Posted on July 24, 2024 in Pedestrian Accidents

Car accidents can result in serious damage and physician harm. When a car crashes into a person rather than another car, the potential harm can be even more severe. You can be out for a walk enjoying the fresh air and suddenly, everything goes wrong. It can be terrifying and traumatizing, and pedestrians who are hit by cars often have a long recovery ahead, requiring physical and emotional therapy. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, speak with a skilled Arlington Heights, IL personal injury attorney who can explain your options.

What Happens When a Pedestrian Is Injured in an Accident?

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, deaths from accidents involving pedestrians make up 18% of all crash-related fatalities. This type of accident poses an enormous danger to the people involved. If a pedestrian survives the crash, they still face the potential for serious injury that can impact them well into the future. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries requiring serious recovery include:

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 Posted on July 14, 2024 in Car Accident

Speed limits are in place for a good reason; when drivers follow the speed limit, there is a safe and efficient flow of traffic with less chance of auto accidents. Speeding, along with failure to maintain a safe distance between other vehicles, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle and cause car accidents. It is estimated that between 40 and 50 percent of all drivers routinely exceed the speed limit.  In 2022, more than 12,000 auto collision fatalities were directly related to excess speed.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to react to an unexpected situation and require a longer distance to stop or slow down. Even modest increases in speed can cause major increases in crash energy. The aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming, and virtually always benefits from having a Rolling Meadows personal injury attorney who will handle all the legal issues.  

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 Posted on July 05, 2024 in Slip and Fall

When a Chicago condominium association was held liable in a slip and fall case that left a woman with significant injuries, the association's board appealed the nearly $75,000 damage award. The plaintiff in the case was visiting her sister, who lived in the condos. When the woman left, she went down the back stairs, which were poorly lit and had ice on them.

After her fall, several condo residents—some of whom also happened to be condo board members—commented that the lights should have been on. The condominium association claimed those statements were hearsay, but the Appellate Court held that the Circuit Judge properly admitted the statements into evidence.  

This case was uncommon in that it involved the association, the plaintiff, residents who were also on the board, and the plaintiff’s relatives, many of whom made statements at the time of the accident. Even in simpler cases, it is not uncommon for a property owner to dispute the cause of a slip-and-fall accident.

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 Posted on June 27, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

Workplace injuries can be life-altering events, often leaving employees in a vulnerable position. When you file for workers’ compensation in Illinois, you expect support and fair treatment. However, some employers may attempt to decrease your earnings after you file for benefits. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand the legality of such actions and your rights.

What You Should Know About Your Rights

In Illinois, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This protection is enshrined in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/4). Retaliation can take many forms, including:

• Termination
• Demotion
• Reduction in pay or hours
• Hostile work environment

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 Posted on June 24, 2024 in Personal Injury

Experiencing an injury at the hands of a bar security guard can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to understand your rights and the potential legal actions available to you. An Illinois lawyer can walk you through the steps you can take to protect yourself and seek justice.

When to Consider Pressing Charges

The decision to press charges against a bar security guard should not be taken lightly. Several factors come into play when determining whether legal action is appropriate. The severity of your injury is a primary consideration; pressing charges may be warranted if you have sustained significant physical harm requiring medical attention. Unprovoked aggression or excessive force without justification could also be grounds for legal action.

You should consider whether the security guard violated established protocols. Security personnel must adhere to specific guidelines, and clear breaches of these standards strengthen your case. As is any available video evidence, the presence of witnesses who can back up your version of events is crucial. Many establishments have surveillance cameras, and this footage can be invaluable in supporting your claim.

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 Posted on June 17, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

When you undergo a medical procedure requiring sedation, you trust the medical professionals to administer the appropriate dosage and monitor your condition closely. However, in some cases, sedation may last longer than intended, leading to complications and potential harm. If you or a loved one has experienced prolonged sedation due to medical negligence, you may be wondering if you have grounds for a lawsuit. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine if you have a potential case.

What Exactly is Prolonged Sedation?

Sedation is a medically induced state of relaxation or unconsciousness, often used during surgical procedures or diagnostic tests to minimize pain and discomfort. The duration of sedation depends on various factors, including the type of medication used, the dosage, and the patient's individual response. In most cases, patients should regain consciousness and alertness within a reasonable timeframe after the procedure. However, when sedation lasts longer than expected, it can lead to complications such as:

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 Posted on June 06, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

If you sustain an injury on the job, you have a right to see if you can get workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injury. But how do you actually go about filing a workers’ compensation claim? An Illinois lawyer can help walk you through the process and ensure your legal rights are met.

Reporting the Injury

The first crucial step is to report your injury to your employer immediately. In Illinois, you have 45 days from the date of the injury to provide written notice. However, you should not wait that long. Inform your supervisor immediately, and document the details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and how the injury occurred.

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 Posted on May 30, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

When you visit an emergency room, you expect to receive prompt, appropriate, and effective treatment. However, there are instances when the care provided falls short of the accepted standard, resulting in harm to the patient. When a healthcare provider’s actions or inactions in the emergency room setting deviate from the standard of care and cause injury, it may constitute negligence. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine what negligence in emergency room treatment looks like and what you can do if you experience it.

The Standard of Care in Illinois Emergency Rooms

In Illinois, healthcare providers in emergency rooms are held to a specific standard of care. This standard requires them to possess and apply the knowledge, skill, and care that a reasonably well-qualified emergency room physician or staff member would use under similar circumstances. When a provider fails to meet this standard, and a patient suffers harm as a result, it may be considered negligence.

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 Posted on May 22, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

When you undergo a medical imaging procedure, such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, you trust that the radiologist interpreting your results will do so with the best possible care and attention to detail. Unfortunately, radiologists can sometimes miss critical findings, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses and potentially serious consequences for patients. If you have suffered harm because of a radiologist’s negligence, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim with an Illinois lawyer.

How to Prove Negligence in Radiology Malpractice Cases

To pursue a successful medical malpractice claim against a radiologist in Illinois, you must show that the radiologist deviated from the accepted standard of care and that this deviation directly caused your injuries. The standard of care refers to the level of skill, knowledge, and care that a radiologist would typically exercise. Examples of radiologist negligence may include:

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 Posted on May 13, 2024 in Personal Injury

If you have been injured because of a pothole, you may be entitled to compensation from the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. However, proving that a pothole caused your injuries can be challenging. An Illinois lawyer can discuss the steps you can take to build a strong case and secure the compensation you feel you deserve.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are able to do so safely, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the pothole, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and see if they are willing to provide a statement about what they saw. This evidence will be crucial in establishing that the pothole caused your accident and injuries.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Not only will this ensure that you receive the treatment you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries that can be used as evidence in your case. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.

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