Recent Blog Posts
Common Examples of Truck Driver Negligence
Like all motorists, truck drivers have a duty to keep other road users safe. In too many instances, a truck driver’s negligence is the primary cause of an accident.
The numbers don’t lie. In a recent year, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an increase of 49% in the past decade.
If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you need dependable and accomplished counsel. Look no further than our Joliet truck accident attorney.
Establishing Liability
To hold a truck driver liable, the law requires you to prove the following to establish their negligence on the road:
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Hospital Workers
Hospital workers play a vital role in healthcare but face various occupational hazards that can result in injuries. Like any industry, on-the-job injuries and illnesses can happen and disrupt a healthcare worker’s job and life in general.
Illinois requires employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage to provide benefits to injured workers, and the healthcare industry is no different. However, large hospitals and their insurers can make it challenging to receive the benefits you deserve. Never hesitate to seek help from a Joliet, workers’ compensation lawyer if you need to pursue a claim.
Common Injuries to Hospital Staff on the Job
Some common work-related injuries to hospital workers include:
Can Motorcycle Injuries Result in High-Dollar Settlements?
While riding a motorcycle can be a fun activity for many, accidents remain an all too common reality for so many motorcycle riders. Sadly, because of the lack of protection provided by motorcycles, injuries involving these machines can be devastating and even result in death. Since motorcycle accidents so often feature catastrophic injuries or death, settlements involving motorcycle injuries can be especially high. While there is no guarantee when it comes to pursuing compensation, you will not know how much compensation may be obtained until you move forward with an injury claim. Contact a lawyer to begin this consequential process.
Injuries Involved in Motorcycle Injury Claims
Motorcycle accidents more frequently result in severe injuries than other types of accidents. The lack of structural protection and the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road makes them more susceptible to serious injuries. Serious and catastrophic injuries may involve:
Is Child Endangerment a Criminal Offense in Illinois?
Protecting the well-being of children is of utmost importance. In Illinois, child endangerment is considered a criminal offense. As such, those charged with child endangerment will be aggressively prosecuted, as law enforcement and society do not take cases of alleged child endangerment lightly. If you are facing criminal charges related to child endangerment, contact a lawyer right away to ensure the process of building a robust defense can begin immediately.
Defining and Understanding Child Endangerment
According to Illinois law, child endangerment is defined as knowingly causing or permitting a child to be placed in circumstances that endanger their life and health. The Illinois criminal code outlines several acts that can constitute child endangerment, including physical abuse, neglect, exposure to illegal substances, and failure to provide necessary medical care or supervision. The law recognizes that child endangerment can result from intentional or reckless actions or omissions.
Is it Possible for a Seat Belt to Malfunction During an Accident?
Seat belts play a critical role in protecting occupants during car accidents, reducing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities. However, there have been instances where seat belts have malfunctioned during a crash, leading to serious injuries for those whose seat belts failed to work correctly. If you were injured in a car accident and believe a seat belt malfunction led to your injury, contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected as you seek compensation related to your injury. Do not wait to contact a lawyer and file your claim, as Illinois has a strict two-year statute of limitations in such cases.
Seat Belt Design and Manufacturing Defects
While seat belts are designed to withstand the forces of a collision, like any other mechanical device, they are not immune to defects. Manufacturing flaws can compromise the effectiveness of a seat belt during an accident. These defects may include faulty latches and more. A defect in the seat belt’s design or manufacturing process could result in the seat belt failing to properly restrain the passenger during a crash.
What is Financial Exploitation in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
Financial exploitation is a distressing form of nursing home abuse that often accompanies other types of mistreatment in nursing homes. It occurs when an elderly individual’s funds or assets are improperly used or stolen through manipulation, coercion, or theft. If you believe a loved one is experiencing financial exploitation at a nursing home facility, contact a lawyer right away to ensure your loved one’s rights can be protected.
In the context of nursing home abuse, financial exploitation refers to the illegal exploitation of residents’ financial resources, which can include bank accounts, credit cards, property, or valuables. The involvement of a personal injury attorney can be instrumental in navigating the legal complexities involved in such cases.
The Most Serious DUI Charges in Illinois
A simple DUI is bad enough. Even a first-time DUI that does not involve any aggravating circumstances like bodily injury or carrying a child passenger can result in jail time. In most cases, a simple DUI is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to a year in jail. If this is not your first DUI, you are more likely to face harsh sentencing as courts are less forgiving of repeat mistakes. A felony DUI is far more serious. Some forms of felony DUI can lead to years of time in prison, and all are taken very seriously in Illinois. If you are facing a felony DUI, it is very important that you take the situation seriously and focus on your defense. Your freedom is in jeopardy and you could face a number of other legal and societal consequences if you are convicted. An attorney may be able to work towards reducing the seriousness of the charges in plea bargaining or may be able to identify another strong defense strategy.
Understanding Fault and Liability Laws in Illinois Auto Accident Cases
Illinois follows traditional tort liability laws and the fault-based model when assessing negligence and responsibility in multi-vehicle car, truck, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accidents. Determining liability is complex but critical for injury claims. This blog post will go over what you should know about how Illinois handles fault and liability.
Illinois Uses a "Fault" Liability System
Illinois operates under a "fault"-based auto liability legal system when appraising responsibility for damages and injuries stemming from traffic collisions. This means the driver who was at fault and caused the accident, either fully or partially, can be held liable for monetary damages to injured parties through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This differs from "no-fault" auto insurance states where drivers seek damages from their own insurer.
Negligence Is Determined By Assessing Actions
Factors That Determine Accident Compensation Payouts
If you sustain injuries in an accident caused by another person in Illinois, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your damages. The amount of compensation you can seek depends on various crucial factors. Gaining a clear understanding of these factors can assist you in assessing the potential of your claim.
Type and Severity of Injuries
The most crucial factor is the type and severity of your injuries from the accident. More serious injuries that result in ongoing medical treatment, disability, lost wages, or reduced quality of life typically merit larger payouts. Thoroughly documenting your injuries and having medical experts fully evaluate impairment levels is crucial. The defense will seek to minimize the injury severity.
Insurance Coverage Limits
Compensation is limited to the amount of applicable insurance coverage. This is why carrying adequate underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is so important. The at-fault party’s policy limit will cap payouts even if your damages exceed this limit. Determining all available policies and limits early in your claim is beneficial.
What to do if Your Children Are Involved in a Car Accident
Many people are afraid of getting into a car accident. Many parents are more afraid of their children being in an accident than themselves. If your children were in the car with you when you were hit by a careless driver, their needs are likely your top priority, even if you were also hurt. Just as you have certain rights related to compensation, your children do as well. Children tend to spend more time on the roads during the school year as they are transported between school, extracurricular activities, and home every day. The time just before school and just after school can be dangerous merely due to the high level of traffic. Mornings in particular may pose a higher risk of accidents, as parents are often both tired and in a hurry during morning drop-off. If you are involved in a car accident with your children, it is important to speak to an attorney promptly. You will likely need to be the one to take legal action on their behalf.