Posted on August 22,2023 in Workers' Compensation

Individuals who have developed asbestos-related medical conditions due to occupational asbestos exposure that occurred within the state of Illinois may be eligible to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. Here are the legally recommended steps:

Receive an Official Asbestos Disease Diagnosis

To ensure accurate diagnosis and establish a potential connection to workplace exposure, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment with a certified pulmonologist or an occupational respiratory illness specialist. They will conduct a series of comprehensive tests and examinations specifically tailored to asbestos-related conditions. Remember to retain copies of all test results and medical reports for future reference and documentation purposes. 

Document Workplace Exposure Details

Create comprehensive and detailed documentation that encompasses all circumstances related to asbestos exposure within your workplace. This should include a thorough description of job duties performed in the presence of asbestos, the specific timeframe of exposure, identification of asbestos sources, any instances of lacking safety equipment, and any other relevant details. 

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 Posted on August 16,2023 in Personal Injury

Nearly every parent wants their child to be safe on their way to and from school. Whether your children get to school by car, bus, bicycle, or on foot, there are some risks inherent to traveling through school zones. A parent only needs to sit in a car line before school once to understand how chaotic pick-up and drop-off hours can be. Traffic can become extremely congested during the periods just before and after school as hundreds or even thousands of children are arriving and leaving all at once. One may think that because traffic in school zones is typically slow-moving that it might be safer. Unfortunately, even the slow pace of traffic is not enough to create the level of safety most parents hope for. Many drivers are distracted, tired, and in a hurry. These common causes of car accidents create some degree of risk for children, parents, school staff, and passersby. If you or your child is injured in an accident in a school zone, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The faster you call an attorney, the more evidence they may be able to identify and preserve. 

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 Posted on August 08,2023 in Personal Injury

The decision to place an elderly family member in a nursing home is usually made out of concern for their safety. Their needs and health issues may have progressed past a point where family members can safely provide care at home. Often, it takes one or more incident in which the senior could have been harmed before their loved ones make the difficult choice to place them in a skilled nursing facility. Unfortunately, elders in understaffed nursing homes may not be as safe as everyone would like. When a nursing home does not have the manpower needed to adequately supervise and care for all of its residents, there is a risk that one could be injured. If you have a loved one who lives in a nursing home, it is important to check up on them periodically to ensure that they are being well-cared-for. If you notice any signs that your loved one has been neglected, it is important to speak with an attorney right away. A lawyer can help you determine whether your loved one may be entitled to compensation for what happened to them. 

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 Posted on July 31,2023 in Personal Injury

Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and a recreational activity enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. However, it is important to recognize that bicycle accidents can occur, and they can result in multiple types of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. Many of the most dangerous bicycle accidents will occur when bicyclists are struck by motor vehicles. Negligent drivers may fail to share the road safely with bicycles, or they may commit traffic violations that put bicyclists at risk of being injured in a collision. Cyclists who are involved in collisions may suffer serious bodily harm, and they will need to understand their options for pursuing compensation from a driver who failed to protect their safety.

Injuries That Can Affect Bicyclists in Collisions

Some of the injuries that are most likely to occur in bike accidents include:

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 Posted on July 21,2023 in Personal Injury

A very common factor in semi-truck accidents is driver fatigue. It is not difficult to discern why this may be. Commercial truck drivers work long hours actively driving. Long-distance drivers may do nothing but operate their truck for weeks on end. Anyone who has driven a long distance with few stops can likely understand how this type of work may be tiring. It can be difficult for drivers in personal vehicles and commercial trucks alike to retain perfect focus on the road for extended periods of time. Taking regular rest breaks is essential to helping a semi-truck driver remain well-rested enough to stay focused on traffic around them. There are even federal laws governing how often and for how long CDL drivers must stop to rest. Unfortunately, these laws are not followed perfectly. Fatigued drivers are more prone to causing crashes. If you have been recently injured in a truck accident, an attorney may be able to take steps to determine whether the truck driver involved may have been fatigued due to not taking their mandatory breaks. 

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 Posted on July 17,2023 in Personal Injury

When most think of Workers’ Compensation, they picture construction workers, factory employees, and others in high-risk occupations. Certainly, people who work in these fields are at higher risk of a workplace injury than most. However, white collar workers can and do suffer injuries in their workplace. People who primarily work in office buildings and behind desks are not safe from the risk of a workplace injury. White collar workers enjoy the same rights those in riskier occupations do to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits when they become injured while performing their job duties. The types of injuries and accidents white collar and blue collar workers tend to experience may differ, but the process for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim remains largely the same regardless of what type of job you have. If you have been injured while working in an office, it is important to report the incident right away. You should then seek medical attention and contact a lawyer as soon as you are able to. 

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 Posted on July 10,2023 in Workers' Compensation

It can be very hard to think clearly in the immediate aftermath of an accident. You may feel as if you are in shock as your adrenaline races and your heart pounds after a frightening accident. Or, your accident could be much more mundane, such as tripping over an exposed wire that should have been taped down, or pulling a muscle in your back while mopping the floor. Either way, you may be left wondering what to do. Knowing what steps to take just after you experience a workplace injury can make your Workers’ Compensation claims process far easier. It is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that they can provide further instructions and begin gathering the evidence they may need quickly. Unsafe conditions in a workplace are often corrected very promptly once they have injured someone, and your attorney will likely want to preserve evidence of the original condition. 

Steps to Take the Day of a Workplace Injury

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 Posted on June 27,2023 in Car Accidents

It's important to know your rights and the necessary steps to take after a car accident in Illinois, even if it's minor. To protect your rights, one crucial step is to file a crash report. This applies particularly if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 (for insured drivers). However, uninsured drivers must file a report if the damage is over $500.

After an accident, it may feel overwhelming to file a police report. But remember, protecting your rights and getting potential compensation from the responsible party is essential.

When to File a Police Report

According to Illinois law, you must notify the police unless they have already arrived at the scene. If a police officer doesn't show up, it's important to file a report with the Illinois State Police promptly, preferably within a week. In some cases, you might be able to file the report online.

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 Posted on June 20,2023 in Medical Malpractice

Originally published: January 12, 2021 -- Updated: June 16, 2023

Update: In addition to determining whether you may be able to pursue compensation for injuries caused by chiropractic malpractice, it is also important to understand the types of damages that may be addressed in these types of cases. When pursuing a medical malpractice or personal injury claim, you may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses - As discussed below, mistakes made by a chiropractor may result in multiple types of injuries, and you may require extensive treatment to address the harmful effects you have experienced. In cases involving strokes or other serious injuries, hospitalization may be required, or surgery may be necessary to correct herniated discs or other issues affecting the spine. Ongoing care may also be needed, including physical therapy or medications. You may be able to receive compensation that addresses the costs of both past and future treatment related to your injury.

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 Posted on June 14,2023 in Workers' Compensation

Factory workers are required to perform physical labor that can be strenuous on the body. This can lead to a range of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Repetitive stress injuries or repetitive motion injuries can be painful and reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday functions.

Workers who suffer a repetitive stress injury during the course of their employment may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help make up for the workers’ lost income as well as reimburse the worker for his or her medical expenses.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, which travels through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Symptoms usually include pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. Factory workers who perform repetitive tasks with their hands are at risk for developing this condition over time. A successful workers' compensation claim can provide financial assistance to cover medical costs associated with treatment, such as medication or physical therapy, as well as lost wages due to missed work days.

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