With the holiday season just around the corner, many people have begun their Christmas and Hanukkah toy shopping. Stores are already laden with an extravaganza of toys, which can make choosing difficult. When it comes to making choices, parents need to be aware of dangerous children’s toys that could be unsafe because of lead contamination.Many recalls on dangerous children’s toys involve strangulation and choking hazards. Yet another danger that can be linked to unsafe toys is lead contamination. With many products coming from foreign countries that still use lead, such as China, there is the potential risk for your child to be exposed to unhealthy levels of lead. This exposure could result in lead poisoning, which can have long-term, lasting effects.  While consumers may do their part to be aware of unsafe products by checking with agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the reality is that dangerous children’s toys are still out there. If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning because of a toy with lead contamination, you may be eligible to file an Illinois product liability claim. Contact a Chicago product liability lawyer today to learn more about your options. Contacting a Chicago Product Liability LawyerThe Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

If your loved one resides in a nursing home and has developed bed sores, this may be a sign of nursing home neglect. Bed sores can lead to serious and even deadly complications. This is because bed sores can cause infections that affect the skin, bones and muscles. Some of the most serious complications that may arise from bed sores include: 

• Joint infections – damage to the cartilage and tissue.
• Bone infections – functioning of joints and limbs may be reduced.
• Cellulitis – infection in the skin’s connective tissue.
• Sepsis – infection that spreads into the bloodstream, which could cause shock and organ failure.
• Meningitis – infection in the fluid and membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

Bed sores are a sign of nursing home neglect and should be investigated since they are generally preventable. A nursing home abuse attorney in Chicago can examine the facts in your case to determine if your loved one’s injuries were preventable and who may be held liable. This may include analyzing your loved one’s medical records, notations from nursing home staff, charts and other documentation. If it is found that your loved one was indeed injured as a result of the negligent actions of nursing home staff, a nursing home abuse attorney in Chicago can guide you in filing your nursing home abuse claim.When to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in ChicagoAn Illinois nursing home abuse attorney 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 nursing home abuse claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When a medical device that is meant to save a life causes harm, it can lead an individual to file a dangerous medical device claim. While most recommended implantable defibrillators are safe, some have led to defective product recalls. These defective implantable defibrillators should be removed from a patient and replaced with a safer device.Benefits and Risks of an Implantable Defibrillator If you have received an implantable defibrillator in Illinois, your doctor should have discussed ahead of time with you the benefits and risks of receiving one. When receiving an implantable defibrillator, a patient at risk of suffering cardiac arrest may gain some peace of mind. This medical device can alleviate concerns of fainting spells or sudden death from a heart attack. It also allows many patients to resume normal activities that they otherwise would have been prevented from resuming.Some of the risks of an implantable defibrillator include: 

• risks associated with having surgery;
• life-threatening heart rhythms;
• failure to deliver shocks when needed; and
• deliverance of unnecessary shocks to the heart. 

A defective implantable defibrillator can cause undue injury and harm. If you have suffered serious injuries from a dangerous medical device such as this, a Chicago defective product attorney can talk to you about your options for legal recourse and help determine whether you should file a dangerous medical device claim. Contacting a Chicago Defective Product LawyerThe 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 Consumer Product Safety Commission and Specialized Bicycle Components has announced the voluntary recall.  This company, which manufactures mountain bikes, agreed to the recall after two reports of the handlebars breaking.  Two riders were injured, including one who suffered head trauma, after the handlebars broke during use.

As with any sort of injury claim, you’ll be dealing with insurance companies that would rather keep their money in their pockets than pay out a fair settlement on your claim for a dog bite attack in Illinois. A Wheaton, IL dog bite attorney knows how the dog bite injury claim system works and can give you the insight necessary to obtain a fair claim settlement.You’re already at a disadvantage with the fact that you’ve probably never had to deal with an insurance settlement before. Your attorney will fill that need and bring the experience necessary to seek and secure a fair settlement.Evidence is important to your dog bite case because it shows the 2 important points of a serious injury accident: you suffered serious damages and they were the result of another’s negligence. A handful of pictures and the dog owner’s name isn’t going to be enough to support your claim. Your Wheaton, IL dog bite attorney can help you develop the relevant evidence that shows the severity of your damages.With a well-evidenced injury claim you can seek the full amount of damages you’re entitled to, after a serious dog bite attack in Illinois. There’s a huge difference between the initial settlement you’re offered and a fair settlement you’re entitled to. A Wheaton, IL dog bite attorney can help you seek the compensation needed, to truly recover from a serious dog attack.  When to Hire a Wheaton, IL Dog Bite AttorneyA dog bite attack in Illinois can result in permanent disfigurement and even life-long disability. By filing an injury claim after the attack you not only help your family recover from this tragedy, but you can help prevent future attacks by the dog.At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our 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 dog bite injuries.Before you make any decisions, request a free copy of our accident guide, When You Are Injured – The Insider’s Guide to Illinois Accident Law. When you’re ready to file a claim, we offer a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence. Contact us today – 312-263-1080.

The moment you begin to discuss your car accident and injuries with another party you could be potentially damaging your chances of a fair settlement in an Illinois injury claim. You can, however, discuss your accident candidly with a Wheaton car accident attorney.Police reports, witnesses, and even your social media accounts can all become evidence in your claim. When you don’t watch what you say to these sources, your words could come back to haunt you.One of the trickiest parts of the Illinois injury claim settlement process is giving a recorded statement to the adjuster. The recorded statement is designed to give you the opportunity to tell your version of how the accident happened. While giving this statement you may not realize you could be saying more than necessary. Before speaking to anyone about your accident, you should consult with a Wheaton car accident attorney. The settling of an Illinois injury claim can become a back-and-forth game of trying to prove the financial need your injuries have created while your insurance company tries to prove just the opposite.While you need to be showing evidence that you deserve a fair settlement, your insurance adjuster will be trying to show your situation doesn’t warrant the full settlement amount. A Wheaton car accident attorney can help you protect your right to compensation. When to Hire a Wheaton Car Accident AttorneyObtaining a fair settlement straight off from the insurance company is a rare occurrence. In most Illinois injury claims you’ll have to fight for your right to fair compensation.If there is even the slightest question that your negligence may have played a part in your injury, you will need to prove otherwise if you want to receive the maximum settlement in your case. Your best chance at proving your degree of fault was low enough to recover damages is to have an experienced Wheaton car accident attorney on your side.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. Before making any decisions, request a FREE copy of our guide to Illinois accident law. For a free case evaluation and help preparing evidence for your Illinois injury claim contact us today – 312-263-1080.

The primary 3 factors in determining the value of an injury claim are liability, nature of injury, and damages claimed. These factors are determined through the evidence you provide to the insurance company such as medical bills, accident reports, and witness statements.Other factors that can come into play when determining your injury settlement include but are not limited to: 

• your personal occupational, financial and living situation;
• local laws & statues;
• anticipated expense of prosecuting the case through trial;
• verdicts and settlements in similar cases;
• the insurance companies involved;
• the amount of insurance coverage available;
• the financial condition of the defendant;
• the amount of case file expenses incurred;
• the projected case file expenses in the future;
• how far along the case has progressed;
• the appearance and availability of supporting witnesses; AND
• how supportive the treating physicians are.  

Insurance companies can make you jump through a lot of hoops when they’re working on placing a value on your claim. Their goal is to settle for as little out of their pocket as possible and their adjusters know the tricks to do so.Knowing the factors that go into determining the settlement amount for your injury claim is important. While a Chicago injury lawyer can’t tell you what your claim is worth until you receive a settlement, they can help you work for the fairest possible outcome. An experienced Chicago injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you examine your injury claim and help with recovering compensation for your medical expenses, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

Illinois gets its share of inclement weather in the wintertime, like yesterday!  Often, that leads to water and snow freezing on roadways, causing ice patches or even a solid layer of ice. Usually, this leads to slippery roads that cause many drivers to lose control of their vehicles and get into auto accidents.

How slippery a road is can be defined by what is known as the coefficient of friction, or the frictional force between the tires and the road that helps stop a vehicle. The coefficient of friction is always a number between 0 and 1; and the lower the value, the more slippery the road is. As an example; dry roads generally have a coefficient of friction of around .9, while rainy roads have a value of about .6. But when snow is added into the equation, the coefficient drops to approximately .2 – and with ice, the value can be just .05.

Thankfully, many modern vehicles have safety features which help a driver control a vehicle on icy surfaces, including:

• Anti-lock brakes – this mechanism will cause the brakes to “pump” repeatedly when the brake pedal is depressed steadily. On icy roads, getting the ABS system to pump about once per second is ideal for optimum braking.
• All-wheel drive – as the name implies, power is directed to all four wheels of a vehicle instead of just two; so if the front wheels lose some traction, the rear wheels can compensate (and vice-versa). However, AWD does nothing to improve braking or cornering in ice or snow.
• Electronic stability control – all vehicles from model year 2012 and on are required by law to be equipped with ESC. This comprehensive system automatically senses when the steering wheel and the vehicle’s direction are out of alignment, and applies more braking to one or two wheels and/or reduces engine power accordingly.

Despite these safety measures, driver behavior is still important when traveling on icy roads. Here are some tips for traveling safely in icy or snowy conditions:

1. Reduce your speed significantly.
2. Do not oversteer if you feel your vehicle start to lose traction.
3. Turn into a skid in order to correct your vehicle’s direction.
4. Make sure your tires have at least 3/16 of an inch of tread before driving in snowpack.
5. Make sure your rear tires are not underinflated.
6. Maximize your visibility by running window defrosters and windshield wipers.
7. Be sure your lights are clear of snow or ice so that other drivers can see you more clearly.
8. Be aware of “black ice” in addition to the ice that is visible.
9. If you don’t have to drive, stay home.

If you are injured in an auto accident on icy roads that was the fault of another driver, contact a qualified auto accident attorney as soon as possible.

Being involved in an auto accident is stressful enough. But being targeted by a group of angry people intent on administering vigilante justice can be absolutely terrifying.

Can this really happen to you? It seems unthinkable in today’s civilized society that an irate mob could form spontaneously and endanger your physical well-being simply because you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. But it happened earlier this month in Springfield on the evening of July 9.

A police officer pulled over a 16-year old driver for running a red light in connection with an auto accident. Upset that he was being ticketed, the teen called some friends on his cell phone. Then several individuals arrived on the scene and attacked the police officer. Fortunately, the officer was not seriously injured and was able to request backup. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the mob attack.

So if a police officer is not safe from mob attacks, it stands to reason that ordinary civilians can be put in danger as well. Chicagoans may remember the deadly mob attack in the summer of 2002. A van crashed into a front porch of a home on the city’s South Side one evening. Three women sitting on the porch were injured. However, a group of angry residents pulled the two occupants out of the van and beat them to death with stones, sticks, and a large brick.

This situation is almost too horrifying to think about. However, if you are involved in an accident where bystanders’ emotions are running high, the ingredients exist for tensions to boil over – and that could put you in grave danger.

Here are some suggestions to help you avoid and/or survive a mob attack after an auto accident.

Be aware of the situation. If the accident occurs in a residential neighborhood, entertainment district, or any other location where lots of people are around, the chances of a mob event occurring are much higher than a wreck on an empty road or a freeway. Watch for warning signs like people suddenly making calls on their cell phones and/or yelling at you or talking angrily about the accident.

Stay calm. Granted, this is easier said than done – but it could mean the difference between the situation resolving itself peacefully or turning violent. Responding to accusations by raising your voice, lashing out, or brandishing a weapon will only inflame tensions. Concentrate on the accident itself and try to remedy the situation.

Focus attention elsewhere. If someone is hurt, tend to their needs and ask bystanders for help in calling an ambulance, getting bandages, or consoling the victim. If a vehicle is stalled in traffic, request assistance in pushing or guiding it out of the road. If bystanders are busy helping out accident victims, they’re less likely to lose their temper and focus their ire on you.

Call 911. If a person is injured, you should do this anyway. But at any moment, if you feel physically threatened or sense that the situation is becoming dangerous, call 911 and request police assistance (even if you have already called once for an ambulance). Speak calmly and quietly into your phone, and be sure to mention your fears that a mob may be forming at the accident site.

Lock yourself in your vehicle. If you think you are in danger, get yourself and all of your passengers into your vehicle, lock all of the doors, and roll up the windows. This will you allow you to speak on the phone with emergency personnel without being assaulted. Stay there until first responders arrive, because leaving the scene of an accident is illegal.

Make noise. If a group begins to gather around your vehicle, sound the horn repeatedly. If your vehicle has an audible alarm system, activate it. This will get the attention of people who are far away from the accident scene – and who are much less likely to be caught up in the emotions of those around your vehicle. These people can also call for help – or perhaps even come to your aid directly. And the mob may even disperse if the individuals do not wish to attract attention to themselves.

Worst case scenario

Though rare, full scale mob attacks on motorists can occur after an auto accident. People may slap or push the vehicle’s exterior, rock the vehicle back and forth, throw debris at the vehicle, or break headlights or hood ornaments. Sometimes, the mayhem will not progress any further before help arrives. However, some mob attacks may turn even more violent if the attackers decide to go after the vehicle’s occupants.

If there comes a point to when you or your passengers are in imminent danger of suffering bodily harm (i.e., when attackers break windshields or windows, throw heavy objects at the vehicle, discharge firearms at the vehicle, or attempt to set the vehicle on fire), then you must choose your safety over a hit-and-run citation and get away from the area.

1. Take the most direct route away from the mob (doing your best not to strike any pedestrians if you can help it) and drive away quickly but safely. 2. Drive to a place far enough away that you are out of danger and then pull into a public place. 3. Then immediately dial 911 and tell the dispatcher exactly what happened. Not only will this alert police officers to your new location, it will create an audio recording explaining why you drove away from the crash site. This recording will help you fight any future charges of fleeing the scene of an accident. If possible, stay on the line with the dispatcher until police arrive.4. If they haven’t already noticed your damaged vehicle, get the attention of bystanders by honking your horn or sounding your alarm. If anyone approaches the vehicle in a friendly and non-threatening manner, tell them what happened and ask them for help if you need it (especially if you or your occupants are injured).5. Stay at that location until police officers arrive. Then explain to them exactly what happened starting from the initial accident (the dispatcher may not have filled them in on your plight). Then follow their instructions – even if it means going with them to the police station.6. Some time after the incident, enlist the services of an attorney to not only argue on behalf of your position, but also to help find those responsible for damaging your vehicle and/or causing injuries to you or your passengers.

Mob attacks happen very infrequently – but they do happen. The key is to recognize the signs of discord, remain calm and focused, and take defensive measures only if necessary.

I saw a piece in the news recently which stated that according to the Insurance Information Institute, for the 2008 calendar, costs for dog bite claims were up 8% over the previous year, totaling $387 million, with an average of $24,461 per claim.One factor that they attributed the increase in claim costs to was the rapid rise of medical costs.  This does not seem accurate to me as an experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer.  In almost every dog bite case I have handled, the medical expenses were usually fairly low — most often consisting of a trip to the emergency room and a few follow up appointments.  Plastic surgery for scar revision is normally done in a plastic surgeon’s office, so even for the clients who have had that happen, the medical expenses have not been as large as is normally the case in many of my other cases.  For my clients, the true cost of the claim is disfigurement resulting from the scarring from the dog bite.  We usually advise clients to take serial photos of the dog bite injury while healing is ongoing to document the truly slow progression of the healing from the dog bites.  Also, we do not even consider settling a case until the healing is complete — a process that takes 6 months to a year.When you wait the true amount of time it takes for healing to be complete, you are left with the true result of the dog bite — often scars that last a lifetime.  Many people settle dog bite claims early on, before the healing is complete, with a notion that they will eventually look the same as they did the day before the were attacked by the dog.  This almost never happens.In truth, that average settlement number should be much higher.  I suspect it isn’t because people accept cheap and early settlements from insurers too often.

One of the most common reasons insurance claims from Illinois truck accidents are denied is because the victim was caught unaware by some of the insurance company’s tricks. Companies employ sympathetic, friendly claims adjusters who lure you into a comfortable relationship. Once you trust them, they work toward getting you to admit fault in the accident, downplay your injuries, or trick you into making other damaging statements.The more evidence the insurance companies can collect against you, the better their chances are of denying the claim or offering a low settlement. Often an insurance company will submit a quick settlement in the hope of catching the victim off guard. They bank on the fact that you are emotionally distressed, facing financial issues, and that you will agree to a low settlement to settle the matter quickly.Be careful of signing any paperwork from any insurance company before it can be reviewed by an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney. There are many instances where fine print and clauses within statements and releases will prevent you from filing further legal actions, or release unnecessary records.When you begin your truck accident insurance claim you should first bring in the skills of a Chicago truck accident attorney to help you manage all the correspondence with the companies. Remember that insurance companies are looking out for their best interests first, and our article on dealing with insurance companies following a truck accident will help you understand some of their strategies. If you’re ever unsure about working with an insurance company or talking with a claims adjuster, you don’t have to worry alone. An experienced Chicago truck accident 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.

If you have been injured in a trench collapse accident, you may not think you have additional recourse for compensation as you are not entitled to file a claim against your boss if you receive Workers’ Compensation. However, this is not always the case. Your injury may be the fault of a third party in which case you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages for your injuries and related expenses. Gaining Compensation from a Third Party Construction accidents can usually be blamed on: 

• faulty equipment;
• the employing company;
• you as an employee; or
• the actions of another individual. 

This can be further complicated by the presence of multiple contractors working on a single project, as often happens on modern construction sites. You do not want to make the mistake of failing to take legal action when the company at fault for your trench collapse injuries may be the maker of your equipment or a separate contractor entirely.An experienced Chicago personal injury attorney can aid you in filing for your deserved compensation from the appropriate party. 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 re-adjust to life after a Chicago trench 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.

Even in personal injury cases, most decisions of the court are subject to appeal, a review of the previous judge’s decision by a panel of multiple judges and, when necessary, a new verdict. Either side of the case may file an appeal if they feel there was an error in the previous court proceedings.In an appeal, attorneys do not present witnesses or evidence. The appeal will only include facts that were revealed in the trial court, and are presented as-is. The “jury” in the appeal is a panel of judges. The number of judges on the panel is usually 3, but in some cases the entire appeals court may be called to issue the new verdict.The main documents in an appeal are the appellate briefs. The party that lost the suit files a brief stating how they feel the law was improperly applied and how the verdict was unfair, while the winning side states how the verdict was correct. Because these statements are the bulk of the evidence in the appeal, they need to be properly prepared and supported by documentation.Following the proper stages of an Illinois personal injury case will help avoid an unnecessary appeal after your case has ended. 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

Renal & Nephrology News came out with an article recently about steps which can be taken to prevent nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, or NSF, in patients who use gadolinium contrast for MRI scans and CT scans.  It has been fairly-well established that this debilitating disease occurs in patients who have renal insufficiency when the contrast is administered.  The article recommends a number of steps.  First high risk patients should be identified.  Once thos epatients arte identified, a determinatino should be made as to whether use of the contrast is really required, and where it is not, or a safer contrast agent could be used, that route should be taken.  Where gadolinium use is required, the lowest possible dose should be employed, and certain types of gadolinium which have a better safety profile for patients with kidney disease should be used.  Finally, post-procedure dialysis to speed to the removal of the contrast agent has also been recommended.

When it comes to filing a personal injury claim, lying about your medical history, injuries, or lost wages is only asking for trouble. Any mistakes in reporting your injuries, history, or compensation needs will make you appear dishonest even if you are seeking damages for an injury you honestly sustained through no fault of your own.If you fail to disclose pre-existing medical conditions, it may raise doubts about current injuries. You may be filing a personal injury claim for an injured leg, but covering up a previous hip surgery may lead the insurance company to suspect that you possibly staged the accident to account for new complications from that surgery.When filing a claim for lost wages, you will be asked to supply tax returns to support the amount of wages you are looking to recover. Unless there is good reasoning, your claim should match the amount reported on your tax returns – the only increase should be due to a pay increase or other justifiable means.The easiest way to a quick and successful personal injury claim settlement is to be honest and timely in all your reporting. To avoid other common mistakes with personal injury claims, read our article on how to preserve your personal injury claim. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you build a strong case from day one and help you avoid the types of mistakes that can destroy your claim!  Contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your case – (312) 263-1080

Before you head into surgery, a member of your surgical team should get vital information from you regarding your current and past health history and communicate your answers to the rest of the team.Your surgeon, surgical nurse, anesthesiologist and others on the team should be well aware of your medical history before operating. Failure to read and act on your medical history and any other health answers you give is a violation of the standard of care all medical professionals must exhibit.Such negligence can result in catastrophic injury, or even death. If your anesthesiologist fails to exercise the very high level of care necessary before or during your procedure, you may suffer injury due to anesthesia error.One common cause of anesthesia error is a severe allergic reaction, especially with regard to local and topical anesthetics. This is often prevented by asking the patient a series of routine questions before the procedure.Anesthesia errors may also occur during surgery, even when your surgical team is aware of your medical history. For example, if the anesthesiologist fails to maintain an adequate supply of oxygen to you during your operation, you may go into cardiac arrest or suffer a stroke.Other errors may relate to overdoses or under-doses of anesthesia. Careless overdose of anesthetics can occur for a number of reasons, such as the anesthesiologist’s failure to carefully assess the patient’s medical history, properly evaluate the procedure or any combination of factors.All anesthesiologists are required by professional standards to stay at the “head of the bed.” This station allows for a maximized vantage point in monitoring vital signs. Leaving the head of the bed constitutes negligence should you suffer injury as a result.To learn more about anesthesia errors, visit our medical malpractice article library.  Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerIf you, or a family member, have been seriously injured by anesthesia error, you have the legal right to hold the anesthesiologist, malpractice insurer, and/or hospital accountable for the physical and emotional damages you suffered.At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C., we understand the complex legalities of medical malpractice cases in the Chicago area. Let us help defend your legal rights to seek compensation for your expenses, pain, and suffering caused by your anesthesia error injury. Contact us today for a no cost case evaluation on your anesthesia error medical malpractice claim at 312-263-1080.

South Carolina personal injury lawyer Trey Mills posted a blog on his South Carolina Injury Law Journal about his take on Allstate’s car accident claims practices.  Allstate has an undeserved reputation as being a “good” company to deal with if you are involved in an Illinois auto accident claim.The reality of dealing with Allstate is that they have a systematic practice of failing to pay reasonable settlements.  Their claims practices have been the subject of a book called “Good Hands to Boxing Gloves” and a number of news pieces, some of which are linked in the “Resources” section at the bottom of the page on Automobile Accidents of my web site.  You don’t have to take my word for it, CNN and Business Week are saying the same kinds of things.At least a couple of times a week I speak to someone who has been involved in a car accident with an Allstate insured, and they are reluctant to hire a lawyer because they are concerned about the lawyer fees (we work on a contingency fee basis) and they are dealing with a “good insurance company” in Allstate.My response to anyone who has been involved in an accident with an Allstate insured: look past the “good hands” advertising and take a good look at the information that is out there about how Allstate treats accident victims and decide for yourself whether you are likely to be treated fairly by Allstate.  If the answer is no, then you are not doing yourself any favors by not hiring an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later.

Lots of people react differently during a funeral. Some exhibit their grief openly, while others display quiet reflection. A few may recall the good times in the life of the decedent. But rarely do people get drunk at the funeral – and then continue drinking in the car on the way home.

Unfortunately, that appears to be the case with four people who were involved in an Illinois auto accident on Chicago’s West Side last week. On Wednesday morning shortly after 12:45am, four people were reportedly drinking from a four-liter bottle of wine in a car after attending a New Year’s Day funeral. The car was traveling eastbound on Madison Street about a quarter mile past Ashland Avenue when it slammed into a concrete planter that divides the roadway near Bishop Street.

All four people suffered injuries that required transportation to a nearby hospital. The 24-year old woman driving the car was later found to have a blood alcohol level at .246, which is more than three times the legal limit in Illinois. The driver, who admitted that she started drinking during the funeral, was arrested on charges which included felony aggravated driving under the influence, negligent driving, and illegal transportation of alcohol (for having an open container of wine in the car).

The legal troubles for the 24-year old woman extend far beyond the criminal court. Should they choose to do so, the passengers in the car may file personal injury lawsuits against the woman (although one of the passengers was the driver’s sister, so she probably won’t pursue such legal action). A jury may order the defendant to reimburse the passengers for the money they spent on medical expenses (even though they were drinking as well). It’s also possible that the driver may have to part with punitive damages if she is indeed convicted on DUI charges in connection with the Illinois auto accident.

When faced with surgery, the capabilities of the surgical team will usually weigh heavily on your mind, and with good reason. All surgeries present inherent risks, and surgery, whether by election, or by necessity, is a major endeavor for all patients.As part of your surgical team, your anesthesiologist is responsible for anesthetizing you so that you enter a state of unconsciousness during surgery, and are unable to feel any pain.Anesthesia awareness is a phenomenon which occurs when too little anesthesia is given to the patient, allowing the patient to wake up, be aware of what is happening and even feel the excruciating pain of surgery. Patients who experience anesthesia awareness are also usually unable to communicate with their doctors in any way during this time, which can lead to life-long emotional damage as well as physical injury.If you have suffered this horrifying experience, you may be able to seek compensation for your pain and emotional trauma through a Chicago medical malpractice lawsuit.Some injuries known to occur as a result of anesthesia awareness are: 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Severe anxiety;
• A morbid fear of death;
• Severe sleep disorders; and
• Other physical injuries. 

Chicago Medical Malpractice LawsIf you were injured as a result of anesthesia awareness, or wrongful under-dosing of anesthesia, you can hold your anesthesiologist accountable and seek compensation to recover your past, present and future medical bills associated with treating your injury. This includes psychiatric therapy, as well as any lost income.Until recently, Illinois limited the amount of damages that could be awarded for non-economic losses associated with injury in a medical malpractice suit such as emotional trauma.However, as of February 5, 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court found that the cap on non-economic damages was unconstitutional, and has removed the cap.This is important to a victim of an anesthesia awareness error. If you were injured by an anesthesiologist’s negligent action, your claim under an Illinois medical malpractice suit may now include full and fair compensation for emotional pain and suffering, without limitation.To learn more about anesthesia errors, visit our medical malpractice articles library. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerIf you, or a family member, have been seriously injured by anesthesia awareness, you have the legal right to hold the anesthesiologist, malpractice insurer and even hospital accountable for the physical and emotional damages you suffered.At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C., we understand the complex legalities of medical malpractice cases in the Chicago area. Let us help defend your legal rights to seek compensation for your pain and suffering caused by your anesthesia error injury. Contact us today for a no cost case evaluation on your anesthesia error medical malpractice claim at 312-263-1080.

Filing a claim for damages from a serious auto accident in Joliet, Illinois is an experience most drivers have never had before. This means you’re going into uncharted territory, and would benefit greatly from the advice of a Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer. A Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer has experience with auto injury claims because that’s their professional focus.A history of dealing with these types of claims allows your lawyer to: 

• understand how insurance companies handle claims;
• identify when an insurance adjuster is trying to compromise your claim;
• help you avoid damaging your claim and ruining your chances at a settlement;
• estimate a fair settlement; and
• protect your right to fight for compensation. 

The insurance companies have just as much experience as a qualified lawyer when it comes to dealing with injury claims from car accidents. By working with a Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer you give yourself the same edge as the insurance company has with their experience.Your family’s financial future depends on a fair settlement to make sure you’re not seriously burdened by the damages suffered from your accident. An experienced attorney can make all the difference in a settlement’s value when you file an injury claim for a car accident in Illinois. When to Hire a Joliet, Illinois Auto Accident LawyerA serious car crash in Joliet, IL can result in medical bills, lost wages, and other financial setbacks all due to the negligence of another party. When your accident was the result of someone else’s inability to follow the rules of the road, you shouldn’t have to pay the price.If there is even the slightest question that your negligence may have played a part in your injury, you will need to prove otherwise if you want to receive the maximum settlement in your case. Your best chance at proving your degree of fault was low enough to recover damages is to have an experienced Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer on your side.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. Before making any decisions, request a FREE copy of our guide to Illinois accident law. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080.

Bard IVC Filters are medical devices used for patients at risk of a pulmonary embolism. However these devices also pose a risk to patients because of the potential hazard of pieces fracturing. This can lead to severe adverse effects that may be life-threatening.A Chicago product liability attorney will evaluate your case if you have been injured by the use of an IVC filter. They can examine your medical records and the device itself to determine if you have a valid Illinois product liability claim.Some of the adverse effects of Bard IVC filters include perforations or punctures to the heart, lungs, vena cava or other internal organs. This can lead to internal bleeding, infection or respiratory difficulties.Other adverse effects of Bard IVC Filters may include: 

• Cardiac Tamponade – excess fluid causes a disruption to the heart;
• Hemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion – blood in or around the heart;
• Ventricular Tachycardia – heartbeat is accelerated with at least 3 irregular heartbeats in a row; and
• Hematoma – collection of blood in an organ.

These are potentially life-threatening injuries. If you have suffered an adverse event from a Bard IVC filter, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through an Illinois product liability claim. When to Hire a Chicago Product liability LawyerA Chicago product liability 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 medical device claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

No one expects to sustain further injury from a surgical procedure but unfortunately, developing an infection after surgery is not uncommon. Yet in many cases, it is preventable.When you suffer an illness because of a bacterial infection after surgery, you may be eligible to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim. But proving medical negligence requires the help of an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney. To get started, your attorney may investigate your case to see if it was related to one of the common causes of a surgical site bacterial infection.Some of the common causes for a surgical site bacterial infection include: 

• cross-contamination;
• contamination of surgical instruments;
• unsterile surgical dressings, drapes and attire;
• failure to treat remote infection prior to surgery;
• unnecessary hair removal (shaving rather than clipping);
• inadequate washing of the surgical site (with antiseptic skin preparation);
• prolonged hospital stays; and
• inadequate hand washing. 

Additionally, if a surgeon fails to recognize risk factors in the patient, such as diabetes, obesity or smoking, the risk for bacterial infection increases. Doctors should take these risk factors into consideration when performing surgery.When a surgeon or medical staff demonstrates medical negligence that results in a bacterial infection after surgery, consulting with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney should be your next step to determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim. When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice AttorneyA Chicago medical malpractice attorney 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 a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Nurses have a high degree of responsibility in the care of patients. Any sort of nursing error can lead to serious consequences.Some of the more common types of nursing errors include medication errors, improperly monitoring patients and a recently identified phenomenon known as “alarm fatigue.”Alarm fatigue is quite common and results when nurses become desensitized to the constant, ongoing blips and beeps coming from medical equipment. If a nurse fails to respond to an alarm it can lead to a patient becoming seriously injured. Patients have died because nurses have not responded to an alarm.There are some common causes for alarm fatigue which include: 

• alarms not functioning properly;
• nurses having too many alarms to keep track of;
• some alarms sound alike;
• the nurse feels overwhelmed by the number of alarms; and
• nurses may block out the alarm to avoid interruptions. 

In addition, so many false alarms can go off that they can become nothing more than a nuisance to nurses. When this happens frequently, it can lead to a nurse failing to respond quickly or they may simply block out the noise. If you have been injured as the result of alarm fatigue or any other type of nursing error, contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer who has familiarity with cases involving nursing errors. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice lawyer team 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.

While distracted drivers and other types of negligent actions can result in an Illinois car accident, one of the more serious types of carelessness involves alcohol impairment. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance are more likely to cause a serious crash that could lead to serious injuries or death.In many Illinois DUI crashes, it is not the drunk driver who ends up injured but innocent victims. Injuries from a DUI accident can lead to lifelong medical problems and the stress of mounting medical bills. A Chicago injury attorney can help you fight for the compensation to not only cover your medical costs but other damages as well.The 2009 Illinois crash statistics show that there were 319 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities. While tragic, this does show a significant decrease from previous years.In comparison, the number of fatalities as a result of alcohol impairment in previous years was: 

• 2005 – 458 fatalities.
• 2006 – 446 fatalities.
• 2007 – 439 fatalities.
• 2008 – 356 fatalities. 

The good news is that there is a downward trend when it comes to traffic fatalities related to alcohol impairment. The sad reality is that these types of preventable accidents continue to occur and when they do, can lead to devastating consequences.By looking at the 2009 Illinois crash statistics, you may gain a better awareness of some of the commonly seen patterns. If you have been seriously injured in an Illinois car accident, a Chicago injury attorney can guide you in your next steps. Contacting a Chicago Injury AttorneyA Chicago injury attorney 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 car accident 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 your auto accident involves a commercial truck, the driver is required by federal law to be tested for the presence of alcohol and controlled substances at the time of the accident. The only exception to this requirement is when the truck driver does not receive a citation (unless a human fatality is reported).Alcohol testing is required to be administered within 2 hours following the accident. If the test is not promptly administered, the employer must maintain a record stating the reasons for this delay. If the test is not administered within 8 hours of the accident, the employer must cease the attempts to test and prepare the same record.Controlled substance tests must be administered within 32 hours following the accident. If the test is not administered within this time allowance, the employer must cease attempts and prepare a record stating why the testing was not promptly administered.These records are to be submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) upon request and can be used as evidence in the trucking accident claim. Testing conducted by a federal, state or local official with authority for performing such tests can be considered to meet the FMCSA reporting requirements.If you are seeking to file an insurance claim for a trucking accident, you should know what kind of evidence you need for your case. The evidence of post-accident testing can often be difficult to obtain on your own, and our article can help you become familiar with how to get evidence against a truck driver or company. Individuals often have trouble gaining access to sensitive information when trying to collect evidence for their truck accident claims. 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.