How many times have you sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic only to find that the slow-down was caused by drivers on your side of the road slowing to gawk at an accident that happened on the OTHER side of the highway? Not only is this a frustrating occurrence, but it also often leads to more accidents caused by drivers distracted by staring at the accident.Roadside events can distract drivers from keeping their eyes and attention on the road. It’s not always other accidents, but even disabled vehicles, traffic stops, signs, or even businesses that employ “eye catching” advertising on roadsides that can cause major distractions. Basically anything that causes a driver to take their attention off the road increases the potential of a car accident.Many highways have banned certain types of billboards or road signage to try and cut down on driver distractions. The biggest hazard is that drivers love to stare at whatever’s going on at the scene of an accident or anything involving flashing lights (police, ambulance, tow-truck). If you notice a roadside event, be prepared for other drivers to slow down and ogle at the scene.The reason that roadside gawking causes so many accidents is that drivers slow down to look, sometimes swerve as they’re staring off to the side or the road, or neglect to notice that the drivers in front of them may have stopped to do the same. It’s not uncommon to see smaller accidents occurring after a severe accident, just because drivers are looking at the aftermath of another accident.Our article covers many of the other types of common car accidents caused by distracted drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident because of a distracted driver, you should contact a Chicago car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in a car accident claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been involved in an accident with a large commercial truck, you will soon realize that these large-scale trucks bring large-scale complications, including serious injuries and complicated insurance negotiations and injury claims. Truck Accidents: A High-Stakes CollisionBeing involved in an accident with a commercial truck isn’t the same thing as being involved in an accident with a privately owned passenger vehicle. The truck involved in your collision is likely a limb of a corporation. This truck is representative of the $330 billion, highly-competitive trucking industry.The primary concern of the representative corporation is to move past this “setback” and to get the truck and driver back on the road before too much money is lost.The corporation will take any and all possible measures to prevent major losses. On average, a truck accident will cost the corporation $100,000 or more along with $100 per lost hour on the road.For this reason, the company will dispatch a representative to the site of your Chicago truck accident. The job of this representative is to: 

• Control the accident narrative;
• Provide a story on behalf of the company; and
• Place the fault on you rather than the company driver. 

It is thus imperative that you say as little as possible. You should not risk an accidental self-implication.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerYou should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about confusing court documents and filing paperwork. While you recover after a Chicago truck accident, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

In an effort to lose a significant amount of weight, individuals may seek various weight loss options. Surgical procedures such as gastric bypass surgery carry its own set of risks and complications; however other types of weight loss procedures, such as liposuction, also has its own set of risks and complications. Some of the complications that can occur from liposuction include: 

• allergic Reaction – Some patients experience an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or medication;
• blood Clots – If they move to the lungs, it can be fatal;
• infection;
• loss of Fluid – Can cause shock and may even be fatal;
• accumulation of Fluid;
• nerve damage;
• friction burns;
• damage to organs;
• cardiac arrest;
• seizures; and
• excessive bleeding 

Before undergoing liposuction, the surgeon should make sure the patient is well informed of the risks and possible complications. In addition, they have a duty of care to the patient to make sure they are properly monitored in the event a complication arises.If you have experienced a complication during or after a surgical procedure that could have been avoided, you should contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer who can help you determine if your case would qualify for a medical malpractice claim.Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerAt 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.

Forklifts are commonly involved in loading dock accidents. According to the National Institute of Health and Safety, almost 100 people are killed and about 20,000 people are seriously hurt every year in the United States as a result of forklift accidents. About one-quarter of all of the deaths result from forklifts turning over.Forklift Accidents & Forklift Safety Many forklift accidents are preventable with the proper safety precautions. Among the causes of forklift accidents are:  

• Ÿ allowing unlicensed drivers operate forklifts;
• Ÿ allowing unauthorized personnel to ride forklifts;
• Ÿ loading forklifts improperly;
• Ÿ driving forklifts with loads at improper heights;
• Ÿ overloading forklifts;
• Ÿ driving too quickly;
• Ÿ improper safety training; and
• Ÿ ignoring safety training. 

Avoiding Loading Dock Accidents with Forklifts When working in loading dock areas, forklift drivers should always:  

• Ÿ Slow down if the loading dock is wet or slippery;
• Ÿ Know if there are any pedestrians nearby;
• Ÿ Be aware of the yellow warning line that tells the drivers that they are close to the edge of the dock;
• Ÿ Know exactly where the trailer is;
• Ÿ Communicate effectively with the truck driver;
• Ÿ Wear seat belts or other appropriate restraining equipment;
• Ÿ Make sure that the floor of a trailer is strong enough to carry both the weight of the forklift and the merchandise that the forklift is carrying;
• Ÿ Make sure that the forklift and load will clear the door of the trailer;
• Ÿ Sound the forklift’s horn when going into or going out of the trailer to warn any pedestrians nearby; and
• Ÿ Follow the appropriate safety measures for your forklift if it tips.  

For more information on loading dock accidents, visit our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Worksite Accident LawyerYou should consult with a qualified Chicago worksite accident lawyer as soon as you are able. A qualified attorney can help you identify any third-parties that may be liable for your loading dock accident and help you file a claim to recover compensation. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080

Loading dock accidents are an alarmingly frequent occurrence. If you have been injured or you have lost a loved one as a result of a loading dock accident, you may be entitled to benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The amount of time that you have to file for Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawsuits is limited by Illinois statute of limitation laws.Workers’ Compensation & Third Party Lawsuits Illinois Workers’ Compensation is a type of no-fault insurance that your employer is required to carry. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you will not be able to sue your employer for damages beyond the benefits that you receive from Workers’ Compensation. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to collect additional damages. A qualified Chicago worksite accident lawyer will be able to advise you about whether you can file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party based on your case.Loading Dock Accidents & Illinois Statute of Limitations In order to qualify for Workers’ Compensation, you must notify your employer of your accident within 45 days of the occurrence. You must have missed at least 3 days work as a result of your loading dock accident in order to collect Workers’ Compensation.The statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits is longer than the time limit established for filing for Workers’ Compensation. Under Illinois law, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accident. The statute of limitations for product liability-if your Chicago construction accident attorney has helped you come to the conclusion that a product may be at least partially responsible for your accident-is also 2 years. In the event that you have lost a loved one as a result of a loading dock accident, you will have 2 years from the date that your family member passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit.For more information on loading dock accidents, visit our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Worksite Accident LawyerYou should consult with a qualified Chicago worksite accident lawyer as soon as you are able. A qualified attorney can help you identify any third parties that may be liable for your loading dock accident and help you file a claim to recover compensation. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of the log slitter machines manufactured by the Brave Products company of Streator, Illinois.  Brave has previously issued two other recalls for this machine.  The current recall involves a product defect in the rod retention system.  The defect can result in  the rapid deployment of the splitting wedge, which poses an amputation hazard.  One user of the product has suffered an amputation of his hand due to this product defect.  In addition to the one serious injury which has resulted  from this product, there have been several other reports of failures of the product.Anyone with questions regarding the recall of the Brave Products log splitter is urged to contact the company.

The logbook of a commercial truck driver is designed for the driver to record when they are actively driving, on break, at a rest stop or check point, or off-duty. While the main function of these records is for trucking companies to keep tabs on driver statistics related to pay and hour reporting, these records may also be used to show evidence of driver fatigue.There are federal regulations that set guidelines for how many consecutive hours a commercial truck driver may drive before having to take a mandatory break. Unfortunately, many drivers neglect to follow these rules and push on, resulting in a higher chance of driver fatigue. The danger of driver fatigue is that it can cause slowed reaction time and may cause truck accidents.Driver logbooks are unfortunately easily altered or miscalculated, and the use of electronic on-board recording devices has recently helped combat these inconsistencies. The data from these two components of a truck driver’s reporting requirements is often used to determine the factors leading to a truck accident. If it is noted that the driver was traveling for inappropriate amounts of time and likely to be more fatigued, that can become evidence for your claim.If you are seeking to file an insurance claim for a trucking accident, you should know what kind of evidence you need for your claim. Trucking companies are often reluctant to part with potential evidence, and our article can help you become familiar with obtaining evidence against a truck driver or company. Not all truck accident claims are filed against the driver alone; in many cases your claim will involve their employing company as well. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will be able to help you obtain the proper evidence for your claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation: 312-263-1080.

A recent decision of the Illinois Appellate Court has upheld the enforceability of an arbitration clause in a nursing home admissions contract.  Incoming nursing home residents and their families should expect to be presented with contracts containing these agreements going forward, and current residents and their families may be confronted by nursing home staff members requesting that they sign an amendment to the existing nursing home contract.  This is bad for holding nursing homes accountable for poor care that leads to falls, bed sores, and other preventable injuries to nursing home residents.Until this decision, the law in Illinois had been that these kinds of “agreements” were not enforceable and could not be used to curtail the rights of a nursing home resident to seek justice for abuse and neglect under the Nursing Home Care Act.  However, the decision from the Appellate Court was that the Federal Arbitration Act preempted the provisions of the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act which made them unenforceable.  Nursing home residents and their lawyers in other states have devoted many hours and huge amounts of resources to avoid being forced to arbitrate personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits for injuries resulting from poor nursing home care.What is arbitration and why should nursing home residents and their families want to avoid it?Essentially arbitration is a system of resolving disputes outside the court system, using a neutral decision maker known as an arbitrator.  In many ways, the arbitrator takes on the function of a judge and jury.  To most people, that sounds like a pretty reasonable way to resolve things — and after all, no one really wants to go to court and for the most part, trust and rely on the nursing home to care for their parents, spouse, or other loved ones properly.From the persepctive of the family of a nursing home resident trying to recover for injuries such as from falls, bed sores, or other forms of nursing home abuse and neglect, there are lots of reasons why arbitration is a poor substitute for the civil justice system.  Here are a few:

• The cost of initiating the case and actually prosecuting the case is much higher in an arbitration setting, as you must pay the arbitrator fees for the work he does on the case, plus adminstrative fees to the company that organizes the arbitrations, without corresponding reductions in the cost of prosecuting the case;
• The rules for pretrial discovery are more favorable to the nursing home in that a legitimate ground for refusing to participate in discovery is that the discovery sought is not “unduly burdensome or expensive” — this sounds like a reasonable limitation, but in the hands of aggressive defense lawyers, it means that every request will be greeted with a costly hearing before the arbitrator.  No such limitation exists in the court system;
• When doing pre-trial questioning of a witness known as a deposition, you must advise the nursing home of the scope of the deposition.  This gives the nursing home ample opportunity to prepare the witness on how to testify favorably to the nursing home and unfavorably to you.  No such requirement exists in the court system.

There is little if any benefit to arbitration from the perspective of a family admitting a loved one to a nursing home and hoping that he or she will not suffer from bed sores, falls, or other types of nursing home abuse and neglect.Please watch this web site for additional information about this important development in the law.

Anything related to medical expenses can be a financial strain to your budget.  Accumulating enough money to pay for your surgery can take time and planning. However, you don’t always expect that there will be a resulting complication that requires additional medical attention. Unfortunately, in some instances a wrong-site surgery may occur and you may need another surgery to correct it.Wrong-site surgery usually results from the negligence of a medical professional. Anyone from an individual doctor or nurse, to an entire operating team may be responsible for your medical error. Hospitals may also be held liable for your injuries if its staff failed to exercise extreme care while conducting your surgical operation.

Pre-surgery personnel could be liable as well if their instructions, documentation and actions directly influenced the wrong-site surgery. Unlike some surgical errors that may be caused by miscommunication between the patient and the doctor, wrong-site surgery is usually the sole fault of the surgical team, medical personnel and/or hospital facility, not the victimized patient.  When to Contact a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney 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 medical malpractice claim. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

 

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the City of Chicago is short on staffing for elevator inspectors, and as a result, many elevators do not have current elevator safety inspections and other elevators with safety deficiencies are left in service.  This increases the risk of an elevator accident due to poor manitenance.  The article properly notes that many building owners keep their elevators well maintained and bring in crews regularly to do work on the elevators.  This is in part to prevent suits for elevator accidents.  It is important to know that the lack of inspections does not relieve the building owners and their contractors of the responsibility for making sure that elevators are in safe working order.  In fact, building owners are considered common carriers as to elevator passengers.  This means that they must exercise the highest degree of care for the safety of elevator passengers to make sure that there are no accidents.  This strong legal standard creates a powerful incentive to be proactive in making sure that there is proper elevator maintenance.However, having city inspections are important to help assure the safety of people who use elevators in buildings where the owners are not as diligent in maintaining the elevators.  The City of Chicago is leaving those people at risk by not having enough safety inspections of elevators.

If you have been bitten by a dog then YES, you can get a number of infections, and the wound should be treated immediately. Proper treatment of the wound can prevent infections and diseases such as: 

• Sepsis
• Osteomyelitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Septic Arthritis
• Rabies
• C canimorsus 

It is important for a doctor to find out if there is a possibility that the dog had rabies. If so, then the victim must receive preventative treatment. The physician must also know if the victim had been inoculated for tetanus. All of these infections can lead to serious health issues, and even result in death. C canimorsus, for example, which is very rare, can lead to fever, malaise, vomiting, diarrhea, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.However, with proper and immediate treatment these dog bite infections can be prevented. Therefore, it is important that after a dog attack to get the victim to a doctor immediately. If the dog attack was unprovoked, and the victim was acting within the law, then the owner of the dog may be help liable for the damages.Learn more about common dog bite injuries by visiting our article library. Hiring an Chicago Dog Bite LawyerYou should be able to recover from your dog bite injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injuries, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle your dog bite injury alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

It’s already frustrating enough that you’ll have to deal with filing and settling an IL injury claim to obtain financial help for your medical bills and wage losses. Even the smallest mistake in your injury claim could cost you extra time and headaches. This is where a Wheaton, IL motorcycle accident lawyer can come into the picture and save your claim.Do you really want to add to your burdens when you’re already trying to recover from your injuries? You’ve got a lot on your plate with doctor’s appointments, recovery time, and trying to get back to a normal life.Your lawyer, on the other hand, has one focus and that’s to help your insurance claim settle for the highest amount possible. With the help of a lawyer you can focus on what’s really important, while they keep things running smoothly with paperwork and claim details.Having a well-organized claim handled by a professional like a motorcycle accident lawyer will give you the advantage you need to get a fair settlement and reduce some of your financial struggles.  There are several ways a Wheaton, IL motorcycle accident lawyer can help you and your family after you’ve been in a serious accident.When to Hire a Wheaton, IL Motorcycle Accident LawyerA motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. As a result, a motorcycle accident in Wheaton, Illinois often results in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries. It’s already enough of a burden on your family to deal with serious injuries without having to worry about settling an injury claim.At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, a Wheaton, IL 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 accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

The National Transportation Highway Safety Administration and Team Tex America has announced the recall of its Bayrider infant safety seat.  The recall was necessitated by a defect which would result in improper belt routing.  This could result in internal injuries to the child in the event of a car accident.  One of the key aspects to a working child safety seat is the interaction between the belt and the car seat because if the infant in restrained by the belt itself during an accident, this could cause serious injuries to the infant.

June 4, 2010 – The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of a specific brand of infant slings after the death of a young child in Texas was linked to these particular slings. According to reports from The Associated Press, a 10-day-old boy from Round Rock, Texas, died after he was suffocated in a Sprout Stuff sling.The Sprout Stuff slings, which are handmade in Austin, Texas, are made of cloth with a metal ring. Only 40 of these slings were sold, so the recall will not affect a great number of consumers. Even so, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is using this information to remind consumers about the dangers of infant slings. Even slings that have not been recalled can pose a danger if the cloth material presses over the child’s airway. The sling can also position the infant with its head too far over its chest, which can also restrict breathing. This recall follows on the heels of a much larger recall of Infantino infant slings in March. This recall affected 1 million slings.The child who died in the Sprout Stuff sling has not been identified, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission did say that his death occurred in 2007. There’s no word on why it took more than three years for the recall to be announced.

While making reminder to everyone about adjusting their clocks, we would also like to remind everyone to check their homeowner’s insurance to make sure that they are covered if their dog bites someone else.The numbers on dog bite claims are staggering, both in terms of the sheer numbers as well as the costs per claim.  To limit their losses for dog bite claims, many carriers that write homeowner’s insurance are including policy exclusions for dog bite claims caused by certain breeds of dogs (pit bulls in particular) that are considered to be more aggressive than others.  Unfortunately, these exclusions are valid and often buried in fine print.  This leaves the dog owbers exposed to personal liability for dog bite injuries.As experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers, if you are a dog owner, we encourage you to disclose to your agent the fact that you own a dog and to review with him whether your dog is covered in the event of a dog bite.  Dog bite accidents are hard to prevent, so the best course of action is to make sure that you have good coverage if one happens.

If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, and you were neither provoking the dog nor breaking the law at the time of the attack, you may be eligible for compensation in a personal injury claim (in this case, a Chicago dog bite claim).To claim damages, you should get the professional help of a Chicago dog bite lawyer. While there is no standard amount of money that you can claim after a dog bite, you may be able to recover money for damages such as: 

• Medical expenses;
• Cosmetic surgery to remove scars;
• Psychological counseling;
• Any emotional distress that you suffered; and
• The loss of wages as a result of your inability to work. 

To claim damages, you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you may be able to recover money without ever going to court. If your case is strong enough, a Chicago dog bite lawyer may be able to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. However, if the owner of the dog refuses to pay your claim, you will have to proceed to court. With experienced representation and a strong case, you increase the likelihood that you will be able to recover the damages to which you are entitled.If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog in Chicago or the surrounding areas, you may wish to claim compensation in an Illinois dog bite lawsuit. To learn more about damages in a dog bite claim, visit our article library. Hiring a Chicago Dog Bite LawyerYou should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injuries, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an injury alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long-term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080

If a family member dies as a result of a trucking accident, especially one that was preventable, your life and the lives of your family can be devastated financially and emotionally forever. While nothing can ever truly right the wrong that has been done, you and your family do have legal options that can help you recover financially. An experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the legal intricacies of filing an Illinois wrongful claim after a fatal truck accident has claimed the life of your loved one.Illinois Wrongful Death Claim & Trucking InsuranceThe Federal Government regulates how much insurance trucking companies must carry. At the very minimum, trucking companies must have at least $750,000 in liability insurance, and the rates only go up from there. For example, trucking companies that carry hazardous wastes have to carry a higher minimum level of insurance.Illinois Wrongful Death Claim & Trucking AccidentsLike car accidents, the reasons why a trucking accident occurred can be quite complex. For example, truck drivers are only allowed to drive a specific number of hours per day and per week. Sometimes the driver exceeds these hours in order to complete a job. Working too many hours can make a person tired, leading to driver fatigue and truck accidents.Another factor that can contribute to a fatal truck accident is the weight that the truck is carrying. The amount of weight the truck can safely carry is also strictly limited. If the truck is carrying over its weight limit, the truck can be more dangerous.Truck Company Liability After a Fatal Truck AccidentTrucking companies are required keep documentation about repairs and maintenance on their vehicles. In addition, trucking companies keep records about individual drivers’ activities. However, there is a time limit that trucking companies are required to maintain these records. In some cases, the trucking company can discard the information after 90 days. A qualified Chicago wrongful death lawyer will know how to find key information regarding your case even if the records have been discarded.Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerLosing a loved one to a tragic and preventable accident carries with it an emotional toll that can quickly become overwhelming when funeral costs and medical bills come pouring in, especially if your family relied on the income of the deceased as your main source of financial support. If you have lost a spouse, parent, or other family member because of neglect, you may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible to help your family get back on its feet after your loss.With so much going on during this emotional time, it’s best to have the help of an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping the families of accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve to move on with their lives. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

Regardless of the type of accident that took the life of your family member, the emotional and financial devastation involved are substantial. Despite any reluctancy you may have to revisit the details of this loss, it is important to understand your legal options, including the type of accidents that may qualify you to file an Illinois wrongful death claim. Your Chicago wrongful death lawyer will guide you through the rest of the process as it pertains specifically to your case.Illinois Wrongful Death Claim & Medical MalpracticeStandard care is a term that is used to describe what would be considered to be “normal” care or normal procedures that a medical practitioner would use or follow in a given situation. In order to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must have a qualified, comparably licensed medical practitioner who is willing to testify about what should have been done in your loved one‘s case. In addition, the practitioner must be able to state how standard care was violated and the consequences of the breach.Dangerous or Defective ProductsDangerous or defective products typically fall into 3 different categories: 

• those that have design flaws,
• those that were not manufactured according to specifications, and
• those that do not carry warnings despite being dangerous.  

A qualified Chicago wrongful death attorney will be able to investigate your loved one’s fatal accident to determine if a dangerous or defective product was the cause.Nursing Home Neglect and AbuseNursing homes are regulated by numerous laws and require legal expertise pertaining specifically to this area to file a successful wrongful death claim. This is because nursing homes must adhere to regulated framework for the type of care they are providing. A wrongful death attorney working on a case where nursing home abuse or neglect occurred must be familiar with these regulations. Additionally, nursing home residents often have complex or longstanding medical conditions that will also impact any potential case which your wrongful death attorney must know how to address.Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerLosing a loved one to a tragic and preventable accident carries with it an emotional toll that can quickly become overwhelming when funeral costs and medical bills come pouring in, especially if your family relied on the income of the deceased as your main source of financial support. If you have lost a spouse, parent, or other family member due to neglect, you may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible to help your family get back its feet after your loss.With so much going on during this emotional time, it’s best to have the help of an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping the families of accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve to move on with their lives. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

Negligence is an important part of any personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, and can be defined as not acting in a way that a reasonable person would under the same circumstances. In order to file an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit, you and your Chicago wrongful death lawyer must prove that the person you are filing the claim against was directly at fault for the accident that resulted in the death of your loved one.Comparative Negligence in Wrongful Death CasesIn Illinois, liability after an accident is assigned using a modified comparative negligence system. Under the Illinois version of comparative negligence, a percentage of the blame for an accident can be divided between the party that brought the lawsuit (the plaintiff), and the party who is being sued (the defendant). If the plaintiff is assigned 51% or more of the blame (meaning the accident was 51% their fault), the defendant is found “not guilty” and the plaintiff cannot collect any compensation.This also means that your award can be reduced according to how much the defendant was at fault in causing the accident. For example, if you were awarded $200,000 after the death of your loved one but the court determined that your loved one was actually 25% at fault for their fatal accident, your final award would be $150,000 or 75% of the total.Your Chicago wrongful death lawyer will be able to provide an in-depth explanation of negligence. In addition, your lawyer will also discuss whether comparative negligence is likely to be applied to your case.Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerLosing a loved one to a tragic and preventable accident carries with it an emotional toll that can quickly become overwhelming when funeral costs and medical bills, come pouring in, especially if your family relied on the income of the deceased as your main financial support. If you have lost a spouse, parent, or other family member because of neglect, you may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible.With so much going on during this time emotionally and financially, it’s best to have the help of an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping the families of accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve to move on with their lives. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 1-312-263-1080

People who are victimized in an auto accident are suddenly forced to deal with a host of troublesome issues. First and foremost, they have to seek medical attention for their injuries. Then they may have to contact their employer to inform their supervisor that they might be missing work in the near future. They also have to get their vehicle repaired, arrange for alternate transportation during that time, and file a claim with their medical insurance company.

So it’s completely understandable if they don’t engage the services of an auto accident attorney right away. However, crash victims shouldn’t relegate this task to the back burner indefinitely. There’s a limited time period during which a victim can file a personal injury lawsuit after being hurt in a motor vehicle collision.

This window of time is known in legal circles as the statute of limitations. Simply put, this is the amount of time that victims have after the accident occurs to file suit against those responsible for injuring them. If victims do not file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out, then the law prohibits them from receiving any damages or compensation from the offending party.

So exactly how long is that statute of limitations? Well, it varies depending on the type of lawsuit. But usually, the statute of limitations is:

• 2 years from the accident date in the majority of auto accident cases• 1 year from the accident date for lawsuits against local government entities• 1 year from the accident date for Dram Act lawsuits (for instance, when an establishment that serves alcohol is sued by the victim of an accident caused by a drunk driver)• The 20th birthday of an auto accident victim (or the 19th birthday if the suit involves a local government agency) when minors are injured

To some people, one or two years can seem like plenty of time to hire an attorney after an auto accident. But filing a personal injury lawsuit isn’t like writing a paper in school where you can sometimes get away with waiting until the last minute to complete it. There are certain measures which much be taken by a lawyer before filing a formal lawsuit. (In fact, our firm routinely turns away clients who wait until the statute of limitations is about to run out before contacting our office.)

Plus, the longer an accident victim waits to engage the services of an attorney, the weaker the case can become. Evidence of the accident scene can get destroyed or misplaced. Witnesses can forget what they saw. And the potential defendants may leave town (or go out of business) and become virtually unreachable. In addition, attorneys can often negotiate settlements with insurance companies and/or other defendants before a lawsuit is ever filed – if they have the case in their hands well before the statute of limitations expires.

So remember – even though your world may be turned upside down after an auto accident, the clock is ticking toward the deadline for seeking legal action. Don’t let the statute of limitations run out on your lawsuit. Make it a priority to contact a qualified auto accident attorney as soon as you can.

Those who are injured in construction site accidents are typically compensated through Illinois Workers’ Compensation. The Workers’ Compensation Act usually prevents accident victims from suing their employers or any fellow employees who might have caused the accident. Unfortunately, Workers’ Compensation alone may not be enough to help cover your expenses and you may have other legal options for recovering compensation. An experienced Chicago construction accident lawyer can help you determine if a third party is responsible for your accident. You may then be able to file an Illinois personal injury lawsuit.Illinois Construction Accidents & Third PartiesThird parties that might have contributed to your construction site accident could include: 

• Ÿ A subcontractor on the construction site;
• Ÿ The general contractor (under certain circumstances);
• Ÿ A manufacturer whose equipment failed as a result of a manufacturing defect; and
• Ÿ A manufacturer that shipped equipment that failed as a result of a design flaw. 

Common Construction Accidents & Filing a LawsuitYou have a limited period of time in which to file lawsuits. This time period is called a statute of limitations. If you and your Chicago construction accident lawyer find that you have grounds for an Illinois personal injury case, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you have determined that a product may have contributed to your construction accident, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a product liability lawsuit. If you have lost a loved one as a result of a construction accident, you have 2 years from the date that your family member passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit.For more information on common construction site accidents, visit our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Construction Accident LawyerIt’s important to contact a qualified Chicago construction accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Even though Workers’ Compensation is available for victims of construction site accidents, this alone may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. A Chicago construction accident lawyer can help you explore all available avenues of compensation for your injuries. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080

If you have witnessed an Illinois construction accident, you know how badly people can be hurt. If you have been in a construction site accident, you need to understand what type of compensation that you might receive for your injuries. One of the avenues you may have available to you is to receive benefits from Illinois Workers’ Compensation.Filing for Workers’ CompensationIn order to file for Workers’ Compensation, you need to notify your employer of the accident within 45 days of the incident. Most people notify their employers right away. Your employer or your employer’s insurance company will file paperwork for Workers’ Compensation if you miss 3 or more days of work as a result of the accident.Illinois Workers’ Compensation BenefitsYou may be entitled to the following benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act: 

• Ÿ Payments for hospitalization;
• Ÿ Payments for surgery;
• Ÿ Payments for visiting your physician;
• Ÿ Payments for physical therapy;
• Ÿ Compensation for vocational re-training;
• Ÿ Compensation for temporary partial disability;
• Ÿ Compensation for permanent partial disability;
• Ÿ Compensation for temporary total disability; and
• Ÿ Compensation for permanent total disability. 

Benefits are subject to maximums and minimums.Illinois Workers’ Compensation Death BenefitsPeople who have lost loved ones in Illinois construction accidents may be entitled to death benefits. Workers’ Compensation will contribute towards burial costs. In addition, Workers’ Compensation will pay the spouse and/or children a percentage of the person’s average weekly salary for 25 years or up to $500,000. If the person did not leave a spouse or any children, other relatives may be able to claim this benefit.Despite the best of intentions, Workers’ Compensation benefits may not be enough for dealing with serious or permanent injuries. For this reason it is important to speak to a qualified Chicago construction accident lawyer who can help you explore all possible areas of compensation including third-party claims.For more information on common construction site accidents, visit our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Construction Accident LawyerIt’s important to contact a qualified Chicago construction accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Even though Workers’ Compensation is available for victims of construction site accidents, this alone may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. A Chicago construction accident lawyer can help you explore all available avenues of compensation for your injuries. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the complexities of worksite injury cases. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080

Illinois has strict laws regarding unprovoked dog attacks. If a dog bites someone in the state of Illinois, and that person was neither provoking the dog nor breaking the law at the time, the owner of the dog may be held responsible for the damages to the victim.  The Illinois law that reflects this is statute 510 ILCS 5/16 Section 16, which states:”If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in a place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.”Damages that the victim may be compensated for include medical expenses, cosmetic surgery, and any mental anguish that they experienced. To recover such damages, the victim must prove to a court that the dog bite was the cause of these damages.When a Chicago dog bite case is strong enough-for instance, the evidence shows that an unleashed dangerous dog entered the yard of the victim where it then attacked a child unprovoked-the owner of the dog may choose to settle the case before it goes to court. To negotiate a settlement, or to file a Chicago dog bite lawsuit, you can get the professional help of a Chicago dog bite lawyer.If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog in Chicago or the surrounding areas, you may wish to claim compensation in an Illinois dog bite lawsuit. To learn more about damages in a dog bite claim, visit our article library. Hiring a Chicago Dog Bite LawyerYou should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injuries, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an injury alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long-term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080

Motorcyclists in Illinois should know what the state laws are concerning motorcycle use. These motorcycle laws are meant to help protect motorcyclists if they are involved in a motorcycle crash. In the state of Illinois a motorcyclist is not required to wear a helmet. Although it is not required, it is safer for you to wear a motorcycle helmet, as is may prevent serious or fatal head injuries in the event of the motorcycle accident.While Illinois does not require motorcycle helmets, state law does include other safety requirements for motorcyclists on Illinois roads, including:

• Eye Protection – Required, unless motorcycle has windscreen;
• Daytime Use of Headlight – Required (modulating headlight permitted);
• Passenger Seat/Footrest – Required if a passenger is riding;
• Mirror – only 1 mirror (right or left) is required;
• State Insurance Requirements – Must carry Compulsory Liability and
• Handlebar Height – Handgrips must be below shoulder height.

If you have been injured in an Illinois motorcycle accident, you should contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can work on your behalf to determine if there was negligence and help you recover damages that you may be entitled to.  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.

When an individual suffers serious illness because they took a potentially dangerous drug or dietary supplement that was mass-marketed to the public, they may be eligible to receive compensation for their injuries. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can work with a victim to determine if liability exists in injury cases involving a popular dietary supplement, such as Hydroxycut.Additionally, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can guide you in proceeding with an Illinois product liability claim if it is determined that liability exists. An attorney with experience in this type of practice area will understand what type of evidence is necessary to prove negligence of a manufacturer or other party that may be involved in the making of a dangerous drug or dietary supplement. Hydroxycut is a popular dietary supplement that is used to help individuals lose weight. However, it has also been linked to a number of health problems.Some Hydroxycut side effects include: 

• kidney problems;
• arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat);
• seizures;
• heart problems;
• jaundice;
• headaches;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• abdominal pain;
• restlessness;
• anxiety;
• excessive fatigue;
• liver damage/failure; and
• death.  

These serious and potentially life-threatening Hydroxycut side effects may entitle a victim to pursue damages through an Illinois product liability claim. 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.