Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) program, which provides disability benefits to many Americans who can no longer work to support themselves and who meet certain requirements.

For some of those who apply for SSD benefits, their condition is so severe that the wait for benefits approval can be difficult or impossible. For these individuals, the SSA maintains a “Compassionate Allowances” list. The Compassionate Allowances list names those medical conditions that entitle a person to immediate approval of an application for SSD benefits.

In early December 2012, the SSA updated the Compassionate Allowances list to include 35 additional medical conditions. Many of the additions fall into one of three categories. They include genetic conditions, congenital medical conditions, and several types of cancer, including cancers typically experienced in childhood. They also include several neurological conditions.

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Whiplash causes damage to the muscles, nerves, and soft tissues of the neck when a rapid head movement pushes them beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash injuries can occur in car accidents, amusement park ride accidents, or any other situation in which the head snaps forward and back quickly.

If you suspect you have whiplash, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In the meantime, resting from your usual activities can help reduce pain and stiffness and prevent additional injury. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain if taken according to the directions on the package or your doctor’s instructions. Heat or ice packs may also help ease pain and swelling, but take care to avoid further injury from frostbite or burns. A physical therapist can help you learn stretching and strengthening exercises to heal after a whiplash injury.

Continue reading " Whiplash Injuries Can Be a Source of Serious Harm " »

Many Missourians prepare for the risk of bad winter weather by having their vehicles checked, packing a winter driving kit, and watching the weather forecast to prepare for rough roads. However, winter weather can cause on-the-job injuries as well - and not only to workers whose jobs require them to drive.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some common sources of on-the-job injuries during the winter season include:

• Frostbite. Frostbite occurs when the deep layers in the skin tissue begin to freeze. Its symptoms include waxy-white or pale skin and loss of feeling. The toes, fingers, nose, and ears are often the first parts affected by frostbite.
• Hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Uncontrollable shivering indicates hypothermia, and so do a slowing down of thought and speech, stumbling, and difficulty moving or handling tools.
• Snow and ice. Snow and ice can cause slip and fall injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Injuries from large loads of snow or ice chunks falling off roofs or other structures can also occur.
• Downed power lines. Any winter storm can knock down power lines, and Missouri energy workers are often required to fix them - in some cases, before a storm has ended. Electrocution is a risk, as well as falls or being struck by a falling pole, line, or other equipment.

Continue reading " Missouri Winters Can Cause On-the-Job Injuries Too " »

Every New Year, thousands of Missourians make the resolution to exercise more frequently and improve health. Unfortunately, when exercise equipment contains hidden defects, the results of exercising might be serious injuries.

One example is the Cybex Leg Press, for which the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have issued a recall. The recall applies to Cybex model 16110, which was sold to commercial gyms between July 2009 and September 2010. About 430 leg presses were sold for about $4,035 apiece.

The leg press has been recalled because the CPSC and Cybex have received reports that the mechanism that holds the weights in place can fail, and so can the backrest. If one or both of these fail while the press is in use, the person using it can suffer serious injuries. So far, four reports of failure have been received, but none mentioned any injuries.

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Herniated disk injuries occur in the spine, which consists of bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another. Between each pair of vertebrae is a piece of cartilage known as a “disk.” The disks cushion the vertebrae, create space in the spine, and allow spine to move, so that its owner can stand, bend, reach, and twist. A “herniated” disk occurs when one of the disks moves out of place. If the disk breaks open, it is known as a “ruptured” disk.

Many different accidents or events can cause a herniated disk. On-the-job injuries that involve twisting awkwardly or lifting heavy objects can result in a herniated disk. A slip and fall injury might cause a herniated disk as well. Motor vehicle accidents can also cause herniated or ruptured disks, along with any other type of spine injury.

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When kids see the pile of holiday presents waiting just for them, toy safety is often the last thing on their minds. However, both children and adults have jobs to do when it comes to practicing toy safety.

To help kids learn to play safely, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers a toy safety coloring book that lets kids learn toy safety while also having fun. The coloring book is available online and is printed in both English and Spanish. It contains several pieces of advice for Missouri families to keep in mind during the holiday season, such as:

• Choose safe toys at the toy store. Safety should be measured both by the age and capabilities of the child and the toy’s design, construction, materials, and intended uses.
• Put toys away after playing. Toys scattered around the floor can cause someone to trip and fall. Even very young children can help put away their own toys.
• Read directions together. Adults and children should read the directions on toys together, so that everyone knows how to use the toys safely.
• Teach older children to protect younger ones. Older children should keep younger siblings away from toys that are not age-appropriate. This includes keeping small pieces out of the reach of babies and toddlers.
• Fix broken toys promptly. A defective product, such as a toy with a broken or loose part, can cause injury.

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