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Joplin, MO 417-206-0100
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5 Ways to Reduce the Impact of a Car Accident
Dec 2, 2022

5 Ways to Reduce the Impact of a Car Accident

Although car accidents come with no warning, that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for them. Every time you get behind the wheel, there are tips and tricks you can follow to make sure you’re ready for the unavoidable.  Here are five ways to keep injuries to a minimum:  Buckle Up Using your seatbelt should never be […]
Personal Injury Settlement
Oct 21, 2022

Personal Injury Settlement

Should I settle my personal injury case?  If you’ve been wrongfully injured, you might want to file a personal injury claim to get compensated for your losses. While some of those lawsuits might go all the way to trial, the majority of cases are settled out of court. A settlement gives up your right to […]
Passenger Fault in Car Accident
Sep 16, 2022

Passenger Fault in Car Accident

Can a passenger ever be responsible for a car accident?  As the person behind the wheel, the driver is almost always responsible for making sure their passengers get where they need to go in a safe and legal way. But in some very specific circumstances, the passenger might be at fault: Driver responsibility Even if […]
Suing on Behalf of a Family Member
Aug 26, 2022

Suing on Behalf of a Family Member

Can I sue on behalf of a family member? If a family member can’t represent themselves, you may be able to help. But before we canwork together to get the justice you all deserve, it’s important to answer the following questions: What is required to file on someone’s behalf? Mental or Physical Impairment Your family […]
Truth Matters
Jul 22, 2022

Truth Matters

Swearing by the truth. Not all attorneys play by the rules. In 2022 in California, a lawyer admitted to tricking the jury into reaching the verdict he wanted – even though he used manipulative tactics. After claiming in court that the case against his client was “without merit”, the lawyer said in private that “we […]
Nursing Homes and Neglect
Jul 22, 2022

Nursing Homes and Neglect

Standing up for seniors. All of our loved ones deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. But too often, we hear stories of people in nursing homes suffering from lack of care, serious falls, or more. Looking for abuse. The best way to protect a family member in a nursing home is to regularly […]
$34 Million Verdict is top 100 in the U.S.
Jul 8, 2022

$34 Million Verdict is top 100 in the U.S.

$34 MILLION JURY VERDICT AGAINST COXHEALTH HOSPITAL RANKED 58TH LARGEST IN UNITED STATES AND LARGEST MEDICAL MALPRACTICE VERDICT IN MISSOURI IN 2021 Springfield, Mo., July 8th, 2022 – The $34.1 million jury verdict against CoxHealth Hospital in Springfield obtained by the Joplin law firm Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci has been named the 58th largest jury […]
JVM Helps Create New Fund for Families of First Responders
Apr 15, 2022

JVM Helps Create New Fund for Families of First Responders

There’s no higher calling than protecting and serving others. The families of those who answer that call deserve all the support they can get.  To help, the Joplin Regional Community Foundation (JRCF) has created a new charitable fund: “Answering The Call”. The fund assists the children of public safety officers in Jasper and Newton Counties […]
Aug 19, 2021

The Pursuit of Justice During the COVID Pandemic

Here we are in late summer of 2021. Most of us hoped and prayed that the virus would be behind us by now. Here in the midwest, we didn’t initially see the huge number of cases that other parts of the country did -– now here we are. However, back in 2020 and into early […]
Jun 7, 2021

If Nobody is Held Accountable, How do Things Change?

Recent $3M+ Verdict Holds CoxHealth Accountable. When one-year-old Kyler George woke the morning of June 5, 2017, his mother, Kassie McAtee, thought he seemed unwell. He looked pale, felt cold and clammy, and seemed lethargic. Kassie brought Kyler to the Urgent Care at CoxHealth Branson Hospital, where he was seen by physician assistant Hollis Smith. […]
Dec 3, 2020

What If You’re In An Accident In Another State?

With the leaves gone and a chill in the air, our minds turn toward the upcoming holiday season and travel. For millions of Americans, this means a time-honored tradition: the road trip. But what should you do if you’re in an accident while on your road trip in another state? Or, what if an out-of-state […]
Nov 16, 2020

What Are the Real Causes of Trucking Accidents?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 2,734 fatal crashes involving trucks and buses in 2019. About half of those accidents involved a large truck and a passenger vehicle. 3,087 people died in those crashes. Fatigue, speeding, drugs, and alcohol are major factors in motor vehicle crashes. The Large Truck Crash […]
Oct 30, 2020

I Signed a Waiver of Liability – Is It Enforceable?

Have you ever signed a Release or Waiver of Liability form before doing a risky activity like rafting, skydiving, or zip-lining? Or before your child could play sports? Businesses try to protect themselves from lawsuits with a form that says you agree to “release, indemnify and hold harmless” the business if you are injured for […]
Sep 22, 2020

My Loved One Died in a Nursing Home

It has been months since we could visit parents and family members in nursing homes. And without families to hold the nursing home accountable, too many of our elders are being neglected If your loved one dies, can you be sure they received quality care? Will you receive all the facts? Or might the nursing […]
Aug 5, 2020

Justice for All

Dating back hundreds of years, trial lawyers have believed that justice is a basic human right. As the centuries passed from the dark ages to the age of enlightenment, from governments ruled by kings and emperors to those where the people became free to decide who their leaders would be, the notion of what justice […]
Jul 17, 2020

America’s Growing Nursing Shortage

Even before COVID-19, the medical industry was suffering from nursing shortages. Now, hospitals and clinics are cutting more staff in response to the current crisis. A reduced nursing staff puts patients at risk. If you’re injured or don’t receive adequate care because of the nursing shortage, who’s at fault? Why is There a Nursing Shortage? […]
Jul 16, 2020

Is COVID-19 Causing More Trucking Accidents?

Our country relies on long-haul trucking to deliver most of the food and products that we use every day. Since the COVID-19 lockdown began, the purchase and distribution of goods from online shopping has also exploded. Driver fatigue has always been a leading cause of trucking accidents. Since 1938, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety […]
Jul 13, 2020

Should You Move Your Vehicle After A Car Wreck?

After being involved in a car wreck, one of your first thoughts may be whether you should move your vehicle off the roadway. The answer depends on the severity of the wreck, whether there are injuries, and whether the vehicle can be moved safely. For minor wrecks involving minor property damage with no injury, you […]
May 18, 2020

National Merit Scholarship Won by Annaliese Vorhees of Joplin High School

At Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci, we believe in the importance of celebrating the achievements of our local community. While we are often applauding for friends and neighbors, it is a great pleasure to be able to announce that one of our very own family members is in the spotlight today. Annaliese Vorhees, daughter of Partner-Attorney […]
Apr 3, 2020

Attorney Scott J. Vorhees Awarded as “10 Best in Missouri for Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys

Congratulations to Attorney Scott J. Vorhees on receiving a “10 Best in Missouri for Client Satisfaction” award from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys! Each year, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys (AIOPIA) recognizes the top lawyers in each state for their excellence in providing service and support to injury victims. Attorneys can […]
Feb 6, 2020

Johnson Vorhees & Martucci Participates in CASA Program

At Johnson Vorhees & Martucci, our community means a lot to us, which is why we are major advocates for community volunteer work. It gives us great pride to know that our employees are taking the lead as servants within their respective communities. The CASA program is one of the great volunteer opportunities our JVM […]
Jan 16, 2020

A Joyful Christmas: JVM Partners with Lafayette House

We believe that a community is strongest when all its members support each other. We make it our mission each year to better our community in every way possible. For the past few years we have partnered with Lafayette House to bring Christmas to their clients. Lafayette House is a sanctuary for individuals in unfortunate […]
Dec 18, 2019

How to Get Your Car Road-Trip Ready

The holidays are quickly approaching, and as most of us know, there will be far more vehicles on the road en route to their holiday destinations. Last year, AAA estimated that more than one-third of Americans would travel for the holiday season, totaling a record-breaking 112.5 million travelers. In order to ensure that you and […]
Dec 5, 2019

What Is the Most Dangerous Highway in Missouri?

Whether you live in Missouri or travel through often, there’s a good chance that you have probably driven on Highway 63. This road stretches the length of Missouri and is a popular road for travelers and commuters across the state. A recent report has shown that this road is one of the deadliest roads in […]
Nov 15, 2019

Can Bad Weather Impact Your Car Accident Case?

It’s no secret that bad weather can increase the potential for danger and the chance of car collisions. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration show that around 23 percent of crashes each year are weather-related. Those in the Four States area know all too well the harsh conditions that winter months […]
Nov 4, 2019

What Is Considered Pain and Suffering?

As many of us understand, car accidents can lead to devastating physical injuries that can impact a person’s life indefinitely. What many individuals don’t realize is how difficult it can be to recover from the emotional injuries of an accident. When it comes to car accident claims, It’s possible you have heard the term “pain […]
Oct 17, 2019

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci Win $1M Verdict in Bonetti Case

Friday, October 11, 2019, was the third anniversary of Chef Marcel Bonetti’s death. It was also the day a jury in St. Charles County, Missouri found fault on the part of Dr. Peter McCarthy, M.D., an emergency department physician at Barnes Jewish St. Peters hospital, for his passing. Case Background Marcel Bonetti, a renowned Springfield […]
Oct 15, 2019

Halloween Safety Tips for the Road

Each year, children look forward to dressing up with their favorite costumes on Halloween night and roaming the neighborhoods to trick-or-treat. While their costumes may not be real, the accidents that can occur accidents certainly are. This night becomes the perfect situation for more car accidents and pedestrian accidents due to a variety of reasons: […]
Oct 4, 2019

Can Social Media Hurt Your Personal Injury Case?

Did you know that 69% of adults in the U.S. use some form of social media? In today’s digitally-based era, it’s become a commonhold to post consistently online. Many people use social media as a means to communicate, express themselves, and share their thoughts and feelings. When someone is injured in an accident and is […]
Oct 2, 2019

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci Presents 2nd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Event

Last year, Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci had the honor of being the title sponsor for the first-ever Wine, Women & Shoes event that benefitted The Victim Center. This year, we are proud to be acting as the event’s presenter and key sponsor! Important information about the 2nd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes charitable event: Date: […]
Sep 18, 2019

Distracted Driving Is Slowly Becoming the New Drunk Driving

Distracted drivers are increasingly becoming major risks to others sharing the road. While DUI-related accidents still cause the most deaths and injuries, accidents involving distracted drivers are growing in numbers. Statistics show that 3,450 people were killed and another 391,000 people were injured in 2016 as a result of distracted driving. What Causes the Distraction? […]
Sep 16, 2019

No-Contact Crashes: I Swerved to Avoid A Texting Driver. Who Is Liable?

There have probably been times when you have been driving, attentive to the road, when suddenly a driver moves into your lane, completely unaware of your presence, and causes you to swerve in order to avoid a collision. In many instances, we may be able to avoid colliding with other vehicles and objects while doing […]
Aug 26, 2019

What You Need to Know About Labor Day Car Accidents

Since 1894, the first Monday in September has been a national celebration of the contributions that workers have made to the well-being and prosperity of our country. Labor Day has become a holiday that is much looked forward to by individuals across the United States. Many individuals look forward to their long holiday weekend, planning […]
Aug 16, 2019

Common Summer Accidents and How to Prevent Them

During the summer months, many of us will be partaking in the typical summer pastimes: taking a dip in the pool, going for drives with friends and families, having barbeques, and lighting fireworks on the Fourth of July.   It’s important to remember that your safety and that of your family comes first. Many of […]
Aug 14, 2019

Can You Sue a Distracted or Reckless Driver?

Accidents due to distracted driving are on the rise in the US due in large part to increased smartphone use while driving. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people are killed annually in distracted driving collisions. On top of this number, thousands more are injured, with some even suffering […]
Aug 6, 2019

Jury Verdict Awarded Over $1 Million to Victim of Esophageal Injury Caused by Negligent Doctor

On February 23, 2015, plaintiff James “Gary” Cooper underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication by defendant Dr. Jeffrey Kellar at North Hills Surgery Center. During the surgery, a dilator, called a bougie, was passed into Gary’s esophagus. It was noted by Dr. Kellar that there was difficulty passing the bougie. During the surgery, a perforation of […]
Jul 17, 2019

Rolling with Giants: Tips for Sharing the Roadway

In today’s busy world, many of us are constantly on the run. With the constant go, go, go, it is easy to forget about those not so gentle giants we share the road with – semi-trucks.  It is almost certain that whether you’re traveling through town or on the highway, you will be in the […]
Jun 6, 2019

Safety Tips for Roundabouts

Roundabouts have become increasingly prevalent on our roads as a means of efficiently moving traffic and reducing delay. They are an alternative to traditional all-signal intersections and feature a yield sign which directs drivers around a center circular roadway. Though they have been statistically proven to be safer than traditional intersections, roundabouts are still the […]
May 29, 2019

Auto Accident Claims in Arkansas & Missouri: What’s the Difference?

With the summer nearly upon us, many are planning getaways from the daily grind. And, as is frequently the case in our four-state area, many of these are likely short weekend trips across state lines. Residents cannot wait to have the open road in front of them, the wind blowing through their hair, with the […]
May 24, 2019

Memorial Day Safety Tips

Holiday weekends have an exceptionally high number of traffic accidents and incidents. In fact, the National Coalition for Safer Roads did a comprehensive study that found Memorial Day weekend to be the most dangerous holiday for drivers. We’ve put together some safety tips to stay safe on the roads during this upcoming holiday weekend. Prepare […]
Apr 22, 2019

What Sets Us Apart

If you are reading this, most likely you or a loved one have suffered a serious personal injury and need an experienced team of lawyers who can give you the advice and assistance that you need. But your internet search has taken you to a barrage of very slick web sites created by highly paid […]
Apr 19, 2019

What is Third-Party Liability in a Car Accident?

Chances are that most people will be involved in at least one accident during their life. While car accidents can range from minor to severe, even minor accidents can end up costing thousands of dollars when you add up medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Just as it is important to […]
Mar 18, 2019

Can I Sue On Behalf of a Family Member?

When one of your family members can’t represent themselves in a lawsuit, a family member might be able to file a suit on their behalf. There are, as always, certain situations that’ll limit whether this is possible or not. Your best bet would be to get in touch with a personal injury attorney for help […]
Mar 13, 2019

Proving Fault in a Car Accident Claim

All automobile accident cases are centered on proving who is at fault. Each driver involved in a car wreck is probably concerned about who is at fault or liable for the wreck. The driver who is at fault will be responsible for paying the harms and losses caused by that car wreck. The truth about […]
Feb 15, 2019

Can a Passenger Ever Be At-Fault in a Car Accident?

As the person behind the wheel, the driver directly holds the responsibility of making sure that their passengers arrive at their destination in a safe and legal manner. The bottom line is that drivers should do everything in their power to avoid having distractions that prevent them from focusing completely on the road. But what […]
Feb 7, 2019

Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident to Protect Your Rights

In the United States alone, over six million car accidents occur each year. One in 3 of these accidents will lead to some kind of personal injury to the occupant; out of that figure, 2 out of 10 will involve fatal injuries. If you are ever involved in a car accident, you should immediately seek […]
Feb 5, 2019

Dangerous Driving Trends Around Football Sunday

Football Sunday is one of the meccas of American culture. It’s by far the biggest sporting event of the year. In fact, last year, over 103 million people tuned in to watch the event, making it the most viewed television event of the year. Those that don’t attend the game live usually end up hosting […]
Jan 16, 2019

Attorney Johnson Represents Infant Wrongful Death Case Against Mercy Hospital

The Case On December 20, 2018, Sam and Melanie Blair filed a wrongful death claim against Mercy Hospital Springfield, Mercy Clinic Springfield Communities, and Dr. Amr Nabaah. The couple claims that a doctor’s misdiagnosis is responsible for the death of their 9-month-old son, Charles “Charlie” Blair. Springfield News-Leader’s breaking news reporter Harrison Keegan reported on […]
Jan 9, 2019

When Unsafe Choices Lead to Wrongful Death

A very nice lady, whose husband of 50 years had died from medical neglect, recently told me that she could never sue someone for wrongful death – that only God decided when our day of passing would be. However, she wanted the health care providers held accountable for what happened to her husband.  To her, […]
Nov 16, 2018

I Was Hurt in a Car Accident, Do I Need an Attorney?

At Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci, we are committed to helping clients in Joplin with their accident and injury claims. If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered an injury, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Visit our law office today to speak with our experienced attorneys and find out how we […]
Oct 30, 2018

2018 “Show Me the Constitution” Competition

Scott Vorhees Helps High School Students Prepare for Dec. 2018 “Show Me the Constitution” Contest At Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci, we are doing our part to help form the generation of great legal minds. Attorney Scott J. Vorhees is currently helping students on the Joplin High School Constitution Team prepare for the annual Show Me […]
Sep 10, 2018

Circles Joplin Receives $18,000 in Donations

Local organizers teamed up to raise roughly $18,000 in donations to help Circles Joplin. JOMO Adventures, SNC Squared, and the Joplin Elks Lodge all raised donation funds that will go towards the local non-profit. Circles Joplin is a locally based, non-profit community program. With Circles Joplin, people are able to support one another through friendship […]
May 2, 2018

Scott Vorhees Recognized As Best Community Activist

Attorney Scott J. Vorhees, a partner at our firm, has recently been recognized as “Best Community Activist” by KOAM, the four-states most watched news service. Scott volunteers with several organizations, including Circles of Joplin and the Joplin School system. Our firm, Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci, is exceedingly proud of Scott Vorhees’ recent accomplishment and the […]
Feb 6, 2018

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci Secure $38.5 Million Jury Verdict for Victim of Catastrophic Injury

After a five-day jury trial, a Cherokee County, Kansas jury returned a verdict for Kara Hansen on February 2, 2018, for $38,500,000.00. Roger Johnson and Anna Pace of the law firm Johnson, Vorhees, and Martucci represented Ms. Hansen, a 20-year-old resident from Riverton, Kansas. Ms. Hansen was catastrophically injured on April 9, 2014, when her […]
Apr 11, 2017

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci Wins Reader’s Choice Award by the Joplin Globe

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci are honored to win The Joplin Globe Readers’ Choice “Favorites of the Four States” contest for 2017. Our Joplin personal injury attorneys are recognized as one of the area’s most successful and reliable law firms. The Joplin Globe is a daily newspaper covering Southwest Missouri, Northeast Oklahoma, Southeast Kansas, and Northwest […]
Jan 30, 2017

Most Dangerous Interstates in the United States

With the many distractions at our disposal, vehicle accidents are common occurrences on highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Report System that covered data from 2010 to 2015, an average American spends around 293 hours driving around 10,900 miles every year. With that amount of time on the roads, the […]
Jan 17, 2017

What to Do About Incorrect Car Accident Police Reports

Information in a police report will hold monumental significance upon the result of your car accident claim. It will determine whether or not you are held financially liable because the report is, for the most part, viewed as being objective truth. After a car accident, there are typically two types of accident reports that provide […]
Jan 9, 2017

Liability Involved in a Self-Driving Car Accident

Should a carmaker be held liable in a self-driving car crash? Who can you hold responsible for injuries if you have been harmed from a self-driving car accident? When an autonomous car crash occurs, it is important to know what type of claim to file and against whom. One Current Self-Driving Car Accident Case Tesla […]
Dec 20, 2016

Attorney Spotlight: Anna Pace

Attorney Anna Pace’s passion for helping others arose from a personal tragedy she experienced during her youth. When she was 15 years old, her father was killed in a trucking accident caused by another party’s carelessness. After her family sought justice with the assistance of Roger Johnson and the law firm now known as Johnson, […]
Dec 13, 2016

Parking Lot Safety and Holiday Shopping

Buying gifts for your family and friends and preparing holiday meals can be both exciting and stressful. Every year, when holiday season approaches, we do our best to be as prepared as possible. As you weave in and out of parking lots and stores, buying what you need and perhaps a few additional items, you […]
Dec 6, 2016

Is a Personal Injury Settlement Taxed?

Being involved in an accident is arguably one of the most stressful experiences a person and their family can go through, especially when the injuries are caused by another’s negligence. If you are considering filing a lawsuit or have recently won a settlement, you may have concerns about the tax implications. When you are trying […]
Nov 22, 2016

What Makes an Injury Catastrophic?

After a particularly violent accident – whether it be a car accident, motorcycle accident, medical malpractice incident, and so on – a person may be said to have suffered catastrophic injuries. For many people, the thought of being injured seriously in any way can seem catastrophic. Why, then, is this distinction sometimes made? By medical […]
Nov 16, 2016

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

One of the greatest challenges someone can face after being hurt in a truck accident is proving that they are in no way liable for what happened. Overcoming this obstacle becomes easier once you get an understanding of some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler truck accidents. If you can identify one of those […]
Nov 15, 2016

Tati Scholfield-Johnson Joins Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci is proud to announce the addition of Tati Scholfield-Johnson as our firm’s 10th attorney! Tati will practice primarily out of our Springfield office and will bolster our firm’s strength in handling personal injury matters throughout the region. Tati is the oldest daughter of Attorney Roger Alan Johnson and Piper Scholfield and […]
Nov 11, 2016

Building a Medical Record for Your Injury Case

During the personal injury claims process, the total end value of a claim will depend largely on a victim’s injuries and the specific damages that were suffered as a result. However, in order to maximize the value of a settlement, claimants must be able to provide evidence which details the exact nature of their injuries. […]
Oct 31, 2016

Former Joplin Police Officer Charged with Misconduct

While many members of law enforcement are honest, hardworking people who work to ensure the safety of the community at large, unfortunately, not all police officers adhere to the laws they have sworn to protect. A prime example of this reality comes in the form of a recent officer misconduct scandal in which a now-former […]
Oct 17, 2016

Attorney Roger Johnson Honored by Best Lawyers in America

Attorney Roger Alan Johnson of Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci has been selected for inclusion in the 23rd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law: Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation: Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation: Plaintiffs! This marks the second time Attorney Johnson has been honored by the organization, […]
Sep 14, 2016

Injuries Caused by Pokémon Go

It has been nearly two months since the release of “Pokémon Go” and criticisms of the game continue to mount amid reports that an elderly woman in Japan was struck and killed by a distracted driver. Collisions and injuries due to Pokémon go are not isolated events and a quick google search will turn up […]
Aug 17, 2016

Tips for Defensive Driving & Accident Avoidance

In order to get a driver’s license or permit, everyone needs to show their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that they know how to drive safely. But with time, the safest driving habits can be forgotten or left behind, and even veteran drivers can endanger others when they’re behind the wheel. If you want […]
Aug 3, 2016

2015 Could See Large Spike in Fatal Car Accidents, Says NSC

Each year, the National Safety Council (NSC) and other safety organizations collect fatal car accident statistics to compare them to previous years in hopes of seeing an improvement and understanding what is causing traffic collisions. Due to the sheer amount of information, it can take up to two years to get the final numbers. However, […]
Aug 1, 2016

Top 3 Safe Driving Public Service Announcements

Fatal car accidents are a persistent problem across the country with thousands of motorists losing their lives each year and many, many more suffering severe or permanent injuries. One of the greatest challenges of promoting safe driving behaviors that safety organizations have faced in their efforts to prevent fatal collisions is just getting people to […]
Jul 13, 2016

Nearly All Hoverboards Officially Recalled by CPSC Action

Ever since the winter holiday season ended, hoverboards – the two-wheel mobility devices – have been in the news for starting house fires and bucking riders off unexpectedly. Now, after months of collecting injury reports, including 3rd-degree burns and broken bones, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has at last announced an official widespread recall […]
Jun 30, 2016

Notice and Filing Deadlines for Personal Injury Cases

The law does not like looking too far back into the past to come to a decision. Evidence and memories will only get less reliable as time goes on, so statutes of limitations exist to prevent people from creating lawsuits and claims too far after the contested event took place. While statutes of limitations create […]
May 12, 2016

Common Signs of Dangerous Premises

If you are injured on someone else’s property, you need to be able to prove that they were negligent in caring for your safety or clearing up a hazard. To strengthen your premises liability claim, evidence is key, especially photographs of the area immediately after the accident. Unless you are a lawyer, insurance adjuster, or […]
Feb 24, 2016

Damages in a Catastrophic Injury Claim

A personal injury of any type can set you back financially as well as cause you undue pain and suffering. Litigation surrounding a standard personal injury case can still be complex and require a careful eye for detail and a tenacious lawyer by the plaintiff’s side. By definition, catastrophic or serious injuries are personal injuries […]
Feb 10, 2016

Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident

As evidenced by the number of car accidents in America each year, which range well into the thousands, even the best defensive drivers on our roads can get blindsided by a reckless motorist. The erratic maneuverings of an intoxicated driver or someone who is texting behind the wheel are simply too difficult to predict and […]
Feb 3, 2016

Are Some Doctors More Prone to Medical Malpractice Than Others?

Members of Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Law School have recently released the results of a study that used 10-years’ worth of statistics to complete. What were they trying to find that required a decade of numbers, facts, and evidence? The purpose was to analyze paid medical malpractice claims to determine if certain […]
Jan 12, 2016

High costs of brain injury can sink accident victims, P.2

In our last post, we spoke briefly about the high costs of brain injury for accident victims and their families. As we pointed out, it is important for accident victims to work with an experienced attorney for help and guidance in building a strong damages case. Building a strong case for damages means not only […]
Jan 5, 2016

High costs of brain injury can sink accident victims, P.1

Serious brain injury is all too common in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were a reported 52,000 deaths from brain injury between 2002 and 2006, as well as 275,000 hospitalizations, and over 1.3 million emergency room visits. More recent statistics show that roughly 1.7 million people sustain […]
Dec 30, 2015

Communication about medical errors and medical malpractice litigation, P.1

Communication is an essential ingredient when it comes to effective medical care and patient satisfaction. The reasons for this should make sense to those who have ever been involved in the medical system—which is all of us. On the front end, good communication between patients and physicians—as well as other caregivers—can help reduce mistakes. On […]
Dec 30, 2015

Communication about medical errors and medical malpractice litigation, P.2

In our last post, we mentioned recent research from ProPublica showing that failure to communicate about medical errors is a common occurrence, despite the fact that better communication from providers and facilities can help reduce medical malpractice costs. One good example of this is the so-called “Michigan Model,” an approach used by the University of […]
Dec 11, 2015

Looking at the issue of cargo securement in the trucking industry

Truck accidents can occur for all sorts of reasons, and commercial vehicle drivers and their employers have a duty to see to it that they are not only abiding by all state and federal safety regulations, but engaging in business practices which promote safety on the roadway. Truck safety regulations cover a variety of issues, […]
Nov 24, 2015

What is the importance of non-economic damages in med mal cases? P.2

In our previous post, we began speaking about non-economic damages in the context of medical malpractice litigation. Last time, we spoke about situations or reasons why noneconomic damages can be important in medical malpractice litigation: cases, for example, where the medical costs resulting from negligence are not particularly significant, and cases where the specific injury […]
Nov 17, 2015

What is the importance of non-economic damages in med mal cases? P.1

In our last post, we mentioned a case which has been appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court involving the issue of whether a 2005 tort reform law bars non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases involving allegations of wrongful death. The case is certainly an important one since it will help define the extent of damages […]
Nov 10, 2015

Appeal involves issue of noneconomic damages in wrongful death med mal cases

Noneconomic damages can be a very important aspect of medical malpractice litigation, particularly in cases where economic damages are—for whatever reason—not adequate to justly compensate an injured patient. Unfortunately, some states put caps on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases, including Missouri. At present, there is a court challenge to a state law capping the […]
Nov 4, 2015

Proposal to increase trucking weight limit struck down in House

When it comes to improving highway safety, no stone should be left unturned. One particularly important stone is trucking safety, and federal regulators, it seems, are continually working to work at improvements in this area. One of the more recent issues under consideration in this area is whether lawmakers should change federal law so that […]
Oct 27, 2015

Causation an important issue in medical malpractice litigation

In our last post, we began speaking about a medical malpractice case in which the family of a man who died of cancer is suing a physician who failed to detect the presence of cancer. The family is claiming that the physician’s negligence meets the causation requirement because the man lost the opportunity to receive […]
Oct 21, 2015

Malpractice liability for untimely death of terminal patient?

In any medical malpractice case, there are four general elements that must be proven. These are: duty; breach; causation; and harm. While public discussion of medical malpractice tends to focus a lot on the elements of duty and breach, causation is a very important aspect of any medical malpractice case. Proving that a physician breached […]
Oct 21, 2015

Roger Johnson Receives “Lawyer of the Year” Award

Roger Johnson of Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci was honored as the Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation in the Springfield community. Only a single lawyer in each community can receive this honor for his or her respective practice area. Roger was also selected by his peers for inclusion in the […]
Oct 21, 2015

Roger Johnson Receives Thomas G. Strong Trial Attorney Award

MATA’s (Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys) Award Selection Committee has named Roger Johnson of Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci in Joplin as the 2015 recipient of the Thomas G. Strong Trial Attorney Award. He will be honored during MATA’s Annual Banquet & Awards, Saturday, June 27 at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. Johnson […]
Oct 21, 2015

The National Association Of Distinguished Counsel

PRESS RELEASE Founding partner of Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci, Scott J. Vorhees has been given a rare and always well-deserved recognition by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC) that places him in the top one percent of all attorneys in the United States. The NADC is a highly respected organization dedicated to promoting and […]
Oct 7, 2015

Seek assistance of experienced legal counsel after accident

Distracted driving is ubiquitous in the United States, and is an issue with which every state is currently struggling. Here in Missouri, particularly in Southwest Missouri, there is also a problem with distracted driving, and given that the number of highway fatalities over the last year has significantly increased, it wouldn’t be surprising if increased […]
Sep 3, 2015

NTSB reports findings on Tracy Morgan crash

Missouri readers may remember that actor-comedian Tracy Morgan was in the news quite a bit last year after a serious highway accident in New Jersey. Initial reports of the accident indicated that the truck driver who was involved in the accident had been severely fatigued at the time of the crash, and that this was […]
Sep 3, 2015

Tracy Morgan crash raises issue of seat belt use in personal injury cases

In out last post, we began speaking about the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board regarding a crash in which actor-comedian Tracy Morgan was involved last summer in New Jersey. As we noted, one of the findings was that the truck driver who caused the accident was definitely fatigued, as initial reports pointed out. […]
Aug 28, 2015

Website finds Missouri has some of the worst drivers in country

Source : https://www.carinsurancecomparison.com/which-states-have-the-worst-drivers/ When you are driving down a Missouri road or highway, you may have encountered many bad drivers. Perhaps you have experienced several near misses because the other driver was texting while behind the wheel or doing any other activity that has sapped his or her attention from the task of driving. As […]
Aug 21, 2015

Is medical malpractice litigation a viable option for me? P.3

We’ve been speaking in our last couple posts on the issue of when medical malpractice may or may not be a viable option when a patient is harmed by a doctor in the course of treatment. As we’ve noted, there are a variety of factors that go into determining whether medical malpractice litigation is a […]
Aug 12, 2015

Is medical malpractice litigation a viable option for me? P.2

In our last post, we began speaking about some of the factors that play into medical malpractice litigation, particularly when such litigation may or may not be a viable option for an injured patient. As we noted, the viability of a medical malpractice case really depends on specific factors, such as the extent and seriousness […]
Aug 10, 2015

Could cameras in the OR make surgery safer?

Many people in Missouri have heard stories of surgeries gone wrong. From objects being left inside patients to operations on the wrong body part, these surgical errors make it hard not to feel a little nervous about the thought of undergoing an operation. Those who feel concerned about the possibility of surgical errors may be […]
Aug 7, 2015

Is medical malpractice litigation a viable option for me? P.1

When a patient is injured by a negligent physician, the costs can be significant, not only in terms of health, but also in terms of money. Naturally, patients should expect that the medical provider will take responsibility for the mistake and assist the patient when negligence occurs. The unfortunate reality is that this doesn’t always […]
Aug 6, 2015

6 vehicles, 8 injured involved in massive crash in Missouri

A terrible accident on Route 30 in Missouri involved six vehicles — one of which was a commercial vehicle — and left the westbound lanes closed for a while. The wreck left eight people with injuries. Two of the victims were taken to a hospital via airlift due to the severity of their injuries, and […]
Jul 24, 2015

The dangerous phenomenon of sick doctors still going to work

Of all the people in the world that you would think would undoubtedly stay home from work when they are sick, you would have to say “doctors” or “medical professionals,” right? These are people who constantly work with the sick, or those who are suffering from serious medical conditions. Medical professionals know how an illness […]
Jul 21, 2015

Did Gov. Nixon hurt Missourians by signing SB 239?

Whether you’re a follower of the news or a follower of our blog, chances are good you’ve heard about Senate Bill 239, which passed through the Senate and House with majority approval just months ago. As we explained in a March 11 post, the bill intended to put a cap on noneconomic damages received in […]
Jul 17, 2015

After an accident, can a victim develop PTSD?

Life is unpredictable. It’s a saying we’re sure many of our readers have heard someone here in Joplin say before. But while this saying can be applied to happy occurrences, it can also be associated with bad ones as well. Take for example a car accident. In most cases, collisions with other vehicles happen suddenly […]
Jul 3, 2015

Trucker cited for crash one day, causes another on I-75 the next

On June 24, the driver of a semi-truck apparently sideswiped another truck as he was trying to pass. No one was hurt, but he was cited for careless driving. The next day, the same trucker was headed down a stretch of I-75 in Tennessee. Traffic had stopped due to construction, but the trucker didn’t notice […]
Jul 2, 2015

Spread the word: Distracted driving is a life-taker

Despite what we now know about alcohol’s effects on driving ability, it took a long time for drivers in the United States to really recognize the dangers of drunk driving. To illustrate, consider that the annual number of drunk driving deaths has been reduced by half since Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded more than […]
Jun 23, 2015

Making a Difference

There is a different type of determination when one has a cause worth fighting for. A flinty, quiet resolve, where one’s back is iron-firm regardless of the push back. Unrelenting tenacity. An unwillingness to let the bully have his way. You don’t bully Patrick or those whom he cares about. Always on the side of […]
Jun 22, 2015

Who’s to blame if Google’s autonomous vehicles get in accidents?

The world is changing rapidly these days, and sometimes the law doesn’t maintain the pace of those developments. We all appreciate technological changes that help keep us safer, of course, but sometimes we forget to check into how those technologies might affect our legal rights, don’t we? When it comes to safe travel on our […]
Jun 19, 2015

One year later, Wal-Mart and Morgan reach settlement

Tracy Morgan made so many people laugh on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. he also had a very successful stand-up career, in addition to other film and television commitments. Everything was going great for him — until last summer. While in a vehicle with multiple other people, Morgan was severely injured in a truck […]
Jun 17, 2015

Missouri lawmakers attempt to resurrect malpractice cap

When you go to a physician, you expect that they will use their best efforts to treat your condition. Unfortunately, many physicians fall short of this standard and commit medical malpractice, which sometimes results in patient injuries (or death in some cases). When this happens, you would expect that the law would allow you to […]
Jun 5, 2015

FMCSA may emphasize behind the wheel training for novice drivers

Sometimes, there is a clear “correct” way to accomplish a given goal. If a goal is not pursued in this specific way, the goal’s outcome will not be achieved. For example, if one wants to serve beef lasagna to several guests but chooses to use eggplant as a substitute for beef while cooking the dish, […]
Jun 2, 2015

The reality of robotic surgery hacking threats

Electronic technology affects an ever-growing number of objects and processes which impact the daily lives of countless Americans. There are numerous benefits to the pervasive presence of electronic technology in daily life. However, it is important to understand the potential hazards and threats which may arise from becoming increasingly dependent on this specific influence. For […]
May 9, 2015

Recovery under Missouri law for the loss of a loved one

Missouri law allows those losing close family members to negligent acts to hold the responsible party accountable. The unexpected loss of a loved one can cause painful feelings. If the loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s carelessness, the experience is particularly horrific. In addition to the feelings of emotional loss, the death can […]
May 8, 2015

Permanent birth control method may place patients in danger

Patients understandably trust their physicians to recommend treatment plans which will ultimately work to improve their medical conditions as opposed to negatively impact them. Unfortunately, some dangerous treatments remain on the market even after patients and physicians alike have reported that these treatments can be far more hazardous than beneficial. For example, a number of […]
May 1, 2015

Patients lose when physician arrogance goes unchallenged

Being a doctor remains one of the most prestigious professions in America. In many cases, the prestige is justified because of the difficulty of the job and the skill and professionalism which many doctors display. Unfortunately, there are plenty of doctors who behave in ways that are unprofessional and even childish. A recent article in […]
Apr 27, 2015

Honoring National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Some of our readers may believe that this month of observance is unnecessary. After all, numerous educational campaigns, technological innovations and local laws are already helping to curb the prevalence of distracted driving behavior. However, it is important to understand that distracted driving continues to kill a staggering […]
Apr 13, 2015

Whiplash is not an insignificant injury

In the wake of motor vehicle accidents, some injuries are immediately apparent. Lacerations, broken bones, severe bruising and other injuries can usually be initially assessed with the naked eye. However, other injuries are not always visible. Internal bleeding, bone bruises, concussions and whiplash injuries can take time to become apparent. It is important to understand […]
Apr 3, 2015

Important patient safety documents released

Over the past few weeks, several important documents related to patient safety in America have been released. These documents should help to give lawmakers, medical professionals and the public a clearer sense of which patient safety issues remain pressing. Unfortunately, the most recent documentation released indicates that many patient safety issues still need to be […]
Mar 25, 2015

Inside truck accident numbers

If truck accidents involving 18-wheelers and cars were boxing matches, the referee would stop the proceedings before the opening bell. It just wouldn’t be a fair fight. The average passenger car weighs about 3,200 pounds, while big rigs can tip the scales at 80,000 pounds. When a 40-ton truck hits a car weighing two tons […]
Mar 23, 2015

Roger Johnson Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers

Roger Johnson has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the nation’s most prestigious organizations for lawyers. The induction ceremony took place before an audience of approximately 585 people during the recent 2015 Spring Annual Meeting of the College in Key Biscayne, Florida. Founded in 1950, the College is an […]
Mar 16, 2015

Dangerous driving on St. Patrick’s Day

On behalf of Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci posted in Wrongful Death on Monday, March 16, 2015. It was 1,554 years ago that the patron saint of Ireland died on March 17. Though he wasn’t even Irish, St. Patrick lived on in the hearts and minds of Irish immigrants who came to the U.S. generations ago, […]
Mar 15, 2015

Liability questions arise when self-driving cars crash

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it still make a noise? If no one is driving a car and the car crashes, is anyone responsible for the damage? These two potentially maddening questions are really not so different from each other. And as a result, […]
Mar 14, 2015

ATTORNEY ADMITTED TO AMERICAN COLLEGE OF TRIAL LAWYERS

One of our founding partners, Attorney Roger Johnson has been granted membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers. The American College of Trial Lawyers is one of the most prestigious and elite associations in the national legal community. It spans the United States and Canada, admitting only litigators of the highest rate who have […]
Mar 11, 2015

Bipartisan deal will hurt Missouri medical malpractice victims

A few days ago, the Missouri Senate gave its initial approval to a compromise bill that would reinstate caps on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims. Malpractice award limits were overturned three years ago by our state’s highest court. Now, however, it appears that Republican and Democrat lawmakers might have forged a bipartisan deal that […]
Mar 4, 2015

Things to know about medical malpractice

Medical malpractice is one of the most difficult areas of law. Not only are the medical issues extremely complex, but so are the legal issues. You might remember this attention-grabbing line from Forbes a couple of years ago: “According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), medical negligence is the third leading cause […]
Mar 3, 2015

Self-delusion and “addiction” keep drivers texting, despite risks

By now, most drivers are well aware that texting behind the wheel is a dangerous habit that substantially increases the risk of car accidents and injuries. However, as anyone who has taken a peek through the windows of passing cars can verify, many Missouri motorists seem unwilling or unable to stop. WHY DO DRIVERS DO […]
Feb 25, 2015

Police say drunken Joplin man caused accident, injuries

A 22-year-old Joplin man is facing charges that he drove drunk, caused a motor vehicle accident that injured two people, and also endangered a child. The man allegedly drove his pick-up through the stop sign and flashing red light at the intersection of Highways 43 and 60. His truck crashed into a Ford SUV headed […]
Feb 23, 2015

Young life cut short on Missouri jobsite

We read recently of a young man who was just 22 years old when his life came to an end without warning and without reason. He was at work as an apprentice ironworker — a new job he had only held for a few weeks — when he fell from a steel girder just nine […]
Feb 4, 2015

Unintended consequences of medical malpractice caps?

It wasn’t that long ago that we here in Missouri had a cap on compensation for damages in medical malpractice cases. You undoubtedly recall that our state’s Supreme Court struck down the cap in 2012. Unfortunately, there have since then been multiple attempts to reinstate the caps that benefited big insurance corporations at the expense […]
Jan 30, 2015

What’s the safest month for driving?

As everyone in Joplin knows, our weather can be brutal and it can be beautiful. Snow can fly in spring and rain can fall in winter. So which month is the safest for driving? Many might assume the safest month would be in summer when there’s no ice or snow to make roads treacherous. But […]
Jan 22, 2015

Most important winter driving tip for truckers: slow down

Just an hour northwest of Joplin, you can find the town of Parsons, Kansas. It was recently the scene of a truck accident that began when the driver of an 18-wheeler lost control of his vehicle, which jackknifed and crossed the road’s centerline, slamming into an oncoming pickup truck head-on. The 88-year-old driver of the […]
Jan 15, 2015

Wrongful death suit pits Missouri mother against utility company

Like a giant, aquatic dragon, the Lake of the Ozarks sprawls across central Missouri. The 90-mile lake is more than a tourist attraction; its Bagnell Dam northeast of Joplin generates electricity powering tens of thousands of homes and businesses in our state. Oral arguments before the Missouri Supreme Court are scheduled to soon begin in […]
Jan 6, 2015

Profits Ahead of People

That’s where insurance company priorities lie. They are in the business of putting profits ahead of people. This is never more obvious than when a person is in a Jasper County car accident and sustains a traumatic brain injury that can require surgery, long-term treatment and rehabilitative therapies. That is precisely when an insurance company […]
Dec 31, 2014

Tonight’s the night: Please be careful driving

It’s likely to be the biggest party of the year in Joplin tonight. Revelers will see 2014 out the door and usher in a brand new year at midnight. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous nights of the year to be out driving, as intoxicated people get behind the wheels of autos and […]
Dec 22, 2014

Medical malpractice ‘super losses’ on the rise

Sometimes when people see a headline about a medical malpractice case in which the victim of a doctor’s negligence receives substantial compensation, they think it’s like the victim won the lottery. The problem with this line of thinking is that it overlooks the fact that victims of medical malpractice have been injured by a doctor. […]
Dec 18, 2014

Distracted driving: by the numbers

As the end of 2014 draws near, we look back at another year that has gone by without significant advancement in the effort to reduce the dangers distracted drivers pose on Joplin streets and Missouri highways. Motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers include cars, tractor-trailers, motorcycles and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic […]
Dec 11, 2014

Congress may suspend trucking rest regulations as part of budget deal

Right now, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are busy debating a funding bill that must be passed by midnight in order to avoid a possible government shutdown. While the primary sticking points appear to cover such widely varying issues as immigration and banking reform, there are also other provisions included in the draft funding bill that […]
Dec 4, 2014

Perry Mason moment near end of medical malpractice case

For those of a certain age, Perry Mason was a riveting TV attorney character who brilliantly represented clients at trial, often prevailing as the result of a last-second revelation or confession by a key witness. An attorney who represented a client in a dental malpractice case said he recently went through a Perry Mason moment […]
Dec 3, 2014

Blast of winter returns to Joplin

Last winter in Joplin was foot-numbing, face-freezing, finger-cracking cold and this year’s blast of icy weather is likely to be no better. Fortunately, we can prepare for what is ahead. AAA has a number of winter driving tips that can help motorists avoid motor vehicle accidents that cause injuries. AAA’s winter driving advice includes the […]
Nov 20, 2014

Being fully alert to the dangers posed by drowsy truckers

“You know what? I dozed off. Man, I just dozed off.” That is reportedly what a trucker recently told a witness to a truck accident that resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. The drowsy trucker slammed his enormous tractor-trailer into nine vehicles. It’s just one example of the nightmares that can come true when […]
Nov 13, 2014

Head Injuries Change as Children Grow

As Joplin parents know, growing children are always in search of better ways to move. They start out crawling, but are soon walking, then running and eventually driving. Each method is riskier than the one that preceded it in the child’s evolution. A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that […]
Nov 6, 2014

Study: medical malpractice laws don’t reduce health care costs

It has long been claimed in Joplin and across the nation that our healthcare costs are soaring because doctors are forced to order expensive tests that patients don’t need. Doctors claim that they order the unneeded tests – often referred to as “defensive medicine” – to guard against medical malpractice claims. That’s what physicians have […]
Oct 30, 2014

Holidays prompt spikes in young adult drinking and driving

Holidays can be special days for fun and relaxation, as well as festivities that honor and celebrate important events and people. Each one brings its own unique joys, traditions and meanings not only to Joplin, but across Missouri and the U.S. Unfortunately, some people use holidays as an excuse to drink and drive. In many […]
Oct 22, 2014

Honoring the memories of the loves of his life

The story in the Joplin Globe of a Pittsburg girl, her mother and her dad is enough to break your heart and at the same time reaffirm a belief in the goodness of most people. The girl was just 13 years old when she was killed with her mom in 2009 by a drunk driver […]
Oct 14, 2014

Missouri distracted drivers: “leading cause of all traffic crashes”

The words from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant hit hard: “Distraction is the leading cause of all traffic crashes in the state of Missouri,” he told a Joplin news outlet. Hopefully, his words will also serve to awaken people to the dangers of distracted driving. Those motor vehicle accidents cause injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians […]
Oct 8, 2014

Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in U.S.

The statement is a shock to our national pride, but according to studies, it’s true: medical negligence and preventable error is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It trails only cancer and heart disease. According to a study published last year in the Journal of Patient Safety, medical negligence kills at […]
Oct 8, 2014

Jury: woman to receive $25.3 million in medical malpractice case

Sometimes a headline like the one above this blog post is misunderstood. People can see the dollar amount and think that the person has received a windfall, like winning the lottery. Of course, the reality is far different. The 53-year-old woman in this medical malpractice case lost all four of her limbs; both arms, both […]
Sep 30, 2014

Distracted driving: by the numbers

Just one injury. Just one death. Everyone should understand that even a single distracted driving injury or one distracted driving fatality is one too many. Yet we still see distracted drivers every day all across Joplin and Jasper County. Distracted driving isn’t by any means a problem restricted to our city, county or state. It’s […]
Sep 24, 2014

What causes truck accidents?

Those of us who live in the Joplin area are familiar with the web of highways and interstates that crisscross and surround the city. We depend on the large commercial trucks that make their way in and out of Joplin to carry our products off to others and to bring in needed merchandise and supplies. […]
Sep 17, 2014

Update on woman whose kidney was thrown away by nurse

Regular readers of our Joplin law blog will undoubtedly recall an article we published a little more than a year ago, telling the story of a woman whose donated kidney was thrown away. Her brother had donated the organ to help his then-24-year-old sister, but before it could be transplanted, a nurse at the hospital […]
Sep 8, 2014

What is medical malpractice?

When you go a Joplin hospital, you expect to get a certain standard of care in any treatment you receive for an injury or illness. That level of care should be what a reasonable, prudent physician or hospital staff would do (or not do) in treating a patient in similar circumstances. Medical malpractice occurs when […]
Sep 4, 2014

What can families do when road safety efforts fail?

This past weekend, police officers could be spotted in Joplin and across Missouri trying to slow drivers down as people sped home from Labor Day getaways and celebrations. In much of the state, law enforcement efforts were successful in keeping drivers safe. Unfortunately, at least one Missouri family has to grapple with the aftermath of […]
Aug 28, 2014

Labor Day is time to go slow, sober, safe and focused

Like all of the major holidays, Labor Day is not only a celebration, but also an annual touchstone. When we get to Labor Day, we know a scorching Joplin summer is about to give way to a kinder, gentler autumn. It’s also a time to wrap up the summer with a last round of picnics, […]
Aug 22, 2014

Lifelong love ended by medical malpractice

They were teenage sweethearts who got married and raised a family. When the husband died of a heart attack 22 years after they had taken their wedding vows, he was still a young man of 40. Everyone no doubt agrees that that’s a young age at which to have a heart attack. According to a […]
Aug 19, 2014

One fatal Missouri truck accident causes another

It’s nearly 250 miles from Joplin to Missouri’s Boone County, but it’s the kind of hours-long haul truck drivers make routinely. Unfortunately, it’s not always the kind of haul that can be made safely. Earlier this week, a pair of truck accidents on Interstate 70 took two lives. One person died in Boone County in […]
Aug 5, 2014

Doctors operate on medical malpractice attorney’s knees

It is understandably a somewhat awkward situation when an attorney who handles medical malpractice cases must go in for surgery. However, that was the subject of a recent column by a Missouri attorney about 150 miles north of Joplin. He has had arthroscopic surgery done on both his knees, and because he deals with cases […]
Jul 30, 2014

Head-on crash near Joplin: two dead, three seriously injured

Just about an hour’s drive north of Joplin sits the tiny town of Sheldon, Missouri. The quiet there was shattered on a recent Sunday afternoon when two cars collided head-on about a mile north of town on Interstate 49. A car driven north by a 92-year-old Sheldon woman was reportedly in the highway’s southbound lanes […]
Jul 24, 2014

Truck accident leaves four dead, four injured

Most truck drivers are good people who are concerned with highway safety. But as in all other lines of work, there are some who break the rules and make their peers look bad. One of the most commonsafety regulations broken in trucking is the rule restricting the hours a truck driver can drive and work […]
Jul 16, 2014

7-Year-Old Traumatic Brain Injury Victim Sees Dream Come True

The dreams a 7-year-old girl has are often very different from the ones her parents will have for her. In the case of one little girl, she dreamed of a little backyard playhouse all her own. Her family had even bigger dreams for the young victim of a traumatic brain injury: that she would one […]
Jul 1, 2014

Fourth of July DWI crackdown ready to roll

The Fourth of July holiday celebration is going to get off with a bang not far from us in Joplin. Just a short drive on Interstate 44 will take you to Lawrence County, where law enforcement officials are determined to do their level best to prevent car accidents caused by drunken drivers over the big […]
Jun 25, 2014

Wrist-slaps for DWI drivers can result in heavy, later price

The numbers are staggering. A Missouri man has been convicted of DWI six times, yet spent less than a total of two years behind bars for the offenses (state law says that after three convictions, a person can be sentenced to 15 years in prison). His criminal record stretches far beyond the repeated drunk driving […]
Jun 18, 2014

Senators to try to stop rollback of truck safety regulations

As far as the trucking industry is concerned, it’s always a good time to roll back regulations that restrict how long truckers can drive per day. However, in the wake of national headlines generated by thetruck accident that killed a man and left comic Tracy Morgan with critical injuries, several U.S. senators say they don’t […]
Jun 10, 2014

Motorcycle, construction zone warnings go unheeded

Every year at this time, Missouri law enforcement officials warn motorists to slow down and obey traffic signs in construction zones. Drivers are also cautioned to pay attention to other vehicles on the roads, and to keep watch for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes. Those warnings appear to have gone unnoticed before a recent […]
Jun 4, 2014

Shaping the future of car safety

The Joplin Globe recently ran an article that had us wonder: what would you do if you had an invention with the potential to save thousands of lives every year, but the device was illegal to operate? That’s the dilemma technology giant Google faced with its driverless cars. The vehicles piloted by computers might well […]
May 29, 2014

Medical malpractice caps: ineffective wherever they’re tried

Every state in the nation wrestles with decisions over how best to serve its citizens. In Missouri, we have repeatedly wrestled with different approaches on the how to handle cases in which patients are harmed by doctor or hospital negligence. Florida is currently faced with similar decisions on medical malpractice after its state Supreme Court […]
May 22, 2014

Police: driver fell asleep before Granby accident

The people of Granby are rightfully proud of their quiet, small community just 25 miles southeast of Joplin. The quiet was shattered on a recent Monday morning, however, when a 72-year-old woman walking on Main Street was struck and killed in a car accident. Law enforcement officials said the 22-year-old woman driving a southbound vehicle […]
May 15, 2014

Joplin area fatal car accident

Four dead in three vehicles involved in two crashes not far from Joplin on one recent Saturday afternoon. The numbers can’t possibly convey the depth or breadth of the tragedies involved in those fatalities in those nearly simultaneous motor vehicle accidents. The crashes took place on Highway 43, just two miles north of Seneca. The […]
May 6, 2014

Monitoring medications reduces medical errors in children

As every Joplin parent knows, you’re going to worry whenever you take your child to a hospital. A parent worries about the illness or injury their child has, how painful the condition might be, how long recovery might take, and a host of other concerns. Parents might worry even more if they knew that a […]
May 1, 2014

Truck accident leaves mom and son with devastating injuries

If you drive about 30 miles north of Joplin, you come to the town of Frontenac, Kansas. Two weeks ago, an elementary school principal, her son and her assistant were stopped mid-morning in a car at a stoplight. That’s when a Kenworth tractor-trailer slammed into the back of the 34-year-old principal’s vehicle, shoving it forward […]
Apr 21, 2014

Traumatic brain injury turns to triumph

Last year’s Missouri Tigers football team enjoyed a remarkable comeback season. But the team’s resurgence pales in comparison to the rebound being made by one of its members from a traumatic brain injury. Just 10 months ago, he was a passenger in a car driven by a university track and field athlete. Along for the […]
Apr 4, 2014

Overturned gas truck suspected of traveling too fast

A March 28 truck accident outside of Reeds Spring, Missouri fortunately only resulted in injury to the truck driver. The truck driver was operating a 1997 GMC 7500 truck and was hauling gas at the time that the accident occurred. The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that the truck was traveling at too high of a […]
Mar 27, 2014

Waiting: is it the most dangerous part of an ER visit?

Most people would agree that timeliness is an important factor in good medical care. That is, the sooner a medical problem is correctly diagnosed, the more likely it is that treatment can be effective. The problem is that in many emergency rooms, patients have to wait long periods before they ever see a doctor or […]
Mar 21, 2014

Wrong-way Missouri car crash results in death, injuries

About an hour east of Joplin, a Missouri man was recently killed as he drove the wrong way on U.S. 65. The 57-year-old Marshfield man drove south in the northbound lane before slamming head-on into a mid-size SUV driven by a 42-year-old Cape Fair woman. She was injured in the motor vehicle accident this past […]
Mar 10, 2014

Older drivers: Safer than ever before

The Baby Boom generation has been America’s largest generation in history. But as its members began to gray and approach retirement, safety researchers worried that aging Boomers would increase the number of car accidents on our nation’s highways. But older Joplin drivers should be reassured: today’s drivers age 70 or above are less likely to […]
Mar 4, 2014

Missouri car crashes take five lives

In two moments of violent collisions, five lives were ended this past weekend. Two of those killed were teenagers and one was just 20 years old in the car accidents north of Joplin. Two University of Central Missouri students died in a three-vehicle accident this past Saturday afternoon. A 49-year-old man was also killed in […]
Feb 28, 2014

Missouri House tries again to protect negligent doctors

The Missouri House of Representatives is trying to circumvent our state’s Supreme Court. Two days ago, the House backed a proposal to restore limits on medical malpractice compensation for people who have been harmed by a negligent doctor or hospital. The proposal would reinstate the $350,000 cap on noneconomic damages that the court struck down […]
Feb 25, 2014

What you should do after a car accident

Don’t be unprepared for a car accident. Take the time to keep yourself informed about what steps to take right after and even proactive measures. The unexpected has happened. You were on your way to work. You were driving to the grocery store. You were just stopping by a friend’s house. However, your day has […]
Feb 18, 2014

Man killed roadside while helping grandson

Grandparents not only share wisdom earned over their years, but most important, they show their love. A Missouri grandfather was recently helping his teenage grandson with a troublesome car when tragedy struck. The 64-year-old grandfather was killed in a car accident as he sat in his vehicle with his grandson on Missouri 152, about 160 […]
Feb 13, 2014

Study: brain trauma increases risks of PTSD

Many people go through life thinking they and their loved ones will be spared injuries or illnesses that strike down others. Unfortunately, life is rarely that simple or easy. As many Joplin families know, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can happen in the blink of an eye in car accidents, falls, sports mishaps and other sudden, […]
Feb 7, 2014

Federal officials: High tech can reduce car accidents

The Joplin Globe reports that federal transportation officials are pushing automakers to incorporate new communications technology in vehicles. The tech won’t allow drivers to talk to friends or get directions or receive texts, however. Instead, it will enable new passenger vehicles to talk to each other. Officials say if the technology were to be employed […]
Jan 21, 2014

Study: Girls who suffer concussions in soccer, continue to play

With the approach of this year’s World Cup, interest among Joplin boys and girls in soccer is likely to grow. While some parents might breathe a sigh of relief when their children choose a “safe” sport such as soccer, they should understand that every sport carries risks of injuries to players. A recent study published […]
Jan 14, 2014

How quickly can a car accident happen? “Just like that”

They happen in a heartbeat. Or perhaps car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers really happen when the drunken person climbs behind the wheel of their vehicle. A Jasper County Circuit Court judge in Joplin will soon weigh evidence presented in a trial in which a 27-year-old man will be accused of second-degree assault by driving […]
Jan 7, 2014

Missouri man sentenced for son’s death in car accident

Ninety miles east of Joplin, a Missouri man was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Sparta resident pleaded guilty to charges involving the death of his three-year-old son and injuries to four other people in a car accident. The 34-year-old was behind the wheel of a Toyota when the car crossed the highway’s […]
Jan 2, 2014

McDonald County crash takes 2 sisters’ lives, injures 4 others

An Arkansas family is undoubtedly reeling with grief after a recent fatal accident in McDonald County. Two sisters, 20 and 16 years old, respectively, died at the scene of the crash, and four other people suffered injuries that ranged from serious to moderate. A number of victims were taken to nearby hospitals either by air […]
Dec 30, 2013

Joplin man dies in chain reaction truck crash on Interstate 44

The last days of 2013 were marred by the loss of a 44-year-old Joplin man in a series of crashes on Interstate 44 in Lawrence County. Law enforcement officials said that the chain reaction of collisions began with a truck accident. Afterwards, the Joplin man was dead and seven others injured in a series of […]
Dec 16, 2013

Missouri lawmakers plotting medical malpractice cap reinstatement

As 2013 winds down, Missouri lawmakers are laying plans for what they hope to accomplish in the new year. For some legislators, a top priority is to help protect the medical industry in cases of medical malpractice, when patients are injured by a negligent doctor, nurse or hospital staff. Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones has […]
Dec 12, 2013

Study: Trucks involved in disproportionate share of accidents

There is no doubt that in Joplin, we rely on commercial trucking to bring goods in and out of our city. There’s also no doubt that heavy, fast-moving tractor-trailers increase dangers on Missouri’s interstate highways and city streets. Findings from a recent study show that big rigs are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents. […]
Dec 3, 2013

Driver given probation in Missouri Southern State player deaths

Two years have gone by since a drunken driver flipped an SUV, and two Missouri Southern State University football players were killed on their way back to Joplin. The driver is now 21 years old; two of his teenaged companions that night will never reach their 21st birthdays. A judge recently granted the driver probation […]
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Joplin, MO 64801
417-206-0100

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Springfield, MO 65802
417-720-1366

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