Mark Weingartner and Michael Ellis: Lt. Mark Weingartner, a paramedic for the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was working at the scene of a motor vehicle accident with two injured individuals. The damaged vehicle was between a firetruck and an ambulance. Mark walked to the rear of the ambulance when the ambulance was struck by another motor vehicle, whose driver was intoxicated, that crossed the median. Mark was knocked backward and the ambulance partially landed on Mark and trapped his foot, which caused significant injuries. Capt. Michael Ellis, a firefighter for the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was also involved in this accident, and also suffered significant injuries when the ambulance rolled on top of him, causing a concussion and substantial leg injuries. The overage limits of $100,000 were recently obtained against the other driver’s insurance carrier. Workmans’ compensation claims remain pending, as well as their substantial claims against the underinsured motorists carrier.

David Ryan v. Violet Rademacher: Officer David Ryan inhaled anhydrous ammonia when he came upon a methamphetamine lab at a private residence. After overcoming a Fireman’s Rule defense, (the Fireman’s Rule requires that the injury occur in an emergency or rescue situation) where the court ruled that Officer Ryan’s investigation of the methamphetamine lab was not an emergency situation, Rick was able to attain a jury verdict in the amount $600,000 when the insurance carrier’s settlement offer was approximately $30,000.

Cindy Dyer v. Gentry Chandler: Cindy, a school bus driver and wife of firefighter Dan Dyer, was injured when her bus was was rear-ended by defendant while picking up children on her bus route. Rick obtained a jury verdict in the amount of $125,000. The insurance carrier for defendant had offered to settle for $35,000 while its attorney asked the jury to award her only $25,000 during closing arguments.