St. Louis Injury Attorney Blog

Looking for injury-related information? Find me on the Injury Board!

K. Lindsay Rakers — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:46:35 +0000

I have made a decision to devote most of my blogging efforts to my Injury Board profile. If you are unfamiliar with Injury Board, you can obtain additional information by checking out the Injury Board website. I have am commited to putting people before profits – commited to fighting for the little guy – commited to doing the right thing – commited to standing up to bullies – and that is exactly what the Injury Board is all about.

If you are interested in keeping with my blogs or are trying to find additional information on all topics including:

Traffic safety – avoiding car accidents, tractor trailer crashes, bus accident, ATV accident, taxi cab accident, airplane crashes, pedestrian accidents, boat accidents, motorcycle accidents
Child safety, family safety
Animal safety – how to avoid dog bites
Fire safety – how to avoid and how to handle chemical and heat burns
How do avoid dangerous properties, dangerous drugs
How to avoid silicosis exposure
Standing up to the insurance companies
Exposing the truth regarding tort reform
Fighting tort reform
How to avoid slip and falls, property falls
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi, transgendered) rights – discrimination
How safety can prevent personal injury

Please, visit my Injury Board profile.

Joplin Tornado Hero Victimized by Insurance Company

K. Lindsay Rakers — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:51:53 +0000

After assisting the Joplin tornado victims weeks after the horrific tornado demolished several miles in the town of Joplin, Missouri, I vowed to do everything I can to help these people. I heard amazing stories of strength and also despair. But I’m not sure anything can top what I just heard today. Mark Lindquist, a social worker, nearly gave his life in a heroic attempt to save three disabled individuals during the tornado.

Lindquist heard that three men with Down Syndrome were in the path of the tornado. As soon as he got to the house, the tornado siren sounded. He placed mattresses over the men and then risked his life by climbing on top of the mattresses for added weight. Then he heard the sound of the tornado coming. As he was helping, Lindquist was raised in the air and thrown a block away which resulted in every single rib in his body being fractured, shattered his shoulder, knocked out almost all of his teeth and left him in a coma for almost two months.

Rescue workers found Mark in a pile of rubble with a piece of metal running through his body. He literally had pieces of flesh torn from his body. He shouldn’t have survived. You can imagine the medical expenses that this kind man incurred – over $2.5 million and he is still receiving bills. He has undergone surgery and will have to undergo more in the future. Each day for the unknown future, he is forced to take 11 different pills.

Because Mark was barely making minimum wage, he was unable to afford health insurance. He did have work comp insurance through his employer, Community Support Services, but the carrier Accident Fund Insurance Company of America has denied worker’s compensation payments. Why? Well, they argue a technicality prevents them from having to pay. They argue that the general public was at a greater risk. It is absurd and we all need to stand up and shout until the insurance company takes care of this man.

“Miracle” tornado survivor denied workers’ comp, news.yahoo.com, October 23, 2011

Injured Woman Wins Big Against Insurance Company in Madison County, Illinois

K. Lindsay Rakers — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:50:23 +0000

I had the pleasure, along with my colleague Andrew Mundwiller – both of The Cagle Law Firm, to represent a very kind woman who was ignored and insulted for three years by Grinnell Mutual Insurance Company. Our client found a dog for her step brother who had lost a dog a few years earlier. Plaintiff frequently saw the dog, played with it and even cared for it when the owners were out of town. One day in 2008, Plaintiff visited her family members/owners of the dog. The dog escaped out of the yard and ran into the street. Luckily, the dog was brought back inside to safety. Because the dog wanted to play and the women were trying to talk to each other, the owner put the dog in the back yard – but she forgot to check the gate. Because of this, the dog escaped again – for the second time that day – and ran into the street – again for the second time that day. This time, unfortunately, the dog was hit by a truck/car. Plaintiff ran outside to see if he was okay. She saw him turn and go back towards the street. At that time, she put her arms around the dog, the dog stopped moving, he laid down, and bit Plaintiff on both thumbs. Soon after, he unfortunately passed away.

Due to the severe injuries resulting from the Illinois dog bite, Plaintiff had to undergo three different surgeries on her thumb. Today, she still has two large scars, she has lost half of her thumbnail, she has a residual nail that grows out to the side of her thumb and catches on things, she had partial nerve loss, she had loss of range of motion. The dog owners passed the claim onto their homeowner’s insurance. The insruance company refused to pay Plaintiff the value of her claim. We proudly represented the Plaintiff and took her case all the way to trial.

At trial, the attorney for the insurance company argued that: (1) Plaintiff provoked the dog to bite her and (2) that because Plaintiff put her arms around the dog, that she she had control of the dog and therefore “owned” the dog according to the law. Defense counsel argued that Plaintiff was not entitled to compensation for her dog bite claim. The jury of 12 unanimously found that Plaintiff was entitled to compensation. I was so pleased to finally hear that this kind lady, who tried to help an injured dog, was going to get what she deserved. The last offer of settlement was $35,000 and the jury verdict was for $140,000.

Debris on the Roadway Can Cause Fatal Missouri Car Crashes

K. Lindsay Rakers — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:48:46 +0000

The Illinois Department of Transportation had an unusual mess to clean up Thursday morning. A truck transporting frozen cakes and pastries crashed with a semi tractor trailer on Interstate 74, about 4 ½ miles west of Goodfield, IL. The crash caused almost two dozen deserts and bratwursts to be strewn about the interstate. IDOT responded to the scene and power washed the roadway, due to slippery conditions.

For more information regarding dangerous roadway debris, watch this CNN roadway debris video.

Whether it is pastries or mattresses in the roadway that could lead to a crash, someone is always responsible for the crash and your resulting injuries. There are numerous factors that could be the cause of a crash but no matter the cause it’s still a scary situation for all involved. The insurance company will tell you that it was just an “accident”. But don’t let the insurance companies try to dictate what happens to you. There are laws in place to prevent things like this from happening. Roadway debris can cause crashes – something that the Foundation for Traffic Safety has been looking into for some time. As a Missouri and Illinois car crash attorney, I know what regulations and laws are out there to protect you.

Tractor-Trailer Involved in Missouri Highway Car Crash

K. Lindsay Rakers — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:44:49 +0000

A two vehicle crash occurred Friday morning on Interstate 55 near mile marker 149 in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene of the crash that involved a tractor trailer and another truck, belonging to the Missouri Department of Transportation. A medical helicopter responded to the scene to assist with injuries. The severity of the injuries is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

As a St. Louis Missouri car crash and personal injury attorney, I handle tractor trailer and car accident cases all over the state of Missouri and in Illinois as well. It always leaves a bad feeling in my stomach whenever an air ambulance responds to a crash. Usually, authorities require the assistance of medical helicopters when the injuries are severe. I have seen so many cases where the injuries were significant and traumatic. It is important that proper medical care is sought following a severe crash.

In cases like this where the injuries are quite apparent, it is automatic that the injured car crash victim will receive medical attention. But sometimes, injuries are not felt until the next day or even the day after that. Sometimes, injuries aren’t noticed for some time. Also, I have seen clients who are indeed injured but they don’t seek treatment because they don’t think they have time, or they don’t want to come off as though they are being weak, or because they don’t have the health insurance to go to a doctor. It is important for yor health to seek medical attention immediately following a car crash, especially one with a tractor trailer. The emergency room will simply check for life threatening injuries at the time but you may have suffered a serious injury that can only be later diagnosed by a spine surgeon or other specialist.

Single Car Crash in Clay County Missouri Results in Tragic Death

K. Lindsay Rakers — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:38:51 +0000

A 67 year-old Trimble, MO woman was killed October 3, 2011 on Fightmaster Road in Clay County, MO. The crash occured north of Route W. The victim drove her 2006 GMC vehicle off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The car driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Missouri State Highway Patrol that the investigation into this fatal crash is ongoing.
This tragic crash occured at approximately 9:10 a.m., in the midst of the morning rush hour. As a St. Louis Missouri accident injury attorney, my heart goes out to the friends and family of the individual involved in this crash. I see numerous vehicle crashes that occur at all times of the day and night but rush hour is definitely the most common time for such crashs. There are so many distractions that can claim our attention away from the road. I encourage all drivers to use extreme care and caution while operating vehicles but especially during the morning hours.

Injury Attorney Lindsay Rakers Speaks with Wash U “Outlaw” Group of Law Students

K. Lindsay Rakers — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:09:29 +0000

Washington University School of Law is one of 19 schools that received a five-star rating in Campus Pride 2010 LGBT Friendly Climate Index. The School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri started a group called OUTLaw – which is an alliance of law students that works with the community to promoto a positive environment for gay, lesbian, bi and transgendered individuals. The group’s goal is to address legal issues and questions that arise with sexual and gender diversity.
Today, I spoke with the OUTLaw group and answered questions that the students had regarding balancing work life and personal life with regard to coming out to co-workers and clients, the interview process, and finding a work environment that is friendly and accepting. As an accident injury attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, I often deal with clients on a personal level. my clients have been in car crashes, truck crashes, serious falls and have suffered permanent injuries. I get to know my clients pretty well and only feel that it is fair for them to get to know me as well. So when they ask about my personal life, I tell them. Eleven (11) years ago, when I was graduating from law school and mostly concerned about finding a job to pay my bills, I wasn’t as confident. I was touched to hear the students worry about the same things I did. I hope that I was able to help answer their questions about the LGBT issues in the law community.

Hannibal Missouri Crash Injures Sleepy Driver

K. Lindsay Rakers — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:53:16 +0000

A Louisiana man suffered significant injuries on Thursday morning as the result of a two-car Missouri car accident. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 25 year-old Louisiana native, was operating his Isuzu Amigo on U.S. 54 in Pike County, MO when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle resulting in a serious car crash. The driver’s vehicle was travleing eastbound on U.S. 54, east of County Road 291 near Hannibal Missouri, and the vehicle he struck was being driven westbound. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, he had dozed off while operating the vehicle, at which time his car crossed the center line. The driver was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the Pike County, Missouri car accident which may have added to his injuries. A medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene and transported the injured car driver to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur, MO.
Many of us have become drowsy or tired at the wheel of a vehicle while operating it. Maybe we are driving back from a long roadtrip, maybe it was a late day at work, maybe personal issues aren’t allowing us to get enough sleep. There could be an array of issues that could cause someone to get drowsy while driving. There are many things we can do to avoid the horrible situation that this driver encountered during this Hannibal Missouri car accident. If you feel groggy or tired while driving pull your vehicle over to a safe area as soon as possible. If you feel tired and question if you should be driving then stop and don’t drive. Call someone for a ride. Pull over to a rest area and…rest. Get out of the vehicle, if in a safe location, and stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air. As a St. Louis Missouri car accident attorney, I hate to see injuries occur that possibly could have been avoided. I’ve only offered a handful of suggestions, but the most important is to stop driving your vehicle before unfortunate accidents occur. You can also visit my safety website which provides helpful tips for practicing safety awareness while driving a car and in other situations.
Sleepy Louisiana Man Seriously Injured in Crash, www.hannibal.net, September 1, 2011.

Missouri Highway Takes the Life of 27 Year-Old Woman

K. Lindsay Rakers — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:33:34 +0000

Missouri Highway 151 took the life of a 27 year-old woman Shelby County resident, on Monday. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the young lady’s vehicle went off the west side of the roadway and when she over-corrected, the vehicle traveled off the road and overturned. According to the report, the woman was traveling approximately three miles north of Clarence, MO. Thankfully, authorities indicated two young children were in the woman’s vehicle and survived with only minor injuries. Unfortunately, was not wearing her seatbelt.
As a St. Louis, Missouri personal injury attorney, I often see car crashes where occupants did not wear seatbelt. I can not stress enough the importance of wearing this life saving device. A vehicle accident in itself is incredibly dangerous and scary but not wearing a seatbelt only adds undue stress to an already scary time. Seatbelts dont just help to minimize or avoid injury, they also reduce costs associated with car crashes. Please, take the time and buckle up. If you’ve been involved in car crash which caused an injury, I’m happy to speak with you.
Woman Dies in Tragic Car Accident, www.connecttristates.com, September 20, 2011.

My Visit with the SLU “Outlaws” and My Alma Mater

K. Lindsay Rakers — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:20:19 +0000

Today I met with the SLU group known as the “Outlaws” over lunch. President Simon Taft welcomed and introduced me to the groupd of approximately 25-30 second and third year law students. As it was explained to me, the overall purpose of the Outlaws organization is to promote both awareness and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied students and factulty at SLU Law (Saint Louis University School of Law).
I first introduced myself and where I work, The Cagle Law Firm. I explained that I first attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign for undergrad work prior to attending SLU Law. I explained that I handle all types of personal injury work on behalf of plaintiffs (I represent the injured and their families). Specifically, I assist those who are injured in car crashes, truck accidents, semi or tractor trailer crashes, falls on property, dog bites, animal attacks, defective products and dangerous drugs.
I was pleased that many of the students had questions for me. The main focus of my discussion today centered around the following issues:
Being a lesbian lawyer;
Balancing two kids and a career;
Coming “out” at work;
Big law firms vs. small law firms;
The legal community’s acceptance of gay, lesbian, by, transgendered individuals;
Whether to disclose being gay/lesbian in an interview or later;
The current job market for graduating law students;
Finding a job that is the right fit;
Being yourself at work;
Dealing with unsupportive co-workers;
Finding the area of law that fits.
I truly enjoyed my time today and thank all of the Outlaws!