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Chicago Personal Injury LawyerBicycle accidents are a common occurrence in busy cities like Chicago and can result in significant injuries. The cause of bicycle accidents is multifaceted. If you have been involved in a bike accident, consider calling a personal injury attorney. That way, the circumstances of your accident can be examined, and compensation can be pursued. 

Causes of Bicycle Accidents 

One of the more common causes of bicycle accidents, especially in Chicago, is distracted drivers. Distracted drivers pose a significant risk to bicyclist and other vulnerable road users. Often, drivers are distracted by their mobile phones, other passengers, music, or other activities. When distracted drivers lose the ability to drive safely, catastrophic accidents become much more likely.

Another significant cause of bicycle accidents is driver error. This happens when a driver does not adequately assess the distance of a cyclist from their vehicle or when they overtake the bicyclist at high speed. This can result in a collision or even the biker being run over. It is not uncommon for bicyclists to be killed in such instances, which is why all motor vehicle operators must exercise precaution when sharing the road with bicyclists. 

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Chicago Birth Injury LawyerBirth injuries are a devastating reality for so many families in the United States. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions regarding birth injuries, such as them being an uncommon occurrence in modern medicine in 2023. However, birth injuries are a lot more common than one may expect and thus constitute an excruciating but vital area to discuss in the context of medical malpractice. While some of these injuries may be unavoidable, many others are caused by the medical negligence of physicians and other healthcare professionals. If a birth injury has impacted your child, do not hesitate to contact a medical malpractice attorney to receive the compensation that may be owed to your family.  

What Are Birth Injuries? 

Birth injuries are physical injuries that a newborn infant can suffer due to complications that arise during labor and delivery. Some of the most common birth injuries include:

  • Brain injuries

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Why Do Anesthesia Errors Occur?

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Chicago Personal Injury LawyerAnesthesia is generally safe when administered correctly. However, when not properly managed, it can have severe consequences, long-term medical effects, and sometimes even be fatal. Anesthesia malpractice occurs when patient problems arise due to inaccurate doses of medication, incorrect assessments, and several other issues. If an incident of anesthesia malpractice has harmed you or a loved one, contact a medical malpractice lawyer today to get the help you need. 

Understanding Anesthesia Administration

Anesthesia administration requires distinct proficiency by medical practitioners, demanding extensive medical knowledge while also requiring practitioners to follow specific protocols to guide patient care. Moreover, anesthesia administration involves measuring and responding to changing vitals, including consciousness, pulse rates, and oxygen levels. Delegating this role to personnel who may not possess the licenses required to execute such high-level precision functions properly can lead to devastating anesthetic errors. 

Common Reasons Anesthesia Errors May Occur

Undermanaged care departments and a hospital environment characterized by healthcare facility budget-cutting caps are some contributors that have lead to cases of anesthesia errors. Other factors may include bad clinical judgment and inadequate or faulty equipment. A carefully selected medical malpractice attorney can help evaluate and decipher the best legal strategy to investigate the situation surrounding the anesthetic error. Medical malpractice cases involving anesthetic errors can be complex cases. As a result, attorneys with experience handling such cases can be very beneficial since hiring an attorney with little knowledge of medical malpractice cases of this type may hinder your ability to pursue a favorable case resolution.

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illinois wrongful death lawyerIn Illinois, if you have lost someone you love because of another party’s negligence, you might be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.  A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action where the surviving family members can seek monetary damages for their losses. 

When wrongful death lawsuits are successful in Illinois, the damages paid out can be substantial and help cover expenses related to medical bills, funeral costs, and lost financial support.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit aims to hold the liable party accountable for the death and obtain damages for the surviving family members - including the spouse, children, and parents - and covers costs such as medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and the deceased person’s lost income. Compensation for the non-financial impact of the death may also be available. 

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chicago premises liability lawyer Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, but it can be incredibly frustrating when it occurs in a store. Not only are you dealing with an injury, but you are also potentially dealing with a store that is uncooperative or unwilling to take responsibility for your accident. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps to handle a slip and fall at a store incident when the store is uncooperative.

Collect Any Evidence, Including Medical Reports

If you have suffered a slip and fall accident in a store, collecting any evidence that may help support your case is important. This can include photos or videos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical reports from doctors treating your injuries. Of course, this event already passed, so ask anyone with you if they have an image they may have taken. Most people take images and videos of these scenarios, so it is worth asking any witnesses. These medical reports can be crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

When is the Store Legally Liable for Injuries?

For a store to be legally liable for a slip and fall accident, it must be established that it was negligent in maintaining a safe environment for its customers. This can include failing to clean up spills or hazards, failing to post warning signs about dangerous conditions, or fixing broken or defective flooring. If the store was negligent in this way and this negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to hold the store legally liable for your damages.

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chicago premises liability lawyerYou may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit if you have been injured on someone else’s property. However, it is crucial to understand that the Illinois Tort Immunity Act can limit the liability of property owned government entities such as schools. Understanding the Illinois Tort Immunity Act is crucial when pursuing a premises liability case in Illinois.

What is the Illinois Tort Immunity Act?

The Illinois Tort Immunity Act is a state law that limits the liability of certain government entities and employees in civil lawsuits. The law was enacted to protect public officials and employees from frivolous lawsuits that could result in financial ruin for the individual or entity.

Under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, certain government entities, including schools, park districts, and municipalities, are immune from liability for certain types of negligence. However, the immunity is not absolute, and there are exceptions to the law.

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illinois nursing home neglect lawyerIf you have a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive the highest standard of care. Unfortunately, bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a common problem in nursing homes across Illinois. These painful wounds can cause serious complications, including infection and even death. If your loved one has developed bedsores while under the care of a nursing home, you may be able to hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for their injuries.

How Do Bedsores Develop?

When a person remains in one position for an extended period, pressure builds up and restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. This leads to tissue damage known as bedsores, most commonly found in areas where the skin is in constant contact with a surface, like the hips, back, elbows, and heels.

Bedsores in nursing homes are commonly caused by neglect. Residents who cannot move or shift positions independently are most vulnerable to bedsores. The nursing home staff must guarantee that residents are rotated and repositioned regularly to ease pressure and prevent bedsores. Failure to take such steps could result in nursing home staff being held responsible for any injuries caused.

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chicago wrongful death lawyerLosing a loved one is a tragedy, and when their death is due to the negligence or misconduct of another party, the emotional pain only intensifies. In Illinois, a wrongful death claim seeks to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and provide financial compensation for the surviving family members. This blog post will explore the importance of seeking justice for wrongful death victims in Illinois and how an experienced attorney can guide you through the complex legal process.

Illinois Wrongful Death Act

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows the deceased person’s personal representative, usually a family member or close friend, to file a claim on behalf of the family members. The law aims to compensate the spouse, children, or other next of kin for their emotional and financial losses resulting from the untimely death. Compensation can include loss of financial support, companionship, love, and guidance, among other damages.

Statute of Limitations

Being aware of the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Illinois is crucial. Generally, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. However, there are exceptions to this rule, depending on the circumstances of the case. Missing the filing deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation, so it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

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chicago product liability attorney Product liability cases in Illinois can be perplexing and overwhelming, yet with the appropriate legal representation; you can protect yourself and have a higher chance of receiving compensation. Establishing fault is vital for achieving a favorable outcome in these cases.

Understanding Product Liability Law in Illinois

Product liability law in Illinois outlines various types of defects, such as manufacturing defects, design flaws, and warnings/instructions negligence. It’s important to understand these different types of product defects to build your case against liable parties successfully. If a faulty product injures you, the manufacturer, designer, distributor, or retailer can be held legally responsible.

Legal Theories of Product Liability in Illinois

Illinois has three legal theories of product liability: strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. Strict liability holds manufacturers liable for injuries caused by defective products regardless of fault. Negligence holds manufacturers responsible for damages caused by failure to exercise reasonable care in a product’s design, manufacture, or marketing. Breach of warranty has manufacturers liable for failing to uphold express or implied warranties.

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chicago medical malpractice lawyerIf you have experienced injury or trauma due to dental malpractice in the state of Illinois, it is essential that you take action by understanding your legal rights and consulting a qualified attorney who specializes in dental negligence. Do not let yourself be taken advantage of; you deserve to get the best possible compensation and justice for any harm that has been done. 

Understanding Dental Malpractice in Illinois

Many people do not realize that a dental professional can be liable for negligence. However, dentists are expected to meet the medical standard of care. A violation of the standard of care by dentists or other dental professionals can lead to medical malpractice. The injured patient may be entitled to financial compensation for additional medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Common Types of Dental Malpractice in Illinois

You should also know that some of the most common types of dental malpractice in Illinois include misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, improper treatment, and surgical errors. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, while failure to diagnose can worsen your condition. Improper treatment can cause harm to you, while surgical errors can lead to nerve damage or other serious complications.

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Birth Injuries and Medical Negligence

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chicago birth injury lawyerExpecting a new baby is one of the most exciting times in someone’s ilfe. However, when something goes wrong during the delivery process, it can be heartbreaking for both mother and family. This experience can lead to devastating emotional and physical hardships that no family should have to endure. Birth injuries are unfortunately commonplace, with long-term implications to face. If your child suffered a birth injury, it is essential to understand your rights under the law as well as the potential legal remedies available.

What is Considered a Birth Injury?

Birth injuries can range from minor bruises to serious conditions like cerebral palsy. Some common types of birth injuries include:

  • Brain damage

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Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerMedical malpractice is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, you may be wondering what steps you should take to seek compensation. 

We will discuss the process of filing a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, including what you need to know about the statute of limitations, the elements of a medical malpractice claim, and how to find the right attorney.

What is Medical Malpractice in Illinois?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide a patient with the appropriate standard of care, resulting in injury or harm. In Illinois, medical malpractice claims can be filed against a variety of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and hospitals.

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Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerCerebral palsy is a serious birth injury that affects muscle movement and coordination. It can occur when a baby’s brain does not develop properly or when there is damage to the brain during delivery.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to a birth injury, you may be wondering what your legal rights are and what steps you can take to seek compensation. 

Causes of Cerebral Palsy in Illinois

Cerebral palsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy, and birth injuries. Birth injuries are a common cause of cerebral palsy. Common birth injuries that can cause cerebral palsy include oxygen deprivation during delivery, fetal distress, and traumatic head injuries.

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Chicago Nursing Home Abuse LawyerIf you believe that your loved one is experiencing malnutrition because of neglect in an Illinois nursing home, it can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. You may feel angry, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next.

Below are some steps you can take if you suspect malnutrition in your family member.

Observe Your Loved One’s Health and Eating Habits

The first step in addressing malnutrition in a nursing home is to monitor your loved one’s health and eating habits. Keep track of any changes you notice in their weight, appearance, or overall health. Take pictures of any signs of malnutrition, such as dry skin, hair loss, or visible bones. Record the dates and times when you notice these changes. Also, ask your loved one if they are receiving enough food and water.

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Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerLosing a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another is a traumatic experience. In such cases, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. A wrongful death settlement is an agreement between the plaintiff and the defendant, where the defendant agrees to pay a sum of money to the plaintiff in exchange for the dismissal of the lawsuit. 

The amount of the settlement depends on various factors, and understanding them can help the family of the deceased make informed decisions during the legal process.

1. Liability

Liability is a crucial factor that affects the value of a wrongful death settlement. In Illinois, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was responsible for the death of their loved one. If liability can be established, it increases the chances of a higher settlement value.

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chicago car crash injury lawyerWhen it comes to car crash cases, gathering evidence is one of the most important steps. Evidence can be used to prove liability and help you recover compensation for damages. It is essential to collect evidence related to a car accident as soon as possible, including photographs, witness testimony, and official documents such as police reports.

Types of Evidence

The types of evidence that can be used in car accident cases include:

  • Evidence from the scene of the accident - This includes photographs, skid marks, debris, and any other physical evidence that can help prove what happened at the scene.

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Chicago Medical Negligence Injury LawyerNegligence is a critical element that must be established for any medical malpractice lawsuit. In the state of Illinois, negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to uphold their duty of care toward their patients. This means that they do not provide treatment according to accepted standards of care leading to harm or injury.

Duty of Care

For a plaintiff to succeed in a medical malpractice lawsuit, they must first establish that there was a duty of care owed by the defendant. Medical professionals have an obligation to treat their patients with reasonable care and according to standards within their field. As such, if it can be proven that this duty was breached, the patient may have grounds for a successful negligence claim.

For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose a condition that any medical professional of the same specialty would have noticed, then they may be found negligent in court.

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Chicago wrongful death attorneyThe death of a loved one is always a difficult time for family and friends. Unfortunately, when the death was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person, it can be even more devastating. In these cases, families may have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Claims Explained

Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits that allow surviving family members and dependents to recover compensation for their losses due to the death of their loved one. These claims are typically brought against individuals who knowingly or negligently caused the death of another person.

You may be able to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed due to:

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Chicago premises liability attorneyThe Illinois Premises Liability Act protects visitors from harm caused by the carelessness or negligence of property owners and operators. The law holds people responsible for premises liability if their actions or negligence result in injury, ensuring that all parties take reasonable steps to keep licensees and invitees safe while on-site.

Who Is Considered a Licensee or Invitee?

Under Illinois law, visitors on a property are divided into two categories: licensees and invitees. A licensee is someone who enters another’s property with permission but without an implied or expressed invitation from the owner or occupier of the land. An invitee is someone who enters another’s property with an implied or expressed invitation from the owner or occupier of the land. Both of these are very different from a trespasser, who would far less standing to file a premises liability action following an injury.

What are the Elements of a Premises Liability Case in Illinois? 

For a plaintiff to successfully bring forth a premises liability claim against an owner or occupier in Illinois, they must prove four elements: 

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Chicago car crash injury lawyersBeing involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It can be difficult to know what steps to take in the aftermath of an accident, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system. In Illinois, some specific guidelines and procedures must be followed to file a claim for damages. Understanding the legal process can help you understand your case easier.

Gathering Evidence

After a car accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This evidence can be used to prove liability and establish the extent of the damages suffered.

Some common types of evidence to collect include:

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