Take a look at our May newsletter!
1600 S. BRENTWOOD BLVD., SUITE 220 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63144 // FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222 // MAY 2023
NEED TO HIRE AN OPERATIONS MANAGER READY FOR NEXT BIG LEAP
We will be back in trial and hopefully have completed that trial by the time you read this. It will be our third jury trial this year; a solid start, and we’ve had some good results. We continue to learn from each case. There is no substitute for experience. I hope to write a very happy review and result for that trial. We will see. As I write this, a lot is going on at the office. We have a new attorney starting in a few weeks to help Alex and me move cases. We have outgrown our space. We have a new case management software, and we have team members filling all sorts of roles. Our goal remains the same — to be committed to trying cases and getting the best results for our clients. What I am finding is that the goal doesn’t just materialize. It takes a solidly built infrastructure to support it. Otherwise, the goal is just an aspiration that will not be attainable. We have more cases than I ever expected and strong co- counsel relationships. On paper, this is great. In reality, we need more. We need an operations manager, a chief operating officer if you will. We need someone to watch the day-to-day and be a steady hand that others can rely on, someone who can help us be sustainable. So, we are going to look for that person. They don’t necessarily need to have legal experience, but they need to have management experience, operations
purpose in this office. It is not anyone else’s purpose either, and it is not fair to them to put it on them. We are going to try to become more professional. I am looking forward to it. I do not have aspirations of us becoming a mega-firm that you see on TV or in ads. That is not something I want to do or ever set out to do. I want us to be fully equipped to handle cases and take them to trial — a boutique trial practice if you will. To do that, we need quality people to add to what we already have. This is the scary part. Quality costs money. And it should. But as the owner, it is scary. Good people cost good money. We have great people, but we need more of them. This will happen. The biggest thing we need is patience. As John Wooden said, “Be quick but don’t hurry.” We will be quick, but we will be thoughtful. We will continue to add people to help us, but more importantly, help our clients and referring partners. Our goal will remain the same throughout all of this. Be a trial practice. Walk the walk. The balance of the law as a practice and a business always seems to tug at each side. This is a calling, but it is also a business. We are here to help people, but we must also support and help our own people and clients. As I have said, that means making tough decisions. That may mean making unpopular decisions. Whatever it means, we will do it.
experience, and a desire to develop and implement systems, to really get into data and help people on our team thrive. This is our next building block.
I look forward to letting you know how the next trial goes. I cannot believe our luck with the people who select us to represent them — incredible people who need a voice. We plan on giving them that.
As of the last month, I have truly
realized the need for this person/ role. I cannot perform the functions of this role, and even if I did have the time, I would be bad at it. It is not my skill set and not my
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The Instruments for Success HOW LEARNING TO PLAY MUSIC BENEFITS CHILDREN
age 4, your child will be in the perfect state to begin learning how to play, and you’ll quickly notice the benefits they gain, such as these three. Improved Patience Learning to play an instrument for the first time is not easy. Developing the skills necessary to play takes time, effort, and practice. This process can sometimes be frustrating, but with effort and persistence, children can gradually improve their skills and master complex pieces. Likewise, if children play in a group, they may have to wait their turn to play their part in a song, which also helps them develop focusing skills and patience.
stay in good condition. By entrusting your child with an instrument, you’re giving them the responsibility of taking care of it. Teach them how to clean their instrument and store it properly. Additionally, they’ll have to learn how to follow a practice schedule, which teaches time management skills and how to avoid procrastination. Enhanced Self-Esteem Learning to play a new song or chord can make any music student proud! They accomplished something they set their mind to, making them feel more confident about themselves and fostering a desire to keep improving. As they continue playing, their confidence and self-esteem will bloom. This will also give them an outlet for their creative endeavors,
What are your children’s favorite activities when looking for something to do? Some might prefer reading, while others like to draw, write, or play with friends. While all of these will benefit your children, an activity that is often overlooked is playing musical instruments. Many kids get their first taste of music when they enter middle school and show interest in playing in a band or orchestra. But you don’t have to wait until your child is in school to get them started with music! Starting at
Proper Responsibility and Time Management
Musical instruments are costly and require maintenance to ensure they
which will help them be more comfortable with who they are.
Many of us feel a sense of trepidation when driving next to a semi-truck. We intuitively understand these enormous vehicles can do significant damage if the driver loses control. One of the most common scenarios where we see that happen is a tire blowout accident. A tire blowout accident occurs when one of the truck’s tires rapidly deflates, bursts, or shreds while in motion. The tire blowout can cause harm due to flying debris hitting other cars, potentially causing damage, distraction, and injury. Worse, truck drivers often lose control of their vehicle after a tire blowout, skidding, swerving, or rolling over on the road, seriously damaging everything in their path. Why do blowouts happen? The reasons are varied, but most are avoidable with proper maintenance. For example, tires are prone to overheating and exploding when underinflated — a straightforward fix. “Bald” tires, or tires with worn treads that provide minimal to no traction, are also more likely to burst. Again, a driver and trucking company properly maintaining the vehicle should notice and correct this problem. BEHIND THESE PREVENTABLE ACCIDENTS SEMI-TRUCK TIRE BLOWOUTS CAN DEVASTATE
Improper tire fitting can cause tire separation — space between the rubber and the wheel’s metal rim that results in bouncing and jostling. Extended or inappropriate spare tire use also creates a much greater risk of a blowout accident. And a truck loaded beyond its weight limit can put pressure on the tires which can ultimately lead to a blowout. Unfortunately, evaluating a blowout isn’t always straightforward. It takes time and careful investigation by an expert to determine the reason for the blowout. The cause will determine who is legally responsible for the accident. Possible negligent parties include the driver, the trucking company, a mechanic, the tire manufacturer, or some combination of those four. These accidents are often deadly, making the failure to prevent them even more inexcusable. Finney Injury Law has represented clients with broken bones, spinal cord trauma, and traumatic brain injuries. Even when an accident victim survives, their injuries are often life-changing. The people responsible should be held accountable. Due to the complexity of tire blowout accidents, you should never try to settle them yourself. Finney Injury Law has substantial experience with these cases and can help you secure the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured during a tire blowout accident, please call (314) 293-4222 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
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A HAM-FISTED ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY
Intruders Flee From Ludwig the Pig
On the night of New Year’s Eve in 2014, a group of burglars experienced the fright of a lifetime. Expecting to rob a quiet home in Derby, England, the intruders instead came face to snout with Ludwig, a 240-pound potbellied pig. Abandoning all thoughts of crime once they spotted the pig, the burglars instantly fled the scene and ran for their lives.
The story of this heroic potbellied pig became a sensation throughout Europe. Countless fans have applauded the Canadian-born hog for his loyalty to his owners. But the owners want to ensure people understand that Ludwig would never hurt anyone. Some fabricated web stories made Ludwig sound more dangerous than he is, so Maughan spoke to the Toronto Star to dispute any defamations against Ludwig’s kindness. “He’s being painted as a vicious creature when he’s actually quite a sweet animal,” he explained. “He didn’t exactly bare his tusks and charge, I don’t think. I think he got absolutely, ‘Arrgh,’ and they just ran for it.” In fact, Maughan detailed that after a two-month separation during their move to England, the pig shed tears during their reunion. Adorable and affectionate, Ludwig would have probably become friends with the intruders in no time. Even if his “bark” is worse than his bite, Ludwig succeeded in keeping his owners safe while also protecting their home. This 240-pound potbellied pig continues to enjoy his comfortable home in Derby and is considered a town hero. Anyone looking for a guard dog may want to consider a hefty hog instead!
The “hero ham” had already become a popular figure in his town and was well-loved
for his gentle demeanor. In
fact, Michael Maughan, Ludwig’s
owner, is confident that Ludwig wouldn’t have harmed the intruders, even if he does look quite intimidating. Local officers believe the robbers must have heard Ludwig’s Rottweiler-like “growl” and immediately hit the road, leaving the door wide open behind them.
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.
APPLY FOR THE FINNEY INJURY LAW SCHOLARSHIP!
Finney Injury Law is thrilled to announce the fourth year of our scholarship program! We’re offering five scholarships worth $2,500 each to promote diversity and equity in higher education.
Recipients can use their funds for tuition fees, books, or housing expenses — even LSAT course reimbursement if needed. Our goal with this scholarship
program is to provide opportunities for students who are often underrepresented within legal professions, empowering them as they pursue their goals and prepare themselves for a career in law. To see the list of eligibility criteria and application requirements, scan the QR code or visit FinneyInjuryLaw.com/the-finney-injury-law-scholarship .
Application Deadline All applications must be submitted via the website above by July 1.
SCAN ME
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
1600 S. BRENTWOOD BLVD. SUITE 220 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63144
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FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Our Success Means We Need to Expand
2
How Children Benefit From Playing an Instrument
2
What Happens When Semi-Truck Tires Burst?
3
Potbellied Pig Terrifies Burglars
3
Finney Injury Law Scholarship
4
How the Great Fire Shaped St. Louis
We Remember the Great Fire of 1849 WHEN ST. LOUIS BURNED
There is probably no darker time in St. Louis’ history than 1849. That year, the city
Most of the buildings were made of wood and burned quickly. Volunteer firefighters could not fight the fire fast enough, and they decided their best course of action was to create a “firebreak” by quickly demolishing buildings in the fire’s path. By destroying potential kindling, the fire would have nowhere else to go. Captain Thomas Targee demolished five buildings with gunpowder, successfully stopping the fire’s spread to the Old Cathedral. Sadly, in the middle of his efforts, gunpowder exploded prematurely in Targee’s hands, killing him. He was the only firefighter to die in the Great Fire and among the official (likely undercounted) death toll of three. When it formed in 1857, the St. Louis Fire Department began to celebrate Targee as a hero and continues to do so today.
The remaining firefighters could not fully extinguish the blaze until dawn on May 18, when the winds finally died. The Great Fire destroyed 15 city blocks and 418 buildings near the riverfront, and the effects of the Great Fire still resonate throughout St. Louis. St. Louis quickly rebuilt the area with brick and cast iron structures for extra fire resistance, some of the first buildings in the country to do so. But over the last 170 years, periodic revitalization efforts have continued to reshape the riverfront, and the Gateway Arch now stands above the heart of the once-destroyed area. Officials announced new revitalization efforts for downtown in 2022. We’ll never know how St. Louis would look today without the Great Fire, but it almost certainly wouldn’t be the same.
faced a cholera epidemic that killed at least 4,000 residents. And then, on May 17, St. Louis was set ablaze. St. Louis’ Great Fire began with a single mattress on a steamboat named White Cloud. After extinguishing the small blaze, the crew brought the bedding to the deck to air out. But some sparks must have remained from the original fire. Around 10 p.m., the boat was alight with flames. Watchmen urgently notified volunteer firefighters, but strong winds blowing across the Mississippi River spread the fire quickly. Soon, 23 steamboats were engulfed in fire, and cargo stacked near the riverside fueled the flames ashore.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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