Missouri Injury Lawyers Blog

Hearing loss is not uncommon in patients who have sustained mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries. Known by physicians as peripheral auditory dysfunction, this dysfunction, in addition to be self reported, may come to the attention of health care providers or family through evaluating or monitoring the neurological status of an injured person during the acute period following their brain injury. It is sometimes also noticeable on brain auditory evoked potentials (BAPs) sometimes also known as auditory brain stem potentials (ABPs) and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). These tests are conducted by attaching sensors to the injured persons scalp and recording the electrical potentials generated by neuro activity and associated with specific brain function and motor processes. These tests can be used by physicians to help detect brain stem pathology and may be used in evaluating patients who are in a coma state.

In addition to having damage to specific brain function severe trauma can also cause direct damage to the ear itself. In addition, damage to hearing can result front secondary damage that may occur during inflammatory events, or from bleeding and pressure. Finally in addition to these causes hearing loss can be associated with defuse axonal injury.

Recent studies have shown that as many as 3 out of 10 patients suffering hearing loss at least a mild level in mild to moderate head injury.

Unfortunately hearing loss, like many of the symptoms of brain injury may not be adequately identified early, which can lead to additional complications for patient, family members and treating physicians and rehabilitationists. If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury and have not been tested for hearing loss, you should suggest to your provider that you receive a test for hearing loss to determine whether or not a hearing impairment may be part of the results of the injury. Identification of hearing loss may explain some of the problems that were mistakenly thought to be from cognitive impairment. Only with the correct diagnosis can a plan for future care and treatment be adequately pursued.

Ronda Furqueron, 41, of Fulton, Missouri, and Gayle Miller, 38, of Fulton, Missouri were involved in a single car crash March 20, 2010 on Route WW 1/2 mile east of Elk Park Drive. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Furqueron, driving a 2004 Chevy, lost control of her vehicle, traveled off the right side of the road, slid down an embankment and came to rest on its top.

Furqueron and Miller were both taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri for treatment of their injuries.

Many times double lettered state highways have more curves and hills and often do not have wide shoulders, if any at all. This can pose even more of a danger to people traveling these roads. According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Safety Compendium, 3.1% of all crashes in Missouri were on double lettered state highways, such as Route WW, in 2008.

If you've been injured in an accident, you should seek the advice of an experience attorney before settling your claim with the insurance companies. The lawyers at Tatlow, Gump, Faiella and Wheelan, LLC can help you determine the best way to handle your claim.

Kaitlyn Garbs, 16, of Berber, Missouri, Martin Hartzell, 53, of Pacific, Missouri, and Emma Clark, 16, of Berger, Missouri were involved in a two vehicle crash March 20th. 2010 at the junction of Highway 47 and Highway 94 East in Warren County.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, Garbs, driving a 2003 Toyota Echo, was attempting to make a left turn onto HIghway 94 and failed to yield. She pulled into the path of Hartzell, driving a 2004 Chevy Silverado, causing a head-on collision.

Clark and Garbs were both taken by Marthasville Ambulance to St. John's Hospital in Washington, Missouri for treatment of their injuries.

According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Safety Compendium published by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, 34.8% of all Missouri crashes in 2008 occured in rural areas like this. 15,318 people were injured in rural Missouri crashes.

For more information about this crash, see the article published by Hermann News & New Haven News Online.

William Murray, 28, of Desoto, Missouri, Samuel Bowman, 57, of St. Peters, Missouri, and Cheri ONeal, 43, of Richwoods, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 20th, 2010 on State Road 21 at State Road 110.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, Bowman, driving a 2006 Jeep Liberty, was traveling southbound on State Road 21 when Murray, driving a 1997 Mercury X73, attempted to cross the highway from a driveway infront of Bowman's vehicle. Bowman then hit Murrays' vehicle broadside.

ONeal was taken by Valle EMS to Jefferson Regional Hospital in Festus, Missouri for treatment of her injuries.

According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Compendium published by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 63.3% of all crashes that occured were caused by another motor vehicle striking another motor vehicle in transport. 22,886 people were injured in these type of accidents in 2008.

If you have been injured in a car accident at someone else's fault, you should consult with an attorney experience in personal injury claims. Contact the lawyers at Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan LLC for a free consultation.

Wendy Greenhill, 34, of Ironton, Missouri and James Stirts, 38, of Ironton, Missouri were injured in a single car accident March 20th, 2010 on Route B 1 mile west of Highway 21.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, Greenhill, driving a 1996 Ford Ranger, was driving eastbound when she lost control of her vehicle due to wet pavement. The vehicle then drove off the left side of the roadway.

Greenhill and Stirts were both taken by Valle Ambulance to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

According to Wikipedia, Hydroplaning occurs when "occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to the loss of traction and thus preventing the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking or accelerating". If finding yourself hydroplaning, do not pump the brakes or jerk the steering wheel, for this can cause you to lose control. Instead, ease your foot off of the accelerator until you can feel the road again. If you find yourself in need to braking, lightly pump the brakes. If other vehicles are infront of you, attempt to follow in their tire tracks to prevent hydroplaning. All of these tips can keep you safe on the road, even in the wettest conditions.

Recent studies show that only about half of the equipment requiring Arc Flash warnings are in compliance with the National Electric Code. The video below by ITU on understanding OSHA Arc Flash Regulations should be viewed and followed by anyone comming under these regulations. Arc flashes seriously injury and kill eletrical workers every day. Compliance with OSHA and the National Electric Code, NFPA 70E arc flash warnings can prevent these horriable events from taking place.

It is well documented that traumatic brain injuries can negatively affect the ability of a person to function in our society. The term "executive control" is a term that the medical community uses to refer to the ability of a person to formulate plans for action, carry those plans out, and to properly assess situations and life. This includes our abilities to assess situations and to take lessons away from the mistakes that we have made so we don't make the same mistake over again. Executive control has been described as what separates those who "get ahead" and those who are unable to learn their experiences and move ahead.

The loss or impairment of executive control is closely associated with injury to the frontal lobes of the brain. The frontal area of the brain is located behind the forehead in the area of the skull. This area is often injured in head trauma, because of the mechanics involved in the cause of many head injuries. Both automobile accidents, and many sports injuries involve forward acceleration of the human body. When the body is stopped in a car crash or contact sports, the normal anatomical position of a body causes a forward flexion of the head which may then strike a hard object thereby causing direct trauma to the area of the front of the forehead. Significant injuries can occur simply from the movement of the soft brain tissue inside the skull, with injuries becoming more severe up to and including penetration of the skull into brain matter.

Continue reading "Traumatic Brain Injury Impairment of Executive Control" »

Carla Crews, 21, of Elsberry, Missouri, and Caleb Rowland, 19, of Winfield, Missouri were involved in a two vehicle crash March 20th. 2010 on southbound Route EE .2 miles south of Argentville Road.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, Rowland, driving a 2006 Chevy Silverado and using a blue emergency light, was following Crews, driving a 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis. Crews slowed began to yield to make a left turn at the same time Rowland was attempting to pass her on the left, causing his vehicle to strike her in the front driver door.

Crews was taken by Lincoln County Ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital for treatment of her injuries. For more information about this crash, see the atricle published in the Hannibal Courier-Post

According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Safety Compendium published by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 24.4% of crashes in Missouri had no fatalities but at least one or more person injured, a .5% decrease from 2007's percentage of 24.7.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, you should consult with an attorney who has experience dealing with car insurance companies. The lawyers at Tatlow, Gump, Faiella and Wheelan, LLC have the experience necessary to represent you for an injury claim. Contact us for a free consultation.

This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that more than one million baby slings made by Infantino were recalled Wednesday after claims linking them to three infant deaths. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said babies could suffocate in the soft fabric slings.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to stop using the recalled slings immediately and contact Infantino to receive a free replacement product, with a choice of a Wrap & Tie infant carrier, or a 2 in 1 Shopping Cart Cover, or a 3 in 1 Grow & Play Activity Gym. A Jittery Pals Rattle will also be provided. Contact Infantino toll-free at (866) 860-1361 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.infantino.com.

Continue reading "Baby Slings Recalled After Three Deaths" »

Christie Waisner, 41, of Mexico, Missouri, Landon Waisner, 8, of Mexico, Missouri, and Lorinn Waisner, 6, of Mexico, Missouri, were involved in a single vehicle crash March 20th, 2010 on US 54 two tenths of a mile east of Route B. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Christie Waisner was driving a 2006 Toyota westbound when she lost control of her vehicle, causing it to travel off the right side of the road. The vehicle then struck the embankment and overturned.

Christie, Landon, and Lorinn Waisner were all taken by ambulance to Audrain Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

According to the Missouri 2008 Traffic Safety Compendium 2,720 out of 55,149 people were injured in a non-collision accident where the vehicle overturned.

Raven Anderson, 19, of Florissant, Missouri, Christopher Morrow, 31, of St. Peters, Missouri, Tristan Morrow, 5 of St. Peters, Missouri, Deborah Waterhouse, 38, of High Ridge, Missouri, and Chantey Harris, 34, of Granite were involved in a four vehicle crash March 21st, 2010 on southbound Interstate 270 south of Doughtery Ferry Road.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, Anderson, driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty, lost control of her vehicle, causing her to strike both Christopher Morrow, driving a 2002 Infiniti QX4, and Waterhouse, driving a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. After being hit, Waterhouse then ran into Harris, driving a 2004 GMC Envoy.

Anderson was taken by Kirkwood Fire and EMS to Missouri Baptist Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Christopher Morrow was taken by Des Peres Ambulance to Des Peres Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Tristan Morrow was taken by Des Peres Ambulance to St. John's Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Lack of driving experience is a contributing factor in many traffic crashes. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, the number of personal injury crashes by a younger driver under 21 decreased from 10,998 in 2007 to 9,965 in 2008. The number of people injured by these crashes also decreased from 17,247 in 2007 to 15,501 in 2008.

At least two Missouri Supreme Court Justices think so. In an opinion issued March 23, 2010, the state's highest court held that the damage cap on non-economic damages which went into effect in 2005 may not be applied to a case that accrued before the cap became law because to do so would violate the constitutional prohibition against retrospective laws. The case is Klotz v. St. Anthony's Medical Center, Michael Shapiro, M.D., and Metro Heart Goup, LLC.

In a concurring opinion, Judge Michael A. Wolff opines that the cap on non-economic damages violates the constitutional right to a trial by jury which can only be changed by a vote of the people. Judge Richard B. Teitelman also wrote an opinion concurring in result, stating that the cap on non-economic damages also violates the state constitutional's guarantee of equal protection under the laws.

The case stemmed from an incident iin March 2004 when Mr. Klotz's implanted pacemaker became infected, causing him to suffer sepsis, amputation and organ failure. A jury found the three defendants negligent and awarded nearly $2.1 million in damages, including $760,000 in non-economic damages. Because of the caps that went into effect in 2005, Mr. Klotz's non-economic damage award was substantially reduced. The Supreme Court reversed the trial court's judgment and sent the case back to the trial court to enter judgment in accordance with the jury's verdict.

People who suffer frontal lobe injuries undergo significant personality changes. These changes along with the deficits in executive control are sometimes demonstrated through behavior that is erratic and sometimes expressed through frustration as anger. Unfortunately, these injuries can leave people with a lack of understanding about their own impairment, leaving them to deny to have deficits and refuse to seek necessary help. These people can represent a significant danger to themselves and others due to their inability to evaluate whether they can adequately handle the situations they may be confronted with.

It is exceedingly important for care providers and families of people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury who may have suffered a frontal lobe injury to be involved in addressing these problems. These problems can be addressed in variety of ways including modification of the persons environment to lower stress and challenges, strategic use of electronic devices and planners as well as neuropsychological counseling and medications. Neuropsychologists, therapists, rehabilitation physicians and neurologists may all be able to help implementing treatment strategies to help the injured person meet their needs. Only if your are on an integrated approach involving the injured person, professional guidance, and family support, a person with a frontal lobe injury and executive control deficits reach their return to as a normal a life as possible after their injury.

Mark Hunter, 42 of Moberly, Missouri was injured in a car crash on March 14th, 2010 .1 miles west of Moberly on Highway JJ. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, Charles Dameron, 61, of Moberly, Missouri was driving a 2005 Chevy pulling a car dolly when the dolly came unhooked. The dolly then struck Hunter, who was driving a 2000 Pontiac.

Hunter was taken by Randolph County Ambulance to Moberly Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. The Missouri State Highway Patrol were assisted by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office and the Moberly Fire Department.

James Cole, 25, of Marshall, Missouri and Vickie Williams, 55, of Marshall, Missouri were involved in a single car crash March 17th, 2010 on Missouri Route 240 at Orion Road. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Cole, driving a 1999 Buick, ran off of the right side of the road where the vehicle overturned, coming to rest on its wheels. An investigation into the crash is still ongoing, with possible charges pending.

Williams was taken by EMS to Fitzgibbon Hospital for medical treatment.

Michelle Williams, 25, of Milan, Missouri and William Wisdom, 20, of Milan, Missouri sustained minor injuries from a single car accident on March 17th, 2010 on US63 in Adair County.

According to the report of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, Wisdom lost control of the vehicle, a 1983 Mercury, drove off the left side of the roadway, then overcorrected and went off the right side of the roadway. After driving off the road, the vehicle then impacted a fence, where it came to rest on its wheels.

Williams and Wisdom were transported by Adair County Ambulance to Northeast Regional Hospital for medical treatment.

Curtis Bergesch, 25, of Warrenton, Missouri, and Chris Davis, 40, of Montgomery City, Missouri were involved in a two vehicle crash March 17th, 2010 on Route E at New Truxton Road.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Davis, driving a 1999 Chevrolet School Bus pulled infront of Bergesch, driving a 1993 Mercury, causing Bergesch to hit the school bus broadside. There were children on the bus at the time of the accident, but none sustained injuries.

Bergesch was taken by aircraft to St. John's Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri for treatment of his injuries.

For more information about this accident, see the article published by KRGC 13.

Cody Robinett, 25, of Eldon, Missouri, and Timothy Whittle, 21, of Russellville, Missouri were involved in a single car crash March 18th, 2010 on Route W at Old Highway 5.

According to report of the the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Robinett, who was driving a 1994 Jeep, failed to to negotiate a curve, causing his vehicle to run off the right side of the road and strike a ditch.

Whittle was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri for medical treatment. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office.

For more information about this accident, see the article published in the Sedalia Democrat

Christopher Wheeler, 16, of Butler, Missouri, Ashley Rutherford, 15, of Butler, Missouri, and Austin Zangi, 14, of Butler, Missouri were involved in a single vehicle crash March 15th, 2010 on Country Road 1701 .5 miles south of Country Road 1502. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Wheeler, driving a 2002 Pontiac, slid off the right side of the road, causing him to strike a ditch.

The passengers, Rutherford and Zangi sustained minor injuries, but chose to seek their own treatment. The Missouri State Highway Patrol were assisted by the Bates County Sheriffs Department and the Butler Police Department.

This month Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan LLC is celebrating twenty years of service by Naida Dunn. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Naida for her many years of service and loyalty to our business. We know that the growth and success of our firm is largely dependent on having strong and capable staff members, and we recognize the contribution Naida has made. Naida has been the firm's probate assistant since March 1990. She retired from full-time employment in 2004, but still works three days a week at the firm.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Graco has recalled 1.2 million "Harmony" high chairs due to fall hazards from screws and brackets on the chairs failing. The Harmony chairs were manufactured and sold in the U.S. from November 2003 through December 2009.

Stephanie Persinger, 17, of Rocheport, Missouri, Michael Steward, 38, of Deepwater, Missouri, and Joyce Steward, 51, of Deepwater, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 17th, 2010 on westbound I-70 .2 miles east of Route BB.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Persinger, driving a 2003 Chevy went to pass Michael Steward, driving a 2004 Dodge, and struck the side of his vehicle, causing both vehicles to run off the roadway.

Joyce Steward was taken by ambulance to University Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri for treatment of her injuries.

Teddy Newell, 29, of Boonville, Missouri, and Becky Burkhart, 28, of Stover, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 17th, 2010 on State Route 5 south of Country Club Road in Morgan County.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Newell, driving a 1997 Ford was text messaging while driving when he struck Burkhart, driving a 1995 Toyota in the rear.

Burkhart was taken to University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri for treatment of her injuries.

For more information about this accident, see the article published in the Sedalia Democrat.

Shelly Palmerin, 41, of Marceline, Missouri and Terry Palmerin, 16, of Marceline, Missouri were involved in a single car crash March 2nd, 2010 on US-36 7 miles west of Brookfield, Missouri. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, Shelly, driving a 2005 Chevy Cavalier struck a deer, causing the airbags to deploy.

Terry Palmerin was transported by Linn County Ambulance to Pershing Hospital in Brookfield, Missouri for treatment of her injuries. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by Linn County Ambulance.

Taryn Marquardt, 20, of Hannibal, Missouri and Angela Keith, 18, of Hannibal, MIssouri were injured in a single vehicle crash March 10th, 2010 on Route V 3 miles east of New London, Missouri. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop B, Marquardt, driving a 2005 Ford, drove off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Marquardt and Keith were transported by Marion County Ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for medical treatment. The Missouri State Highway Patrol were assisted by the Ralls County Fire Department and Ralls County Sheriffs Department.

Click here to read more about this accident.

Elizabeth Redel, 78, of Westphalia, Missouri, and Cynthia Schulte, 48, of Owensville, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 16th, 2010 on US 63 150 feet south of Mill Street. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, Redel, driving a 1997 Ford, braked to avoid hitting a stopped vehicle, which caused her vehicle to skid over the center line and hit Schulte, driving a 2008 Ford.

Schulte was transported by Osage County Ambulance to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City for medical treatment.

Shauna Dukusf, 38, of Kansas City, Missouri, Karen Bukucs, 22, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Randi McGaugh, 17, of Kansas City, Missouri were injured in a single car accident March 16th, 2010 on I-35 Southbound at Vivion, Missouri.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Dukusf, driving a 1991 Ford attempted to miss a car that had changed lanes right infront of her, causing the vehicle to lose control. As a result, the car traveled off the left side of the road, where it hit the guardrail. The car then rolled onto the passenger side, where it proceded to skid a short distance before finally rolling back upright and coming to rest.

Dukusf was taken by ambulance to Liberty Hospital for treatment of her injuries. The two passengers in the vehicle, Bukucs and McGaugh were taken by ambulance to North Kansas City Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Unfortunately electrical injuries result in approximately a thousand deaths per year and more than 3,000 admissions to specialized burn centers per year. Only a small percentage of these are accounted for by lightning, and the remainder involved man made electrical injuries. Twenty percent of electrical injuries occur in children with most of these occurring in the home.

The remaining accidents are primarily work place accidents. These injuries can happen to electricians or others who work with electricity or around electricity. Many of these injuries occur when workers come into contact with over head or underground power lines. Most of these tragic accidents could have been prevented. These accidents often result from the careless and negligent acts of employers, supervisors, operators, and utility companies.

Continue reading "Missouri Injury Lawyers Discuss Electrical Injuries and Deaths" »

Brooke Kafka, 19, of Parkville, Missouri and Lindsay Rhinehart, 22, of Platte City. Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 13th, 2010 on Southbound 129 at Route A.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Kafka, driving a 2001 Hyundai, made an unsafe lane change, hitting Rhinehart who was driving a 2006 Pontiac. This impact caused Rhinehart to hit the guardrail and spin out, then hit the guardrail a second time. Kafka then lost control of her vehicle and slid before coming to a stop partially in the roadway. An investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.

Rhinehart sustained minor injuries, but chose to seek her own treatment

Many people who suffer traumatic brain injury may suffer disorientation, confusion and loss of consciousness or even prolonged periods of coma. Often associated with these periods is a lack of memory for a specific period of time. There are several varieties of lapses in memory including antero-grade, post-traumatic and retro-grade. Retro-grade amnesia is a loss of memory for events before the injury was suffered. Antero-grade is the inability to remember events starting with the time of the injury moving forward in time. Post-traumatic amnesia is the period of antero-grade amnesia following a head injury to a discrete point in time when the memory then improves. This is differentiated from antero-grade amnesia which is often associated with a more severe injury and markedly decreased ability to learn new information.

Long periods of post traumatic amnesia and antero-grade amnesia are generally not associated with very mild traumatic brain injury and are more often correlated with more serious injuries.

If you or a friend or loved one has suffered from a brain injury as a result of an accident, you will need any attorney with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle brain injury claims. The attorneys at Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan, LLC have successfully represented many people with brain injuries. Call or email us to schedule a free consultation.

Rodney Bass, 45, of Windsor, Missouri, Tonya Lenger, 41, of Cole Camp, Missouri, James Fannon, 29 of Windsor, Missouri, and Christine Reno, 38, of Windsor, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 11th, 2010 on Missouri State Highway 52 one mile west of Route E.

According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Bass, driving a 1994 Ford Ranger attempted to pass Lenger, driving a 2006 Ford Mustang on a bridge. Bass hit Lenger, causing him to lose control of his vehicle, which then proceeded to skid off the roadway and overturn before finally coming to rest on the west side of the road. Lenger's vehicle came to rest in the roadway. An investigation is continuing, with charges pending.

Bass was transported by ambulance to Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri for treatment of his injuries. Fannon, who sustained minor injuries, refused treatment at the scene. Reno who also received minor injuries also refused treatment at the scene, but later recieved treatment at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol were assisted by the Pettis County Sheriffs Department and the Greenridge Fire Department.

You can read more about this accident in the Sedalia Democrat.

Melanie Johnson, 24, of Kansas City, Missouri and Mary Haberman, 47, of Kearney, Missouri were involved in a two car crash March 11th, 2010 on southbound I-435 at Missouri Highway 210. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Johnson, driving a 2000 Hyundai had slowed for congested traffic when Haberman, driving a 2001 Chrysler struck the rear of her vehicle. An investigation into the accident continues.

Haberman was transported by MAST Ambulance to Liberty Hospital for medical treatment.

Trevor Knox, 17, of Knob Noster, Missouri was injured in a two car crash March 12th, 2010 on Route YY .1 mile before Zion Hill, Missouri. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, Knox, driving a 2000 Ford, was struck from behind by a 2000 Sterling Garbage Truck that was parked in traffic. An investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

Knox sustained minor injuries, but refused treatment at the scene,

In his article, Discussion on Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Postconcussional Stages, 35 Proc-Royal Soc. Med. 607 (1942), A. Lewis states that, following traumatic brain injuries, studies have shown that as many as 70% of patients suffer anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can include general anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder following a closed traumatic brain injury, you should seek medical treatment immediately from a specialist such as a neurologist, or psychiatrist with experience in treating traumatic brain injury and associated anxiety disorders.

James Ross, 60, of Iowa City, Iowa and Jeffrey Ross, 30, of Iowa City, Iowa were involved in a single car crash on March 10th, 2010 on US 36 west of Hunnewell, Missouri. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, the car, a 2007 Chrysler ran off the left side of the road and turned over, coming to rest on its side.

Jeffrey Ross was transported by Monroe City Ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for medical treatment, The Missouri State Highway Patrol were assisted by the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Shelbina Fire Department, Monroe City Ambulance, and Salt River Ambulance.

Traumatic brain injuries can be classified as two basic types. Closed head injuries and open head injuries. In open head injuries, the skull which protects the brain has been penetrated. In closed head injuries, there is no penetration into the skull but the injury occurs because of forces and deformation of brain tissue as it moves within the skull. Parts of the interior surface of the skull are rough and acceleration and deceleration of soft brain tissues can be injured by impacting with the harder surfaces of the skull.

In addition to these two basic types of traumatic brain injury, brain injuries are often qualified as mild, moderate or severe. While there are varying standards of what these categories mean, generally speaking mild head trauma includes a Glasgow Coma Scale between 13 and 15, with a loss of consciousness for 20 minutes or less with no deterioration of the Glasgow Coma Scale, no focal or neurological signs and no intercranial lesions.

Continue reading "Head Injuries" »

The law firm of Tatlow, Gump, Faiella and Wheelan, LLC, of Moberly, Missouri congratulates Chris Faiella for again being recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly in their list of Top Verdicts & Settlements of 2009.

The $2.5 million settlement was reached for the family of a Moberly woman who was killed in a head-on collision on Missouri Route 22 near Centralia, Missouri, on June 9, 2008. The decedent had been driving to Centralia with her sister and adult daughter when the other driver, an employee of Ozark Kenworth, allegedly reached for his cell phone and swerved across the centerline and struck their vehicle. The two sisters were declared dead at the scene, and the daughter sustained serious personal injuries. The adult daughter, who is mentally disabled, received full care from her mother before the accident. The case, Williams, et al v. Ozark Kenworth, Inc., and Jeffrey Schuermann, Case No. 08-0417-CV-W-DGK was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Chris Faiella focuses his practice on serious personal injury and its tragic consequences including wrongful death, insurance coverage disputes, bad faith and product liability.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced its proposal to add the Vienna Wells Site in Vienna, Missouri to the federal Superfund National Priorities List. The Vienna site consists of three public drinking wells in which a chemical known as PCE (tetrachloroethylene) has been detected.

PCE is a man-made liquid solvent widely used in dry cleaning and grease removal. According to a report by KRCG News, the contamination originated from an old hat factory located near the city's main well. The factory has been closed for 15 years.

PCE is thought to be a carcinogen and has been linked in tests in laboratory animals to cancer of the liver and kidneys. If there is exposure to PCE, either through drinking or touching contaminated water, or by breathing contaminated air, the risk for harmful health consequences depend on a variety of factors. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how the exposure occurred.

If you believe that your health has been damaged by by exposure to environmental toxins, you should immediately consult with medical physicians to insure appropriate medical care.

Continue reading "Contaminated Water Supply in Central Missouri Town of Vienna" »

If you are injured on the job, there is worker's compensation, a Missouri state and employer-funded benefits program that compensates injured workers for medical bills, lost wages and in some cases, rehabilitative services. Unfortunately, worker's compensation, while helpful, often leaves injured workers without full compensation.

Injured workers may have the right to seek money damages from people who cause their injuries through negligence, or through a defective product. These suits may not be pursued against the injured worker's employer, as the employer provides the worker's compensation benefits and is immune from suit. However, third parties which can include the company who defectively designed equipment or other product, or failed to put a guard or warning on the product that injured the worker, may be liable. Another example would include a negligent driver who caused injuries to an employee who was driving his employer's vehicle.

Workers also have the right, under some circumstances, to sue co-employees of their employers when the co-employee injures the worker by taking an additional affirmative step that constitutes something more than mere violation of the employer's duty to provide a safe workplace. This are of the law can be complex, and is case specific. However, workers should know that they have rights against third parties, and potentially against co-employees that may provide compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earnings capacity, future medical bills, future lost wages, scarring and disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

Anyone who suffers a serious injury on the job should seek legal counsel immediately. The attorneys at Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan, LLC have the experience and expertise to assist you with your serious work injury claims.