Posted on July 14, 2020 in Dog Bites

Often referred to as man’s best friend, a dog is a popular family pet. Although the majority of breeds are friendly and passive, there are some kinds of dogs that can become aggressive under certain circumstances. Any pet can act out if they feel threatened, provoked, or when they are protecting their offspring. An animal attack can result in minor to serious and even fatal injuries. Dog bite victims may suffer long-term effects, requiring surgery, physical therapy, as well as psychological counseling. In some cases, a negligent pet owner may be held liable for your pain and suffering, in addition to lost wages.

Lifelong Consequences 

Some of the most common injuries in the aftermath of an animal attack may require stitches to repair. More serious injuries can result in damage to the back or neck, which can cause an individual to be paralyzed. However, even for physical scars or injuries that can heal, a dog bite victim may suffer long-term damage. For example, many people who are attacked by an animal experience emotional or mental conditions related to the incident. Feelings of anxiety or a lifelong fear of animals may be a result. Regardless of the nature of the injury, it can require extensive rehabilitation.

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 Posted on June 30, 2020 in Car Accidents

June is National PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, PTSD is defined as a mental health condition in which an individual has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Examples of incidents that can cause PTSD include pedestrian or vehicle accidents, assault and battery, death of a loved one, and more. Statistics show that roughly one in five survivors of traffic collisions suffered from PTSD in 2018. In some situations, the negligent actions of another motorist may cause a car accident with injuries. Occupants can sustain minor bumps and bruises, or they can suffer serious to fatal injuries depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Typical Symptoms of PTSD

The signs and symptoms of PTSD may not surface until weeks or months after the accident. In many cases, certain things can trigger or enhance the anxiety a car crash victim is already feeling after the accident. The sound of screeching tires, emergency sirens, or horns blaring may cause a victim to have a panic attack. He or she may be afraid to travel in a car either as a passenger or a driver. The condition can be debilitating, to the point where it interferes with work or family duties.

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 Posted on June 15, 2020 in Car Accidents

Coronavirus has changed our daily lives over the past several months. The global pandemic led to stay-at-home orders across the country, including Illinois. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding and reckless driving during the crisis have led to a higher number of car accidents and fatalities on U.S. roadways recently. Reports show that even though many Americans are driving less because of stay-at-home orders, the fatality rate per mile driven increased by 14 percent compared with March 2019. Motorists may be speeding since there are not as many cars on the road now. During the first few months of 2020, Illinois alone saw an increase of 11 percent in vehicle-related deaths.

Reasons for Reckless Driving Behaviors Amidst COVID-19

Chicago is typically known for bumper-to-bumper traffic, but with so many employees working from home now, the highways are much less congested, giving drivers a false sense of security and freedom. Some motorists figure police are busy dealing with COVID-related calls or enforcing public gathering limits that they are not as focused on speeders. In other cases, people may think that law enforcement is limiting direct contact with drivers so they are not pulling over motorists or issuing as many tickets for speeding or other traffic violations. However, speed limits are put in place for a reason, namely to prevent crashes. Traveling 20, or 30 mph over the posted speed limit can cause a driver to lose control and collide with other cars, trucks, pedestrians, or even crash into cement medians or buildings. The force of the impact when going that fast can lead to severe to life-threatening injuries, such as broken bones, internal bleeding, or burns to the skin if a vehicle explodes.

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 Posted on May 29, 2020 in Motorcycle Accident

May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month. Part of being a responsible driver involves being aware of others on the road. It is important for motorists to understand that motorcyclists share the road with them. Simply noticing motorcycles can go a long way in preventing accidents with injuries. Due to the lack of protection for a motorcycle rider, injuries suffered in a crash can range from serious to fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely to lose their life in a collision per vehicle mile traveled. That is why it is imperative to practice safe driving techniques in an effort to mitigate the chance of being the victim of a motorcycle accident.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Due to the difference in size and weight of motorcycles compared to automobiles and trucks, motorcyclists are often at a disadvantage in the event of an accident. In some instances, vehicle drivers do not think motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as them. However, in Illinois, motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as passenger car drivers. This includes not driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol or driving distracted. Even if motorcyclists follow the rules of the road, they cannot control what other motorists or riders do when they get behind the wheel. In some cases, a reckless driver can collide with you if they are not paying attention and do not see you until it is too late.

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 Posted on May 15, 2020 in Bicycle Safety

Now that the weather is warming up, many people may be anxious to get outside and enjoy the fresh spring air. Bicycling is not only a sport but also a common mode of transportation for citizens throughout Illinois. Since it does not use any gas, it is also considered to be environmentally friendly. Whether it is for exercise or getting to and from work, bicyclists can run the risk of getting into an accident. Due to their lack of protection and smaller size, if cars or trucks hit them, the consequences can be devastating. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. Even if they do not prove fatal, a bicycle accident can cause serious injuries that can have lasting effects. Although there are ways a bicyclist can avoid a crash, it is hard to control the actions of motorists. In some cases, a negligent driver may be held responsible for a bike accident.

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 Posted on April 30, 2020 in Medical Malpractice

For many people, expecting a baby can be a dream come true. A lot of expectant mothers may have healthy, uneventful pregnancies. However, labor and delivery can be difficult, especially when unexpected complications arise. Parents rely on medical professionals to take the necessary precautions to prevent any serious injuries to the mother or baby during childbirth. If a physician or nurse does not properly respond to these problems, the medical facility may be liable for any birth injuries that result. In certain situations, a medical malpractice claim may help cover financial hardship due to ongoing costs for medical treatment.

Complications During Childbirth

Just because a woman had an easy pregnancy does not necessarily mean she will have a smooth delivery. In some cases, a mother may have had a vaginal delivery for her first child, but her second child may require a Cesarean section. Doctors monitor a woman’s progress throughout the pregnancy, and they are also responsible for ensuring a safe delivery. If a medical professional fails to recognize signs of distress in either the mother or baby, this can lead to life-threatening complications.

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 Posted on April 17, 2020 in Workers Comp

Although most companies take steps to prevent workplace accidents, they can still occur regardless of the occupation. Depending on the circumstances, injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 5,250 employees died from a work-related injury in the United States in 2018. Workers’ compensation is a benefits system for workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, paid by their employers.

The Illinois Workers Compensation Commission resolves disputes cases involving work-related injuries and illnesses between employees and employers. In certain scenarios, a worker may have a pre-existing medical ailment that can be aggravated by an injury at work. Pursuing a workers’ comp claim in these cases can be complicated, so it is important to have an experienced attorney assist you in completing the process.

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 Posted on March 31, 2020 in Car Accidents

Obtaining a driver’s license is a milestone in most people’s lives. In Illinois, a motorist must pass a written exam and a behind-the-wheel test before he or she can legally operate a vehicle. As drivers advance in years, they are required to renew their licenses. Depending on their age, this may require a vision screening to test their vision, as well as their capabilities behind the wheel. Although many elderly people still have a valid driver’s license, they may have a greater chance of being involved in or causing a car accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly 5,000 drivers aged 70 or older perished in car accidents in 2018. Even if a crash does not result in a fatality, it can still involve serious injuries.

Illinois Driving Laws

Just as traffic laws are put in place to keep the public safe, so are driving laws. The purpose of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) testing is to identify older drivers who may have become unsafe behind the wheel. In some cases, an aging motorist may simply need a stronger eyeglass prescription. In other instances, driving privileges could be rescinded if they are found to be a danger to themselves or others when operating a motor vehicle.

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 Posted on March 16, 2020 in Truck Accidents

The trucking industry is an integral part of the United States economy. Trucks across the country transport essential products that consumers need, such as food, clothing, medicine, building materials, electronics, and more. In Illinois, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate these types of vehicles. This specialized license is obtained through education and training necessary for handling such a large vehicle. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) must follow certain regulations governing their driving, which are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If a trucker does not adhere to proper procedures or protocol, these CDL violations can cause accidents with serious to life-threatening injuries.

What Constitutes a Violation?

Advancements in technology, such as computers, global positioning systems (GPS), satellites, and wireless/BlueTooth communication have been major contributions to the trucking industry. These improvements have significantly enhanced productivity, saving time for drivers and money for trucking companies, since cargo can often be delivered sooner rather than later. Despite the latest technological gadgets to make driving easier, motorists are still obligated to follow the rules of the road as well as any additional guidelines they might have, such as for CDL drivers. A few of the typical actions that can lead to a traffic violation that may endanger others on the road include:

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 Posted on February 28, 2020 in Medical Malpractice

Malpractice can cause pain for any patient, but when a victim is a child, a young person suffers because of the negligence of a medical professional. Children can be harder to diagnose than adults, but they deserve the same level of care of time. Infants are especially challenging because they cannot tell you how they feel. An innocent child should not get sick or die because a doctor did not do their job.

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice 

Some mistakes happen in medicine, but not all qualify as malpractice. Medical malpractice is when a standard of care is diverted from by any medical professional or institution. There is no exact definition for a medical standard of care, but across different fields, it is compared to how a reasonable professional would act in similar circumstances. For example, if a patient was misdiagnosed and not harmed by the treatment or lack of correct treatment, they likely would not have a case for malpractice.

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