The economic stimulus package included a great deal of money for road construction projects, and as that money gets allocated and contracts awarded, we can expect to see a greater than usual number of road construction projects next riding season.  Many road construction projects have strict completion deadlines and financial penalties or incentives for timely completion.  However, the pressure to get done on time sometimes leaves safety on the back burner, as a recent article in the Dallas Morning News pointed out.The article described two wrongful death motorcycle accidents that happened in highway construction zones.  One involved a pavement drop-off — a height differential between two sections of pavement — which caused a rider to lose control of his bike.  An inspector had warned both the contractor and his superiors that the drop-off was a hazard, but they elected to leave it uncorrected.  The other motorcycle accident involved a rider who hit a backhoe which was parked right next to the lane of traffic instead of 50 away as called for in the construction project requirements.  In both instances, investigating officers placed blame for the motorcycle crashes on the deceased motorcycle riders.Road construction projects pose special hazards for motorcycle riders who can come upon unexpected changes in road way configurations, pavement hazards, or other dangerous conditions very quickly.  Any rider injured as a result of a motorcycle accident in a roadway construction project should give consideration to hiring an experienced Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer to investigate the causes of the accident instead of simply accepting a police officer’s assessment that the accident was the dead or injured rider’s own fault.

Reglan, a metoclopramide drug prescribed to help treat medical issues such as diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, has been found to lead to serious complications. These include tardive dyskinesia and other symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.In fact, the complications of taking Reglan are so serious that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on this potentially dangerous prescription drug.In addition to tardive dyskinesia and seizures, Reglan can cause any of the following side effects: 

• allergic reactions;
• restlessness;
• agitation;
• anxiety;
• menstrual changes;
• confusion;
• depression;
• tenderness or swelling in the breasts;
• nausea;
• fever;
• diarrhea;
• fluid retention;
• insomnia;
• hallucinations;
• dizziness;
• jaundice;
• irregular breathing;
• drowsiness;
• muscle movements;
• fatigue;
• suicidal thoughts;
• headache;
• stiff muscles; and
• frequent urination. 

In some cases, Reglan side effects have led to severe or even life-threatening complications.If you have suffered injuries associated with Reglan use, you may be eligible to file a dangerous drug claim and receive compensation for your injuries. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can advise you of your legal options and how to protect your rights. If you decide to file a claim, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can guide you through the entire process.  When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerA Chicago personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois dangerous drug claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

One question that we receive frequently from potential clients is, “Why is my worker’s comp settlement so much less than someone else who had the same injury?”There are a few good reasons for this:

1.  The two main factors for determining the amount of a lump sum settlement are the nature of the injury and the injured person’s average weekly wage (AWW).  A settlement in a worker’s compensation case is for permanent partial disability (PPD) which is paid according to a schedule set in the Worker’s Compensation Act at 60% of the AWW.  This means that if you suffered 50% of the loss of use of a body part that the Act values at 100 weeks pay, you would get 30 weeks pay at your average weekly wage.  This 100 weeks x 50% x 60% = 30 weeks pay.The bottom line on this:  if someone has a higher average weekly wage, they will receive a higher settlement, even when the cases are otherwise identical.2.  No two cases are truly identical, and there may be other factors which are coming into play, most likely that there is evidence of pre-existing conditions or that the injury you are making a comparison to is not truly the same kind of injury you had.  The bottom line is that you need to evaluate your case on its own merits, and not look at what someone else is saying they go on their worker’s compensation case as a guide for the value of your worker’s compensation case.

The person in charge of filing an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit is known as the “administrator of the estate” for the deceased. The administrator is the person who handles the filing and decisions related to the Illinois wrongful death lawsuit. If you find yourself acting in this capacity for your loved one, you have many responsibilities, including: 

• hiring a Chicago wrongful death attorney;
• furnishing documentation for the court;
• appearing at trial and all necessary court hearings;
• representing the interests of the beneficiaries of the deceased and informing them of the case progress;
• making decisions regarding settlement of the case;
• presenting a settlement agreement and distribution order;
• distributing the final settlement in accordance with court order; and
• filing proof with the court that the settlement has been disbursed. 

If you are the administrator for your loved one, you will be responsible for providing evidence for the trial, documentation of medical expenses and wages, and many other types of paperwork. Some of these records may be difficult to obtain. You will also find yourself having to attend court hearings and other legal processes which are usually unfamiliar events for non-lawyers.There is a lot more to learn about eligibility to file an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit and what the process entails. Our article touches on the basics, but for comprehensive help, you should consult with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer. When handling any sort of trial procedures, it’s best to have the advice and guidance of someone who has been through the Illinois wrongful death lawsuit process before. A Chicago wrongful death attorney from The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you through your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

Medical malpractice lawsuits may be filed if there has been medical neglect due to a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose. In these instances it is important to determine who was ultimately responsible for the injuries you have suffered.The most obvious responsible party in a failure to diagnosis claim is your doctor. This includes not only failing to properly diagnose a condition but can include a delayed diagnosis of a medical condition.A delayed diagnosis can be serious, particularly if it is a condition like cancer. An early diagnosis could mean the difference between a prognosis of life and death.A doctor should know the signs and symptoms of medical conditions. Even if a doctor is unable to diagnose a condition, it is their responsibility to do what they can to find a diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms.Insurance companies may also be liable in a failure to diagnose claim. Sometimes insurance companies will do whatever they can to avoid making payments. They may prevent a patient from receiving testing procedures or follow-up care that prevented a timely and accurate diagnosis.  If you or someone you love has been injured or made ill because of a failure to diagnose, you should contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer. They can help you determine the responsible parties for your medical malpractice claim and explain your legal options.

Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life due to medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Motorcyclists face many unique risks when sharing the road with other vehicles. That is why it’s so important for riders to be aware of the different types of motorcycle crashes that can occur. One of the main risks motorcyclists face is not being seen by the driver of another vehicle. Motorcycles are smaller than most other vehicles on the road, which can lead to motorcycle accidents involving cars or trucks. While not all drivers are on the look out for motorcycles (even though they should be), you can increase your visibility by riding with your headlight on-even during the day-as well as giving yourself enough space between vehicles to avoid substantial blind spots.Motorcyclists are least likely to be seen by another driver in intersections. In fact, 70% of motorcycle crashes involving a vehicle occur at an intersection.Road hazards are another serious risk that motorcyclists may come across regularly. While some obstacles in the middle of a road may not affect the driver of a car, they can pose a serious risk to a motorcyclist. Common types of road hazards that a motorcyclist may come across include: 

• Debris
• Puddles
• Potholes
• Uneven pavement
• Railroad tracks

If you have been injured in a Chicago motorcycle crash, contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can go over the details of your accident with you and help you determine liability as well as your legal options for seeking compensation.

Contacting a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries.  At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys will examine all aspects of your accident, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Medicine-even the aspects involving medical testing-is not an exact science. Human error and oversight can lead to laboratory mistakes that result in inaccuracies in medical testing. When you undergo any form of medical testing, you should not have to worry about the competency of the medical professionals in charge. Instead, you expect them to possess the necessary expertise to handle your medical sample with the best care possible.Patients from all across the country are subject to pathology-related testing and radiology testing, in which biopsies, blood samples and scans are examined in a medical lab. Unfortunately, there is always a small chance that the lab result might come back flawed as the result of a laboratory mistake. This could in turn leave you and your physician in the dark about your true health status.Some of the most common causes of laboratory mistakes include: 

• problems with the specimen (incorrectly drawn);
• incorrect cells extracted in biopsy;
• patients’ sample not labeled properly resulting in a mix-up;
• mishandled specimen, blood samples, etc;
• identification errors, such as incorrect computer inputs; and
• misinterpreted results. 

After a medical test has been administered and a specimen is collected, that specimen passes through various channels before it gets back to the physician. This can easily lead to diagnosis that result in unnecessary surgeries or medical treatments as well as a failure to properly treat the actual medical issue the victim is suffering home. Either mistake can lead to permanent or fatal consequences.You can learn more about laboratory mistakes by visiting our article library. There, we explain how these errors can occur and what the result of such a mistake can mean for a patient. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice AttorneyIf you have suffered injuries as a result of a laboratory mistake in Chicago, a Chicago medical malpractice attorney can work with you to investigate the details of your case. If it is determined that you have a viable claim, the Chicago injury team at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you file a medical malpractice claim. Contact us today for a no cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080

With the high rate of failure found in the recalled DePuy ASR Hip Replacements, you may have suffered serious side effects. If you have experienced serious injury, including the need for additional surgery, a defective product lawyer in Chicago can explain your options for filing an Illinois defective product claim.Side effects of DePuy ASR Hip Replacements include chronic pain and swelling. Additionally, there may be damage to the bones, nerves and muscles affected by the defective hip replacement system.

The most serious side effect of this defective hip replacement system is the need for additional surgery. Unfortunately, revision surgery is also the most common side effect of receiving a defective DePuy ASR Hip Replacement.Hip replacement surgery is costly and recovery time can be lengthy. When  individuals have to undergo this type of surgery all over again, they may be eligible to receive not only compensation for medical expenses but for lost income, emotional distress or pain and suffering.

A defective product lawyer in Chicago can help you defend your legal rights and will take the time to explain all of your available options in pursuing an Illinois defective product claim.If you have suffered serious side effects from DePuy ASR Hip Replacements, consulting with a defective product lawyer in Chicago should be your next step. While this type of claim can be complicated, working with an experienced defective product attorney can help you each step of the way. 

When to Hire a Defective Product Lawyer in Chicago 

A defective product lawyer in Chicago at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois defective product claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall on jogging strollers because of a strangulation hazard.   About 12,000 Tri Mode Single and Twin Jogging Strollers, manufactured by Valco Baby of Brooklyn, N. Y., have been recalled because of the potential risk for neck strangulation.

Consumers are advised to stop using the strollers unless instructed otherwise. A child’s body, if not properly harnessed, could pass through an opening between the grab bar, which is optional, and the seat bottom of the stroller, entrapping the child’s head. So far, there have been no reports of injuries.The strollers were sold at specialty stores that carry merchandise for infants and toddlers, amazon.com and other websites between November 2007 and March 2010. They were priced between $480 and $700.

Any consumer who owns one of these recalled strollers should immediately remove the grab bar and contact the manufacturer, Valco Baby, for a free replacement: 1-800-610-7850.

How a Chicago Product Liability Attorney Can Help

While products such as strollers and child car seats should be manufactured and designed with safety in mind, there is often a defect or flaw that poses a serious risk of injury to a child.If your child was injured because of a defective child product, you may be entitled to receive compensation from a dangerous child product claim in Illinois. Contact a Chicago product liability attorney who can evaluate your case to determine whether you have a valid claim. An attorney can also determine who may be held liable for your child’s injuries.

Contacting a Chicago Product Liability Attorney

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express fault to the court. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

If your child has been seriously injured in Chicago because of a dangerous or defective product, you may be eligible to file a Chicago product liability claim against the manufacturer and any other parties that may have played a role in designing or distributing the product.As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to pay attention to current toy recalls, so you know which products to avoid, in order to protect your child.

Check your child’s toy inventory against this list of recent recalls:  

• Sand & Water Transportation Station Toys by Step 2 – light blue plastic wheels on the train cars can detach (choking hazard).
• “Play with Your Veggies” Toys by The Land of Nod in Northbrook, Illinois – metal wire in the toy asparagus can become exposed (laceration hazard).
• Click Armband Bracelets, BoBo Balls and Klick Klick Balls by Fun Stuff Inc. in Newport News, Virginia – small balls on end of toy’s arms can detach (choking hazard).
• Sorelle brand “Prescott” fixed-sided cribs by Albee Baby in East Rutherford, New Jersey – contain tubular metal mattress-support frames that can bend or detach (entrapment and falling hazard).
• Chuck E. Cheese’s Light-up Rings and Star Glasses by CEC Entertainment, Inc. in Irving, Texas – if pulled apart or crushed, plastic casing can break into small pieces, also exposing batteries (ingestion hazard).

Even if you are current on toy recalls, sometimes you may already have a defective or dangerous toy in your home and not even know it. In the case that your child has been seriously injured by a defective or dangerous toy, you should immediately seek medical assistance. Then, contact a Chicago defective product lawyer to find out your legal options for compensation.

Contacting a Chicago Defective Product Lawyer

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours, and know the best ways to express the degree of fault to the court. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080.

It may be obvious to you that the injuries you sustained in your car accident will prevent you from working, but insurance companies will look for any way to deny your wage loss claim. Many insurance companies will require a written statement from your doctor proving that you are medically unfit for work. This has even been seen in cases with severe injuries such as spinal damage or head trauma.Another common issue involves car accident victims who are self-employed or work for tips or on commission. Because you usually do not have a concrete documentation of what you earn on a weekly or monthly basis, insurance companies will use this as a loophole to decrease or deny your settlement.A Chicago car accident lawyer can work with you to determine the best way to handle proving your income for the purposes of filing for wage loss damages. An experienced attorney will know the proper documentation to show your past income and help prove the amounts you are eligible to seek in light of your temporary or permanent inability to work.Our article covers the dos and don’ts when talking to insurance companies about your car accident claim. There’s more to worry about than proving your wage loss, and having a Chicago car accident lawyer on your side can be a huge stress reliever. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you file your car accident claim and help with recovering compensation for your wage loss, medical bills and more, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

Because Illinois is a modified comparative fault state it allows for the plaintiff to be found to be up to 51% at fault for the accident before they cannot recover damages from the other party. You shouldn’t figure that because you weren’t completely without blame in causing your Illinois car accident that you have no chance of recovering damages.Your evidence for proving your Illinois car accident claim will be your greatest asset in keeping your degree of fault under the 51% threshold. Evidence you should be collecting includes: 

• Photographs of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and your injuries;
• Police reports;
• Witness statements, names, and contact information;
• Medical reports and bills associated with the accident; and
• Correspondence with the insurance companies. 

The better prepared you are with this sort of evidence, the easier it will be to prove your Illinois car accident claim. Your goal is to obtain the lowest degree of fault possible so your settlement amount will not be reduced as much.For more information on how your options change when you are found to be partially at fault for your Illinois car accident, visit our article library. Your claim isn’t over until a judge rules it so, or you receive a settlement, and a Chicago car accident lawyer can help you manage your case. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is there to help you with all aspects of your Illinois car accident claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

The majority of sidewalks in the U.S. are owned by the government, usually at the town or city level. Because the city is the property owner, they are responsible for maintenance to keep the walkways in safe condition. Most cities conduct annual inspections of these areas and should catch any cracks or raised areas that could be hazardous.When a city fails to keep their property safe and you suffer a slip-and-fall accident, they are liable for your injuries. However, before your claim is recognized as valid, there are some circumstances you must consider. The main factor in Illinois with regard to sidewalk defects is the “de minimis rule” where the defect that caused the fall must be at least 1.5 inches to maintain a lawsuit.Another major factor in the validity of a slip-and-fall case with city sidewalks is verifying that the city was aware the hazard was present and neglected to remedy the situation. Testimony from neighbors living/working near the scene of the hazard is the most helpful type of evidence, as they can usually verify how long the hazard was there. In some cases, they may be able to testify that the city had inspected the sidewalks and failed to remedy the hazard.If you are filing a personal injury claim against a city in Illinois you have a 1 year statute of limitations before your claim becomes invalid. There are many other factors that must be considered regarding the validity of your slip-and-fall accident claim and our article gives some further details of this sometimes difficult process. Filing a claim against a government entity can be a difficult process. Since most insurance companies try to understate your settlement offer, or even deny your claim outright, many slip-and-fall accident claims must go to trial for an appropriate settlement. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you compile your case and take it to court. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080

In order to determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim the following questions should be considered: 

• Was the action or decision made by the medical professional consistent with the required standard of care?
• Does the extent of my damages warrant an Illinois medical malpractice claim?
• Is there a direct relationship between the injuries I incurred and a medical professional’s action? 

These questions can help an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney determine if the medical professionals in charge of caring for you conducted themselves in accordance with the required standard duty of care. This helps to establish negligence, which is pivotal to your claim.When considering an Illinois medical malpractice claim you must also consider the extent of your damages, as the time and expense required for filing an Illinois medical malpractice claim only makes sense when dealing with permanent or life-changing injuries. If your injuries are minor, even if negligence was to blame, it would not be worth your time or an attorney’s time to file an expensive and time-consuming lawsuit that may take years to resolve.Additionally, you must show that there is direct causation between your injuries and the medical professional actions or decision. This means you’ll need to prove that a medical negligence directly resulted in your injuries. Depending on your medical history and what evidence is available, this is easier said than done. In most cases you’re Chicago medical malpractice attorney will work with a team of other medical professionals to help establish a causal link.  There are many other questions that may be asked to determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim. Once you have established valid reasoning for a claim you should contact a Chicago medical malpractice attorney to help you file and settle your malpractice claim.Hiring a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney If you think you’ve been injured as a result of a medical negligence in Illinois, you should consult with an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney who can help you determine if you are eligible to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim. These types of claims are often complicated and require both medical and legal expertise.An experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your medical malpractice case, assess damages, and defend your best interests against the individuals or hospitals that are responsible for your injuries. Contact us today at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle for a no cost case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.

From the second your accident occurs all the way through your personal injury claim settlement, you are tasked with the need to prove your degree of fault. This percentage, determined by a judge or jury, is especially important in Illinois as it determines how much of the maximum settlement you receive – if any.Some things you can avoid that can potentially increase your degree of fault are: 

• pointing blame at the others involved while you are at the accident site
• saying too much during interviews with insurance adjusters
• admitting to anything without advice from your Chicago personal injury lawyer

 The less you say, the better, as you run a lower risk of incriminating yourself. You may come across as the guilty one if you rant and rave about the negligence of the other driver in a car accident. Stick to simple facts when police ask about your accident and do not speak to any other drivers at the accident scene beyond obtaining their insurance and contact information.The insurance companies are going to want to make sure you don’t have a lower degree of fault than their client. In Illinois, if you are found more than 51% at fault, their client wins and you lose any potential settlement related to your claim.Remember that the lower your degree of fault, the higher your settlement can be. Read our article on comparative negligence in Illinois for more information on proving your degree of fault.An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you make sense of your Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today. (312) 263-1080

Proving liability in an outdoor slip and fall accident is a tricky, but vital, component of a personal injury claim involving premises liability. By securing the services of a Chicago injury lawyer who has experience working in slip and fall accidents, you greatly increase the odds that you’ll be able to accomplish this often challenging task.Every year, thousands of people are injured in an outdoor slip and fall accident. The resulting injuries can be very serious, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal trauma or broken bones. A Chicago injury lawyer can help you to look at the circumstances of the accident to determine if the property owner is responsible for your injuries.Property owners are expected to safely maintain their property. If failure to do so results in an injury, then they may held responsible in a premises liability claim. Listed below are some of the factors that must be present in order to successfully prove a premises liability claim:

• Property owner’s negligence or oversight must have caused you to slip and fall;
• Property owner must have known about the potential for danger; and/or
• Property owner must have reasonably been able to know of a problem and then taken steps to remove or repair the hazard.

Proving what someone should have known is very complicated, and is often left up to the interpretation of a judge or jury. Your Chicago injury lawyer will work with you to determine how best to approach this aspect of your slip and fall accident claim.For more information about conditions that can lead to an outdoor slip and fall accident visit our article library. If you have been seriously injured in an outdoor slip and fall accident, you should contact a Chicago injury lawyer who can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation.

Hiring a Chicago Injury LawyerDuring this time, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills.

Retaining the legal services of a Chicago injury lawyer can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.A Chicago injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When a medical professional or facility faces charges of medical negligence in Illinois they have a legal team dedicated to their defense. As a victim, you have the right to the same legal representation as they do, and a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer should be your first choice.There are many lawyers in the Chicago area that deal with injury cases such as car accidents and slip and falls; however, not all of them have the experience and intimate knowledge of how the medical malpractice claim system works. Filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver or property owner is far different from filing one against an entire hospital system.The differences between a normal injury claim and a medical negligence claim are what make the need for a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer so critical. The legal team you will be going up against defends their client against claims like yours all the time. You should have the same degree of legal expertise on your side as well to avoid making mistakes that could damage your chances at a fair settlement.The expenses and losses you incur from a case of medical negligence in Illinois are serious matters. You shouldn’t deprive yourself of legal assistance in pursuing a fair settlement to compensate for these damages. Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers Are Here to HelpIf there is even the slightest question that medical negligence in Illinois may have played a part in a serious injury or death of a loved one you should bring it to the attention of an experienced lawyer.Chicago medical malpractice lawyers can help your family seek compensation for the damages and suffering you incurred at the hands of a negligent medical professional or facility.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to present the evidence of negligence necessary to prove your claim. When you’re ready to file, we offer a free case evaluation and help in preparing your evidence. Contact us today – 312-263-1080.

You’ve just been involved in a car accident where you were rear-ended by another driver while stopped at a red light. While all signs point to the other driver having the biggest degree of fault, there are many personal injury claims wherein a third party can become involved.The other driver may claim that their accelerator pedal stuck, causing them to be unable to stop behind you. In this case, the car manufacturer could be considered a third party in the case and a portion of the degree of fault can be attributed to them.In the case of car accidents with multiple drivers, each driver has the risk of a degree of fault. In this case, there will be multiple drivers with multiple insurance companies pointing multiple fingers. Things get especially complicated when there are several injured parties all claiming damages for their injuries.You can’t bring an Illinois personal injury claim against each driver individually, especially if you are being blamed by the other drivers as well. Third party injury claims are where the help of an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help sort things out.The modified comparative negligence law in Illinois plays an important part in how the degree of fault and involvement of third parties impacts your settlement.  Read our article on comparative negligence in Illinois  for more information on proving your degree of fault.For help in identifying potential third parties involved in your Illinois personal injury claim, contact The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. today. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you make sense of your personal injury claim – (312) 263-1080

One of the most traumatic types of injuries to suffer is an amputation. A serious accident in Chicago involving a car, truck or motorcycle could lead to the loss of a limb. Likewise, a victim may suffer a full or partial loss of limb or digit because of a dog bite/animal attack, because of a defective product or in a workplace injury.The loss of a limb can result in devastating consequences to the injured party and may entitle them to pursue a personal injury claim in Illinois. When someone else’s recklessness or carelessness causes an accident and leaves another party seriously injured, they may be held liable for both economic and non-economic damages suffered. This can include not only medical bills but pain and suffering, along with other types of injury-related damages.In pursuing a personal injury claim in Illinois in connection with your amputation injury, an attorney may try to help you recoup the cost of:

• surgery (both emergency surgery and subsequent operations, such as when surgery is needed to treat nerve damage);
• prosthetics;
• pain medications;
• ongoing medical care;
• physical therapy;
• post-trauma therapy and victim counseling;
• adaptive devices for the home or automobile; and
• lost wages.

When someone else’s negligence causes you to suffer amputation in an accident in Chicago you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Consulting with an Illinois personal injury lawyer is the first step in determining your legal options. When to Hire an Illinois Personal Injury LawyerAn Illinois personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When you decide to do undergo a surgery for whatever reason, you place your life in the hands of surgeons, hoping they will do everything possible to ensure a safe procedure. However, some medical professionals don’t always live up to the standards of their profession and a wrong-site surgery be the end result of such negligence.  Wrong-site surgery, as the name suggests, is when an operation is done on an incorrect part of the body. This kind of surgical error can lead to devastating, life-long consequences.Wrong-site surgical error can be avoided if medical professionals adhere to the standard pre-surgery protocols set by the medical facility. Liability in the form of a medical malpractice lawsuit may be determined based on whether or not these pre-surgery protocols were followed.There are steps every medical professional is required to take before performing a surgical operation, including: 

• verification of the intended procedure;
• marking the intended surgical site; and
• time-out period. 

These pre-surgery protocols are established to ensure a safe operation. The most important step is the “time-out” period. This is where all the medical professionals meet as a group and re-verify the identity of the patient, the type of procedure and the specific site of the surgery.Under Illinois medical malpractice laws, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages for injuries sustained as a result of wrong-site surgery. If you have had a wrong-site surgery in Illinois, then a Chicago medical malpractice attorney from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. may be able to help you file a claim. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

There are two major events that can happen between the Discovery and Trial stage of your Illinois personal injury claim: Motion to Dismiss and Settlement. Both events will end your case without the need to go to trial for a resolution. As with all stages of an Illinois personal injury case, having a trusted Chicago personal injury attorney at your side will make the whole process much easier.A Motion to Dismiss occurs when the defendant believes the court doesn’t have the power to resolve the case. Your case may need to be tried in a special court due to lack of jurisdiction (either the court isn’t involved in the subject matter of your case or one of the parties involved is not a resident of the state). The case may also be dismissed due to technical mishaps such as improper summons or if the defendant fails to respond to the complaint in a timely manner.A Settlement can come at nearly any stage of your personal injury lawsuit once the case has been filed. Often, a settlement is offered pre-trial to avoid lengthy court proceedings and further argument. Out-of-court settlements are especially common with larger companies who want to avoid media attention in high-profile cases. In smaller cases, the defense may decide that they don’t have enough chance to win at trial and choose to settle to avoid more attorney fees.Understanding all the stages of a personal injury claim is important, even when you have the help of a personal injury attorney. To read a brief overview of the basic stages of a personal injury case visit our article library. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping clients like you with every stage of their Illinois personal injury claim for more than 15 years. You have nothing to lose from our free case evaluation, contact us today – (312) 263-1080

Anytime a patient undergoes a medical procedure, the doctor is responsible to advise the patient of special instructions. This includes when a patient begins using a medical device such as an implantable defibrillator. These instructions can help prevent unnecessary complications from developing.Additionally, doctors must ensure that they are not using a dangerous medical device on a patient. There have been several recalls over the years because of a defective implantable defibrillator, which doctors should be aware of. Preventing Complications from an Implantable Defibrillator Not only does a patient have to be advised of any possible complications that could arise from receiving an implantable defibrillator but they should also be given special instructions that will help prevent complications.Some of the ways complications can be prevented include: 

• avoid vigorous activity immediately after the surgery;
• avoid all contact sports;
• keep cell phones more than 6 inches away from the implanted defibrillator;
• avoid magnets;
• avoid contact with power generators and welding equipment; and
• advise healthcare providers of the implanted defibrillator before using medical equipment. An MRI, for instance, contains a powerful magnet and therefore would be off limits.

While a doctor must ensure that these special instructions are shared with a patient, they must also ensure that their patient is not being given a dangerous medical device, such as a defective implantable defibrillator.If you have been seriously injured because of a defective implantable defibrillator, you may be eligible to file an Illinois dangerous medical device claim. A Chicago defective product attorney can talk to you about the strength of your potential case.

Contacting a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the intricacies of a product liability claim involving defective medical devices. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080

The U.S. Department of Labor has several organizations including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) that are charged with setting and enforcing safety standards in various occupations. Construction sites are one of the most common areas that OSHA monitors.OSHA standards require that contractors not allow their workers to work in surroundings or under working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to their health or safety. OSHA requirements include: 

• posting proper notice of hazardous areas/materials;
• providing adequate safety equipment;
• disclosing notice of any hazardous substances that may be present on the construction site;
• identifying environmental hazards such as bad weather, poor terrain, or other natural occurrences;
• locating and marking utility lines and pipes;
• maintaining or servicing equipment; and
• providing adequate training for site operation. 

Construction site accidents that are found to have been caused by OSHA violations will typically be stronger claims to settle. If you have difficulty proving your injury claim, you may need to hire a Chicago construction site accident attorney.There are many factors that go into filing a claim for a construction site accident. Our article gives a basic overview of construction accidents and how liability will affect your claim. An experienced Chicago at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you investigate your construction site accident and determine if any OSHA safety standards were violated. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

Before taking to the road, motorcyclists should be aware of Illinois’ motorcycle laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are to protect motorcyclists from crashes, which can result in serious motorcycle accident burn injuries, brain trauma or even death.The following are required by Illinois motorcycle laws: 

• Eye protection;
• Rearview mirror;
• Passenger footrests; and
• Daytime headlight use. 

In addition, every motorcyclist in Illinois must have insurance. Vehicle liability insurance should have the following minimum amounts: 

• $40,000 for injury or death per accident;
• $20,000 for injury or death for one person; and
• $15,000 for damage to another party’s property.  

In addition, motorcyclists are required to carry their insurance card with them.The state of Illinois does not legally require that a safety helmet is worn; however, it is always in the best interest of a motorcyclist to wear one. This can protect you from traumatic head and neck injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. Wearing protective clothing might help to prevent or lessen the extent of certain types of motorcycle burn injuries in the event of a crash.Contacting a Chicago Motorcycle Accident LawyerA motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer will examine all aspects of your accident, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

With an increase in dangerous cribs being recalled, it is important to learn how injuries can be prevented. Parents, caregivers and daycare providers should regularly inspect their cribs to ensure they are safe for use.Dangerous Cribs:  Preventing Crib Injuries While a dangerous product can find its way into the most safety-conscious household, a caregiver can take steps to help prevent crib injuries.Some of the ways children can be protected from dangerous crib injuries include: 

• visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to see if you are using a recalled crib;
• if your crib has been recalled either exchange it for a new one or get a repair kit;
• regularly inspect the crib to make sure hardware hasn’t become loose, broken or missing;
• ensure that the crib is assembled correctly and functions properly;
• inspect the crib’s slats to make sure a child’s head could not become entrapped;
• avoid using drop-side cribs, and instead, opt for one that has stationary sides; and
• never purchase a crib that is more than 10-years-old. 

While you may do everything in your power to protect your child, dangerous cribs can still lead to serious child injuries. If your child has been injured because of a dangerous or defective product, you should contact a Chicago product liability lawyer who can explain more about child injury claims stemming from a dangerous crib.

How a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer Can Help

Injuries from dangerous cribs or any other defective product, including dangerous toys, may result in a product liability lawsuit. A Chicago product liability lawyer from The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can evaluate your case, determine if your child’s injuries were the result of a dangerous child product and explain your options for filing a claim. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080