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Recent Blog Posts
Are Pedestrian Accidents More Common During the Winter?
This year has been like no other due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. With many restrictions issued to prevent the spread of the contagious virus, people may be struggling financially and emotionally. Certain non-essential businesses have been temporarily closed, while many employees have been allowed to work from home the past eight months. Although the holidays are upon us, health officials are urging folks to stay home or practice social distancing if they do venture out. For those who are feeling cooped up, going for a walk has become a popular pastime.
In the winter months, daylight hours are shorter, so it gets dark much earlier in the day compared to summertime. Combined with motorists who may get behind the wheel after a few too many drinks while celebrating the holidays, the likelihood of cars hitting individuals who are out walking is increased. If you or your loved one was struck as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation if a negligent driver is at fault for your injuries.
Who Is Liable if Airbags Do Not Deploy in an Illinois Car Accident?
Today’s vehicles feature the latest advancements in safety, including blind spot detection, emergency braking, seat belt restraints, and airbags. All of these devices are made in an effort to avoid a car accident or reduce the severity of injuries in the event that one does occur. Considered a supplemental restraint system, airbags are designed to work alongside seat belts and should be used together. Studies show that when airbags are used correctly, they can reduce head-on collision fatalities by nearly 24 percent.
In many cases, a negligent driver may be at fault for causing an automobile crash. Another motorist may be intoxicated or drowsy, causing him or her to collide with another vehicle or pedestrian. However, in some collisions, a seat belt or airbag may not function properly, resulting in minor to serious injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help car accident victims determine who is liable if an airbag does not deploy in a crash.
What Are Typical Occupational Diseases Among Construction Employees?
Considered an essential business, the construction industry is how our roads, buildings, and homes are built. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites throughout the nation on a daily basis. Studies show that the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all other industries. Common hazards for construction workers can include falls from scaffolding or ladders and burns from explosions or electric shocks. However, there are additional dangers faced by these types of workers, including occupational diseases. In some cases, these may go unnoticed for years and employees in the construction field may suffer irreparable damage. A workers’ compensation claim may alleviate the financial ramifications of this type of workplace injury.
Can I Seek Compensation for a Defective Product in Illinois?
Consumers use various outlets in order to get the products they need and want, such as visiting brick-and-mortar stores or going to a retailer’s or a third-party vendor’s website. With many people opting to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, more and more shopping is being done online. This means consumers are often buying items “sight unseen,” or without physically holding it or trying it in person first. Regardless of how shoppers purchase a product, in some cases, the product may have a defect or a faulty part, which can cause minor to serious injuries. As a consumer, you may be entitled to compensation if you suffered as a result of using a bad product. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine liability and explain your legal options.
Illinois Product Liability Laws
There are several ways that a product can be dangerous for users. In certain cases, the design itself can make the product unreasonably hazardous. A manufacturing defect is when the design of the product was reasonably safe, but there was a mistake made while actually making or producing the product. According to Illinois law, a product may be considered “defective” if a defect is found in any of the following:
Can I Still Collect Compensation If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
You can never foresee if or when you will be involved in a car accident. For some, they may experience their lives flashing before their eyes during a crash, while others may be caught in a number of accidents throughout their life. Whether you are the at-fault party or not, being involved in a car accident can greatly impact your life. For those who were not responsible for the crash and have resulting injuries, their financial savings, ability to work, and quality of life can all be diminished depending on the severity of the accident. For those responsible, the cost of compensating the other party can be difficult to manage. This is especially true for those who are uninsured and are required to pay these fees out of pocket. Regardless of your level of insurance coverage, Illinois requires those who are found at-fault to provide financial assistance to the other party.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion from a Car Accident?
Any type of head injury can be serious, since it usually impacts the brain. A concussion occurs when there is trauma to the head, which affects the brain. This type of trauma can include a blow to the head or violent shaking, both of which may occur in a car accident. Individuals who suffer severe or multiple concussions can have negative long-term effects. Receiving prompt and proper medical care is key to recovering and mitigating permanent damage. In some cases, a negligent party may be at fault for causing a vehicle collision. If you or your loved one is suffering due to a concussion injury after a crash, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your rehabilitation.
Future Problems
When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact can be devastating. Drivers or occupants in the automobiles can strike the dashboard, windows, or doors. In some instances, they can become pinned between the seat in front of them or even be ejected from the car. In all these scenarios, hitting their heads on a hard surface within the vehicle or on pavement cause a concussion.
Common Mistakes When Filing a Worker’s Compensation Claim in Illinois
Accidents occur on a frequent basis, whether they are vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, or workplace injuries. The injuries sustained can range from minor to serious and even fatal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 5,250 people died from a work-related injury in the United States in 2018, up 2 percent from the 2017 total number of deaths. Even if a work injury does not prove fatal, it may result in multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. All of this can significantly impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can alleviate some of the financial stress related to medical costs. An experienced attorney can assist you with the filing process to make sure you receive what you need and deserve to recover.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
In Illinois, most companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case their employees get hurt while on the job. Employers that knowingly and willfully fail to obtain insurance can face fines for noncompliance. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of benefits paid by employers to workers who experience work-related injuries or diseases. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission resolves disputes between employees and employers related to work-related injuries or illnesses.
Can I Seek Damages for an Injury Caused by a Building Code Violation?
When people venture out on a shopping trip or to eat at their favorite diner, they do not expect to be put in danger of suffering an injury. Public places can include restaurants, office, condominium, or apartment buildings, fitness centers, grocery or clothing stores, and more. These establishments must abide by standard building codes to ensure the safety and security of staff, patrons, and residents. Conditions can be unsafe due to uneven pavement, worn or broken wood, damaged siding, and more. This can cause someone to slip and fall, which can result in minor to serious injuries. In some cases, a victim may be entitled to compensation if a negligent property owner is found to be in violation of building codes.
Premises Liability
Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, business and property owners have a duty to keep their properties reasonably safe in order to prevent harm to their visitors or guests. If owners fail to take reasonable care, the state of Illinois can hold them accountable for any damages that result in their negligent actions. An amendment to the Act holds property owners to the same standard of care for both individuals who visit a property and that benefits the property owner (invitee) as well as people who come for their own amusement (licensee).
Who Is Liable for Injuries from an E-Scooter Accident in Illinois?
Electric or “e-scooters” have become a popular mode of transportation throughout the United States in the past few years. These scooters are an environmentally friendly way for individuals to sightsee or move around busy city streets instead of taking buses, cars, and other vehicles that rely on fossil fuels. The city of Chicago launched a pilot program last year to test the efficiency and usefulness of e-scooters within certain areas of the city. The second phase of the test program started in August of this year and is expected to run until December. E-scooters are a fast way for suburban commuters to get from the train to their office building. In addition, many people are enjoying the outdoors by taking e-scooter rides after being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. As with any motorized vehicle, though, riders run the risk of injury if they are involved in an e-scooter crash. In some cases, an accident may be caused by the negligence of another e-scooter rider, manufacturer, or vendor.
What Are Common Signs of Distracted Driving on Illinois Roads?
Today’s modern technology has changed the way we live compared to just decades ago. Cellular or mobile phones allow us to communicate while on the go. They can come in handy when you find yourself stranded with a flat tire on the side of the road and need to call for help. However, cell phones are one of the leading causes of distracted driving. According to reports from the National Safety Council (NSC), driving while using a cell phone leads to 1.6 million automobile accidents every year in the United States. That means one out of every four car crashes is caused by texting and driving. There are other distractions behind the wheel that can lead to a serious car accident with injuries to the driver as well as any passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists.
Activities that Take a Driver’s Attention Off the Road
If a motorist takes his or her eyes off the road ahead even for a few seconds, that greatly reduces the time he or she has to stop in time if the car in front suddenly brakes. You may be able to see this negligent behavior in drivers next to you. A few examples of actions that reduce a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely by limiting his or her reaction time include:
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