Category Archives: Personal Injury

Kansas City Injury Attorneys Ask Party Hosts: Could More than the Game Be on the Line this Super Bowl Sunday?

January and February can be pretty cold and dreary months for much of the country. Sure, late November and December are not sunny and bright months, but with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s everyone seems to be too busy to notice or care. But once the trifecta of festivities is done and over with, it can be a let down not to having anything on the social calendar until Spring Break. But in recent years, this has changed.

A new “holiday” per se has popped up that requires no gift giving or fancy dress-up attire: just good food, good people, and a television. Yes, Super Bowl Sunday has become not just a day for football fans, but a reason to throw a party. It helps that even if you are not a pigskin fan, the commercials are often just as good if not better than the game itself. Not to mention, there is always the never dull half-time show. Some folks tune in just because they know it will be the main topic of conversation around the water cooler at work on Monday morning. If, however, you are tempted to host a Super Bowl party, there are a few things you should know before you invite people over.

The biggest thing you should be aware of is that by hosting a party, you could open yourself up to liability. In other words, one or more of your party-goers could sue you. If this sounds highly unlikely, did you know that you could be held liable if someone eats contaminated food at your home and later becomes seriously ill? Also depending on the state where you host your party, you could be liable as a “social host” if one of your guests overindulges and gets into an accident. You may also be on the hook if a person slips and falls on your walkway or driveway, or even within your home. To protect yourself, you do not have to cancel the party, but do make sure to take the following steps:

  1. Check your insurance policy. If you want to know if your homeowner’s or renter’s policy will cover a guest who slips and falls or gets food poisoning, you need to check your policy by calling your insurance agent.
  1. Be careful with the food. Sure, hosting a party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. Which is why many hosts have guests each bring a dish, order take-out, or if the party is large, have food catered. Any of these three options lessens the cooking burden for the host but, still do not eliminate a potential liability problem. A host can be held liable if a person becomes ill from food served, even if the host did not make it. The best way to prevent foodborne illnesses is to make sure that hot food is kept hot and cold is kept cold and if you are in doubt as to whether a food is still safe to eat, toss it.
  1. Extend the party for guests who have imbibed too much. While Kansas and Missouri do not have “social host” liability which extends Dram Shop liability to hosts that let intoxicated adults leave their home, other states do. But for everyone’s safety, please extend the party for folks who need to sober up or call them a ride.

If you or a loved one were injured at a party due to the negligence or recklessness of another, it is important to know that you may have legal recourse. The Kansas City Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and carefully review the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P we are devoted to helping injury victims!

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys Caution Motorists to Take Heed this Travel Season

Did you know that the time between Thanksgiving and New Years Day is one of the peak times for roadway accidents? A not so great fact if “I’ll be home for Christmas” is one of your goals. To keep you and your fellow travelers safe during your holiday and New Year’s travels, take a moment to review why caution is needed this season:

  1. Road Conditions: Traveling through hills of white in a one-horse open sleigh sound may sound downright magical, traveling through a snow-covered highway in a car without 4-wheel drive can be a downright nightmare. Even the smallest amount of snow can make the roadways slippery and hazardous. Make it a habit to check road conditions before you head out. If weather forecasters are calling for inclement weather, consider altering your travel plans.
  1. Traffic Congestion: You can tell it is the holiday season when it seems like there are more people on the road than ever before. During the holidays, traffic congestion is everywhere. Remember, that navigating in congestion requires a driver’s complete attention and a sack full of patience. If you find yourself becoming frustrated, keep in mind that losing one’s cool never helped anyone get to where they were going any faster.
  1. Fatigued Drivers: During this time of year, people are often so busy that they find themselves burning the candle at both ends of the stick. They are early to rise to get to work, but also out late with last minute shopping and holiday parties. With so many things to do before the big day arrives who can afford to sleep? Sadly, too many drivers fall victim driving on too little shut-eye. Drowsy drivers are not only a danger to themselves but also to everyone on the road with them. A recent study found that motorists who had between 6 and 7 hours of sleep a night were two times as likely to be involved in a car accident compared to motorists who had at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
  1. Aggressive Driving Behaviors: Let’s face it, not everyone handles the pressures of the holiday well which means that you are likely to encounter motorists who are scraping the bottom of their patience barrel. Be on the lookout for drivers who are honking the horn, weaving in and out of lanes, speeding, tailgating, and lane-blocking—all signs of an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving or road rage is a leading cause of accidents, so do yourself a favor and steer clear of drivers who are taking their frustrations out on the road.
  1. Impaired Drivers: Unfortunately, Christmas trees are not the only things “lit” this time of year. While it okay to enjoy a cup of cheer if you are of legal drinking age, do not indulge if you are the person in charge of driving the sleigh home. If you do plan to hit the eggnog, plan to call a rideshare service, a cab or take public transportation.

If you suffered serious injuries after being involved in an accident this holiday season, it is important to contact a skilled Kansas City Injury Attorney who can protect your rights! The Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have more than 60 years of combined experience, helping accident victims in both Kansas and Missouri. Our seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys will fight to make sure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. To see how our seasoned team of Injury Attorneys can help you, call Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.

Kansas City Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Discuss How to Avoid Getting Burned This Holiday

The holiday season in the United States is synonymous with cold winter weather. From “Baby, Its Cold Outside” to “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!” it seems that every carol creates the images of a snow-filled paradise. Despite the cold, each song always seems to talk about the warmth of the season. So even if it is a “Winter Wonderland” outside, inside everything is always a warm, glowing, with lots of the hustle and bustle. Considering most of the country does not have a good chance of having a white Christmas, at least the second part of this carol-theme holds. So even if you are celebrating the season in Hawaii signing “Mele Kalikimaka,” inside you can be just as festive as if you were celebrating in Fargo, North Dakota. Because no matter where in the country you are over the holidays, homes tend to be a bit chaotic this time of year.

While festive warmth is good this time of year, a burn injury is not. But sadly, this time of year can be prone to certain kinds of burns. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones this season from getting burned. The following are the best tips to avoid each of the four most common types of holiday burn injuries:

  1. Kitchen Burns: Holiday cooking often means that the oven is on and every burner on the stove is occupied. All it takes is one pot handle to be sticking out for a person to receive a serious burn. Kitchen burn injuries are also caused by splattering cooking grease. To prevent a burn injury in the kitchen, have someone monitor the stove at all times. Do not let cooking food unattended and keep your pot handles out of harm’s way!
  1. Hot Liquid Burns: Sipping a hot drink by the fire is not just the stuff of Christmas carols! Nothing is better on a cool evening than enjoying a glass of hot chocolate or mulled wine. But to prevent someone from being accidentally burned, keep hot liquids away from curious youngsters and avoid filling cups more than ¾ full.
  1. Electrical Burns: When is the last time you purchased new lights? If you cannot recall you are not alone. Many people use the same lights as they did last year and years before that. The problem with old lighting is that it can become worn and the wires exposed and cause an electrical burn or even a fire. To prevent an injury, inspect your lighting each year and replace as needed. Also, never string more light sets together than what is recommended by the manufacturer.
  1. Thermal (Heat) Burns: When it is bitter cold outside, you may need some extra warmth inside. Maybe you turn on the fireplace or a space heater. Make sure that if you use any of these heating devices that they are never used unsupervised around small children who may be tempted to touch a heat source or open flame.

Burn injuries can be very painful and result in lifelong physical and emotional scars.  Always seek immediate medical attention in the case of a burn injury.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious burn injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another, it is important to know that you have legal options. The Kansas City Catastrophic Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and carefully review the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P we are dedicated to helping injury victims!

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys Share Three Top Tips for Safe Highway Holiday Travel

 

Depending on where you live and where you work, highway driving may not be a daily occurrence for you. Often most of our day to day trips keep us on the same local streets and roads. However, holiday travel is different and often takes you on roads that you may not have traveled for since this time last year. To keep you and your loved ones safe when you hit the interstate this holiday travel season, keep these highway driving safety tips in mind:

  1. Choose your start time carefully. Before heading out for a long car trip, it is always a good idea to do some advanced planning. If possible, try to head out early in the day before the morning rush hour starts. Not only will you avoid the traffic hassles but also maximize you’re the number of daylight driving hours. Also, be sure to check the weather. Avoid starting a multi-state trek during poor weather conditions that can decrease visibility or make roadways hazardous. Sometimes leaving a few hours earlier or later than you originally planned can make a huge difference quality and safety of your trip.

 

  1. Know how to share the road with commercial vehicles. The sad reality is that the overwhelming majority of commercial vehicle accidents (more than 70 percent) are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles. Since highway driving requires sharing the road with these oversized trucks, it is important to understand how to maneuver around them when needed. Keep in mind these rules when driving around semi-trucks:
  • Keep your distance. Four seconds is the minimum safe following distance for large trucks.
  • Look for the mirrors. If you cannot see a truck’s mirrors, the driver of the truck cannot see you. Avoid driving in these blind spots.
  • Never cut off a truck. It can take a semi-truck up to two football fields to come to a complete when traveling at 65 mph. Remember, a rear-end collision with a large commercial vehicle can be a life-ending event.
  • Pass quickly. Do not take your sweet time when passing a semi-truck.
  1. Stay alert! The best safety tools any driver has is their basic senses. Most accidents happen when drivers occupy one or more of their senses with a task other than driving. For example, when a driver takes one or both of his or her hands off of the steering wheel, he or she is not able to swerve or maneuver properly to avoid hitting a road hazard. Likewise, a driver who has taken his or her eyes off the road, maybe to adjust the radio, would not see that the car in front of them has hit the brakes. Drivers put themselves and others in the most dangers when they take more than one of their needed senses out of the driving game. For instance, drivers who are the under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower and delayed reaction times, and their overall judgment is impaired. Cell phones are similarly dangerous in that they can take a driver’s eyes, hands, and mind away from the task of driving.

If you suffered serious injuries after being involved in a highway accident, it is important to contact a skilled Kansas City Injury Attorney who can protect your rights! The Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have more than 60 years of combined experience, helping accident victims in both Kansas and Missouri. Our seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys will fight to make sure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. To see how our seasoned team of Injury Attorneys can help you, call Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney Warns of Food Recalls in Advance of the Holidays

Once upon a time, the scariest critters known to humanity were large beasts. Now, the things that frighten us most cannot even be seen with the naked eye. Lions, tigers, and bears have been replaced with listeria, E. coli, and salmonella. And of course, just in time for the holiday season, another round of food recalls have been issued. So before you start preparing for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any other meal at your house, make sure you check to see if any of the items lurking in your pantry, fridge or freezer are on the list of recalled products. The following are the some of the biggest recalls Americans needs to be aware of:

  1. Romaine lettuce. The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has put out a warning advising Americans in all 50 states to avoid romaine lettuce as it may be contaminated with E. coli. Restaurants, retailers, and consumers have been advised to toss any romaine lettuce that they have after more than 30 people in 11 states, and part of Canada have become ill. Since no one distributor or source has been identified, consumers are advised to avoid all forms of romaine, whether they purchased it whole heads of the lettuce or as part of salad mix.
  1. Raw turkey products. Since July, more than 160 people in 35 states have gotten ill after eating turkey products that were contaminated with salmonella. One person had died, and another 63 have been hospitalized. Jennie-O Turkey Stores, LLC has recalled more than 90,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products. But no one distributor has been identified, so officials think that the problem could be widespread in the turkey industry, as tests have food the bacteria in pet food and live turkeys. In light of the salmonella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has reminded consumers to wash hands after handling raw poultry and to cook turkey product If you have any of the recalled products in your freezer, consumers are encouraged to throw out the product or return it to the grocery store for a refund.
  1. Duncan Hines cake mixes. ConAgra has recalled four types of its Duncan Hines cake mix due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall was issued after the finding the bacteria in retail samples. Three people in three different states report becoming sick after eating cake or raw cake batter, but the illnesses have not been confirmed to have come from the recalled Duncan Hines products. To be safe, consumers who have the recalled cake mixes are being told not to use them and can return them to the store for a refund.
  1. Ground beef. JBS Tolleson has recalled more than 6.9 million pounds of beef after the product was suspected to be contaminated with salmonella. More than 245 people in 25 states fell ill after eating the meat. Consumers are encouraged to check their freezer for the recalled products. To find out more information about the recall, visit the USDA website.
  1. Raw chicken. More than 90 people have become sick after eating different brands of chicken products. The culprit is salmonella infantis, which has been found in raw chicken products as well as live chickens, which may be an indication that this problem is industry wide. There has been no warning by the CDC or other agencies for people to stop eating chicken products at this time. However, consumers are reminded to handle raw poultry carefully and to cook it to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you or a loved one become seriously ill after consuming foods infected with the listeria, salmonella, or E. coli bacteria, it is important to know that you may have legal recourse for the injuries you suffered. The Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at the Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation. Our compassionate team of attorneys will make it a priority to fight for your rights and to hold any wrongdoers accountable. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys Share Tips to Stay Alert as Part of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

If you have ever gotten behind the wheel, feeling not quite so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you are not alone. The National Sleep Foundation (“Sleep Foundation”) found that around 60 percent of drivers report having driven while drowsy. A drowsy driver puts not only him or herself in danger but also puts everyone else on the roadway with him or her. According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 100,000 police-reported accidents involving a drowsy driver each year.  It further estimated that 41,000 people are injured, and more than 800 were killed every year in accidents caused by drowsy drivers. But experts in the fields of sleep science, traffic safety, and public health believe these estimates are low. Experts widely agree that the real estimate is closer to 7 percent of all crashes and 16.5 percent of all fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver and cause closer to 6,000 death each year.

Despite the statistics, people still brush off the risks of driving drowsy. They still did equate lack of sleep with something more serious like driving under the influence. But did you know that lack of sleep mimics blood alcohol concentration? In other words, driving after having not slept in 18 hours is the same as driving with a .05 BAC. After 21 hours without sleep a person is at the .08 limit (the legal limit in every state), and after 24 hours without sleep, a person is well above the legal limit resembling a .10 BAC.

To help raise awareness of the dangers of drowsy driving, the Sleep Foundation has a public awareness campaign entitled “Drowsy Driver Prevention Week.” The goal of the program is to educate drivers about the dangers of driving fatigued and how it is a real traffic safety and health issue. The campaign this year is slated to run November 4 – 11th. But do wait until then to start! Start utilizing these important safety tips today!

  • Get a good night’s sleep. The best way to be an alert and safe driver is to get a full night’s sleep. For some adults, this means getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep, while for other adults and teens it may be closer to 8-10 hours of sleep. The key is to know what is right for your body.
  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration can often make people feel fatigued or sometimes even hungry. By drinking at least eight glasses of water a day you can help ward off feelings of sluggishness behind your desk and behind the wheel.
  • Behold the beauty of a power nap. While some people believe you have to be a baby or a toddler to take a nap, others in the know understand the beauty of a short nap. Often called a “power nap,” these short 10 to 30-minute snoozes can leave a person feeling refreshed and if kept at this short length, not feeling groggy afterward.
  • Travel long distances with a companion. If you need to make a long drive, especially at night, it is often best to travel with someone who will help keep you alert. This person can sense if you are getting sleepy and can also take turns driving.
  • Take a break. If you are driving and begin to yawn or feel drowsy, please take a break. You can pull into a gas station and walk around a bit. The cool night air can sometimes help combat drowsiness. You can also try having a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage to help you perk up. If you can park safely, you can also try to take a power nap.
  • Drive sober. Unless you know how a medication affects avoid taking medications that can cause drowsiness before driving. Remember, alcohol is a depressant, and even a small amount can increase a person’s feeling of fatigue.

If your loved one was seriously injured or killed after being involved in an accident with a drowsy driver, it is important to contact a seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney. The skilled Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can evaluate your case and determine whether you can hold another party liable for your injuries. Trust our team of skilled attorneys to fight until justice has been obtained. The Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. are here to work for you, just as they have worked for countless injury victims around the area, both in Kansas and Missouri. To schedule, a consultation contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.

Kansas City Injury Attorneys Remind Parents About “National Teen Driver Safety Week”

Ask any parent of a child 15.5 to 17 years of age, what stresses them out more than anything, and the answer will often be him or her “driving.” It does not take a control freak to understand the inherent dread parents feel while sitting in the passenger seat while their child gets behind the wheel. Parents also know that while teens are closer to being adults than toddlers, they are still blissfully unaware of all of the inherent dangers that come with being in the driver’s seat.

The good news is that one of the best ways to help your teen become a better driver is to talk to them about the specific dangers that teen drivers face. Use the national “Teen Driver Safety Week” to kick off regular safety discussions with your teen. The education campaign starts the 3rd week of October, but be sure to keep the conversations going every week. Help your teen understand the dangers that he or she may face behind the wheel. The following list can help:

  1. Lack of experience behind the wheel. Teens are more likely to be involved in a crash in their first year of driving. To combat this statistic, work with your teen to help him, or her obtain at least 30 to 50 supervised hours of driving time behind the wheel before allowing them to drive solo. Use these supervised hours to take your teen on a variety of roadways, during different times of day and weather conditions.
  1. Other teens and too many passengers. It is a simple fact that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident when they have one or more teen passengers in the car. If your state does not set a limit on passengers for teen drivers, consider placing a rule limiting to zero or one non-adult passenger.
  1. Alcohol and other drugs. Press upon your teen that there is no amount of alcohol that is safe to consume and then drive. Parents may want to consider having their teen sign a contract about the expectations with regards to drinking and driving and what teens can and should do if they do consume alcohol. It is better to have a plan in place than to pretend it cannot happen.
  1. Fatigue or drowsiness. Let’s face it; teens are busy. Teens often fall short of the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. Parents can help by knowing their teen’s schedule and making sure they have a good night’s rest before handing over the car keys. Since drowsy driving is often worse at night, a time when most teen fatal crashes occur, make it a rule that your teen is off the road by 9 or 10 pm for at least the first six months of licensed driving.
  1. Speed is often a factor in accidents involving teen drivers. A rule you may want to make for your teen driver is if he or she receives a speed ticket that they lose their license for a set period, need to pay the ticket and the increase in car insurance. Teens need to understand that there are serious consequences for speeding.
  1. Stress to your teen that when he or she is behind the wheel, there is no “multi-tasking.” That means, no calling, no texting, no eating, and no playing with the radio. Parents can help by making sure they model these rules when they are behind the wheel as well.
  1. Inconsistent or lack of regular seat belt usage. In a 2011 study, slightly more than half (54%) of teens reported wearing a seat belt when someone else was driving. Remind your teen always to buckle up and make sure that they see you wear a seat belt every time you are in a vehicle.

If your teen driver was injured after being involved in an automobile accident, it is critical that you schedule an appointment to speak with a seasoned Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney. Only an experienced Injury Attorney can make sure that his or her rights are protected. The attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. are skilled advocates who have helped countless accident victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain just compensation. Our compassionate team of attorneys will fight to protect you and hold the wrongdoers accountable. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys Explain Compensatory Damages

Whenever someone is involved in an accident, there are what attorneys refer to as damages. Simply put, damages are losses that the at-fault party (could be a person or an entity) must compensate the injured party for. The purpose of damages is to put the injured party back in the same position he or she would have been in had the accident never occurred. Some refer to this as making the injured party “whole.” Not surprisingly, the name given to damages meant to compensate the injured party are called compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are further broken down into two subcategories. Depending on the type of accident, the specific damages will vary, but all will fall into one of the two following categories.

Special (Economic) Damages

The first category of damages is called special or economic damages. Damages that make up this category are those that reimburse the victim for out-of-pocket expenses. Examples of expenses that belong in this category include lost wages, medical bills, costs of therapy or rehabilitation, costs to replace or repair property damage, and car rental costs. Special damages are easy to calculate, as there are receipts, bills, or some other easy way to calculate the amount.

General (Non-economic) Damages

The second category is what is known as general or non-economic damages. Damages that fall into this category are to compensate the victim for non-out-of-pocket losses. Examples of general damages include pain and suffering, future lost wages, loss of companionship or consortium, and emotional distress. General damages, by their very nature, are challenging to calculate.

Insurance companies have developed a few methods to determine a dollar figure to compensate someone for damage like “pain and suffering.” The first method is called the multiplier method. To calculate an award using this method, the insurance company combines the amount of the victim’s medical bills and the amount of his or her lost wages and multiplies it by a number from 1-5. The multiplier number maybe 1 or 2 if the accident was not very serious, whereas a more serious accident, would be given a multiplier of 3 or 4. An insurance company could use a 5 or even higher if there are special circumstances, such as the at-fault party was drunk or the victim had to go through an extensive recovery or multiple surgeries. If the victim was partially to blame, the insurance company could also lower the multiplier. As you can see, the award that this method would create has its problems.

A second method is called the per diem or daily rate. To calculate an award using the daily rate method, the insurance company would assign a dollar amount and multiplies it by the number of days that the injured party was in recovery. There are also computer programs that help insurance companies come up with an award.

Also to note, in some special cases a victim may be entitled to receive punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party for wrongdoing.

Now with a better understanding of damages, it is easier to understand that the question of “how much is my case worth”— is not as simple as punching a list of numbers into a calculator. General damages are very complex to calculate and another great reason why an injured party should always consult with an attorney before speaking with the insurance company. A qualified personal injury attorney will thoroughly review a person’s case to make sure that he or she receives all the compensation that he or she is entitled to under the law. Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to offer a victim the least amount possible to settle a claim. Only a seasoned attorney will have your best interests at heart.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to the fault of another, it is important to know that you have legal options. The Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and carefully review the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P we are dedicated to helping injury victims!

Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys Provide Insight into Catastrophic Injury Cases

When a person is involved in a major accident, their whole world changes. For some accident victims, the change is temporary, and life begins to return to normal after a relatively short period. It may take weeks or months, or in some cases a year, but after time their lives, for the most part, are the same as before the accident. But for the most serious of injury victims, also known as catastrophic injuries, life will never look the same again.

Catastrophic Injuries – What are they?

Injuries that stay with a person long after an accident are often referred to as “catastrophic injuries.” A person who suffers from a catastrophic injury is left with permanent impairment. He or she cannot return to their previous form of employment, and in many cases, the person has a permanent disability that makes gainful employment impossible. Injuries that are often considered to be catastrophic include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Loss of a limb
  • Damage to vital organs
  • Exposure to hazardous chemical substances
  • Multiple bone fractures
  • Severe burn injuries

What this means is that two people can suffer catastrophic injuries that are very different in terms of injuries but what makes them both catastrophic is the severe impact the injuries have on their day to day lives.

How do catastrophic injuries occur?

Just like there is no one type of catastrophic injury, there is also not a single cause of a catastrophic injury. Catastrophic injuries often result from serious accidents, such as a car, truck, bus, motorcycle, or even a bicycle accident. But other types of accidents can also result in these severe injuries as well, including:

  • Construction site accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Fire or explosion
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Sports or recreational related accidents
  • Violent crime
  • Falls from a significant height
  • Medical malpractice
  • Birth injuries

But accidents are not the only causes of these injuries. A catastrophic injury can also be the result of a defective consumer product, a defective medical device or drug, or even due to medical negligence.

Why do catastrophic injury cases require an experienced personal injury attorney?

Due to their very nature, catastrophic injury cases are very different from other types of injury cases. Victims have extensive injury-related expenses, and these expenses will continue for the rest of their lives. For example, if a baby is injured at birth, the full extent of his or her injuries may not be fully known for years to come. Calculating an appropriate compensation award requires a skilled attorney who can anticipate future expenses and losses. Expenses related to a catastrophic injury can include:

  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Continued medical care (additional surgeries, etc.)
  • Medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Counseling services
  • In-home nursing care
  • Medical equipment such as a wheelchair, etc.
  • Costs related to retrofit a home for disability (wheelchair accessible, etc.)
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished earning capacity

In addition to the above expenses, an injury can also seek out compensation for disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a shortened life expectancy.

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury after being involved in an accident, it is vital to your recovery to speak with  skilled Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. Only an experienced Injury Attorney can determine whether you may be able to hold another party responsible for your injuries. The attorneys at the Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation. Our compassionate team of attorneys will fight for your rights and hold the wrongdoers accountable. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.

Kansas City Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Discuss Summer Burn Injuries

The first thing that comes to mind, when people think of summer is usually the hot weather. Indeed, the months of July, August, and even September are often known for scorching temperatures. But did you know that the summer months are also prime time for burn injuries? To keep you and your family ouch-free this summer, be careful when dealing with these common causes of summer burn injuries:

  1. One of the best parts of summer is having friends and family over for a barbecue. Just throw some burgers and sweet corn on the grill, and you have a party! While you may think you are the grill master, it is important to remember that each year numerous people suffer serious burn injuries caused by charcoal or gas grills. To avoid burning more than your hamburger buns, remember to store and handle dangerous items like propane tanks and lighter fluid properly. Also, much like a pot on the stove, a grill should never be left unattended.
  2. Campfires. Summer for many families means spending time in the great outdoors. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and escape the hectic pace of life. Plus, what could be better for dinner than roasting a hot dog over an open fire? If you like to cook outdoors, be sure to brush up on campfire safety before you embark for your next trip. An out of control fire can cause a nasty burn injury and damage to the surrounding Also, never head to bed until you completely extinguish the fire.
  1. Fire Pits. What could make for a more perfect end to a summer evening than sitting by the glow of a fire? The heat from the fire is just enough to keep warm on a chilly evening, and the smoke keeps the mosquitos at bay. All of which makes a fire pit a great place to create summer memories. But you want your memories to be of fun not of flames! To keep your deck and your home from going up in smoke, make sure that the fire pit is set up on a solid surface and away from combustible items. Also, when selecting wood to burn, do not use soft woods like pine, which can pop and cause sparks to fly.
  2. But not all burns are caused by fire! Sunburns are burns caused by UVB rays. These rays can cause significant damage to the skin and even cause illness. Do not be afraid to see a medical professional for a sunburn that 1) covers a large area of the body and has blisters, 2) is accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, chills, high fever, confusion, dehydration or severe pain, 4) shows signs of a skin infection, or 5) is not responding well to at home treatments.
  1. Fireworks are another cause of burn injuries during the summer months. Failing to light a firework properly or attempting to relight or pick up a firework that did not ignite are common causes of serious firework-related burn injuries. Keep in mind that children, pets, and combustible objects should need to kept at a safe distance from fireworks.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious burn injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another, it is important to know that you have legal options. The Kansas City Catastrophic Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and carefully review the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P we are dedicated to helping injury victims!