Recent Blog Posts
How Do I Spot Abuse In an Illinois Nursing Home?
Many of us leave our elderly loved ones in nursing homes and other care facilities, and the proper care of our family members is typically one of the most important things we can imagine. However, nursing home assault and abuse do occur, and it is important to know how to spot abuse, in addition to what to do if you suspect this has occurred to your loved one.
An experienced Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer specializing in personal injury cases can help you pursue a claim against a nursing home facility or the person responsible for the assault.
Identifying Nursing Home Assault and Abuse
Keeping an eye out for the common signs of nursing home assault and abuse is essential when visiting your loved one, as your family members may not be able to speak for themselves or properly verbalize the treatment they experience when you are not around.
Do I Have an Illinois Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence or recklessness of another individual. There are many different ways that wrongful deaths occur, and the loved ones of a victim of wrongful death are often stuck with traumatic emotions and extensive medical and funeral expenses. In many wrongful death cases, survivors of the victim may be eligible for compensation to cover these expenses. If you are wondering if you have a wrongful death case on your hands, an Illinois wrongful death attorney can provide you with further guidance.
When Can a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Be Filed?
The most important factor in a wrongful death lawsuit is the fact that the death occurred due to a negligent or wrongful act of another. This may be another individual, a public entity, or a corporation. Even if the negligent act was an accident, the responsible party may still be brought to justice.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Illinois?
Dogs are popular companions for many people, and for the most part, interactions with dogs are no big deal. However, some dogs have behavioral issues that may cause them to bite, while others may bite as a result of owner negligence. When dog bites happen, it is natural to feel confusion about what to do, especially if you know the dog’s owner. In addition to contacting an experienced Illinois dog bite injury lawyer to handle a dog bite case, it is important to know what to do immediately after a dog bite occurs.
First Steps After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can be unexpected and may trigger panic, pain, and fear. It is important to remember to stay calm after a dog bite so you can take the necessary steps to document the attack and make sure medical care is received.
The first steps you should take after a dog bite include:
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Get away from the dog and not chasing the dog who bit you
When Are Illinois Traffic Violations Serious?
Traffic tickets and violations are a common occurrence, and receiving a ticket for speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign may seem like no big deal. However, letting traffic tickets and violations add up or committing more serious traffic violations in Illinois can lead to serious consequences, such as costly fines, loss of a driver’s license,and even jail time. An Illinois traffic violation defense attorney can help you fight your tickets and reduce penalties when possible.
What Are the Penalties for Illinois Traffic Violations?
The penalties for Illinois traffic violations vary depending on the type of violation committed and certain factors surrounding the traffic violation, such as being in a school zone when the violation occurred or driving recklessly.
Are First-Time DUI Convictions Serious?
DUI convictions in Illinois can be serious, even if you are encountering a DUI conviction for the first time. These convictions can go on your criminal record and make it difficult to find housing, employment, and even certain types of loans, in addition to making it difficult to pass background checks. Any DUI conviction should be taken seriously, even first-time convictions, and an experienced Illinois DUI defense lawyer can help you navigate this conviction in court.
What Can I Expect for a First-Time DUI Conviction?
Under Illinois law, a first-time DUI conviction is typically categorized as a Class A misdemeanor. This is the most severe type of misdemeanor, and this type of conviction comes with certain consequences, such as:
Can I Be Arrested for Drowsy Driving?
Many people may do it, but drowsy driving is a dangerous way to operate a motor vehicle. Drowsy driving can count as distracted driving, and you may earn tickets or citations for driving while drowsy. Additionally, drowsy driving may lead to car accidents that injure you or those in other vehicles. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, you should speak with an experienced Illinois car accident attorney right away.
Is Drowsy Driving Dangerous?
Drowsy driving might not seem like the most dangerous thing, but driving while fatigued is actually a very bad idea. Drowsy driving is often classified as distracted driving, as driving when you are tired prevents you from being able to react quickly, focus on the road, and be fully aware when you drive. You may even experience ‘micro-sleep’ where you fall asleep at the wheel for short periods of time.
Establishing Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
Negligence plays a pivotal role in personal injury cases. You could say it is the cornerstone on which personal injury cases are built. The role negligence plays will vary from case to case but is almost always involved in some form or another. From car accidents to wrongful death, knowing how to properly establish a defendant’s negligence is one step closer to receiving compensation for any damages you have incurred. An attorney can discuss with you the finer details of negligence and its importance to your specific case.
Defining Negligence
Negligence occurs when someone fails to provide a reasonable level of care that they normally would have otherwise in a given situation. Neglecting to perform duties or actions that a reasonable person would have performed that resulted in harm or injury to another individual.
As An Injured Passenger, Can I Sue For Damages in Illinois?
Passengers injured in a car accident can sue the driver for damages. In fact, a passenger can sue both drivers involved if both drivers were negligent in the crash. If a passenger is fatally wounded in a car crash, surviving family members can sue for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Of course, in either case, the injured party or family of the deceased would have to prove both liability and damage. An experienced attorney can help acquire the evidence needed to prove negligence in your claim.
What You Should Do After Suffering Injuries in a Crash as a Passenger
Seeking medical attention is your first priority for both you and any other injured parties. Once you are safe and law enforcement has arrived to take control of the scene, you can begin to gather much-needed evidence to support your future claim.
Can I Sue My Neighbor If Their Cat Attacked My Child?
It is normally dog bites that are the subject of conversation when it comes to personal injury lawsuits involving animal attacks. However, cats can be equally as terrifying and deal some serious damage should they attack an adult, let alone a minor child. So what can you do if a cat decides to sink its teeth or claws into one of your children? Well, that depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack.
When suffering any injuries due to the negligence of another person, it is a good idea to involve an attorney before attempting a lawsuit on your own. An attorney will be able to provide direction and advice regarding your lawsuit while gathering evidence of negligence on your behalf.
The “Dog Bite” Statute
In Illinois, there is no legal duty of care for pet owners to keep their cats indoors. This is in large part due to cats being naturally roaming creatures that will not often attack unless provoked. At one point in time, Illinois used the scienter rule, often referred to as the “one-bite” rule that allowed a pet to be exempt from liability if it was their first time attacking unprovoked.
Injured My Back On The Job. What Can I Do?
Most employers are required by Illinois law to have workers’ compensation in place in case of any on-the-job injury, illness, or accident. Employees may be eligible to receive medical benefits, disability benefits, and death benefits depending on the severity of the at-work injury. Employing an attorney can better help you navigate the legality of workers’ compensation for your unique case.
Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation only covers injuries inflicted while on the job. So any injuries incurred while at an employee recreational event are not covered by workers’ compensation unless event attendance is mandatory.
Injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation include: