Posted on June 27, 2023 in Defective Products

Consumers who sustain an injury or loss while using a defective product can file a liability claim. You need tangible evidence that identifies which defect caused the injury and proves them during the lawsuit. Our product defect lawyers can help you arrange the official documentation needed to seek compensation for the damages incurred by the faulty product. We discuss this in detail below.

Understanding the Main Types of Defective Product Claims

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, there are three ways to make a viable defective product claim.

They are as follows:

• Defective product design – You need to prove that the overall product design is not user-friendly and you sustained injuries while using the product.
• Manufacturing defect – You need to show how a manufacturing error caused the product to malfunction, resulting in an injury.

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 Posted on June 23, 2023 in Workers’ Compensation

Whether you sustained a work-related injury or developed an illness, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits in Illinois. The state law requires every employer to pay for worker’s compensation insurance. Yet, there may be instances where employers deny claims. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file your claim and build an evidence-based case for contested cases. The following is a brief overview of the process.

Step 1: Inform Your Employer

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act states that employees must inform employers about a job–related injury or illness as soon as possible. You should submit a written report to your employer with a brief description of the incident, including the date and time.

You may receive coverage in the following situations:

• Slip and fall accidents on the job site
• Repetitive stress injury that leads to chronic medical conditions like back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome

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 Posted on June 21, 2023 in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are more common than many people realize, and some of these accidents can have fatal consequences. A bicyclist may be struck by a vehicle, or riders may lose their life trying to ride over poorly maintained roads and bicycle paths. If the accident resulted in death, the victim's family may file a wrongful death claim against the alleged offenders. 

Who Is Liable In a Fatal Bicycle Accident In Illinois?

After a fatal bicycle accident, a full investigation can be opened to identify the at-fault party or parties. Representatives of the deceased bicyclist's estate or an immediate relative must prove that someone other than the bicyclist was at fault for the accident and their death. Specifically, a person will need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent by proving the following:

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 Posted on June 06, 2023 in Pedestrian Accidents

When it comes to pedestrian safety, understanding right-of-way laws is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers in Illinois. By knowing who has the right to proceed in specific situations, individuals can prioritize safety and avoid traffic violations.

In Illinois, pedestrian deaths have seen a troubling rise. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 4,940 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2017, resulting in 148 pedestrian fatalities. Among these fatalities, 128 occurred on urban roads, while 20 happened on rural roads. 

Rights of Pedestrians 

As a pedestrian in Illinois, drivers have a legal obligation to come to a complete stop and yield under the following circumstances:

• Marked Crosswalks 

• School Zones

• Unmarked Crosswalks 

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 Posted on June 02, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Whether you are involved in a car accident, truck accident, or slip and fall accident, you may suffer from a serious head injury. Depending on how you hurt your head, the injury can impact your motor functions, emotions, and thoughts. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may not be able to work or live your life as you did before your accident.

Signs of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury 

While most head injuries from personal injuries and motor vehicle accidents are considered mild, they are the opposite for the victim. Common signs of a mild traumatic brain include the following:

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 Posted on May 31, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

 Premises liability governs the legal responsibilities of property owners or managers for injuries that occur on their property. Under Illinois law, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of any known dangers. If a property owner breaches this duty and someone is injured because of it, the owner may be held liable for damages.

Duty of Care 

In Illinois, the duty of care owed by property owners to visitors depends on the visitor's status on the property. The law distinguishes between three types of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers.

Invitees are individuals who are invited onto the property for the owner's benefit, such as customers in a store. Business or property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care and must inspect their property regularly to identify and correct any hazards.

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 Posted on May 26, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that offers benefits to employees who are injured or suffer an illness due to work responsibilities. Employees in Illinois and most states that offer this insurance are eligible for these benefits regardless of fault.

Your Rights as an Injured Worker in Illinois 

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (IWCA) governs worker's compensation claims in the state. If you are injured in the workplace, you may be entitled to:

• 100% medical expenses – Employers must cover all medical costs of the injured worker.

• Temporary total disability benefits (TTD) – If workers have to take some time off to get treatment for workplace injuries, they may be eligible for lost wage benefits. The sum is based on at least 2/3rds of their average gross weekly wages.

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 Posted on May 22, 2023 in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating and life-changing events. They can cause severe injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. Illinois, like most states, establishes various requirements for individuals involved in any motorcycle accident. A lot of these steps are quite simple and basic. Nevertheless, notifying legal authorities and other technical requirements are slightly more complex. 

Here are the steps you must take after a motorcycle accident in Illinois:

1. Stay at the Scene of the Accident 

Make sure you stay at the accident scene after a motorcycle accident. Failing to stop is considered a “hit-and-run accident” and a criminal misdemeanor. Nevertheless, in case of death or serious injury, a hit-and-run can be considered a criminal felony. 

2. Call the Police

If the accident involves injuries, deaths, or significant property damage, you must call the police. The police will create an accident report, which will be essential when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information to the police officer and not admit fault or liability. The police officer will take statements from all parties involved and any witnesses.

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 Posted on May 16, 2023 in Pedestrian Accidents

Getting hit by a car while walking can be a terrifying and traumatic experience. It can result in serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost wages from time taken off work. Dealing with the aftermath of such an accident can be physically and emotionally overwhelming.

If you have been hit by a car while walking in Lake County, Illinois, you should know you have legal rights and options. You can consider filing a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. 

Here are some tips on maximizing your compensation after being hit by a car while walking:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority after being hit by a car while walking. Even if you feel fine or have minor injuries, it is crucial to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show up right away but can become more serious if not treated promptly. Additionally, a medical report from a qualified professional can help strengthen your personal injury claim.

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 Posted on May 10, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Illinois has a high number of car accidents, leading to numerous injuries annually. Under Illinois law, individuals involved in car accidents have the legal right to hold negligent drivers responsible for any losses they incur. However, proving negligence in a personal injury case can be complex. With the right approach, evidence, and legal strategy, it is possible to achieve a favorable outcome. 

In this guide, we will outline some key steps to take to prove negligence in a personal injury case.

What Is Negligence?

Negligence is a legal principle that denotes a lack of reasonable care in one's actions or omissions, leading to harm to another individual. To establish negligence in a personal injury case, the plaintiff, who is the injured party, is required to demonstrate that the defendant, who is the person or entity responsible for the harm, owed a duty of care to exercise reasonable caution, violated that duty, and consequently caused harm.

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