McDuffey Law Firm LLC: 2015

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

4 Personal Injury Law Myths

On the surface, personal injury law seems like it should be simple. If you've been injured due to the negligence of another, they should pay for your resulting medical bills and any associated pain and suffering - right? Unfortunately, personal injury law is usually not nearly this cut-and-dry. There are many different factors that can impact whether or not the negligent party will actually be required to pay for the damages, and many different details that must be addressed when filing a personal injury claim at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Because of these complications, misunderstandings surrounding personal injury law are incredibly common. Today, McDuffey Law Firm is here to clear up some of the confusion surrounding our legal field by dispelling some of these common myths.

Myth #1: If You Have Insurance, You Don't Need An Attorney

Unfortunately, this assumption is one of the most dangerous ones people can make. Having insurance does not mean you will not need an attorney's services. In fact, your attorney's most valuable service will probably be helping you stand up to your insurance company. Your insurance company is a business, and - like all businesses - they are out to make a profit. If they can find a reason to deny your claim, they probably will. At McDuffey Law Firm, we take over the communication with our clients' insurance companies and handle all the negotiations so that they do not have to.

Myth #2: Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer Is Expensive

Most people assume attorneys charge an exorbitant amount for their services, but the truth is that your personal injury attorney in Osage Beach MO should be incredibly affordable. At McDuffey Law Firm, we operate strictly on a contingency fee basis; that is, our fees are contingent upon us winning your case. If we do not win your case, we will not charge you a single penny for our services. Our clients can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to bring their case to a successful conclusion and that they will be able to easily afford our services when it's all said and done.

Myth #3: You Should Wait Until You Have Time To Assess The Damages Before Filing Your Case

Some people are tempted to wait a while before filing their personal injury cases, believing that they should first see the full extent of their medical bills, recovery time, and other expenses. However, it's critical that you not wait so long you let the statute of limitations expire, or else your case will be considered invalid. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the point of injury or the point when the injury should have been discovered. It is okay to file your personal injury case while still in the recovery process.

Myth #4: You Don't Have To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney If Your Only Sustained Minor Injuries

The assumption that you should only contact a personal injury attorney if your injuries are severe is a common misconception. The truth is that sometimes individuals with minor injuries are the most in need of an attorney's services, because their insurance companies are more likely to dismiss their cases. If they do agree to pay for damages, the payout amounts are frequently too low to cover even the most basic medical expenses. If you have suffered minor injuries, contact McDuffey Law Firm to evaluate your situation.

Questions About Personal Injury Law? Contact McDuffey Law Firm!

If you ever have any questions about your personal injury case, please don't hesitate to reach out to the team at our personal injury firm in Osage Beach MO. Thanks to our contingency fee structure, your initial consultation is always free. We look forward to working with you!

McDuffey Law Firm, LLC
www.McDuffeyLaw.com
Ph. (573) 302-7211
Fax. (573) 302-7215

5754 Parkside Village Ct.,
P.O. Box 368
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
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Thursday, December 24, 2015

17 Christmas Trivia Facts

Christmas is a time to celebrate all of the blessings in your life. It's a time to reconnect with family and friends after another busy year - a time to relax before charging into the year ahead. McDuffey Law Firm is here to help you prepare for your family gatherings this weekend by providing you with a few fun talking points. With these fun Christmas trivia facts up your sleeve, your friends and family are sure to be amazed and delighted!

Christmas Trivia Facts

1. The abbreviation "X-Mas" originated from the Greek's method of shortening the word "Christ" to "X."

2. The first artificial Christmas tree was made from dyed goose feathers.

3. If you received all the gifts described in the song "Twelve Days of Christmas," you would get 364 gifts.

4. The tallest Christmas tree on record measured 221 feet tall.

5. Purchases made for Christmas make up about 1/6 of all retail sales in the United States.

6. Georgia, Indiana, and Arizona all have towns named Santa Claus. Idaho has a town named Santa.

7. The twelve days of Christmas originated because it apparently took the three wise men 12 days to find the baby Jesus.

8. In 1836, Alabama became the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday.

9. Oklahoma was the last state to declare Christmas as an official holiday. They waited all the way to 1907.

10. Poinsettias originated in Mexico.

11. The largest Christmas stocking in the world was 106 feet, 9 inches long and 49 feet, 1 inch wide.

12. Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas, and Grandfather Frost are all alternative names for Santa Claus.

13. Christmas trees were first decorated with electric lights in 1895.

14. With over 100 million sales across the globe, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" is believed to be the best-selling single of all time.

15. Every year in the U.S., around 30-35 million real (that is, living) Christmas trees are sold.

16. Apples, nuts, and dates were used as the very first Christmas decorations.

17. There are two islands named "Christmas." One is in the Indian Ocean, and the other is in the Pacific Ocean.

Merry Christmas From McDuffey Law Firm!

From our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury lawyer to the rest of our team, everyone at McDuffey Law Firm wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Please be careful and stay safe while you are on the roads this year. If the worst should happen and you should find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney in Osage Beach, MO, we hope you'll keep McDuffey Law Firm in mind.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

6 Types Of Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical Malpractice.

It sounds scary and intimidating. It almost sounds like evil doctors are out to harm the patients who place their health and (sometimes) their very lives in their trained and theoretically capable hands. However, it's important to realize that in the vast majority of all medical malpractice cases at the Lake of the Ozarks (and around the rest of the country), the doctors had only good intentions. Unfortunately, good intentions are sometimes not enough to prevent harmful outcomes.

McDuffey Law Firm is here to protect patients and their families who have suffered unnecessary pain and/or avoidable hardships at the hands of a medical professional. In today's blog, we want to take a closer look at the real truth about medical malpractice cases and what can contribute to them.

Types Of Medical Malpractice Cases

1. Misdiagnosis
Medical malpractice cases can sometimes arise as a result of a misdiagnosis. If doctors and/or their staff misdiagnose a patient's illness or condition, the patient may receive improper treatment. At best, this improper treatment won't have any beneficial impact. At worst, it could cause adverse and potentially serious side effects. This can be especially dangerous when the patient's condition has been misdiagnosed as one that requires particularly intensive treatment, such as cancer.

2. Improper Prescriptions
Improper prescriptions typically go hand-in-hand with misdiagnosis, but not always. Unfortunately, taking the wrong medication can prove very dangerous for patients. Prescription medications often come with several potential side effects, but patients take them because of the benefits they should provide. If a patient takes the wrong medication, he could potentially suffer all of the negative repercussions without receiving any of the positive benefits.

3. Surgical Errors
We're all human, and we all make mistakes. Unfortunately, surgeons who make mistakes in the operating room can impose serious harm on their patients. While surgery is certainly necessary in some situations, it almost always poses at least a minor risk. Patients undergoing surgery are trusting their bodies and their physical well-being to their doctors. Mistakes the doctors make while in the operating room could have serious repercussions, including internal bleeding and even death.

4. Failure To Diagnose
In some cases, medical malpractice does not result from a misdiagnosis or direct error on the healthcare practitioner's part. Medical malpractice cases can also arise when doctors fail to recognize and diagnose the condition their patient is experiencing. This failure to diagnose can become especially critical when the condition missed is something life-threatening, such as cancer.

5. Childbirth Errors
Birth is a major undertaking for both the mother and the child. While the vast majority of births occur without any complications, there are countless factors that can contribute to dangerous complications. Birth-related medical malpractice cases can result from negligence during prenatal care as well as childbirth. Because there are two lives at stake (the mother's and the baby's), it is especially important that friends and family remain aware of the potential for birth-related medical malpractice.

6. Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors are sometimes the most dangerous of them all. Because of its sedative nature, errors involving anesthesia can result in permanent brain damage and even death. The errors contributing to anesthesia-related medical malpractice cases can occur at any point in the process, from before administering the anesthesia (such as failing to obtain the patient's pertinent medical history) to after it has been administered (such as failing to monitor the patient's vital signs and react accordingly).

Your Medical Malpractice Resource

If you believe you may have the grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit, contact our medical malpractice attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks immediately. Our team can help you evaluate your case and determine how best to proceed. Your initial consultation is always free. Our personal injury firm in Osage Beach MO operates on a contingency-fee basis, which means that we will not charge you a penny for our services unless we win your case. Call 573-302-7211 to schedule your consultation today!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

What You Need To Know About Product Liability

As a consumer, you have a legal right to safety when using commercial products. If you are injured while using a product in the way it was intended to be used, you may be able to seek legal recourse for your injuries. With the representation of an experienced personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may be able to build a solid case. McDuffey Law Firm is here to help you gain a better understanding of product liability law and what factors into these types of cases.

Why Product Liability Law?

Product liability law exists to protect consumers. Manufacturers, retailers, and designers are legally responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and ready for consumers to use. If a consumer is injured while correctly using a product, the manufacturer can be held liable for their injuries. (If a consumer was injured while misusing a product, he may not be able to seek any recourse.)

Types Of Product Defects

Generally, a product can be considered defective if it meets one of two primary criteria:

The product contains an inherent flaw or faulty design.
The product fails to warn consumers of potential dangers.

Faulty Design

Design or manufacturing errors can occur at any point in the process; they could result from a problem on the assembly line, an issue with some of the materials used, or an error anywhere along the production line.

Failure To Warn

If consumers may be subject to unnecessary risks when using a product in a certain manner, manufacturers are legally obligated to warn consumers of these potential dangers. These warnings must be displayed in a clear and "easily noticed" manner.

Examples Of Product Liability Cases

Product liability cases focus on many different types of products, but here are a few examples of some common cases:

Defective Children's Products
Dangerous Pharmaceuticals
Unsafe Industrial Equipment
Hazardous Materials
Unsafe Agricultural Equipment
Dangerous Power Tools

Think You May Have The Grounds For A Product Liability Case?

If you have been injured while using a product or industrial equipment, contact our product liability attorney in Camden County immediately. During your FREE consultation, we can evaluate your case and help you determine how best to approach the proceedings. Visit our website or call us at 573-302-7211 to learn more about how we may be able to represent your case.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Client Testimonials For McDuffey Law Firm

Our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury law firm was built on the belief that every individual deserves access to the same high-quality legal representation as major insurance companies, and we strive to deliver this level of service to our clients every single day. Thanks to the individual attention we provide each of our clients, we have been able to achieve award-winning results.

However, we don't expect you to take our word for it. At McDuffey Law Firm, we believe that a referral from a former client is greatest form of compliment. Here is a quick look at what some of our clients have to say about our personal injury attorney in Osage Beach, MO.

Client Testimonials for McDuffey Law Firm

“Hiring Tim was the best decision we ever made. We initially went to an attorney in Kansas City who did nothing on our case. He told us we had a difficult case. The insurance company never made an offer before trial. Tim tried the case, and we won. He was masterful in front of the jury. I can’t imagine what our lives would have been like without him.”

- Vicky, Edwards MO
Medical Malpractice

My husband and I were seriously injured when we were hit by a drunk driver. We initially hired a lawyer out of St. Louis. He did nothing on our case. Tim understood how serious our injuries were and how overwhelmed we were being out of work and having hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Tim took our case to jury trial and won! At one point we would have been willing to settle our case for the defendant’s $50,000 insurance policy. Instead, with Tim’s help, we ended up with a multi-million dollar verdict.
- Virginia, Macks Creek MO
Car Accident

“My husband was seriously injured in a tractor trailer accident. We called several of the advertising firms out of Springfield. We even hired one. After a year of doing nothing on our case, my aunt recommended Tim to me. Tim took over the case and within a few months had found evidence which got us a settlement. I don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t gone to see Tim.”
- Rhonda, Lebanon MO
Semi-Truck Accident

Thanks for your assistance and cooperation on our case. I enjoyed our time together and especially appreciated the way you handled your relationship with me. I enjoyed learning from you and I especially appreciate you sharing about your faith and family.
- Brad, St. Louis MO
Medical Malpractice

Before I contacted the McDuffey Law Firm, I contacted my neighbor whose whole family I have had the pleasure of knowing for over 50 years. The son is now the head of a large and successful law firm in Kansas City. After explaining my accident to him, he recommended I contact Tim McDuffey. I found everything in his recommendation to be true. I was, and am, completely satisfied with the professional manner with which your firm handled my case.
- Royce, Sunrise Beach MO
Trip and Fall

After being seriously injured on the job, I consulted several law firms to discuss my case. Two of these internet site law firms who were highly regarded as the “best” work comp firms claimed there was no case and would not proceed any further. I called the McDuffey Law Firm and sat down with Tim. Mr. McDuffey not only informed me that we had a workers’ compensation case but, that we had a potential case against the co-worker who injured me. In the end, we received far greater compensation than I could have ever imagined. Trust me when I say this, do not waste your time anywhere else. McDuffey Law Firm is the best.
- Steve, Camdenton MO
Workers' Compensation

McDuffey Law Firm Will Be Here For You

We understand that no amount of money can make up for the serious injuries you or your family may have sustained at the hands of another, but we aim to ease your recovery process by alleviating some of the financial stressors you may be facing. As a contingency-based practice, we never charge our clients anything for our services unless we win their case. This "no win, no fee" structure allows our clients to feel confident that when they hire our Missouri personal injury attorney, they will receive the best service possible.

If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we encourage you to schedule your free consultation. Call (573) 302-7211 to book yours today!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Origins Of Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is here! All across the country, people are traveling to their friends and family members to celebrate another fun-filled holiday filled with incredible food and even better memories. How much do you know about the origins of our Thanksgiving celebrations? This week, the team at McDuffey Law Firm is here to offer a unique look at the early beginnings of this great holiday.

The First Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims first arrived in the New World in the autumn of 1920, full of hope for a new existence filled with religious freedom. Unfortunately, they were unprepared for the harsh New England winter; almost half of them did not survive. However, the local Wampanoag Indians helped the survivors to plant and reap a bountiful harvest the following year.

The first official Thanksgiving festival was held on December 13, 1621 as a way for the Pilgrims (along with the Indians) to celebrate and give thanks for their harvest. Squashes, chicken, rabbit, lobster, leeks, dried fruits, cabbage, carrots, radishes, eggs, hickory nuts, chestnuts, honey, goat cheese, and maple syrup are all believed to have been served at this momentous feast.

The Evolution Of Thanksgiving

Subsequent Thanksgiving celebrations were held by the Pilgrims and American citizens at several various occasions, such as the end of a long drought and the conclusion of the American Revolution. Individual states and colonies continued to hold their own Thanksgiving celebrations until 1871, when New York became the first state to adopt Thanksgiving as an official holiday.

In 1827, writer and editor Sara Josepha Hale (who authored "Mary Had a Little Lamb," among countless other things) began campaigning to have Thanksgiving established as a national holiday. She worked on this mission tirelessly until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln finally declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up by a full week in an attempt to prolong the holiday shopping season and spur the economy during the Great Depression. This switch was met by a great deal of opposition, however; Roosevelt eventually compromised by signing a bill designating Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November.

Happy Thanksgiving From McDuffey Law Firm!

394 years after the Pilgrims celebrated the First Thanksgiving, this great American tradition is still going strong. On behalf of all of us at our personal injury law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you have a great holiday with your family! Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at McDuffey Law Firm, LLC.

Friday, November 20, 2015

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

Let's cut to the chase: if you are considering hiring a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks to help you with your case, you probably have a lot at stake financially. In addition to the physical and emotional turmoil they cause, personal injuries often bring with them steep medical bills, lost wages, and any number of other financial pressures. When we meet with prospective clients for their free personal injury consultation in Osage Beach, they all want to know one thing: what is their case worth?

Understanding The Value Of Your Case

The value of your Missouri personal injury claim will depend on several different factors. As a result, it is impossible to give a hard and fast value of any claim without first carefully evaluating several different factors. The team at McDuffey Law Firm, LLC has successfully negotiated thousands of claims, and we rely on the vast reserve of knowledge we have accumulated over the years to ensure that our clients' obtain the maximum recovery possible.

Here is a quick look at some of the different factors we consider when valuing our clients' claims:

Conduct Of The Defendant

When you file a lawsuit in an attempt to recover damages for an injury, you are acting as the plaintiff. The defendant is the person you are filing your claim against, such as the driver of the other vehicle, your employer, your physician, etc. When valuing your case, one of the things we will look at is the behavior of the defendant and how egregious his actions are. The worse the defendant's actions are, the more compensation you may be able to receive.

Our Clients' Injuries

Every injury is different, and every injury has different consequences. Depending on their severity, some injuries require much more extensive and expensive recovery processes than others. When valuing a case, we look closely at our client's specific situation and how expansive their damages truly are - how much time they are missing from work, whether or not they have had to pay for more childcare than usual, how expensive their medical bills are, etc.

Our Clients' Stories

We hold the third and final piece of the puzzle very close to our hearts. The last thing we look at when determining the value of our clients' cases is their unique, personal stories. Every client has a different life experience, and that matters. While we can't go back in time and undo what happened, we promise you that when you hire the McDuffey Law Firm, we will learn your story. You are going to get our best efforts until the case is resolved

McDuffey Law Firm - Your Trusted Personal Injury Allies

Our clients' financial security is always our #1 priority. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim at the Lake of the Ozarks, we encourage you to schedule your free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyer in Osage Beach. As a contingency-based firm, you won't owe us a single penny for our services unless we win your case. We truly look forward to working with you!

Don't settle for less than you deserve. Contact McDuffey Law Firm today!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

7 Things Everyone Should Know About Workers' Compensation

In today's day and age, workplace safety is considered a top priority. Every worker has the right to a safe workplace environment, and employers who fail to hold their workplace OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) strict standards may be subject to significant penalties and fines.

Despite these concentrated efforts to create safe workplace environments, however, work-related accidents still happen on an incredibly frequent basis. In these situations, most injured employees should have access to workers' compensation, a type of insurance that covers the medical bills, lost wages, and other financial challenges that result from an accident at work. Unfortunately, many injured workers find that access to workers' compensation is not granted automatically. In these situations, having a dedicated personal injury attorney on your side can be enormously beneficial.

Here are seven things everyone should know about workman's compensation.

#1. Workers' Compensation Coverage Is Not Automatic.

The vast majority of employers are required to purchase workers' compensation for their employees, but there are a few exceptions. Additionally, there are certain activities outside of your normal job description that may not qualify for workers' compensation coverage. Before you begin any new job, you should talk with your employer to make sure you fully understand what coverage you may (or may not) be able to receive in the event of an accident.

#2. Every Injury Should Be Reported.

If their injuries are minor or do not require immediate medical attention, employees sometimes choose not to report their accidents. However, we strongly encourage you to file an accident report for every injury - even if you do not intend to seek medical attention right away. If you end up needing medical help in the future, having detailed records of all of the preceding incidents may help your case.

#3. The Doctors And Hospital Staff Need To Know That You Were Injured At Work.

Often, the way the doctors fill out their paperwork can have a significant impact on the insurance coverage that will (or will not) be granted. In order for you to be eligible for workers' compensation, your doctor will have to check the box(es) that indicates you are being treated for a work-related injury. Be careful not to let this important detail slip through the cracks!

#4. Workers' Compensation May Be Granted Even If The Accident Was Your Fault.

Missouri is a no-fault workers' compensation state. This means that employers have a legal responsibility to create a safe environment for their employees - period. Even if you could technically be held liable for the accident, you may still be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

#5. Workers' Compensation May Not Be Granted If You Were Under The Influence.

The fact that you should never drink while on the clock should be common knowledge, but it still deserves mention. If you file a workers' compensation claim, some employers may require you to take a drug test. If the test reveals that you were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time of your accident, you may be denied financial compensation.

#6. Your Case Must Be Filed Within The Statute Of Limitations.

The Statute of Limitations is a legal rule designating a specific time limit for plaintiffs to file their cases. The amount of time given varies by state and the type of personal injury case you are working with; in Missouri, the Statute of Limitations for workers' compensation claims is two years. If you wait longer than two years to file your claim, it may be considered invalid.

#7. A Preliminary Denial Does Not Mean You Won't Be Able To Get Compensation.

We believe that every injured worker deserves easy access to the financial compensation they need, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. Both employers and insurance companies will be out hundreds or thousands of dollars if your workers' compensation case gets approved, and as a result, they may deny your claim the first time. If your initial claim gets denied, we recommend that you seek representation from an experienced Missouri workers' compensation attorney. Your lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process so that you may be able to get the financial compensation that you deserve.

In Need Of A Workman's Comp Attorney? Contact McDuffey Law Firm!

If you are struggling with a workers' compensation claim, please don't hesitate to reach out for the representation you need. The team at McDuffey Law Firm focuses solely on personal injury cases in central Missouri, and we would be honored to help you fight for your rights.

Because we understand that financial considerations are a major concern for our clients facing challenging workers' comp situations, we operate entirely on a contingency fee basis - we won't charge you anything unless we win your case.

Don't settle for less than you deserve. Contact McDuffey Law Firm today!

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

What Sets Us Apart?

As a personal injury law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, we play a special role in our clients' lives. We have the unique responsibility of helping relieve the incredible financial stress that often comes with personal injuries at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we don't take this responsibility lightly. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the financial compensation they need and deserve. Here are a few of the unique advantages we bring to the table when we represent our clients.

Undivided Attention

At McDuffey Law Firm, LLC, we do one thing - and we do it right. By exclusively representing injured people and their families, we are able to stay ahead of the industry curve. We founded our firm on the principle that our clients deserve access to the same level of legal representation as the major insurance companies they must face. Over the years we have fought all major insurance companies and we have a proven record of successful results. We never have (and never will) represent insurance companies.

Proven Results

Tim McDuffey, Attorney At Law

We fight for our clients, and we fight hard. Our hard work has garnered several successful settlements for our clients, including record-breaking verdicts for both a medical malpractice case and a case against Allstate Insurance for bad faith. We have also earned several multi-million-dollar settlements and hundreds of six-figure settlements. No case is too big or small; if you have suffered an injury at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be honored to represent your case.

Success With All Types Of Personal Injury Cases

We focus exclusively on personal injury cases, but personal injury law encompasses a wide variety of different accidents and injuries. We have successfully represented our clients through all types of personal injury cases, including...

Auto Accidents
Workers' Compensation
Wrongful Death
Tractor Trailer Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Boating Accidents
Brain Injuries
Dangerous Premises
Defective Products
Hip Replacements
Medical Devices

No matter what type of injury or accident you may be experiencing, we hope you'll contact our personal injury attorney in Osage Beach MO for the representation you need.

McDuffey Law ~ The Best Personal Injury Firm In Central Missouri

We are proud to be recognized as one of the top personal injury firms in Midwest. While of course we never wish accidents or injuries on anyone, we promise to do everything we can to make the process easier for those in need of representation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Friday, October 30, 2015

13 Fun Facts About Halloween

Halloween weekend is almost here! Children are excitedly picking out their costumes, eagerly awaiting the big night when they can finally go trick-or-treating. Halloween is always fun for both children and adults alike; in honor of the upcoming holiday, McDuffey Law Firm is here to help you get in a 'spooky' mood with these fun trivia facts about Halloween. You might be surprised by what you learn!

Fun Facts About Halloween

1. The first Jack O'Lanterns were actually carved from turnips, not pumpkins.

2. Owls are associated with Halloween because in Medieval Europe, people believed that hearing an owl's call meant you would soon perish.

3. Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of placing food and other treats on the doorstep to placate wandering spirits and ghouls.

4. Jack O'Lanterns and candles were originally lit on All Hallow's Eve to ward off ghosts and spirits.

5. The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed 836 pounds.

6. Witches' Night, Snap-Apple Night, Summer's End, Samhaim, Lamswool, and All Hallow's Eve have all been used as alternative names for Halloween.

7. Ireland is generally heralded as the birthplace of Halloween.

8. Famous magician Harry Houdini died on Halloween night in 1926.

9. Americans spend about 2 billion dollars on Halloween candy every year.

10. Wearing costumes on Halloween originated from the Celtic tradition of dressing up as ghouls and demons on All Hallow's Eve. The Celts believed that by disguising themselves, they would be safe from the real ghouls and demons that wandered the streets that night.

11. Boston, Massachusetts holds the title for most Jack O'Lanterns lit at once - totaling 30,128 pumpkins!

12. The fear of Halloween is called "samhainophobia."

13. Halloween is the second highest grossing holiday in the States (right after Christmas).

Happy Halloween from McDuffey Law Firm!

The entire team at our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury law firm would like to wish a happy and safe Halloween weekend for you and your family! If you ever find yourself in need of legal assistance, we hope you'll think of McDuffey Law Firm. We have successfully represented clients facing a wide variety of personal injury challenges, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, and workers' comp. If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in central Missouri, contact us to schedule a free consultation!