Finney Injury Law - December 2018

Take a look at our newsletter this month!

STANDING UP TO A BROKEN SYSTEM WHY I FIGHT FOR PEOPLE

T oday, I can truly say I have my dream job, but it took a while to get here. One of the first jobs I had in law was on the other side of the coin from where I am now, working for a firm representing insurance companies. When I took that position, a lot of my reasoning was selfish. My salary doubled overnight, and I had benefits I never dreamed of. However, I quickly realized that I could never be fulfilled in that role. Nearly everyone I worked with at the job tried to convince themselves they were helping individuals who had been injured. In fact, we were protecting the bottom lines of enormous corporations and helping ourselves in the bargain. Eventually, I couldn’t keep up the illusion. I was lying to myself, and I knew it. The timing of my enlightenment wasn’t perfect — I told my wife I was quitting when she was pregnant with our first child — but a change had to happen. Thankfully, she was supportive. Given her unfailing wisdom and intuition, she probably felt that I needed to get out of there long before I did. The second I started representing living, breathing people and fighting the companies I used to protect, I rediscovered why I wanted to become an attorney in the first place. In what other arena can a single attorney working out of a 1,000-square-foot office take on multibillion-dollar companies and win? Of course, you have to fight if you want to win, and that’s what makes Finney Injury Law different than your typical personal injury firm. We are the opposite of the turn-and-burn attorneys you see advertised on billboards and daytime TV. I’m not afraid to take cases to their conclusion to ensure that you get everything you deserve. Your legal case is not a fast-food meal to be quickly eaten and forgotten about. Every case is different, and yours requires personal attention. Anybody who tells you

they can get you a resolution quickly isn’t concerned with delivering the best result possible.

My time working for insurance companies gave me insight into the tips and tricks they use to convince people to settle quickly and for less than they should. In essence, these insurance companies are banking on you working with an attorney who’ll accept their first or second offer, knowing full well they’re getting off easy. Without the threat of litigation, companies have no incentive to give you a fair settlement. Once you sign their deal, they’re onto the next claim and you’re quickly forgotten about. The whole system makes me sick, which is why I stand in opposition to it. Since I made the decision that put me on the path to where I am today, my family has gone from expecting our first child to having four little boys running around the house. So in the hours I’m not working on cases, I’m kept plenty busy by the kids. It means the world to me to know that when they get old enough to understand what Dad does for a living, it’s something they will be proud to tell their friends about. That never would’ve been the case had I not decided to follow my heart instead of a paycheck. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this newsletter, it’s that I want to provide a better way for people who’ve been injured to receive justice. If you want to settle your case for pennies on the dollar, call

one of the guys in the bad suits. But if you want to work with someone who will learn about you and expend every resource to get you what’s yours, I hope you’ll give us a call.

4 WINTER ILLNESSES YOU’D RATHER AVOID KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE THEY ATTACK

Achoo! That’s the last noise you want to hear this winter. Cold weather brings a slew of sicknesses, so be vigilant to treat these common illnesses, or better yet, avoid them altogether. THE COMMON COLD Although there is no cure, a cold is easier to treat than other illnesses. If you or a loved one has a runny nose, low-grade fever, headache, cough, nasal congestion, or sore throat, the common cold has most likely taken hold. With the help of rest and perhaps some cold medicine, like cough drops and decongestants, the cold will come and go in about a week. BRONCHIOLITIS Bronchiolitis appears most commonly in children less than a year old and

is caused by other viruses. Of the many symptoms — nasal congestion, low-grade fevers, and coughing — wheezing is the one you should be most concerned about. If your child is having difficulty breathing and is dehydrated, they may have caught a more serious strain of the virus. Most children will recover with at-home rest, but some may need to be hospitalized for more severe symptoms. INFLUENZA The flu is known for causing high fever, muscle aches and pains, nausea, and other symptoms similar to a cold. Often, the fever will last for around five days, but it can be shortened with the aid of antiviral medications. However, these medications are recommended only for children who face serious complications

or hospitalization from the flu. If you want to avoid catching this, your best bet is to receive the annual flu vaccine. STREP THROAT A sore throat, headache, stomach ache, vomiting, and high fever are signs of strep. This infection is treated with antibiotics and should be addressed soon after the first symptoms appear to prevent further complications. Children with strep throat should stay away from school and other activities until they’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Everyone knows that getting sick is no fun and is best avoided at all costs. However, it happens to everyone eventually. Catching a virus or infection in its early stages can help you shake the sickness much faster.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO COMPENSATION INJURED WHILE SHOPPING?

There’s no busier time for retailers than the holidays. Over 100 million people — nearly a third of Americans — hit the stores on Black Friday, and they continue coming in droves for the rest of the season. Long lines and a shortage of hot items may seem like the biggest headaches during holiday shopping, but they’re nothing compared to the stress you’ll face if you’re

Even with premises liability law in place to protect you in the event of an injury, the best-case scenario is always avoiding an injury in the first place. To that end, it’s important to be mindful of common hazards that cause injuries in stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Slip and falls happen frequently, especially with shoppers tracking snow and water into aisles. Look out for slick surfaces, and never run, even if you’re on the hunt for a hot item. Poor store maintenance is another red flag. If a display looks precariously stacked, all it takes is a stray shopping cart to send boxes tumbling to the ground. Ramps and entryways can also be sources of trouble, so look for obstructions as you enter and exit a property. Unfortunately, not all injuries are avoidable, especially when business owners are less than diligent about keeping their locations safe. If you’ve been injured while on the property of a business, Finney Injury Law can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today to find out how we can help with premises liability cases.

injured while trying to secure presents. Due to the volume of shoppers during the final months of the year, store maintenance is a challenge, leading to a potentially dangerous environment. The type of law that deals with injuries that happen while you’re on private property is called premises liability. In Missouri, premises liability isn’t a black-and-white issue. The state uses a statute called the “pure comparative negligence rule.” Basically, it means that blame is determined on a percentage basis. For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault for a premises liability accident, you will receive 70 percent of cost of damages.

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WHAT MATTERS MORE IN NEW HIRES? EXPERIENCE VS. POTENTIAL

Scaling a business is one of the most complicated challenges for entrepreneurs. Developing a model that allows for consistent growth while maintaining profit margins and effective systems is a substantial task for business owners. But once the proper blueprint is in place, a new test presents itself, and how well you perform will undoubtedly define the future success of your company. Hiring plays a significant role along a company’s path to success. It’s not a landmark or a checkpoint on the map; it’s the vehicle that takes you to your destination. Your business is only as good as the people who propel it forward. You need individuals who fit into your culture, possess the necessary skills to be effective, and have a desire to continue learning best practices if you’re ever going to achieve your goals. Some qualities are universally known to be linked to good hiring practices, but there’s still one important question that divides the masses: Do I hire for experience or potential? EXPERIENCE A degree- or trade-specific education can certainly lay a foundation for an employee to be successful, but experience provides specialized training that cannot be found anywhere else.

An employee who has a working knowledge of their craft can provide a sense of security when hiring. With new employees playing such a pivotal role in growth, many employers want to limit uncertainty and ensure they aren’t gambling with their company’s future. But experience doesn’t equate to competency, which is why some employers elect to hire for potential. POTENTIAL The argument for hiring based on potential centers around two concepts. One is that by hiring someone with a bright future and helping them achieve their goals, you could gain the loyalty of that person and thus retain that employee for a longer time. This comes with the caveat that those who have potential also look for potential, so as an employer, it’s important to provide opportunities for advancement. The other argument is that potential combined with training can equate to a more effective employee in the long run. In truth, the disagreement that transpires is a moot point. You can hire someone with experience or an individual with potential and strike out just the same. All successful employees will have one important trait: passion. You can’t teach passion, but you can hire for it.

TAKE A BREAK

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.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

How I Found My Calling

2 2 3 3 4

What Do My Symptoms Mean?

How Premises Liability Protects You

Debunking Experience vs. Potential in New Hires

Take a Break

Local Holiday Celebrations

SKATING, SHOWS, AND MORE ST. LOUIS HOLIDAY EVENTS

T he holidays are a time to be spent with loved ones. Too many hours

GARDEN GLOW When: Nov. 17 through Jan. 1 Where: Missouri Botanical Gardens

at home, though, and it’s easy to get cabin fever. If you grow tired of flipping through old photo books and hearing about what the relatives are up to, consider taking everyone out for a festive event. Here are a few great ones happening in our neck of the woods.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens are beautiful no matter when you visit, but they’re extra special during the holidays. That’s because more than a million lights create a breathtaking combination of nature and technology. In addition to illuminated walkways and seasonal experiences, guests can enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and more. Admission also includes free entry to the Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show.

STEINBERG SKATING RINK When: Nov. 9 through Feb. 28 Where: Forest Park

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL When: Dec. 22 and 23 Where: The Fabulous Fox

The largest outdoor skating rink the Midwest is in St. Louis’ most iconic area. If you’re downtown shopping with friends or relatives, consider stopping for a few laps around the rink. Steinberg Skating Rink is open throughout the season, including holidays. Skate rentals are available on sight, and you can skate for as long as you’d like. If you happen to visit on Saturday, Dec. 1, you’ll have a chance to skate with Santa himself.

You’ve probably seen the classic holiday movie “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” more times than you can count, but you’ve never seen it quite like this. The musical edition features talented stage performers bringing Rudolph and his pals to life. The story’s themes of individuality and acceptance will resonate long after you’ve opened your last gift. There are multiple performances on each day. You can go to FabulousFox.com for tickets and more information.

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