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Recent Blog Posts
The Shocking Prevalence of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
When someone reaches an advanced age and is no longer able to care for themselves, a nursing home or assisted living facility is often the best solution for a family. These facilities ensure that our elderly or disabled loved ones receive the medical care they need, as well as providing them with the proper nutrition, physical exercise, and social interaction. However, patients in nursing homes are in a vulnerable position, and sadly, cases of nursing home abuse or neglect, including sexual abuse, are all too common. If you suspect that your family member has been sexually abused while in the care of a nursing facility, you should be sure to understand your legal options.
Elder Abuse Statistics
The elderly population in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, due to the Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement age. As the number of seniors increase, so does the prevalence of elder abuse. It is estimated that around five million seniors are abused each year, and 10% of all elders have experienced some form of abuse. Unfortunately, only one in every 14 cases of abuse are reported.
The Harmful Effects of Ethylene Oxide Exposure for Willowbrook Residents
Recently, people throughout the greater Chicago area were stunned by the revelation that residents of Willowbrook had been exposed to toxic chemical emissions for decades. A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry stated that a plant operated by Sterigenics International had been releasing ethylene oxide into the surrounding community, potentially exposing tens of thousands of people to chemicals that can have serious health consequences.
Residents of Willowbrook and nearby suburbs such as Burr Ridge should be sure to understand the conditions that can result from ethylene oxide exposure. By working with a personal injury attorney, families may be able to pursue compensation that addresses the damages caused by this toxic substance.
Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis Is a Major Risk for American Women
During the month of October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink ribbons are a common sight as many people join in the effort to make the dangers of this disease known. Acitivists have spent decades working to increase awareness and encourage women to participate in regular screenings, and as a result, many lives have been saved. However, due to the unfortunate prevalence of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, many families continue to suffer serious physical, emotional, and financial harm because of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Statistics and Risks
Every year, more than 250,000 women in the United States contract breast cancer, and the disease results in around 40,000 deaths. More than three million people in the U.S. have a history of breast cancer, including those who are participating in or have completed treatment. While breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, it also affects many younger women, with around 10% of newly-diagnosed cases occurring in women under the age of 45.
Toxic Chemical Exposure Causes Cancer Risk for Willowbrook Residents
In the United States, we expect to be safe and free from harm as we go about our daily lives. While we may be aware of the risks we face in our daily activities and take steps to protect ourselves from personal injuries, there are times when we are put at risk due to the negligence of others without even being aware of the danger. This was illustrated recently when the news broke that residents of Willowbrook, Illinois have been exposed to toxic chemicals for years, putting them at increased risk of contracting cancer.
Decades of Ethylene Oxide Emissions
In August 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry released a report which raised the alarm that people in Willowbrook and nearby communities such as Burr Ridge have been exposed to ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic chemical. A plant operated by Sterigenics International, a company that sterilizes medical equipment, food products, and pharmaceutical drugs, was found to be emitting the toxic chemical, and the report concluded that people in the area have an elevated cancer risk and that the emissions constituted a public health hazard.
Pursuing Compensation for CTA Bus Accidents
Buses operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) are a common sight on the city's roads, but while these vehicles provide an essential service, they also create serious risks for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The huge difference in size and weight between buses and cars can result in serious injuries for those involved in a CTA bus accident, and people who have been injured should understand their options for pursuing compensation for their damages.
CTA Bus Accident Statistics
While we expect the CTA to operate its vehicles safely and protect passengers, drivers, and others who use the road, the sobering reality is that CTA buses are regularly involved in motor vehicle collisions. In fact, a 2015 investigation by ABC7 News found that buses are involved in an average of one accident every 36 hours. In addition, a 2017 investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times found that over the previous two years, there were more than 500 CTA bus accidents which resulted in more than 1,000 injuries, five deaths, and a cost to taxpayers of $16 million.
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