grain Elevator Explosion

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:58:21 -0600

A grain elevator company headquartered in Atchison, Missouri was cited by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently after multiple safety violations led to an explosion that killed six employees and injured two more at one of the company’s grain elevators in 2011, according to a recent article in Business Week. OSHA has also proposed that the company be fined more than $400,000.

OSHA’s citations included five willful safety violations and eight separate, also serious safety violations. The agency noted that the deaths of the six workers could have been prevented if the company had followed state and federal safety regulations, instead of ignoring them. The explosion was fueled by grain dust, which can be up to nine times more explosive than coal dust, according to OSHA. The citation noted that the grain elevator company instructed employees to use compressed air to disperse the grain dust without first making sure that nothing in the area, including the air compressor itself, could create a spark that might cause an explosion. The fatal explosion that occurred in 2011 was triggered in this manner, says the agency.

OSHA also noted that the company had failed to use cleaning procedures that would prevent grain dust from becoming explosive and had also failed to take steps to prevent ignition sources from coming into contact with the dust.

Workplace accidents can cause serious and even fatal injuries, especially in industries where hazardous conditions are common. At Page Law, our practiced Missouri on the job injury attorneys have helped many injured workers and their families seek the compensation they need after an accident. For a free, confidential consultation, call us today at (314) 322-8515.

“Fighting Dogs” Not the Only Breeds Who Bite, Says Study

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:28:09 -0600

Media coverage of dog bites often focuses on the biting habits of “fighting breeds,” such as pit bull terriers, or of guard dog breeds, such as Rottweilers or Doberman Pinschers. However, any dog may bite if provoked, and many breeds that are billed as good “family dogs” are also responsible for a large number of dog bites each year, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health.

The study examined 419 dog bite cases involving children up to twelve years of age. It analyzed the number of bites inflicted on various body parts, the reasons given why the dogs had bitten, and the breeds identified in each case.

The study found that German Shepherd dogs and German Shepherd-mix dogs inflicted the most dog bites, followed by collies and Labrador retrievers - two breeds often recommended for families with children because of their generally gentle natures. Breeds raised for fighting, like pit bulls and chow chows, appeared on the list, but so did dogs like poodles and beagles.

In short, the study concluded dogs are most likely to bite if they are provoked or feel threatened, or if their owners have failed to socialize and train them properly. These facts are true regardless of the dog’s breed. Therefore, the best way to prevent dog bites is to train dogs properly and to treat strange dogs with caution until you know their habits.

Dog bites can cause serious harm, pain, and suffering. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, call the experienced dog bite injury lawyers in Missouri at Page Law today for a free and confidential telephone consultation. Our number is (314) 322-8515.

Child Bicycle Seat Manufacturer Issues Recall

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:24:55 -0600

Todson, Inc. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a recall of Todson’s “Topeak Babyseat II” Bicycle Carrier Seats. The hinged grab bar leaves a space in which a child can fit his or her fingers. If someone tries to lift the child out of the seat while the child’s fingers are in this space, the child’s fingers can be crushed beneath the grab bar, resulting in severe child injury or amputation. The company has already received two complaints in which children required stitches or other emergency care due to crush injuries.

The recall applies to seats with the model numbers TCS2100, TCS2101, and TCS2102. The seats are made of grey plastic and were sold in three models: baby seat, baby seat with rack compatible with disc brakes, and baby seat with rack compatible with non-disc brakes. A black foam protector covers the blue grab bar, which is operated with a red handle. The seats were sold online and through bicycle retail stores between January 2009 and April 2012 for approximately $150 to $180 apiece.

Owners of the recalled child seats should stop using them and contact Todson, which will supply a repair kit free of charge. Once the repairs are made, the seat may be used again.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product, don’t wait: call the dedicated St. Charles County product liability attorneys at Page Law today. For a free and confidential telephone consultation, call our office at (314) 322-8515

Missouri Supreme Court Considers Challenge to Medical Malpractice Damages Caps

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:25:01 -0600

Recently, the Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that challenges a 2005 state law capping the amount of non-economic damages for things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of the ability to fully enjoy life in medical malpractice cases at $350,000. The Court is expected to give a written opinion in the case in the coming months.

The case argued before the state Supreme Court involved a child, now five, who suffered severe brain injuries at birth. The baby suffered cerebral palsy and other brain damage, which the family argued was caused by the negligence of his doctor during his birth.

Last year, a jury in Greene County decided the child should receive nearly $5 million in damages, including nearly $1.4 million in non-economic damages for his suffering and the severe disabilities caused by his birth injuries. However, the family may only receive $350,000 of that $1.4 million due to Missouri’s damages caps. The family’s argument to the state Supreme Court is that the cap violates both the right to trial by jury and the right to equal protection, since in a similar case not involving medical personnel, the jury’s original verdict would have been upheld.

Even mild birth injuries can cause permanent impairments that will affect a child for his or her entire life. Severe birth injuries can lead to lifelong severe disabilities or even death. If you or someone you love has been injured during a birth, call the aggressive St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Page Law today. We will help you figure out what happened and hold any negligent parties accountable for the harm their actions have caused. For a free consultation, call Page Law at (314) 322-8515 today.

Missouri Increases Penalty for Fatal Hunting Accidents

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:18:35 -0600

A fatal hunting accident in Missouri may result in an investigation, a wrongful death lawsuit, and/or criminal charges, depending on the circumstances of each individual case. Now, Missouri lawmakers have added another possible penalty: a hunter who is responsible for the death of another person in a hunting accident may lose his or her hunting license for up to ten years, according to a recent article in the Kansas City Star.

The Missouri Senate recently passed a bill increasing the penalty to a ten-year revocation of a hunting license. The Missouri Conservation Commission is responsible for deciding whether the penalty should apply in any given case and for enforcing the penalty if they decide to enforce it. Currently, Missouri has a similar penalty on the books that calls for a five-year license suspension if one hunter injures another in an accident, but there is no separate penalty if the injured person dies as a result of the accident. Lawmakers hope that the new measure will help fill this gap.

You can improve your own hunting safety by taking safety classes, always handling firearms and other weapons in a safe and responsible manner, and wearing a bright vest or other article of clothing to signal other hunters that you are a person, not prey. If you are injured by another hunter, however, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney at Page Law. We can help you thoroughly investigate your case and hold any negligent hunters accountable for their actions. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free, confidential case evaluation.

Physical Therapy Keeps Spinal Cord Injury Patients Strong

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:01:59 -0600

Once upon a time, physical therapy for patients paralyzed by spinal cord injuries wasn’t a part of most treatment plans. Keeping the muscles toned when patients couldn’t use them didn’t seem necessary, and it often gave patients false hope that they would someday regain the use of their paralyzed limbs. Today, however, physical therapy for paralyzed spinal cord injury patients is used increasingly to keep muscle tone going, improve immune system function, and prepare patients for the possibility that treatments might improve their own ability to use their limbs again.

New research on spinal cord injuries indicates that exercise can help the brain rebuild connections severed by the injury, improving the chances of regaining motor functions, according to a recent article from Scripps News.

Even in patients who have no motor control at all, exercise helps keep other body systems, like the heart and lungs, healthy. It also stimulates the body’s natural immunities, helping patients fight off colds, infections, and other bugs. Also, keeping the muscles in good condition helps make paralyzed patients better candidates for experimental spinal cord injury treatments, should they choose to participate in studies.

Spinal cord injuries can occur in car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall accidents, and a wide range of other situations. They are often expensive and difficult to treat, and can leave the injured person with permanent disabilities. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, please don’t wait to call the experienced Missouri spinal cord injury attorneys at Page Law to discuss your legal rights and options. For a free consultation, call us today at (314) 322-8515.

NHTSA Investigates Door Fires in Subaru Outbacks

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:17 -0600

A sudden rash of fires that start in the door panels of Subaru Outback vehicles has lead to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to a recent article in the Huffington Post.

Six recent complaints about sudden door fires in Subaru Outback vehicles, as well as in twelve different vehicles manufactured by General Motors, have led the NHTSA to investigate what is causing the fires and whether the defective situation that leads to them is the result of both auto companies using the same supplier for some parts. Owners of the vehicles reported seeing smoke and detecting a burning smell or heat from the door before the flames appeared.

So far, according to the NHTSA, no one has been seriously injured or killed by a vehicle fire. However, since the risk is great, the agency pursues all reports of such fires seriously. Currently, the agency is investigating potential fires in as many as 309,000 GM vehicles and 830,000 Toyota vehicles that may use similar parts as those that have already caught fire, and therefore may also pose a fire risk.

A skilled St. Louis product liability lawyer can help anyone harmed by a defective product. At Page Law, our attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of cases in which defective products, including vehicles or vehicle parts, have caused serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product, call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and your legal options.

Riding in Pickup Truck Beds Greatly Increases Injury Risks

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:42:22 -0600

Riding in the open bed of a pickup truck is featured in countless movies, television shows, and books, and many Missourians have taken such a ride at least once in their lives. However, riding in an open pickup bed greatly increases the risk of serious injuries and death if a pickup truck accident occurs. This is the main reason Missouri state law prohibits such rides, except for specific purposes.

A study of 55 pickup truck accident patients in New Mexico found that traumatic brain injuries were the most common result of an accident while riding in an open pickup truck bed, followed by severe face and neck injuries. Each patient who died as a result of the crash died due to a traumatic brain injury, according to an article in the Journal of Trauma.

Missouri law tries to protect pickup truck passengers by prohibiting riding in pickup truck beds except in specific situations. The exceptions include: beds that have seat belts or similar restraints for passengers, riding in truck beds while doing farm work, and riding in a truck bed during a parade. These situations generally carry a reduced risk of injury because restraints are available and/or traffic is controlled, so a pickup truck crash is less likely to occur.

At Page Law, we know how devastating a car accident injury can be. That’s why we’re dedicated to fighting on behalf of those injured in pickup truck accidents. To discuss your accident with one of our dedicated Missouri personal injury attorneys today, call our office at (314) 322-8515. Your call is free and completely confidential.