Over the past several years, the use of electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or vape pens) has grown by leaps and bounds. Manufacturers of these devices have marketed them as being safer than traditional cigarettes, and “vaping” has become especially popular among teens and young adults. However, a variety of concerns have arisen regarding the harm that these devices can cause to their users. In addition to a large number of reported injuries from exploding e-cigarettes, multiple health issues have begun to make themselves known. If you have experienced a personal injury after using a vaping device, you should speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible.

Lung Illness Related to Vaping

One of the most worrisome issues currently affecting e-cigarette users is the outbreak of vaping-related lung illness (known as “e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury,” or EVALI) that has occurred throughout the United States. People have reported serious respiratory symptoms, including chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, after using e-cigarettes. As of November 2019, more than 2,000 cases have been reported, and 39 people have died.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been researching this outbreak, and a potential source has been identified. Vitamin E acetate, an additive that is used in some vaping products, was found to be present in samples of fluid collected from patients’ lungs. This substance is usually harmless, but when inhaled, it may interfere with the normal functions of the lungs.

As the temperature drops in the Chicago area, people are beginning to prepare for winter conditions, including snow and ice that may be present on roads, sidewalks, and other walkways. These conditions can significantly increase the risk of a slip and fall accident, and when injuries occur, victims may be unsure about their legal options. In these cases, it is important to understand how Illinois’ premises liability laws apply to a situation, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine whether a property owner may be held liable.

Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

While losing one’s footing and falling down is often seen as a minor incident, these types of incidents can result in serious injuries that have long-term effects, especially when snow or ice are involved. During cold weather, surfaces are very unforgiving, and a fall can lead to injuries such as:

• Broken bones

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In 2017, there were nearly 18.8 million residents living in apartment complexes across the United States. These living units are supposed to be overseen by capable management teams; however, instances of carelessness by landlords occur far too frequently, putting residents at risk of serious injuries. When a property is not adequately maintained, residents may be able to hold a landlord responsible for any personal injuries or wrongful deaths suffered. Some of the most serious injuries can occur in apartment fires, and victims of these incidents may be able to pursue compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. It is crucial for victims of an apartment fire to find out if all the safety regulations and building codes were followed correctly.  

Types of Tenant Injuries

When a fire occurs in an apartment, tenants often do not have much time to make a safe exit. In a multi-floor apartment complex, residents on higher levels could become trapped inside a raging inferno for an extended duration. In these cases, people are likely to suffer injuries from smoke inhalation, as well as serious burns. These injuries can be incredibly traumatic, resulting in damage to the lungs and internal organs, significant scarring and disfigurement, and long-term pain.

When Can a Landlord Be Liable?

An apartment fire could happen at any moment, for almost any reason; when an emergency does arise, a landlord is responsible for making sure safety equipment has been tested and regulations have been met. Depending on the location, size, and number of tenants an apartment has, the fire safety requirements can change, although there are some general guidelines that should always be considered. A landlord should ensure that:

There are nearly 70 million dogs in the United States, and while many of these animals are friendly, loving pets, there are also many instances of people being injured after being attacked by a dog. Whether a dog is considered dangerous or had no previous history of aggressive behavior, its owner may be liable for injuries resulting from a dog bite. However, many people do not realize the full extent of the damage that can be caused by a dog bite, so it is important for victims to be aware of both the short-term and long-term ramifications of these types of injuries.

Short-Term Injuries

The physical injuries caused by a dog bite are often immediately evident, and they can include puncture wounds or lacerations. In most cases, medical care should be received as soon as possible, and stitches may be needed to close these wounds. In addition, a dog may knock someone down during an attack, leading to broken bones, sprained joints, and serious bruises. Elderly people and young children are especially susceptible to these types of injuries.

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are becoming more and more popular in cities throughout the United States. These vehicles offer riders a quick and easy way to get around urban areas, and multiple companies, including Uber, Lyft, Bird, and Lime, have begun offering curbside e-scooter rentals. However, as the use of e-scooters has increased, so has the number of serious injuries in e-scooter accidents.

E-Scooter Injuries

E-scooters have become incredibly popular in a short period of time. In fact, more than 38 million people took trips on shared electric scooters in 2018. Since this is a fairly new form of transportation, many cities have not yet put laws and regulations in place for e-scooters. In addition, the rules and guidelines for the safe operation of these vehicles are not yet fully established, and a large number of injuries have occurred as a result.

Since 2017, there have been more than 1,500 injuries involving e-scooters across the United States, as well as at least four deaths. Studies have found that around half of e-scooter accidents result in severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and injuries to tendons, ligaments, or nerves.