Posted on April 18, 2023 in Personal Injury

When we think about the dangers faced by nursing home residents, medical conditions such as diabetes or pneumonia may immediately come to mind. However, in many cases, one of the most dangerous issues faced by nursing home residents is confusion. Residents who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia can become confused about where they are and why. Some nursing home residents become fearful and feel like they are trapped within the very facility that is intended to keep them safe. They may try to “escape” from the facility and, unfortunately, are sometimes successful in doing so.

Nursing home residents who leave the facility are exposed to the elements and may suffer from hypothermia, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other life-threatening conditions. They may try to cross the road and be struck and killed by a vehicle. This is why it is so crucial for nursing homes to keep facilities secure and adequately supervise residents. Failure to properly supervise residents and keep them safe may be considered neglect.

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 Posted on April 03, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

Suppose you have been injured on the job. In that case, you may be considering hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and obtaining the benefits you may be entitled to. Choosing the right attorney can seem daunting, particularly since there are so many attorneys to choose from. However, selecting the right attorney can positively affect your case. Today, we will discuss what to look for when hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. 

Tips for Selecting a Workers’ Compensation Attorney 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you embark on the attorney selecting process, including:

• Do your research – Before hiring an attorney, it is essential to do some research to find a workers’ compensation attorney with a good reputation and track record of success. Check online reviews, ask friends or coworkers for recommendations, and visit the attorneys’ websites to learn more about their experience and background.

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 Posted on March 24, 2023 in Personal Injury

There is a well-established association between alcohol and aggressive behavior. One study found that 86 percent of homicides and 37 percent of assaults are carried out by individuals under the influence of alcohol. Unsurprisingly, the combination of alcohol and crowded groups of people at a bar can sometimes spell disaster.

If you were assaulted in a bar, you may be dealing with painful injuries and significant financial losses. You may be able to bring a premises liability claim against the bar and recover monetary damages for these losses.

Premises Liability Claims for Injuries Sustained in a Bar

Under the theory of premises liability, a property owner may be liable for injuries that occur on its property if it knew or should have known about a dangerous condition that caused the injury. Bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and other commercial establishments have a duty to ensure that their establishment is reasonably safe for customers. This can mean different things for different establishments. For example, a small corner bar may not have a need for bouncers or security personnel. However, a large nightclub in a high-crime neighborhood may require significant security, such as video surveillance, metal detectors, and guards.

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 Posted on March 09, 2023 in Uncategorized

Work injuries happen. Whether you work in an office environment, construction site, warehouse, or factory, the possibility of a work-related injury is always present. Many people who are hurt at work are confused about their legal options. They may know that workers’ compensation covers injured workers in Illinois, but they are also aware of the possibility of a third-party personal injury claim.

In this blog, we will discuss the differences between workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims and the criteria that must be met to secure financial compensation through these avenues.

Workers’ Compensation is Mandatory in Illinois and May Provide Reimbursement

Illinois requires all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. If you were injured at work while performing work duties, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation. There are only a few situations in which an injured Illinois worker cannot get workers’ compensation. For example, injuries caused by intoxication by drugs or alcohol, illegal activities, or intentional actions are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

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 Posted on February 27, 2023 in Personal Injury

Going out to eat at a restaurant should be an enjoyable experience. However, some restaurant patrons end up leaving the restaurant in an ambulance. If you suffered a slip and fall injury, burn, struck-by injury, or another type of injury at a restaurant, you might be able to file a lawsuit if the injury was caused by the carelessness of the restaurant staff.

When suing for personal injury resulting from an accident at a restaurant, you will need to prove that the property owner, restaurant owner, or an employee acted negligently and caused your injury. A personal injury lawyer experienced in premises liability can help you determine if you have a legitimate case.

Monetary Damages for Injuries Caused by Restaurant Negligence

Individuals who are injured by the negligent actions of another party may be able to recover compensation for their damages. They may be compensated for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

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 Posted on February 14, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

Lungs are arguably one of the most vital organs in the body. Without strong, healthy lungs, a person is unable to take part in enjoyable activities, such as running or playing sports, or even everyday activities like caring for children. Unfortunately, many workers face the risk of developing lung disease due to exposure to hazardous conditions and materials in their work environment.

Exposure to dust, vapor, particulate matter, and fumes can cause irreversible damage to a worker's lungs, making them more susceptible to diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When a worker contracts an occupational lung disease due to their workplace environment, they may be entitled to file for workers' compensation benefits.

Am I Entitled to Workers' Compensation in Illinois for Lung Disease?

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 Posted on January 30, 2023 in Uncategorized

The attorneys at Kaiser Law have extensive experience providing legal representation to clients in personal injury and workers' compensation cases. Our blog is dedicated to providing helpful information on how people can protect themselves and their rights in Illinois. We are proud to feature the top 10 blogs that people read on our site in 2022. Through our regular blog posts, we work to help readers stay informed and up-to-date on issues related to car accidents and other types of injuries, workers' comp claims and benefits, and related matters. Our commitment is to inform, guide, and empower all of those who contact us with their queries. 

1. Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Illinois? - This blog looked at the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and how the condition is treated, while also addressing whether workers’ compensation benefits will apply for people who suffer from this condition. In a 2022 update, we provided some additional information about the medical and disability benefits that people may be able to receive if carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related.

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 Posted on January 05, 2023 in Wrongful Death

Originally published: October 19, 2021 -- Updated: January 5, 2023

Update: In addition to understanding the causes of falls in nursing homes, as discussed below, it is also important to understand the different types of injuries that can occur in these situations. Elderly or disabled nursing home residents are often in frail physical condition, and an incident that may have caused minor injuries to others may result in serious complications affecting their health and well-being. Common injuries in these types of fall accidents include:

• Broken bones - Broken hips and other bone fractures are some of the most common injuries nursing home residents suffer in falls. Elderly people often have brittle bones, especially if they suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis, and sustained fractures may never heal properly. This may cause them to experience severe pain and issues that affect their mobility.

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 Posted on December 28, 2022 in Personal Injury

A rear-end accident involves the front of a vehicle colliding with the rear of another vehicle. Unfortunately, these collisions are a common occurrence on our roads and highways, and they can be very dangerous. Victims of rear-end accidents may suffer multiple types of serious injuries, as well as extensive damage to their vehicle or other property. If you have been involved in this type of car accident, the process of seeking compensation for your injuries can be daunting. However, it does not have to be. By understanding the legal process and working with a personal injury attorney, you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Rear-End Accident Liability

The first step in seeking compensation after a rear-end accident is to determine who is liable for the accident. The driver who is determined to have caused the accident may be held responsible for any damages that result. Generally speaking, the driver who rear-ended the other vehicle will be held liable. These accidents may occur because a driver was following someone else too closely, was distracted due to texting or cell phone use while driving, was speeding, or otherwise acted negligently and was unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid the collision. 

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 Posted on December 05, 2022 in Personal Injury

There are a variety of different types of defective products that can cause people to suffer injuries. To address these concerns, companies may perform recalls of products that are found to be defective or dangerous. However, even when dangerous products are removed from the market, consumers may still be placed at risk of harm, and they may have options for pursuing compensation from a company that caused them to suffer injuries. 

Defects in children's products can be especially concerning. Parents take great care to make sure their children are safe at all times, and they rely on product manufacturers to ensure that items such as cribs, car seats, rockers, high chairs, and toys are designed and manufactured in a way that will prevent injuries from occurring. Unfortunately, the proper safety standards are not always followed, and children may be placed at risk due to products that are not reasonably safe. This was recently illustrated by a major recall of cups and bottles that contained lead, a substance that can be incredibly toxic for children.

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