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1600 S. BRENTWOOD BLVD., SUITE 220 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63144 // FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222 // AUGUST 2023
THE JURY HAS THE POWER … WHEN THE SYSTEM WORKS
trying my best not to sound like sour grapes, but those present in that courtroom knew precisely what was going on when the defense stooped to the level they did during that trial. The trial judge knew and ordered a new trial. The Court of Appeals took that away and reinstated the verdict. It was a soul crusher. It is not fair, and it is not right. But there is nothing we can do. We must saddle up and move to the next one. Our office did that, and we got back in the courtroom, worked hard for our client, and got a great verdict. And honestly, I don’t know how to feel about the two different outcomes. On the one hand, I had a tremendous result to celebrate. On the other, I am crushed by the unfairness my client is experiencing. How can both exist in the same system? I have no idea. And maybe that is what drives us in this business. The unknown. The unpredictability. The chaos. The trauma. The suffering. The exhilaration. The acknowledgment. That last one may be the biggest. In the verdict, our client spoke to us about the acknowledgment he was seeking. That the jury provided a number that showed they understood his life now. That what he went through mattered. That he matters and his freedom in his life matters. When the jury system works, that is what happens. Clients are acknowledged. They are heard. They are cared about. They matter. It is moving and powerful. Only jurors possess that power. No other body, person, or entity.
By the time you get this, you may have already gotten our mailer informing you of our recent verdict. It is a very solid verdict for a great man. The jury gave us every penny we asked for — all $10,000,000. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. We tried this case for basically two days. We had 17 witnesses. We moved quickly. But what I think is lost in all of this about the case is the simple fact of what our justice system does. It is the best system to acknowledge the things and experiences taken from people because of negligence. We do not go around placing money on things unless the injury should never have happened. The world is full of pain and strife. Not everyone gets a recovery. But what our system says is that when something bad should never have happened, companies and people will be held accountable. It is powerful. It is transformative. It is awesome. But it is only all of that when it works. Sometimes, it does not work. Just a week before that verdict, I got a notice from the Court of Appeals. Basically, my client in another case, who had courageously battled the system for a decade, would be stuck with an inadequate recovery. She did nothing wrong. We did nothing wrong. The defense did. I am
So, for the rest of my days, I will promote and endorse our system’s power and the jurors’ power. It truly is a remarkable system.
Published by Newsletter Pro // www.newsletterpro.com
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be involved in a personal injury case and trial? One of our clients recently opened and shared their experience and we were blown away. It’s rare for a client to put pen to paper and share their true feelings, but when they do, it’s incredibly meaningful. And we’re excited to share their story with you!
“As I now reflect on the emotions and feelings I’ve tried so hard to keep bottled up inside since the accident, I now realize it’s been a process. A process of attempting to attain a sense of closure. A closure that at times seemed completely unattainable since the aftermath of the crash. A yearning that I never thought would be satisfied, aching inside of me like a parent searching for a lost child. And realizing that, honestly, there was only one simple required condition that needed to be met all along: a condition called ‘acknowledgment.’ Specifically, an acknowledgment of the wrongdoing bestowed upon me. “‘Acknowledgment’ has been as strange of a bedfellow as I’ve ever known — simply an acknowledgment to achieve peace of mind. A peace of mind that’s been a fleeting concept for oh so long, and with it, the knowledge that I could hopefully, finally, entertain closure. “The element of wrongdoing was never more evident than during the final closing statement of the trial. All the highlighted components discussed that rang true from my extensive surgical repairs, ensuing complications, and ongoing treatments. As masterful a recanting by my attorney, Chris Finney, as one can imagine. Then finally, the confirmation of wrongdoing coming from an impartial panel of peers. Those masterfully executed closing words by Chris will forever be etched in my mind. So now, I’m hoping that I’m finally getting so much closer to ... closure.”
client –Keith J.
THE DANGERS OF RUNNING RED LIGHTS STOP IN THE NAME OF SAFETY
continue through the intersection. Trying to beat the light could save you a few minutes, but it might also cause a fatality. Drivers can also protect themselves by driving defensively. While we should be able to trust our fellow travelers to stop on red, it’s safer to assume they won’t. Behave cautiously around traffic lights and avoid entering an intersection until you see cross traffic has stopped or slowed. Those few extra seconds could save you or your loved ones from devastating injuries. Finney Injury Law regularly helps victims of red light accidents secure the compensation they deserve. If you were injured by a negligent driver who failed to stop on red, we want to learn more about your case. Call our office to schedule a consultation today.
Drivers run red lights anytime they enter an intersection after the light has already turned red. Cars already in the intersection at the time of the light change, such as those waiting to turn left, do not count. A failure to make a full stop before completing an otherwise permitted right turn on red also meets the definition of running a red light. It’s probably no surprise why people run red lights — they’re usually in a hurry. Drivers often believe they have “enough time” to pass through the intersection before new traffic enters, even when logic dictates otherwise. Speeding and distracted driving can also prevent a driver from stopping in time. Remember, you should stop on yellow anytime it’s possible. Only those too close to the light to safely stop can
Americans have a confused relationship with red lights. Over 86% of drivers surveyed by AAA in 2020 agreed that running a red light was “very dangerous.” Yet, 33% of respondents to the same survey reported running a red light themselves in the previous 30 days. Presumably, many drivers think they can run a red light more safely than others — but the fact that one-third of all accidents occur at intersections proves them wrong. Aug. 7 kicks off Stop on Red Week, an initiative to convince drivers to take their safety seriously. More than 1,100 people died in red light accidents in 2021, and 127,000 more were injured. Red light accidents are so dangerous because they’re more likely to result in side-impact crashes, and the sides of vehicles offer drivers and passengers the least protection.
Published by Newsletter Pro // www.newsletterpro.com
How Willow Saved Her Owner’s Life A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS
was dangerously low. Thankfully, her cat, Willow, noticed something was wrong and sprang into action.
We all wish our pets would be there for us in an emergency. Dogs, cats, and other animals can accomplish amazing feats when provided with enough love and care, and a cat from Liverpool named Willow recently proved that many times over. A cat’s sense of smell is incredibly effective at detecting when something is abnormal, and Willow used her nose to save her owner in the nick of time.
Willow went to the living room, where Amanda’s husband had fallen asleep watching television. Willow proceeded to bite his leg and jump on him until he woke up around 4 a.m. He could tell something was wrong, as this was abnormal behavior for Willow, so he followed her to the bedroom, where he spotted his wife. She was slumped over and unresponsive, and he immediately called her an ambulance. Doctors informed Amanda’s husband that she was moments away from slipping into a diabetic coma, but Willow had smelled something off and gotten help before it was too late. Most pets would get a few extra treats for their heroism, but Willow’s feats earned her a more prestigious award. The National Cat Awards named Willow as a finalist for their “Moggy Marvels” category. If Willow wins, she’ll receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year subscription to Cats Protection’s “The Cat” magazine. Although Willow likely doesn’t care about the trophy or the subscription, she’ll be happy enough with £200 worth of goodies and her owner safely by her side.
For many with diabetes, falling into a diabetic coma is a constant concern, and they regularly check their blood sugar levels and take insulin shots to avoid that scenario. Amanda Jameson, a 51-year-old woman from Liverpool, received a diabetes diagnosis years ago but had always stayed on top of it. In April 2023, she fell asleep while her blood sugar RASPBERRY AND FIG OAT BARS
YOUR REFERRALS MEAN THE WORLD TO US There is no greater compliment we can receive than a client telling a friend or loved one about us. If you know somebody who has been injured and needs an attorney who will fight on their behalf and give their case the attention it deserves, please pass along this newsletter and have them give us a call at 314-293-4222. Thank you for spreading the word about Finney Injury Law.
Inspired by Delicious.com.au
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 cup and 1 tbsp rolled oats, divided • 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced • 2/3 cup caster sugar (superfine granulated) • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 cup raspberry jam • 1 1/3 cups raspberries • 3 figs, quartered • 1 tbsp turbinado or brown sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and line an 8x12-inch pan with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 cup oats. Using your fingertips, rub in butter until crumbly. Stir in caster sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Stir until clumpy. 3. In the pan, smooth three-quarters of the mixture evenly. Spread jam over the top, then add fruit. Mix leftover oat mixture with turbinado sugar and remaining oats, then sprinkle over the fruit. 4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
1600 S. BRENTWOOD BLVD. SUITE 220 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63144
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Our Remarkable Jury System
2
Client Testimonial
2
Reasons to Stop on Red
3
A Guardian Angel Covered in Fur
3
Raspberry and Fig Oat Bars
4
Save School for Low-Income Students
STUDENTS NEED SCHOOL SUPPLIES These Organizations Help Them Achieve Success
Back 2 School America This charity, started by the Community Currency Exchange Association of Illinois in 2007, provided school supplies to 175 kids in the state during its first year. The organization now offers national support but continues concentrating on children in Illinois and has helped 340,000 since its founding. You can purchase a Build-A- Kit and create a box full of basic school supplies to help a child in need or find other ways to get involved at B2SA.org . Those looking to donate can also connect with local schools. Many have wish lists and would gladly accept donations of classroom supplies. If they cannot receive supplies directly, they generally know the best ways you can help. We wish everyone a happy and healthy new school year!
supplies to low-income students who need help. Those who want to donate or need help can learn more about the following charities. KidSmart Every year, 90,000 students in St. Louis attend school without the necessary supplies to learn. KidSmart aims to fill the gap by distributing school supplies to underprivileged kids in more than 160 schools throughout the area. It runs Push for Pencils/Push for Change, Missouri’s largest school supply drive and the state’s only free educational supply store. Just $25 can ensure one student receives the essential supplies they need to learn during this new school year. Get more details by visiting KidSmartSTL.org .
The back-to-school season is more than exciting — it’s expensive. Almost every parent can relate to how quickly the costs add up, but the burden is greater on some families than others. A 2021 Lending Tree survey found that 29% of parents did not have the money needed for school supplies. Many go into debt paying for supplies, but kids whose parents don’t have access to credit cards often go without. Every child deserves an equal chance to thrive in the classroom. Teachers recognize this; more than 90% of them spend their own money
on school supplies for students. But ordinary people can also help make a difference. Charities try to fill the gap by providing
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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