Posted on November 22, 2022 in Workplace Accidents

Many people are injured while working every year. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you may be aware that you can receive workers' compensation benefits. These benefits will cover your medical treatment, and they may also reimburse you for some of the income lost while you were recovering or because of a permanent disability. You will be eligible for workers' comp no matter whether you or your employer were responsible for your injuries. But did you know that in some cases, a third party can also be held liable for your workplace accident? In these situations, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the liable third party, and this can help ensure that you will have the financial resources you need to make a full recovery.

Third-Party Liability for Work Injuries

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 Posted on November 10, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Every day, drivers take to the roads with the intention of getting from Point A to Point B without problems. Most of the time, people are able to do so successfully. Unfortunately, there are always car accidents waiting to happen, and one of the biggest dangers that currently affects people is distracted driving. In 2020, more than 3,000 people were killed in the U.S. as a result of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While those numbers are staggering, they only tell part of the story. For every fatal car accident caused by distracted driving, there are countless other accidents that result in serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. 

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the task of driving. Distractions can come in many forms, but they can broadly be divided into three categories: visual distractions, manual distractions, and cognitive distractions. All of these distractions can be dangerous, but in many cases, drivers will engage in multiple types of distractions at the same time, and this can greatly increase the chances that they will become involved in accidents. Car accident victims will need to take steps to make sure a negligent driver who caused an accident due to distracted driving will be held liable for their damages.

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 Posted on October 24, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions of all types can be very dangerous, and they can lead to severe or fatal injuries for victims. However, commercial truck accidents can be especially devastating, and the large size and massive weight of 18-wheelers and similar vehicles may result in life-changing injuries and other types of damages. Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of issues, but one contributing factor that can sometimes be overlooked is defective equipment. Faulty parts or equipment that has not been properly maintained may cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide with others. In these situations, victims may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturers of defective parts, a company that did not perform proper maintenance, or other liable parties.

Common Equipment and Maintenance Issues on Commercial Trucks

Multiple types of equipment and components of large trucks may fail to function correctly, leading to dangerous accidents. Defective or faulty parts may include:

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 Posted on October 05, 2022 in Personal Injury

There are millions of dogs in the United States, and even though most are friendly family pets, some are aggressive and dangerous. Even in situations where dogs have always exhibited calm, non-aggressive behavior, they may act suddenly or unexpectedly and bite or attack someone. While some dog bites are relatively mild, others can be severe, resulting in serious injuries, permanent disability or disfigurement, or even death. In cases where a person has been bitten or attacked by a dog, a personal injury attorney can review the situation and determine the best options for pursuing financial compensation.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Attacks

A dog's jaws can be very strong, and their teeth are often very sharp. Dog bites can injure a person in a variety of ways, and depending on the size of the dog and the aggressiveness of the attack, a victim can suffer multiple forms of bodily harm. Some potential injuries in these situations include:

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 Posted on September 27, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Originally published: May 19, 2021 -- Updated: September 26, 2022

Update: In addition to understanding the symptoms and treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important for those who suffer from this condition to know their options for receiving workers' compensation benefits. Repetitive stress injuries will qualify for workers' comp as long as they arose out of the work you performed. If, during the course of your employment, you have regularly worked with your hands and completed tasks such as typing or operating tools or machinery, your injury will most likely be work-related, which will allow you to receive the proper benefits.

The benefits you receive may include medical benefits, which will cover the costs of all treatment related to your work injury. This will include doctor visits to diagnose your condition, any surgeries necessary to correct the issue, or ongoing forms of treatment, such as physical therapy.

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 Posted on September 08, 2022 in Personal Injury

There are many different types of defective or dangerous products that can potentially cause people to suffer injuries. The risks of injury are a significant concern no matter who is affected, but especially so in cases where products could potentially injure children. When dangerous or defective products cause children to suffer injuries, parents will need to determine their options for addressing these issues, and they may be able to pursue compensation from a negligent manufacturer by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Recently, the recall of a popular brand of jogging stroller has raised concerns about whether these products may put children at risk of harm.

Recall of UPPAbaby Jogging Strollers

On September 1, 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that the manufacturer UPPAbaby is recalling around 14,000 jogging strollers. The RIDGE all-terrain jogging stroller uses disc brakes, and children's fingers may potentially become caught in the openings of these brakes, resulting in serious injuries. The recall is being performed after the company received reports that a child suffered an amputation of their fingertip after their fingers became entangled in a stroller's brakes. The company is providing replacement brake discs for the recalled strollers, and stroller owners are being advised to immediately stop using these products, which have been sold at stores such as BuyBuyBaby, Nieman Marcus, and Pottery Barn Kids, as well as on Amazon.

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 Posted on August 24, 2022 in Auto Accidents

At any given time, there are millions of vehicles on Illinois roads. Cautious drivers need to be able to handle many different situations, including traveling at high speeds, navigating busy roads and intersections, and being aware of pedestrians or obstacles in the road. Traffic laws are in place to ensure that everyone can share the road safely. 

Unfortunately, many drivers violate these laws. These violations occur due to carelessness, lack of respect for others, stress related to busy schedules or other factors, anger at other people's actions, fatigue, and more. When drivers fail to obey traffic laws, they put themselves and others at risk. There are multiple types of violations that are likely to cause car accidents, including:

1. Speeding - This is one of the most common violations, as many people regularly travel at least a few miles per hour over the speed limit in order to get to their destinations as quickly as possible. Speeding makes it more difficult for a driver to stop in time if someone else slows down suddenly or if there is an obstacle in the road. It also increases the force of impact if a collision does occur.

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 Posted on August 09, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

There are many ways a person can be injured while they are on the job. When workplace accidents occur, or when a person experiences physical health issues due to the work they have performed, they will typically be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. But what about situations where a person becomes ill due to conditions in their workplace or exposure to an infectious disease? In these cases, workers will need to understand how workers’ comp addresses occupational diseases.

Benefits Available to People Who Experience Occupational Illnesses

Work-related health issues are a common concern for people in certain occupations. Workers who are exposed to substances that could cause them to suffer illnesses, such as construction or demolition workers who work around asbestos, will want to make sure the proper measures are taken to ensure their safety. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has become a significant concern for many people. Employees who work around the general public can be exposed to Covid, which may not only require them to take time off work while they are contagious but may also have long-term effects on their health.

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 Posted on July 08, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Without a doubt, driving a large commercial truck is a challenging job. Drivers must deal with long, lonely hours on the road, tight deadlines, and irregular schedules. These factors can make it difficult for commercial truck drivers to get the sleep they need. While federal regulations limit the number of hours drivers can drive without a rest break, fatigued driving is still a major contributor to severe and fatal truck crashes.

Sleepiness Behind the Wheel of a Big Rig

Everyone has experienced the sensation of sleepiness. Usually, fatigue is little more than an annoyance. However, research shows that fatigue can dramatically affect driving ability. Drivers who are sleepy have longer reaction times, slower information processing, and are less vigilant. Fatigue affects driving similarly to alcohol intoxication. Some sleep-deprived drivers even fall asleep at the wheel.

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 Posted on June 24, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Marijuana is now legal in Illinois for adults aged 21 and over. However, driving under the influence of marijuana is still against the law. Cannabis flower and THC products have a major effect on a person’s cognitive function. Studies show that it can distort a person’s perception, decrease coordination, and slow reaction time. It is, therefore, no surprise that drugged driving is associated with a higher risk of being in a car accident. One study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that cannabis-related auto accidents have doubled in the last 20 years.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by a driver who was intoxicated by marijuana, it is important to know your legal options.

Car Crashes Caused by High Drivers

Public opinion about cannabis has changed dramatically in recent years. However, this does not mean that marijuana use is without risk. People who drive while “high” put their own lives and the lives of others in danger. In Illinois, those who drive with greater than five nanograms or more of THC per ml of blood are at risk of DUI charges. However, criminal charges against a drugged driver do not provide any restitution to victims.

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