Recent Blog Posts
Can I Sue My Neighbor If Their Cat Attacked My Child?
It is normally dog bites that are the subject of conversation when it comes to personal injury lawsuits involving animal attacks. However, cats can be equally as terrifying and deal some serious damage should they attack an adult, let alone a minor child. So what can you do if a cat decides to sink its teeth or claws into one of your children? Well, that depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack.
When suffering any injuries due to the negligence of another person, it is a good idea to involve an attorney before attempting a lawsuit on your own. An attorney will be able to provide direction and advice regarding your lawsuit while gathering evidence of negligence on your behalf.
The “Dog Bite” Statute
In Illinois, there is no legal duty of care for pet owners to keep their cats indoors. This is in large part due to cats being naturally roaming creatures that will not often attack unless provoked. At one point in time, Illinois used the scienter rule, often referred to as the “one-bite” rule that allowed a pet to be exempt from liability if it was their first time attacking unprovoked.
Injured My Back On The Job. What Can I Do?
Most employers are required by Illinois law to have workers’ compensation in place in case of any on-the-job injury, illness, or accident. Employees may be eligible to receive medical benefits, disability benefits, and death benefits depending on the severity of the at-work injury. Employing an attorney can better help you navigate the legality of workers’ compensation for your unique case.
Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation only covers injuries inflicted while on the job. So any injuries incurred while at an employee recreational event are not covered by workers’ compensation unless event attendance is mandatory.
Injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation include:
Tips to Avoid Accidents on Road Trips
During the holidays, many of us travel to see loved ones. While road trips can be fun, there are potential hazards while traveling long distances without frequent breaks.
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, drivers may be more focused on plans with family than traffic conditions. Even a momentary distraction can result in injuries and deaths, with most car crash fatalities being caused by human error
Below, our Joliet car accident lawyers go over some accident statistics and tips for you to avoid an accident on family road trips this holiday season.
Holiday Accident Statistics
The holidays bring us immense joy, but with this cheer comes a significant increase in accidents
2023 estimated figures reveal the following:
- 507 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
- 345 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the Christmas Day holiday period
Penalties for Theft in Illinois
In 2021, Will County was home to 1,545 reports of theft. Even though you may think sneaking a necklace out of a jewelry shop is no big deal, think again
Illinois law imposes serious punishments for offenders, and the court system is not afraid to convict someone when sufficient evidence is presented.
If you are convicted of theft, you will likely be paying steep fines, serving time, and have a criminal record for the rest of your life. If you are facing theft allegations in Illinois, you need a Joliet theft and burglary defense lawyer who can defend your good name
Theft Laws in Illinois
Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/16-1 states that a person commits theft when the individual knowingly:
- Obtains or employs unauthorized control over the property of another person
Workers’ Compensation for Delivery Drivers After a Truck Accident
About 1.7 million people work as delivery truck drivers in the United States, and such a high number of jobs creates the likelihood of increased truck accidents. A truck driver who suffers injuries in an accident may be unable to work for a prolonged period. For the average person, not having a steady source of income is simply not feasible.
After a truck driver is involved in an accident, he or she may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Workers’ compensation is employer-provided insurance that comes at no cost to the employee. Moreover, the employee does not need to prove that the employer’s negligence led to his or her injuries.
If you are a delivery driver who has been involved in a truck accident, our Joliet workers’ compensation lawyers would like to assist you during this confusing time.
Car Accidents in Heavy Traffic: Not Just Fender Benders
A car accident takes more than just a toll on your vehicle. You may suffer injuries that cause permanent physical limitations and lose the ability to work. If you have been in a car accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for these losses.
Below, our Joliet car accident lawyers discuss the different types of accidents that may be caused by heavy traffic and the types of injuries that may result.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision may be caused by slippery roads, limited visibility in adverse weather, or a tailgating driver.
A rear-end accident can easily be avoided if drivers remain vigilant behind the wheel. It is important to always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and a front vehicle since you never know when a vehicle may abruptly stop.
Be on the Lookout for Large Trucks this Holiday Season
For many, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season means shopping, holiday parties, giving gifts, and generally merriment. That said, it also means there will be more large trucks on the road in the area. The increased commercial activity around means more deliveries, more trucks – and an increased risk of being involved in a serious truck accident. If you are hurt in a commercial truck crash, it’s in your best interest to contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
When Can Victims Recover after a Truck Accident?
Under Illinois law, people who are hurt in accidents caused by the negligence of others are typically entitled to compensation for their injuries and other losses. In the context of truck accidents, negligence can take various forms. Some of the most common include the following:
What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide?
Workers’ compensation provides employees financial assistance for work-related illnesses and injuries. Workers’ compensation protects employers from being sued by their employees.
Most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees. If you have been recently injured on the job, speak with a Joliet workers’ compensation attorney to learn if you qualify for workers’ compensation.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that covers the cost of medical treatments and replaces lost wages. Workers’ compensation provides benefits for any injuries or illnesses that are partly or entirely related to an employee’s work.
DUI Arrests Increase During the Holidays
As the holidays approach, people have more time off to spend with family and friends. With more time for socializing, people often increase their consumption of alcohol. While you may feel like you can still drive responsibly, many people have made that same assumption with tragic outcomes.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you need the experience of a Joliet DUI defense lawyer to represent you.
Holiday DUI Statistics
Drunk driving is an increasing concern during the holiday season. While you may think that you will never drive impaired, it is easy to lose track of your alcohol consumption during the holidays.
Nationwide statistics show the following:
Common Driver Distractions That Lead to Injuries
The next time you are driving and you reach for your cell phone, rethink this decision. In 2021, 3,522 lives were taken due to distracted driving, many due to cell phone use.
Distracted driving accidents are 100% preventable, but drivers must eliminate these risky behaviors to keep America’s roads safe or be held accountable for the harm they cause.
If you have been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Joliet car accident lawyers are here to help.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving involves anything that takes your attention away from the road. Distracted driving comes in three forms: