Missouri Injury Lawyers Blog

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop F, a 1999 Ford Van driven by Rachel Dominguez, 31, of Versailles, MO ad a 2007 Jeep Liberty, driven by Christa Femmer, 57, of Dixon, MO struck head- on on the snow covered roadway. The time of the accident was around 11:00AM on February 24th. The location of the accident was on MO- 5, .2 miles South of Hartman Road. Femmer had one occupant at the time of the accident, Francis Femmer, 63, of Dixon, MO. All involved sustained serious injuries. Dominguez was transported to University Hospital by ambulance, while Christa and Francis Femmer were transported to Capital Regional Hospital by ambulance.

The Law Firm of Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan, LLC would like to congratulate partner Chris Faiella for again being recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for Top Verdicts & Settlements of 2010. In March 2010, Chris reached a $3.125 million dollar settlement for his client who was injured after getting pinned between two vehicles in 2008. The client suffered severe permanent injuries to both legs, including an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg.

The accident occurred when the defendant stepped on the gas instead of the brakes by mistake. The plaintiff was pinned between the bumpers of two vehicles. His left leg was crushed and eventually had to be amputated due to complications. The plaintiff underwent several painful procedures in an attempt to save his leg, but none were successful. The plaintiff's right leg was also fractured in the accident and he experienced several other serious complications during his medical treatment. The plaintiff's injuries rendered him unable to work. His damages were approximately $66,000 in lost earnings and $370,000 in medical bills. His future life care costs are estimated to be $734,000.

Chris Faiella joined TGF& W in 1995 after graduating from the University of Missouri--Columbia School of Law. Along with the other attorneys at TGF&W, he focuses his litigation practice on serious personal injury and its tragic consequences including wrongful death, insurance, bad faith and products liability.

Bobby Techau, 24, of Callao, MO was pronounced dead at University Hospital after he was involved in a car accident that had occurred on February 16th at around 3:55PM on MO- 3, 2 miles North of Callao. Techau was driving a 1998 Ford at the time of the accident.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, the accident occurred as Techau was Northbound and a 1985 Ford Farm Tractor driven by Benjamin Coleman, 63, also of Callao was headed Southbound when it turned into Techau's path. Techau was first transported to Samaritan Memorial Hospital by Macon County Ambulance and was then flown to University Hospital.

The accident was investigated by Sergeant R. L. Seiner and he was assisted by Lieutenant E.T. Olson, Sergeant D.P. Roberts, Trooper Fundy, Callao Rural Fire Department, Macon County Sheriff Department, First Responders and Ambulance.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, an eastbound 1996 Ford driven by Shawn Reed, 19, of Moberly, MO struck a westbound 1994 Chevrolet driven by Charles Birdsong, 50, of Clifton Hill, MO head on in the center of the roadway at the crest of a hill. The time of the accident was approximately 12:35PM on February 4th. The location was on Randolph County Road 1205, 4 miles East of Huntsville, MO.

Erin Martel, 19, of Moberly, MO, an occupant of Reed's was seriously injured and was transported to University of Missouri Hospital, in Columbia, MO by Randolph County EMS.
Sergeant Brad Holman investigated the accident and was assisted by Sergeant G.F. Riley, the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, and the Randolph County First Responders.

Joyce Brush, 85, and Sally Brush, 59, both of Stockton, MO sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs, MO. The injuries were sustained during an accident that occurred on February 15th at 3:50PM on US- 54, 1 mile West of El Dorado Springs.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D, the accident occurred as Sally Brush, who was driving a 2000 Buick Century, had stopped for a school bus when she was rear ended by Lisa Bell, who was driving a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. Bell who is 22 years old is from Schell City, MO.

William Stevenson, 74, of Kahoka, MO was seriously injured on February 14th around 5:38PM. The accident occurred on Highway 136, 2 miles West of Wayland. Stevenson was transported by Clark County Ambulance to Keokuk Area Hospital.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, the accident occurred as Stevenson, who was driving a 1998 Buick, was coming to a stop in the roadway just over a hill crest and was rear ended by a 2000 Dodge driven by Kindra Ford, 26 of Luray, MO.

The accident was investigated by Trooper T, Mobley and assisted by Clark County Sheriff's Department and the Clark County Fire and Rescue.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A, a Clinton, MO man was struck by an unknown vehicle while walking on MO- 7. The man was identified as 42 year old, Michael J. Ham. The accident occurred at 8:54PM on February 9th. The exact location of the accident was on MO- 7, 100 feet South of County Road NW 251. Ham was transported to Bradley- Hadley Funeral Home in Clinton.

The leading cause of home injury deaths is falling. No matter what activity you're doing at home, like decorating or spring cleaning, you should always make sure you have a safe, sturdy ladder. Below are a few ways on how to use a ladder properly so that you are not injured.

1. Never use a chair for climbing, always be sure you have a good ladder.

2. Open the ladder completely and make sure it is placed on level ground and all locks are in place.

3. When climbing the ladder wear slip- resistant shoes and climb up facing the ladder.

4. Keep your body as centered as possible when standing on the ladder. You can test your safety on the ladder by your belt buckle, if your buckle is past the ladder rail you are reaching too far which could cause you to fall.

5. Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder.

How to Properly Use an Extension Ladder.

1. Choose a location that is well away from all power lines before using the ladder outdoors.

2. Open your ladder completely and place it on level ground. Make sure all the locks on your ladder are in place.

3. For each 4 feet of distance between the ground and upper point of contact, move the base of the ladder out 1 foot. This is called the 4-to-1 Rule.

4. Always face the ladder when climbing and wear a pair of slip resistant shoes such as shoes with a rubber sole.

5. Make sure the rungs of the ladder are dry before climbing.

6. Be sure to keep your body centered on the ladder and use your belt buckle to determine whether or not you are reaching to far.

Last year there were 821 fatalities on Missouri Highways, that means that the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety met their goal of 850 or fewer fatalities two years early. That is the lowest mark since 1949, more than 60 years ago.

MoDot Director Kevin Keith said, "Wear your seat belt. Don't drink and drive. Pay attention. Slow Down and I think we can cut this number in half." The combination of public policy, engineering enhancements, emergency medical services, educational efforts, and of law enforcement is the reason why more Missourians are finding it better to buckle up.

Edith Hosmer, 44, of Higbee, MO was northbound on Route A, South of Route BB about 1.5 miles South of Moberly, MO. Hosmer was driving a 1993 Ford Explorer when she lost control on the ice covered roadway and ran off the West side of the road where she struck a mailbox and finally came to rest in a ditch.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B, the accident occurred at 10:10AM on January 13th. Hosmer had an occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident, Lindsay Barrett, 19 of Higbee, MO sustained moderate injuries. Hosmer sustained serious injuries. Both were transported by Randolph County Ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia, MO.

The snow, sleet and high-speed winds are making travel extremely dangerous. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking people to stay where they are until roadways can be cleared. If you do have to drive somewhere and become stranded, call *55 from your cellular phone for MSHP assistance. However, be aware that the response time is much longer than normal due to treacherous road conditions.