Illinois law allows victims who are injured in accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party to file legal action against that party for financial compensation for the losses those injuries cause. These losses can include medical expenses to treat the injuries, loss of income if the victim is unable to work while they recover, pain and suffering, and more.

Many accident claims are handled through the at-fault party’s insurance company, such as in car accidents, premises liability accidents, and medical malpractice lawsuits. Unfortunately, the majority of insurance companies will do all they can to get a victim to settle for far less than what they deserve, including dragging the entire process out for an extended period of time. But a new Illinois law could end up penalizing insurance companies who engage in these types of practices.

Pretrial Interest Legislation

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and any time they are forced to pay funds to a victim, it cuts into those profits. Prior to the new law’s passage, there was no legal incentive for the at-fault party or an insurance company to settle a case before it went to trial. Insurance companies are well known for engaging in tactics that pressure victims to settle for less than what their losses are, or they attempt to find ways to deny a victim’s claim completely.

Senate Bill 72 is on its way to the governor’s desk for his signature after recently passing both the Illinois House and Senate. The new law will allow for plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits to collect interest on the amount awarded in a jury verdict. The goal of the law is to encourage the parties involved in these lawsuits – especially the defendants – to negotiate a fair settlement and avoid bringing the case to trial.

In the majority of personal injury lawsuits, the defendant (at-fault party) is represented by an insurance company that covers the expenses of defending the lawsuit. For example, the at-fault driver in a car accident is usually represented by their auto insurance company. Another example is a doctor or hospital in a medical malpractice lawsuit that is legally represented by the company that issued their malpractice insurance policy.

The victims in these lawsuits may not have the same advantage, and they often face financial hardships while they wait for their case to reach a conclusion.

Although babies are born every day, complications during childbirth can result in serious to fatal injuries. Even if a woman is not considered high risk and has a pregnancy without any medical issues, problems can sometimes occur during labor and delivery if she is not closely monitored. If delivering at a hospital, medical staff have a duty of care to keep the mother and baby safe. However, when there is a lapse in judgment or training, medical mistakes or errors can be made. This may be considered medical malpractice or negligence if birth injuries occur as a result. If you or your child suffered an injury during childbirth, it is important to determine liability and hold the appropriate parties accountable. A reputable medical malpractice attorney can help you pursue a personal injury claim. 

Life-Threatening Complications

In the United States, statistics show that hundreds of women die during childbirth every year. Just as concerning is the alarming rate of serious maternal injuries, referred to as severe maternal morbidity. Affecting mothers in over 1 percent of all births, or approximately 50,000 cases every year, these injuries may be caused if medical staff does not take proper precautions or actions to ensure the safety of the baby and mother. 

Serious complications that can harm the mother while she is giving birth may include:

Winter is a time for snow sports, including skiing, sledding, ice skating, and snowmobiling. The snowmobile was originally manufactured as a means of transportation for people and supplies in regions where heavy and deep snow prevented conventional vehicle use. Today, snowmobiling has become a popular winter sport enjoyed by more than 2 million people of all ages. Snowmobiling allows cold-weather fans to get outside and enjoy the winter landscape. However, the modern snowmobile can weigh more than 600 pounds and travel at speeds of 90 miles per hour or greater. Snowmobile accidents cause approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries every year. There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of a crash, and in some cases, it may be caused by negligent parties. Through education and legislation, injury and death rates can be significantly reduced.  

Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Regardless if a snowmobile is designed for one rider or two, the sheer size and weight of the vehicle can pose a risk. If a driver loses control and collides with a tree or another object, the snowmobile could land on top of the operator, crushing him or her underneath. 

Given the nature of the outdoor elements during the winter, a snowstorm can bring on blizzard-like conditions that may reduce visibility and make it difficult for riders to see far ahead. That is why it is critical to make sure the snowmobile is in good working order before venturing out. This includes checking headlights and brake lights, as well as the tread mechanism. Extreme caution must be exercised with the vehicle at all times to prevent distracted driving and potentially serious injuries.

You may not think they happen very often, but medication errors are more common than you might want to believe. In some cases, a patient may not even realize one has taken place if he or she does not have any adverse side effects. However, some medical mistakes can have devastating consequences. A 2016 Johns Hopkins study estimated that approximately 250,000 people die annually due to medical errors. These prescription drug errors can occur for various reasons. In certain situations, a physician, hospital, or pharmacy may be held liable for any injuries suffered as a result of this form of medical negligence. 

Common Types of Medication Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes the results can cause debilitating injuries or even fatalities. The most common types of pharmaceutical errors made by a physician or a pharmacist include:

• Prescribing a patient the wrong medicine

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