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Recent Blog Posts
Recovering Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Illinois
We tend to think of car accidents as crashes between motor vehicles, but in reality, this is only one of the many ways that a motor vehicle can cause an injury. Some of the most serious car crash injuries happen when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle. In Illinois in 2019, pedestrians were involved in around 18 percent of fatal accidents, and around 12 percent of accidents resulting in incapacitating injuries.
Injured pedestrians and their families often feel at a loss when it comes to holding drivers accountable for their injuries. However, it is important to know that pedestrians have the right to safely use the road, and they may be entitled to compensation when their injuries are caused by driver negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need.
Report: ‘Unprecedented Number’ of Excessive Force Complaints from Last Summer’s Protests
A new report recently filed in federal court against the Chicago Police Department concluded the department was unprepared to effectively handle the massive protests that took place after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last summer. The report cites what is referred to as an “unprecedented number” of complaints against the department for excessive force and numerous other violations.
Lack of Preparation by Chicago Police
The report was prepared by an independent monitoring team put in place to ensure that the Chicago Police Department is in compliance with the federal consent decree put in place by the Attorney General’s office. The consent decree provides a detailed plan for reforms that both the City of Chicago and the police department must implement.
The report found that the department did not have the necessary policies and tools in place to respond effectively to the protests. The monitoring team found that not only did the department fail to predict how widespread the protests would be, but it also did not have the necessary training, equipment, reporting practices, community engagement, data analysis, or interagency coordination in place even if they had been prepared.
Thousands of GM Vehicles Recalled Because of Power Steering Loss Risk
Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common causes of crashes include distracting driving behavior (i.e., texting and driving), driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or speeding or disobeying some other traffic law. In the majority of car accidents, fault lies with a driver who acted in a negligent or reckless manner.
However, not all car accidents are caused by another driver. Some crashes occur because of a defective or malfunctioning part or component in the vehicle. Over the past several years, car accidents that resulted in the death or severe injuries of victims have been caused by defective airbags, ignition switches, and fuel tanks. A recent recall for power steering issues on some General Motors (GM) vehicles could put the vehicle’s occupants and other commuters in danger of serious accidents.
New Illinois Law to Crack Down on Uninsured Motorists
It is a fact of life that no matter how safe a driver you are, your chances of being involved in a car accident are high. Insurance statistics show that the average driver will file an auto accident claim approximately every 18 years. Most people get their driver’s license in their late teens, so it is estimated that the majority of drivers will be involved in three to four accidents in their driving lifetime.
Illinois Car Insurance Requirements
When a person is injured in a car accident caused by another driver, the victim usually files a claim for damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In Illinois, every vehicle owner is required to purchase automobile liability insurance. The minimum requirement is:
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$25,000 for injury or death for one victim
Chicago Nursing Home Abuse: Who Is Watching the Watchdogs?
When families make the decision to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home, they are entrusting the facility to provide the care their loved one needs with compassion and dignity. While there are many facilities that do just that, there are also far too many nursing homes that fail at protecting residents and providing the most basic of needs. In Illinois alone, there are more than 20,000 cases of elder abuse reported each year, with many of those victims residing in nursing homes.
Because of the prevalence of nursing home abuse and neglect, both the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago have safeguards in place that are supposed to protect seniors. But as one recent report issued by the Inspector General for the City of Chicago reveals, one city inspector failed miserably at their job.
Investigator Fails to Perform Nursing Home Inspections
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is the agency that oversees nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. The agency employs elder protective investigators who are supposed to monitor cases of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents at these facilities.
How Common Are Parking Lot Accidents in Illinois?
When most people think of car accidents, they usually picture a crash scene on a road or highway. Many people would be surprised to learn that one out of every five car accidents occurs in a parking lot or parking garage. Another surprising statistic is that just under 15 percent of all vehicle accidents that end up causing damage also take place in parking lot crashes. In fact, according to data gathered by the National Safety Council, more than 500 victims die and another 60,000 are injured in the more than 50,000 vehicle accidents that take place in parking lots and garages each year.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of parking lot accidents is distracted driving. This is usually because once a driver pulls into a parking lot, they tend to let their guard down. They are often not as focused on their driving as they would be if they were driving on a street. Instead, they become more focused on finding a parking space. Studies show that driving at the low rate of speed required in parking lots often gives drivers a false sense of security, making them feel they do not have to be as careful and alert to what is going on around them as they would when traveling on streets and highways.
How Can Nursing Home Abuse Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries?
March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, so it is a good time to shed light on an important subject. Brain injuries can range in severity depending on the circumstances that cause them. Concussions are one of the most common types of injuries that affect the head and neck. These traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur as a result of a collision during a sporting event, slipping and falling, or a car accident. The force of the impact from a blow to the head can cause life-altering consequences. Unfortunately, in some cases, an individual can also suffer a TBI as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect. If you suspect that your family member may have been harmed in an extended-care facility, it is essential that you consult a personal injury attorney to understand your legal options.
New Illinois Legislation Addresses Police Misconduct
People can sustain injuries in various situations, such as car crashes, work-related accidents, and slip and falls. Victims may suffer minor to serious and even life-threatening injuries as a result of these incidents. However, individuals can also be subjected to harm at the hands of law enforcement. Unfortunately, those who are sworn to serve and protect sometimes do just the opposite. With a number of recent news stories describing unjustified police shootings and use of force, police brutality has come to the forefront of many government agendas. In January 2021, Illinois lawmakers passed a criminal justice reform bill that would address how police misconduct is handled, including allowing for anonymous complaints against officers.
Pretrial Fairness Act
The state legislature passed the Pretrial Fairness Act, but the bill is still awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature, and the governor is facing criticism and pressure from police department representatives and other organizations to veto the bill. The bill creates a more robust and progressive plan for monitoring police misconduct throughout the state, including requiring every Illinois police officer to use a body camera by 2025.
How Can a Patient Be Injured by a Misdiagnosis or Missed Diagnosis?
When people visit a doctor or go to the hospital, it is usually because they are experiencing pain and discomfort, weight loss, or other symptoms. They expect to receive competent and quality care, which includes finding answers regarding their problems. Learning how to properly treat a person’s ailments is crucial to their long-term health. A correct diagnosis must be given in order to know what treatments or medication are necessary to cure or fix certain conditions. Unfortunately, doctors do not always make correct diagnoses, and in some situations, a misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. Depending on the circumstances, a patient may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim to receive compensation for the damages suffered due to a misdiagnosis.
How Can I Prove a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
Fatal accidents occur on a daily basis, even when safety precautions are taken. Losing a loved one can be devastating whether his or her death was the result of a vehicle collision, a workplace accident, or a defective product. In many of these cases, a person’s death could have been prevented, which can make it especially difficult to accept. However, the family left behind does have legal options for holding the responsible parties accountable. Although a wrongful death claim will not bring your family member back, the compensation received from it can allow you to recover financially and move on.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Illinois, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within one year of the date of the victim’s death. According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, only certain people who are related to the deceased individual are eligible to file a lawsuit and recover damages. The claim can only be brought by any of the following individuals:
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