Missouri Injury Lawyers Blog

This recently approved national pilot project, in which cameras will be placed in courtrooms throughout the U.S. will last about three years. The goal is the find what effect, if any, cameras will have in the district courtrooms, including publication of the video recordings. Courts that participate in this pilot proejct will amend their local rules seeking an exception for judges to participate in the pilot project. Participation will be at the judge's discretion.

To read more about this upcoming project and how it will affect our judicial system, visit the US Courts website.

In America, you have the right to a safe workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHAct) was passed to create safety standards to keep workers from being seriously harmed or killed from unnecessary workplace hazards. What is now most commonly referred to as "OSHA," or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is the regulatory body which was created by the OSHAct. OSHA's main function is to set and enforce workplace safety standards.

Under the care of OSHA, workers are guaranteed a few rights when it comes to workplace safety. The first is that they're entitled to working conditions that do not pose a serious risk of harm to the employees. Workers are also entitled to safety information, workplace safety training and OSHA standards that apply to their particular workplace. Workers can request OSHA inpsect their workplace for safety hazards, with the guarantee that their request will not subject them to retaliation from their employer.

Even though these safety standards exist, workplace injuries do still occur. In Missouri, workplace injury claims are managed through the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. If you've been injured at work, they have a website full of information specifically geared toward injured workers.

Continue reading "Helpful Information for Injured Workers" »

Telisha Anderson, 35, of Columbia, MO was transported to University Hospital by ambulance for treatment to minor injuries she sustained while operating a Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) truck on Monday. The accident occured at 7:45PM on October 18th, when
according to the report, of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, when a 2003 Chevrolet that was driven by Roy Coyle, 41, of Boonville, was headed westbound on I- 70 at Route BB. Coyle drove past three different sets of signs that indicated the left lane was closed a distance ahead, which encompassed 8/10ths of a mile before he struck the parked MODOT arrow truck with a flashing arrow in the left lane.

Coyle and two occupants, Christina Kelley, 28, and Haven Kelley, 2, both of Boonville, Mo were transported to University Hospital by ambulance for treatment to minor injuries as well. The accident was investigated by Trooper G. Grundy.

One of the leading reasons for car crashes is driver inattention. When operating a vehicle, it is very important to keep your focus on the roadway and the traffic around you. MODOT says driving safely through road construction zones is as easy as remembering the three "S's" of work zone safety.

1. Manage your speed: Slow down when approaching a work zone and don't resume normal speed until you see a sign posted that you've exited the work zone.

2. Manage your space: Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you and don't irritate a driver behind you who is "tailgating" or following you too closely by slamming on your brakes. This could lead to road rage and a greater chance of a collision.

3. Manage your stress: Avoid cell phone or radio distractions in work zones. Keep your cool while you wait. A work zone now means a better, safer roadway later.

To read more on MODOT's work zone safety tipes, visit their website.

Sandra Doss, 43, of Poplar Bluff was transported by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for treatment to moderate injuries she sustained in a car accident that took place on October 19th at 8:15AM.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E, the accident occured as Doss, who was driving a 2000 Pontiac was stopped to make a left turn and was struck by a 2002 Chevrolet driven by Matthew Woolard, 19, of Naylor, MO.Trooper N. L. Wheeles investigated the scene.

Jason Minton, 16 and Jessica Ryun, 17, of Higginsville, MO sustained minor injuries in an accident that occured on October 11th at 3:25PM. The accident occured on Southbound Highway 13, .6 miles north of Borland Road. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, the accident occured as Minton, who was driving a 1947 Plymouth southbound on Highway 13, came to a stop to make a left turn when he was struck in the rear by a 2005 Kia that was was driven by Darren Wainwright, 44, of Independence, MO.
Minton and Ryun were both taken to LaFayette County Regional Medical Center by Higginsville EMS. The accident was investigate by C. Drenon and assisted by the Higginsville Police Department.

Jeffrey White, 52, of Piedmont, MO was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff for treatment to minor injuries that were sustained in a car accident in which he was a passenger. The accident took place on US- 67, just one mile north of Silva at Hubble Creek Bridge on October 11th at 1:50PM.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop E, the accident occured as a 1991 Honda, driven by Ashley Lauer, 21, of Bonne Terre, MO crossed the center line and struck a 1998 Dodge that was driven by Walter Hukel, 57, of Piedmont, MO, head on, which then caused Hukel's vehicle to strike the bridge.

Along with White's injuries, Lauer also sustained serious injuries. She was taken by ambulance to Parkland Health Center Hospital in Farmington. The accident was investigated by Sergeant M. E. Carson.

Deborah Webb, 55, of Senath, MO and Christopher Clark, 18, of Leachville, AR were both transported by ambulance to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennet, MO for treatment to moderate injuries sustained in an accident.

The accident took place on October 11, at 4:47PM. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E, the accident occured as Webb was driving a 2004 Mitsubishi traveling northbound on Dunklin County Road 527 and Clark, who was a passenger in a 1995 Dodge, driven by Bobby Woods,44, also of Leachville, AR, was traveling westbound on Dunklin County Road 562, when the two vehicles collided at the intersection which is located one mile south of Senath. The accident was investigated by Trooper Watson and assisted by Sergeant Walker.

Patricia Hedgecock, 68, of Kirksville, MO was taken by Macon County Ambulance to Northeast Regional Hospital for treatment to moderate injuries she sustained in a car accident.

The accident took place on October 11th at 3:25PM at the Laplata junction.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, the accident occured as Hedgecock, who was driving a 2009 Chevrolet was headed northbound on US- 63, when a vehicle that was eastbound on MO- 156 pulled into her path. The eastbound vehicle was a 1995 Chevrolet that was being driven by Nathan Petersen, 16, of Laplata, MO.

The accident was investigated by Sergeant Roberts and assisted by Corporal C. McIntyre, Trooper M. McIntyre, and by the Laplata Fire and Rescue.

Teresa Miskimen, 43, of Steedman, MO sustained serious injuries on October 8th around 7:45AM. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, the accident occured on MO- 94 at Route C as Mikimen was headed westbound in a 2005 Ford and struck a 1994 Ford that had turned in her path. The 1994 Ford was driven by Clinton Leeper, 18, of Portland, MO.

Leeper sustained no injury. Miskimen was transported to University Hospital in Columbia by Staff For Life air ambulance. Sergeant Arnold investigated the accident and was assisted by Trooper Brazas.

Click on this link to learn more about safe driving techniques.

On October 8th at 3:40PM on MO-5, 300 feet north of MO- 7 junction in Camden County, an accident occured involving five vehicles, including a school bus and a 1998 Peterbilt Truck. According to the report of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, the accident occured as a 1998 Pontiac driven by Robert Shirley, 32, of Stoutland, MO, a 2004 Mazda, driven by Jerry Southard, 64, of Lebanon, MO, and a 1998 Mitsubishi, driven by Erika Groves, 16, of Camdenton, MO were all stopped in traffic waiting to make a left hand turn. The 2008 International School Bus, driven by Shawn Danuser, 42, of LInn Creek was slowing behind the other vehicles when it was struck in the rear by a 1998 Peterbilt Truck that was driven by Patrick Wortman, 54, of Rosendale, MO. This caused a chain reaction and the bus hit the Pontiac, which hit the Mazda, which smashed into the rear of the Mitsubishi.

Sixteen occupants of the bus were injured. The sixteen injured were; Michael Alderman, Nathanial Bellew, Kelsey Bryant, Trever Bryant, Dylan Fleming, Jerry Frey, Ryan Ginsberg, Dylan Hooper, Nichole Howel, Kyle Mills, David Prather, Cooper Smith, Dakota Smith, Zachary Taylor, Stormy Wise, and Marissa Wood all of Camden County. All of the children sustained only minor injuries, except Nicole Howel who sustained moderate injuries. Howel was transported to St. Johns Hospital in Springfeild by St. John's helicopter service. The other injured children were transported to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach by St. John's EMS. The bus driver, Shawn Danuser also sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Lake Regional Hospital by private vehicle. Robert Shirley, the driver of the 1998 Pontiac sustained minor injuries and was transported by St. John's EMS to Lake Regional Hospital.

The accident was investigated by Sergeant Buttram, Corporal Gisselbeck, Trooper Atkinson, and Trooper Mistler. They were assisted by the Camden County Sheriff's Department, Camdenton Police and Fire Department, Mid County Fire Department, and by St. John's EMS.

Jessi Young, 12, of Hannibal, MO was skateboarding near the intersection of Munger Lane and Coachlight during heavy rain on Tuesday, September 21 at 8:08PM. The accident occured as an unidentified 18 year old was driving northbound on Munger Lane and struck Young. Apparently the driver did not realize what had happened because neighbors said the car drug the pedestrian quite a ways before stopping. Both were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital where Young was pronounced dead.

Friends and neighbors told the media that Munger Lane gets very dark because there are no street lights. There is also no sidewalk and the 30 mph speed limit is not enforced at all.
The Hannibal Police and Missouri State Highway Patrol are investigating the accident further.

Abbott is recalling certain Similac Brand Powdered Infant Formulas because they believe they have detected a small common beetle in the product which was produced they believe in one production area in a single manufacturing facility. The formula with the beetles poses no immediate health risk, but could cause symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat for the infants who do consume the formula containing the beetles or their larvae. The beetles small bodies irritate the GI tract which would cause the infant not to eat. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.

None of the Abbott liquid infant formulas are impacted. The recall includes certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers and in 8-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans. To check if your product is included in the recall visit Similac's recall website or you can call (800) 986- 8850.
Clik here to read more about the recall and to find out what you should do if your product is involved.

MaryEllen Castillo, 27, and her two daughters, Alyia Farmer, 4 and Emily Farmer, 6, of Maryville, MO all sustained moderate injuries when they were involved in an accident that occured at 11:54AM on September 18 on US - 71 just 1 mile north of Wilcox. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H, the accident occured as Kady Hardy, 18, of Elliot, Iowa was headed northbound in a 1999 Mercury when she crossed the centerline and struck Castillo head on. Hardy's vehicle came to rest in the middle of the roadway and Castillo's vehicle went off the west side of the roadway. Both the children were properly secured in the child safety seats and thankfully were spared more serious injury.

Kady Hardy sustained serious injury and was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Maryville and was later airlifted Heartland Hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri. Castillo and her two daughters were all transported by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital by Nodoway County Ambulance. Corporal T. Ziegler investigated the crash and was assisted by the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department, Maryville PD, Maryville Fire Department, and the West Nodaway Fire and Rescue.

Follow this link to learn what guidelines you must follow to be sure your child is properly restrained in a vehicle.

Fisher Price has issued a massive recall on a variety of its products, including tricycles and high chairs. To read more about this recall, view the ABC news story.

Safety experts are now warning that a group of products geared at helping babies remain in a safe sleeping position are actually very dangerous. Baby sleep positions were thought to keep babies from rolling over onto their bellies, thus preventing them from suffocating. The two main types of sleep positioners are flat pads with wide bolsters that go alongside a baby's belly or an inclined mat with bolstered sides.

New information shows that these sleep positioners are actually causing suffocation deaths in infants. Federal officials are telling parents to stop using these products. For more, visit this news story by the Los Angeles Times.