Dull Law LLC Dull Law LLC 2026-11-11T09:42:04Z https://www.dullheanylaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1600657/2025/01/icon-75x75.png On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[When may Missouri families seek extra damages in a death claim?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48224 2026-11-11T09:42:04Z 2026-11-11T09:42:04Z Losses beyond funeral costs may count when the family loses support and companionship A jury or judge may award the damages it considers fair and just for the death, including funeral expenses, financial losses, and a reasonable amount to account for the companionship, comfort, guidance, and support your family lost. However, Missouri law does not allow damages for grief and bereavement.

Pain before death may add to a claim when the person survived for a time

If your loved one lived for a period after the injury, the claim may also cover the harm, such as conscious pain and suffering, that the person suffered between the injury and the death. The law allows this only when the person could have sued had the death not occurred.

Aggravating circumstances may apply when the other party showed deliberate and clear disregard for safety

A jury or judge may also after the injury that surrounded the death. This may come up when the other party acted with deliberate and flagrant disregard for safety, proven by clear and convincing evidence, such as by driving while intoxicated. Missouri law also lets the other side point to mitigating circumstances, so the facts of each case matter.

Speaking with an attorney may help you identify which damages fit your situation

Each family’s loss, and each death, is different. A Missouri attorney may review the records, explain which of these damages may apply under Missouri statutes, and help you gather evidence that shows what your family lost and how the death happened.  ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Inexperienced drivers cause serious car accidents]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48117 2026-11-02T17:32:52Z 2026-11-02T17:32:52Z When you look at car accident statistics, the issue of inexperience becomes very clear. The less experience someone has behind the wheel, the greater their likelihood of causing a serious crash. For instance, take teenage drivers as a general age group. Their fatal accident rate is significantly higher than that of drivers who are no longer teens. Even someone who is just 20 years old, one year removed from being a teenager themselves, has a lower accident rate. Moreover, especially young teenage drivers have some of the highest crash rates. Someone who is 16 or 17 years old could be the most hazardous driver on the road. And a major reason for this issue is just that the driver is inexperienced and thus prone to making otherwise avoidable mistakes.

The difficulty of driving a motor vehicle

In modern American culture, cars are exceptionally common. Most workers drive every single day. Students commute to school all week long. Many families own multiple vehicles. We think of driving as something that is routine and, often, even boring. But the reality is that driving a car is a very difficult and complicated task. Mentally processing all of the information needed to make safe decisions takes time. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to overlook clear risks or make mistakes that they do not even realize they are making at the time. Even when they are not deliberately doing something dangerous, their skills are just underdeveloped compared to adult drivers. You face a certain amount of risk from drivers around you every time you get on the road. If you suffer injuries in a crash that one of them causes, be sure you know how to seek fair financial compensation.  ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Can you quickly lower your BAC so that you can drive?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48114 2026-10-21T16:42:20Z 2026-10-21T16:42:20Z No, it is not possible to quickly lower your blood alcohol concentration. If you have been drinking and it has elevated your BAC, you just have to wait for your body to metabolize the alcohol. As it does so, your BAC will naturally decline. But there are no tricks that can get this to happen more quickly. Eating a meal after you have been drinking does not change how fast the alcohol content works its way out of your system, even though eating before you drink can sometimes delay intoxication. Drinking a cup of coffee can make you feel far more awake because of the caffeine, but it does not actually change your BAC or sober you up.

So how long will it take?

The exact amount of time that it takes for your BAC to get back to zero depends on numerous different factors. It can be different from case to case, and you should never make any assumptions that could put you behind the wheel with an elevated BAC. That being said, most studies find that it goes down by about 0.015% every hour. As you can see, this is not a very fast decline. The legal limit for most drivers is a BAC of 0.08%. But this means it could take seven hours for someone at this BAC limit to return to zero. Plus, it can take time for your BAC to peak. It may not actually reach its peak until 30 minutes to two hours after you stop drinking.

DUI defense options

Many people do not understand how long it takes for their BAC to decline, and they find themselves facing DUI charges. These can lead to a license suspension, jail time, financial fines and other ramifications, so it is very important to know what defense options you have.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[3 reasons so many drivers run red lights]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48111 2026-10-08T03:37:57Z 2026-10-08T03:37:57Z Among the many reasons for serious car accidents, red light running is one of the most common. People who run red lights are always at high risk of causing a crash because traffic crosses paths at an intersection and the opposing traffic would have the right of way. Understanding why red light running happens sometimes helps drivers avoid dangerous behaviors, or at least be wary of the mistakes made by those around them on the road. Below are three reasons why this occurs.

1. A sense of urgency

Modern society often creates a significant sense of urgency that drivers feel at all times. They may be rushing to school, to work or just to a social engagement. This urgency can cause them to speed or drive unsafely, as they prioritize arriving quickly at their destination over safe and careful driving decisions.

2. Distracted driving

Additionally, there are many drivers who simply do not see the red light at all because they are distracted. This distraction could come from passengers or children in the car, or they may be distracted by food or drink. Naturally, cellphones are one of the most common types of distraction, and someone who is texting and driving may run a red light.

3. Driver impairment

Finally, some drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol. This may mean that they do not see the red light at all. Even if they do see it, it may mean that they do not react appropriately. A driver may hit the brakes far too late to actually stop in time. Have you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in an accident because someone else ran a red light? If so, you must know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. An experienced attorney can help.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[The most important part of an SSDI claim]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48059 2026-09-23T15:23:18Z 2026-09-23T15:23:18Z If you are filing an SSDI claim, every step in the process is important. It is crucial that you fill out all of the paperwork correctly. Even minor errors can sometimes delay the process or make it more complicated to get the benefits you need. But according to the Social Security Administration, perhaps the most important part of your claim is medical evidence. This is the cornerstone of the determination that they are going to make. Often, when people get a denial, it is not because they do not have a disability. It is just because they have not provided all the necessary medical evidence to document that disability and show that they should be approved.

What medical evidence can demonstrate

Medical evidence is so important because it can demonstrate numerous things that the SSA needs to know. First of all, it shows that a person does have an impairment. Whether this is an injury, an illness, a mental disorder or something else entirely, it demonstrates the need for SSDI benefits. Next, the evidence can show how severe the impairment is and how long it is going to last. Often, benefits are granted for those who are dealing with long-term conditions that significantly impact their life. Similarly, the evidence helps to show how it will affect a person’s ability to work and earn a living. This demonstrates the need for benefits if they are unable to work due to their condition.

Submitting your claim

Are you considering submitting an SSDI claim this year? It is very important to gather the appropriate evidence and to know what other steps to take during the submission process It can help to work with an experienced attorney.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Missouri?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48058 2026-09-14T16:18:14Z 2026-09-14T16:18:14Z Missouri law sets a time limit for filing car accident lawsuits, known as the statutes of limitations. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation through the courts, even if another driver was clearly responsible for the crash. If you were involved in a car accident in Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit. However, if the accident resulted in someone's death, the law provides a three-year window for certain surviving family members or other eligible parties to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Other factors may also change the deadline that applies. For instance, claims  involving a government entity may be subject to different requirements than a claim against a private individual or company. Additionally, Missouri law provides for tolling or pausing the statute of limitations in certain circumstances.

Why early action matters after a crash

Five years may sound like plenty of time, but waiting too long to address your claim can make it harder to build a strong case. Evidence from the crash may become more difficult to obtain, witnesses may be harder to locate and memories of what happened can fade.  Acting early can also give you more time to work toward a settlement with the insurance company or the at-fault party. Many car accident claims are resolved through negotiations without the need for a trial. However, settlement discussions do not automatically stop the statute of limitations from running. Even if an insurer is reviewing your claim or discussing a potential settlement, you may still need to file a lawsuit before the applicable deadline to preserve your right to seek compensation in court. Seeking professional legal guidance after a car accident in Missouri can help you understand how the law applies to your situation and what steps may help protect your right to compensation. This can help you avoid costly mistakes while improving the chances of a desirable outcome.  ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[What happens when your doctor gives you permanent restrictions?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48057 2026-09-08T06:59:20Z 2026-09-08T06:59:20Z A work injury changes your life in ways you never expected. When your doctor says your restrictions are permanent, that news can feel overwhelming. You might wonder if you can keep your job or how you will pay your bills. These questions are valid and you deserve real answers, not just reassurance.

When your job may be at risk

Once your doctor determines you have reached maximum medical improvement, meaning your condition has stabilized, your employer checks about any lasting limits on what you can do.  In Missouri, however, the law does not require your employer to accommodate these restrictions or offer you a modified role. While some employers choose to find you lighter work if a suitable position exists, many do not.  This can leave you facing job loss on top of an injury you did not ask for. That kind of uncertainty is heavy to carry and your worry about supporting your family is completely valid. You deserve support and clear answers, even when the system does not guarantee them. 

When your benefits come into question

Permanent restrictions often lead to a permanent partial disability or, in more serious cases, a permanent total disability rating under Missouri workers' compensation law. This rating affects how much compensation you receive and for how long. Getting this rating involves medical evaluations, disability percentages and sometimes disagreements between doctors about your actual limitations. 

Finding steady support moving forward

Facing permanent work restrictions brings a mix of grief, worry and uncertainty about what comes next. Missouri workers who go through this often find comfort in having someone who understands both the medical side and the legal side of their situation. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rating, your options and what fair compensation looks like for your specific injury. You do not have to carry this weight by yourself. Having someone in your corner who genuinely cares about your recovery and your future can make a difficult chapter feel a little more manageable.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Reporting requirements for workers injured on the job]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48056 2026-08-29T23:00:48Z 2026-08-29T23:00:48Z How long do workers have to report job-related medical concerns? Typically, the clock for reporting begins counting down on the day that that a worker sustains an injury or when a doctor diagnoses them with a specific medical issue caused by their job. They then have 30 days to notify their employer in writing of the incident that left them injured or the diagnosis that relates to their position. The failure to submit formal notice can interfere with a future claim for benefits. Workers who are not sure if they require benefits may still want to report on-the-job incidents and medical diagnoses to their employers. Conditions can present delayed-onset symptoms or worsen due to repetitive job functions after an initial injury. Reporting the incident to an employer in writing gives the worker typically up to a two-year window to file a claim for benefits. Workers’ compensation claims can be difficult, and compliance with all rules is necessary to protect future benefit eligibility. Discussing work-related medical issues with an attorney can be helpful for injured employees as a result.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[The different focus of legal and physical custody]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48055 2026-08-10T17:03:30Z 2026-08-10T17:03:30Z Dividing custody of children is a crucial part of getting a divorce. When parents decide to end their marital relationship, they need to define what rights they have regarding their children in the future. While many of these rights may have simply been implied or assumed during the marriage, court orders may be necessary to define them moving forward. When it comes to legal and physical custody rights over a child, it is important for parents to remember that these are very different areas of the law. They have a different focus and address different types of parenting.

Physical custody

To begin with, adults may split up parenting time, setting up a schedule for when each person will be with the children. Physical custody can be given solely to one parent or shared between both. Visitation rights may also have to be considered. A parent who does not have primary physical custody may still have visitation rights to see the child periodically.

Legal custody

The focus of legal custody rights, however, is on making decisions that will affect the child’s life, health and well-being. Regardless of where the child is living at the time, parents need to know who has decision-making power. Legal custody rights often revolve around issues like healthcare, education and religion. Parents need to know who has the right to make these crucial decisions when they are necessary.

Both sides of child custody

When getting a divorce, parents likely need to address both sides of the child custody plan, and this can sometimes lead to conflicts. It can help to work with an experienced family law attorney to seek an appropriate resolution.  ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Feeling fine after an accident: Why you should still see a doctor]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48054 2026-07-31T07:49:46Z 2026-07-31T07:49:46Z Why immediate medical care matters After a crash, the body could trigger a severe “fight or flight” response, pumping adrenaline and cortisol through your bloodstream. The release of stress hormones acts as a temporary painkiller, blocking trauma signals to the brain. Once your body settles, the symptoms might begin to appear. Some of the serious automotive injuries that take time to reveal themselves include:
  • Whiplash: Neck stiffness, headaches, and shoulder strain often take 24 to 48 hours to peak as inflammation builds up.
  • Internal bleeding or disc damage: Deep tissue or organ trauma could worsen silently before turning into a medical emergency.
  • Concussions: Symptoms like mild brain fog, light sensitivity or sudden fatigue might take time to register.
In Missouri, if you end up needing treatment later, your medical timeline matters as much as your physical recovery. If there is a gap between the crash and your first doctor visit after telling the authorities you are fine, the insurance company could argue that the injury wasn’t severe or it happened somewhere else.

Protecting your health

You don’t have to wait for pain to prove you were hurt. Visit a hospital or a primary care doctor right away. If you or your loved ones were injured in a motor vehicle collision, an experienced legal professional could help you understand your legal rights and fight for the rightful compensation that may be available under the law.]]>