Posted on April 17, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

Working at or owning a restaurant can be a very rewarding career. Whether someone is a hostess, server, chef, or manager, this can be a fast-paced and exciting job. However, like in other industries, there is the possibility of accidents with injuries. These can range from minor to serious and even fatal. In Illinois, the Workers’ Compensation Commission resolves disputes between employees and employers for injuries and illnesses that are sustained on the job. This is a no-fault insurance benefits program that most companies are required to carry. In some cases, a workers’ compensation claim may provide financial relief to an injured or disabled worker.

Typical Accidents at Food Establishments

Restaurants may consist of a large staff that performs many different jobs. Regardless of the type of food being served, most kitchens’ food preparation involves cutting, chopping, sauteing, baking, in addition to cleaning. This work environment can be prone to certain types of accidents and injuries, including but not limited to the following:

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 Posted on April 09, 2020 in Catastrophic Injuries

There are numerous ways that a person can suffer an injury, from playing sports, to being involved in a vehicle or pedestrian accidents. Automobile collisions can often lead to serious consequences, especially when traveling at high speeds. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, personal injuries can range from minor to catastrophic and even fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related crashes in 2018. Although not every pedestrian accident results in a fatality, a victim can sustain serious injuries that significantly impact his or her future.

Severe Injuries

Although some types of injuries can be repaired by surgery, others require extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy. Some severe injuries may even result in loss of limbs or amputations if body parts are crushed. For example, being struck by an automobile can cause lacerations and broken bones, which could lead to infections and permanent nerve damage. In addition, fractured vertebrae can paralyze a victim depending on the location of the injury.

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 Posted on March 30, 2020 in Car Accidents

Hitting the open road on a motorcycle can be exhilarating. These types of vehicles are enticing for those who like to feel the wind in their hair, so to speak. Traveling on a motorcycle allows the rider to see more of his or her surroundings and enjoy the scenic views. Although not as confining as an automobile, a motorized bike features less protection for its driver and a passenger compared to other vehicles. In some cases, a collision can result in serious to fatal injuries since the motorcyclist does not have anything to act as a buffer to break the impact of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, there were 4,985 motorcyclists killed in crashes. Victims of a motorcycle accident may be able to seek damages from those who are held liable for causing damages and injuries.

Risk Factors for Motorcyclists

There are several factors that can increase the chances of a motorcycle accident, including weather and road conditions. In addition, a motorcyclist cannot control another driver’s behavior. Unfortunately, many motorists do not believe that motorcyclists have the same rights as far as sharing the road. In some cases, a driver may not think a driver of a motorcycle has the right of way at an intersection, or they may simply not see them if they are not paying close enough attention to their surroundings.

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 Posted on March 23, 2020 in Car Accidents

Technology is constantly advancing in an effort to make our lives easier and safer. The automotive industry uses these advancements to keep drivers and passengers safe by automating many vehicle components so they are hands-free. Thanks to sophisticated backup cameras and motion detection software, certain cars even park themselves now. Although this “driver assistance” technology has been shown to greatly reduce the number and severity of car accidents, not every vehicle has it, and not every driver practices safe driving. In some cases, the negligence of another motorist can cause a crash with minor to serious injuries.

High-Tech Advances in Automobiles

Many of today’s newer cars feature technological innovations that aid a driver when traveling. For example, forward collision detection is designed to prevent or reduce the impact of a crash. It uses a radar, laser, and camera to detect an imminent collision and GPS sensors can detect fixed objects, such as a parked car or stop sign.

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 Posted on March 16, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

Regardless of the occupation or the industry, workplace accidents can occur anytime. In some cases, an employee can suffer a debilitating or even fatal injury. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 5,250 workers died from work-related injuries in the United States in 2018. In Illinois, most companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in case they get hurt on the job. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act covers all injuries that are caused by the employee’s work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by the worker’s job. If you or your loved one was seriously injured, you may not be able to return to your previous job or salary. Consulting with a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney is essential so you understand your rights to benefits.

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 Posted on March 09, 2020 in Car Accidents

Many people take their physical health for granted until one day when it is unexpectedly taken away from them. This can occur after being involved in an automobile accident. The back is one of the most complex parts of the human body. It encompasses the top of the buttocks to the back of the neck and the shoulders. The main part of the back is the vertebral column, which holds the spinal cord in its spinal canal. Any time a person’s back is exposed to blunt force trauma or severe impact such as in a car crash, there is the potential for paralysis. In some cases, a victim may require assistance, extensive rehab, or a wheelchair for the rest of his or her life. That is why it is especially important to hold the negligent party responsible for a back injury accountable. In many cases, this is a negligent motorist.

Lasting Consequences of a Back Injury

Symptoms of a back injury may seem minor at first, with just a dull ache or pain. However, significant damage to the spine can also result in devastating consequences, often requiring surgery or substantial rehabilitation to regain even a small amount of mobility.

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 Posted on February 28, 2020 in Wrongful Death

Many people may be familiar with the term “ wrongful death,” but what exactly does that mean? The legal term is associated with a civil action in which damages are sought against a party for causing a death. It is important to note that this type of claim is different than a criminal charge or conviction for the same death. This type of legal action allows a deceased individual’s family members to recover compensation for their losses caused by the death and its impact on them. There are many incidents that could involve the untimely or wrongful death of a person. For example, a vehicle crash, construction accident, medical malpractice, or nursing home neglect or abuse can all cause fatalities.

Who Can Seek Damages for a Wrongful Death?

Depending on the situation, various relatives may bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent or at-fault party. Compensation can include damages for grief, loss of income, and mental anguish to the surviving family members. Damages are distributed by the court according to the relatives’ level of dependency on the deceased person based on the circumstances surrounding the case, which a judge will review.

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 Posted on February 21, 2020 in Car Accidents

Truck drivers spend the majority of their working hours traveling on America’s highways. In many cases, truckers are also responsible for loading and unloading the cargo they are hauling. In certain situations, a trucking company may try to fit the maximum amount of goods on a semi-truck, even if it means the truck will be over the weight limit. However, oversized loads can increase the chances of a truck accident for various reasons. This puts the truck driver as well as other motorists on the road in danger of serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 72 percent of people killed in large-truck crashes were passengers of other vehicles in 2017. Truck drivers or their employers can be held liable for causing a collision if the truck is overloaded.

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 Posted on February 14, 2020 in Workers' Compensation

From time to time, everyone can get sick. However, if it is more than just a common cold, a person may need to seek medical attention. In some cases, a work environment may be the reason for an employee falling ill. An occupational disease is defined as an illness or harmful condition that is directly caused by job duties or is aggravated by hazardous conditions in the workplace. These dangerous conditions are not common to the general public. Depending on the industry, protective gear or safety precautions must be followed at all times. If these safety measures are not taken by an employer, a worker may be at risk of suffering from a serious illness or life-threatening disease. It is important to understand how workers’ compensation laws apply to these illnesses if they are caused by employment in the healthcare field.

Diseases and Illnesses Common to the Medical Profession

Healthcare workers face a wide variety of hazards on the job, including harmful exposures to chemicals, drugs, and radiation. In addition, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff can be exposed to many germs on a daily basis. Many viruses or infections are transmitted through the air in healthcare facilities.

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 Posted on February 07, 2020 in Car Accidents

Anyone who watches the news knows that our nation’s roadways can be dangerous. Statistics show that approximately 2 million people are injured in car accidents every year in the United States. There can be many causes for a vehicle crash, including inclement weather, negligent drivers, and poor road conditions. However, improper or incomplete maintenance on automobiles can also contribute to causing accidents. In some cases, an auto repair shop or the dealership may put in a faulty part from the manufacturer. In other situations, an untrained employee may not install a piece of equipment properly, putting a driver at risk for significant injury. Still more scenarios involve negligent drivers who disregard notices to replace recalled parts or do not properly maintain their cars.

Routine Service Affects Road Safety

It is important for vehicle owners to inspect their cars and perform regular maintenance, or they may be held responsible for collisions that are caused by failure to keep their vehicle in safe and proper working order. For example, a tire that does not have enough tread can cause a driver to slide on ice or snow and hit another vehicle or a pedestrian. A tire blowout can lead to a motorist losing control and sending his or her car careening into oncoming traffic.

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