McDuffey Law Firm LLC

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Defense Against Auto Accident Injuries

For many of us, traveling by car is an normal part of life. We hear about the car accidents that injure and kill people every single day, yet we rarely give any thought to the potential dangers we face every time we get in the car. The fact that these risks are not top of mind, however, does not mean they are any less real. Consider these statistics from ASIRT (Association for Safe International Road Travel):

Almost 1.3 million people die in vehicle crashes every year (3,287 deaths per day on average).
An additional 20-30 million people are injured or disabled in accidents every year.
On a global scale, road crashes cost $518 billion every year.
If the current trend continues, experts expect auto accidents to be the fifth leading cause of death by 2030.

Obviously, auto accidents are a very real fact of life for many drivers. Not only do these accidents threaten our physical health and safety - they also bring with them several financial consequences. Because of these potentially serious implications, having an auto accident injury attorney represent you in your personal injury case is very important.

McDuffey Law: Your Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

The bottom line is that your personal injury attorney should be able to help you receive financial compensation for your repairs, injuries, and associated pain and suffering. No two vehicle crashes are alike, though, and predicting the value of your auto accident case ahead of time is impossible.

Every victim suffers unique personal injuries, unique financial consequences, unique (sometimes unpredictable) consequences in their work and personal lives. Depending on their severity, injuries can keep their victims from work and disrupt other daily routines, which causes what is known in the courtroom as "pain and suffering." The value of your specific case will be built over time as injuries are diagnosed, consequences are identified, and evidence is collected. Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for...

Medical Expenses
Pain and Suffering
Lost Wages
Reduced Earnings as a Result of Long-Term Injuries

We understand that financial considerations are a major concern for anyone who has been victimized in a serious car accident, and we promise to do everything in our power to ensure that you are compensated fairly.

McDuffey Law: Your AFFORDABLE Personal Injury Lawyer

Some people hesitate to reach out for the legal assistance that they need because they worry that they will be unable to pay the required legal fees. At our personal injury law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks, however, we work solely on a contingency fee basis: you will not owe us a single penny unless we win your case. Contact us to get the legal representation you deserve.

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, July 9, 2015

How To Choose The Right Personal Injury Attorney

When you're choosing which personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks you want to hire, you're choosing more than a lawyer. You are choosing the person you want to be your advocate, the person who will defend your rights at at a time when you are least able to do so for yourself. It seems only right, then, that the decision of which personal injury lawyer to hire should only be made after careful evaluation and consideration.

If you are trying to decide which personal injury lawyer in mid-Missouri to work with, considering these important factors may help to make the process easier.

Their Experience

First and foremost, you should look at your prospective attorneys' background and experience. What types of personal injury cases have they represented? Have they won many cases in the past? Every personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks is unique, but an attorney's track record can be a great way to gain some insight into their work ethic and their ability to represent you.

Their Firm

One important thing to keep in mind when selecting a personal injury attorney is that you are not only selecting the attorney - you are selecting the entire firm. Before hiring the attorney, make it a point to meet as many of the paralegals, legal assistants, and other attorneys as you can. By chatting with these other team members, you will be able to gain valuable insight into how the communication flows within the firm.

Their Attitude

Attorneys are people too. They each have their own personalities, their own likes and dislikes, and their own mindsets and attitudes. Before hiring your attorney, it is important to make sure that his/her personality matches your own. Do you feel comfortable discussing your personal issues with him? Do you trust her to keep your best interests in mind? Hiring the attorney is important, but hiring the person is even more critical.

Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney? We Would Love To Meet With You!

If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we invite you to set up a free initial consultation with our very own personal injury attorney, Tim McDuffey. Our firm is dedicated to our clients' success and we promise to do everything in our power to ensure that receive proper compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered. Give us a call today to get started!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

13 Facts You Never Knew About Independence Day

Another holiday weekend is just around the corner! As summer cruises along, everyone at the Lake of the Ozarks is looking forward to celebrating what is almost always the biggest weekend at the Lake: Independence Day! As both tourists and locals prepare for a high-energy holiday weekend, the team at McDuffey Law Firm is here to help you get revved up for the weekend with these fun facts about Independence Day.

FUN FACTS ABOUT INDEPENDENCE DAY

1. Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the majority of the Declaration of Independence.

2. The 4th Of July was not declared a national holiday until 1870.

3. The 4th Of July was not an official paid holiday until 1938.

4. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence.

5. Only two men who signed the Declaration went on to become U.S. Presidents (John Adams and Thomas Jefferson).

6. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4th, 1826.

7. At age 27, Thomas Lynch was the youngest person to sign the Declaration.

8. At age 70, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Declaration.

9. Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the United States) was born on Independence Day.

10. The Declaration of Independence was actually written on July 2nd.

11. The Declaration of Independence originated as a letter to King George.

12. Only two men (John Hancock and Charles Thompson) signed the Declaration on July 4th, 1776. The others did not sign it until August 2nd.

13. On average, Americans consume about 155 million hot dogs on the 4th of July.

Happy 4th Of July!

Keep these tidbits in your back pocket - you never know when they may come in handy during your holiday celebrations! Remember that if the worst should happen and you or a loved one should be injured during your holiday celebrations, our experienced personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here for you.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

What Are Our Clients Saying About Us?

We serve a wide variety of different clients in several different types of personal injury cases at the Lake of the Ozarks, but one thing always remains the same - we strive to constantly deliver outstanding service. We are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in our clients' lives, and we are exceedingly grateful to our clients who take the time to let us know how much they appreciate our services. Here is a sneak peek at some of the great things our clients have said about us.

Thanks for your assistance and cooperation on our case. I enjoyed our time together and especially appreciated the way you handled our 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

I was referred to Tim by a friend. At first, I was hesitant to speak to an attorney. Once I sat down with Tim, he explained to me that I had three separate cases - one for workers' compensation, one against the person who had caused the accident, and an underinsured motorist claim against my own insurance policy. Tim got me a settlement against the lady who hit me and a settlement with my insurance. He also got me permanent total disability benefits on my workers' compensation case. I get a check every week from Work Comp and I think of Tim every time I receive it. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Tim at a 15.
Leray - Climax Springs, MO
Workers' Compensation & Personal Injury

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

Tim, I wanted to thank you for being there for me. I will always remember you for what you have done for me and my family.
Lori - Camdenton, MO
Wrongful Death

Tim McDuffey, Personal Injury Attorney

I thought about handling my workers' compensation case on my own. I knew Tim from high school. Since the consultation was free, I sat down with him to discuss my case. I almost settled my case for $12,000. Instead, Tim helped me on my case. I got on Social Security Disability and, on top of that, received a $60,000 settlement on my workers' compensation case. It was amazing. Tim told me during the very first meeting what was going to happen, and it was amazing to watch him skillfully get it done over the course of the case.
Ky - Lake Ozark, MO
Workers' Compensation

I was in a head-on collision four years ago. I broke my right femur bone, shattered my left collarbone, had a collapsed lung, and broke bones and toes in my right foot. I was a mess. My mother-in-law contacted Tim McDuffey about taking on my case. When I met with Tim and his staff after I was out of the hospital, I felt safe and at home, like part of his family. He listened to my tears and he took on my case. He was also my disability advocate; within ten minutes of walking into a disability hearing, we walked away with Disability. I was very impressed. Tim did all my paperwork and gathered all the medical information. At the end when we settled for $1 million out of court, Tim kept track of all my bills and paid off all my medical loans first. I was very happy to know he had my best interests at heart. Tim, I could not thank you, Michelle, and your law firm enough for what you have done for me and my family. I know first-hand that if I ever need him, he will be the only attorney I would call. Thanks, Tim, for always treating me like a part of your family.
Elnora - Columbia, MO
Car Accident

We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with these and many other wonderful clients, and we are proud to have made a positive impact on their lives. If you find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you will keep McDuffey Law Firm in mind!

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Motorcycle Accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks

It's no secret that the Lake of the Ozarks hosts (and is home to) many motorcycle enthusiasts. With Bikefest, Bike Night, The Mid Coast Bike Run, and many other motorcycle events, thousands of motorcycles will cruise the Lake Area roads every year.

Unfortunately, motorcycles are roughly 50% more likely to be in an accident than other automobiles. The number of motorcycle-crash related fatalities is also continuing to rise; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 14% of all traffic fatalities are motorcycle fatalities (that number has more than doubled since the previous decade).

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of different factors, but they all require immediate legal attention to protect in the injured riders and their families from even greater losses. Here is a look at some of the different situations that can cause a motorcycle accident at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Inattentive Drivers

Unfortunately, drivers who fail to pay adequate attention to the road and other driving conditions are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are much smaller than vehicles, so they may be easier to miss while surveying the area for approaching motorists. It is imperative that drivers be aware of their surroundings at all times and not allow themselves to be swayed by cell phones or other distractions.

Failure To Yield At An Intersection

It should come as no surprise that intersections are some of the most common locations for accidents. With vehicles coming and going (sometimes at great speeds), navigating intersections requires each driver to be constantly aware of his or her surroundings. Sometimes, drivers who are waiting to make a left turn at a light (when they are facing a yield arrow) do not see the motorcyclist approaching or may fail to correctly gauge the motorcyclist's speed.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Not all vehicle accidents are the fault of the drivers. Government agencies and their contractors have a legal responsibility to keep their roads safe for travelers, and failure to do so can cause serious injuries. Gravel, pools of water, potholes, and construction zones can all cause wrecks and associated injuries for drivers and motorcyclists - especially if warning signs for these hazards are not in place.

Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney Will Have Your Back

Because motorcyclists do not have a car, truck, or an SUV to serve as a protective barrier, they are likely to experience greater injuries in the result of an accident. The sad fact is that even when the driver of the other vehicle is clearly at fault, many insurance companies frequently attempt to blame the motorcyclist for the accident.

If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, it is important to immediately contact a motorcycle accident attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. The attorneys at McDuffey Law Firm, LLC can help you receive financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and associated pain and suffering. Give us a call to get started.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

McDuffey Law Firm Case Results

Personal Injury Law is arguably one of the most emotional and stressful legal disciplines. When pain and/or serious injuries are involved, plaintiffs may have difficulty remaining calm. During these trying times, having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make a world of difference.

McDuffey Law Firm is proud to have successfully represented a wide variety of personal injury cases. With our representation, our clients have received settlements anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Here is a look at some of the high-stakes personal injury cases we have won for our clients.

Bad Faith Claim Against Allstate Insurance

Personal injury attorney Tim McDuffey successfully represented his client against Allstate Insurance Company, earning $16,300,000 in damages for his client. This was the highest amount of punitive damages ever affirmed against an insurance company in Missouri, and one of the largest bad faith verdicts in the entire country.

Personal Injury Claim for Medical Malpractice: Defective Hip

In this personal injury case, the jury awarded $1,400,000 against an orthopedic surgeon who improperly installed an artificial hip in a patient. This is believed to be the largest medical malpractice verdict ever awarded in the history of the country. Tim McDuffey served as lead counsel in this jury trial.

Tim McDuffey Recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocacy Forum

Our experienced trial attorney, Tim McDuffey, has been consistently recognized for his outstanding results and superior client service. He is humbled and honored to have earned recognition for his results by being named to the both the Million Dollar Advocacy Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocacy Forum.

Contact Us For Personal Injury Representation

If you find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we invite you to set up a FREE consultation with our team. We operate on a contingency-fee basis - our clients only owe us for our legal services if we win their case.

We look forward to serving you.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Lake Race 2015

It's time for one of the biggest events at the Lake: Lake Race! Racers from all over the United States will gather at the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend, ready to compete for top prize money - and, of course, ultimate bragging rights! Tourists and locals alike have been eagerly anticipating the return of this great event, and now everyone is ready to join in the fun.

Lake Race 2015 ~ Event Details

Lake Race is a thrilling, high-speed motorboat race that is held on the Lake of the Ozarks every year. Boaters will race from the 0 mile marker to the 6 mile marker. Spectators will crowd around Beavers at the Dam restaurant on the Bagnell Dam Strip to watch the races, or viewers can tune into www.krmsradio.com/lakeracestream to view the races online. No matter how you choose to watch, you can be sure that this will be an exciting weekend at the Lake.

For more information on the event, check out their website at www.LakeRace.com. You can also follow them on Facebook.

Lake Race 2015 ~ Volunteer Opportunities

Lake Race, like many of the big events here at the Lake of the Ozarks, relies heavily on volunteers in order to succeed. In addition to the personal satisfaction of knowing they are helping out with a great charity event, volunteers get a free Lake Race t-shirt and the chance to view the races from up close. The Lake Race Committee is still looking for a few last-minute volunteers - if you would like to participate, contact Donna Swall at 573-434-4400 or Ed Champion at 402-290-8070.

Lake Race 2015 ~ Charity Organizations

Like so many of the major local events, Lake Race works to raise money for local charity organizations around the Lake of the Ozarks. In prior years, Lake Race has raised money for the YMCA, Paws Place, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Coast Guard Auxillary, Bagnell Dam Strip Beautification Project, and Lake Area Fire Protection Districts. By supporting this great event, you will also be supporting these wonderful organizations.

Have A Great Weekend!

Everyone at McDuffey Law Firm hopes you and your family have a great weekend! Should the worst happen, please remember that our personal injury law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here for you. Be careful!