In Illinois, personal injury lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice for individuals who have been injured. In negligence claims, the subject of proximate cause and intervening cause arises frequently. In this post, these terms will be defined and explained in greater detail.
Proximate cause is the initial act which sets off a natural and continuous sequence of events, leading to an injury. Without this initial act which led to an injury, no injury would have resulted. A Chicago personal injury attorney describes it as “Anytime you act, you start a series of natural and continuous events to occur.” For example, when you swing your arm with a ball, you release it and it may then roll down a hill.
Responsibility for injury does not always lie in the initial act. The last negligent act that produces the injury leads to fault. If an individual picks up the ball that rolled down the hill and throws it into a window, breaking the glass and then injuring someone else, that individual is responsible for the injury, and this act becomes the proximate cause of the injury. If you threw the ball initially, you should not be held responsible for any injuries from the glass being broken, explains an Illinois personal injury lawyer.
An intervening cause occurs when one act, or a failure to act alters the natural and continuous series of events that follows. According to a Chicago personal injury attorney, when an intervening cause is present, the natural chain of events changes and the initial individual of proximate cause may be relieved of the responsibility for an injury that is produced. In the previous example, the stranger picking up the ball and then throwing it through a window is an intervening cause. The intervening cause then releases you from responsibility for injury.
If you are suffering from a personal injury, Illinois personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking out proper compensation.
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Illinois personal injury lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice for injured individuals. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, negotiation steps are not set in stone. Insurance claim adjusters have sneaky tactics and have been known to use intimidation and distort truth. Using negotiation steps can help maximize your injury settlement. Chicago personal injury attorneys will explain how to use negotiation tactics in this post.
The first step is to write a short letter indicating you were injured and may make a claim in the future. This is called a “letter of notification.” Next, write the “injury demand letter.” This letter formally opens the insurance claim. The injury demand letters lays the groundwork for all future negotiations while also making the first request for a specific amount of money. The specific amount should be within reason, yet higher than you expect to receive.
When the insurance company receives the letter, they will most likely send you a letter or call you telling you why your claim will not work. According to Illinois personal injury lawyers, they will question liability and try to de-emphasize their client’s negligence or fault. They may try to put part of the liability partly on you. If the medical bills show payments for any treatments they do not agree with such as extensive physical therapy or alternative medicine, this will come up. Most of the intimidation tactics will be used during this stage.
During the next step in the negotiation process, you will have a chance to respond and address their arguments. Chicago personal injury attorneys stress to defend your bills, your lack of liability and re-state your actual demand. At this point, the adjuster will make their first offer, generally very low. Their hope is that you are in a hurry for the money and will take the offer. Turn the offer down but give in a little bit. At times, the adjuster will take your next offer, if not they will produce another offer.
Remember, there are no negotiation rules that state you have to lower your offer. If the adjuster refused to settle for your lowest acceptable amount, keep turning their offers down. If they refuse your lowest offer, you may have to file a formal civil lawsuit, the last of the negotiation steps. If you have reached this step, contact an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer immediately.
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The penalties of driving under the influence of alcohol are increasing in severity every year. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, or you cause an accident that results in injury or death you can be charged with a felony. Knowing your rights is imperative if you are stopped by a police officer who suspects you are intoxicated. In this post, Illinois personal injury lawyers will provide legal information about drinking and driving.
Most states have a dual system of drunk driving laws. The amount of alcohol in your blood to be conclusive of drunk driving is consistently being revised downward throughout the United States. According to Chicago personal injury attorneys, if your blood alcohol is under the legal limit you may still be charged with the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
If a police officer suspects you are under the influence of alcohol, he or she will ask you to answer questions or perform tests to evaluate your motor skills and balance. These tests are known as “field sobriety tests.” What many individuals do not realize is they are under no legal duty to take a field sobriety test. If stopped, your obligations for a moving violation are:
1) To show the officer a valid driver’s license and registration for the vehicle you are driving
2) If requested, take a test to determine your blood alcohol level
The three tests currently available to determine blood alcohol level is the breath test, blood test and urine test. Illinois personal injury lawyers recommend the urine test. Failure to take a test can result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year.
If you are pulled over, remember your rights and exercise them. Do not engage the officer in any friendly conversation or offer information. The less information provided, the less evidence that can be introduced at your trial later. Chicago personal injury attorneys recommend protecting your rights by insisting on them in a calm manner.
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If you have been injured in a car accident and have hired a Chicago personal injury attorney, you have taken the first step to securing a successful outcome. Many individuals rely solely on their lawyer to help witn their case; however, there are steps you can take that will greatly help your attorney to be successful respresenting your claim.
First, give your Illinois personal injury lawyer the entire story. Remember, conversations between you and your lawyer are protected and confidential. Do not omit details that might make you look bad or that may be embarrassing. If your lawyer hears about an important detail from the other side first, it can have devastating effects on your personal injury case. Answer all questions truthfully.
Next, make sure you go to all necessary doctor appointments and follow doctor recommendations. Getting well and recovering from your injuries needs to be a top priority. Missing appointments can indicate you may not be hurt and
therefore do not need compensation for your injury and/or medical bills.
Do not talk about your case with anyone besides your Chicago personal injury attorney. This includes close friends, family members and coworkers. This includes mentioning any details on social networking sites such as facebook, myspace or twitter. If you are recovering from an injury and your facebook page shows vacation pictures in the Bahamas, insurance companies may find them and use them against you.
Another way you can help your Illinois personal injury lawyer is to supply all requested documents on time. This step will help to keep your case progressing and assist your lawyer in meeting filing deadlines. The legal process is lengthy enough as it is, and you do not want to delay the process by taking extra time.
Chicago personal injury attorneys also recommend to ask questions, especially if you do not understand something about your personal injury case. The more you understand, the better you can participate in your case. Also, listen to your lawyer and cooperate with requests. He or she will have extensive experience and knowledge of the law and is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome after your personal injury accident.
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Anyone who has suffered a personal injury often face many hardships while seeking restitution. Many individuals avoid pursuing legal action due to the difficult and often disheartening road. If you have been injured, and feel another person or institute is partly or fully responsible in Illinois, personal injury lawyers are imperative.
Obtaining an early consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately after the injury or accident is crucial. A committed firm possessing both support teams and financial resources can turn what may seem like an impossible road to a journey worth taking. A successful conclusion is the primary goal of Illinois personal injury lawyers.
Medical expenses, time off work, permanent or short-term disabilities and pain and suffering can lead to financial hardship. Many injured individuals are forced into low settlement agreements. These unfair agreements are the result of defense attorneys and insurance companies carefully manipulating your actions and words along with facts of your case and your rights. Illinois personal injury lawyers will work to protect your rights and to obtain fair compensation.
Chicago personal injury attorneys strongly believe that justice is a right, not a privilege. They have each client’s best interest in mind and do not want to settle quickly out of court for reduced compensation. Settlements out of court can reduce a firm’s resources spent yet often provides unfair compensation.
If you have been the victim of an injury in Illinois, personal injury lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights regardless of the time and costs involved. The road to fair compensation can feel defeating without a skilled and experienced lawyer on your side.
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In Illinois, brain injury lawyers have represented many victims of brain injuries that occurred as the result of another party’s negligence. Brain injuries can be life-altering and devastating to an individual and his or her family. In this post, Chicago personal injury attorneys will discuss five common myths of brain injury recovery.
The first myth is the concept of “recovery.” Many illnesses or injuries are temporary; however, brain injury victims rarely “recover.” Significant and/or permanent damage is highly likely. Continually expecting recovery can be disappointing and frustrating. Becoming aware of new limitations, accepting the limitations and formulating new goals are crucial to rehabilitation.
The second myth is “Recovery occurs in a year.” Many physicians tell patients and their families that the first year will determine how much recovery will take place. In reality, the duration of improvement varies due to the severity of the brain injury according to Illinois brain injury lawyers. The major brain healing may occur in the first year but true rehabilitation may just be starting.
The third myth involves the concept of plateau. Many brain injury victims and their families are told that recovery begins, gradually increases, slows down and then plateaus. Many patients stop working on rehabilitation at the sign of the first plateau. Plateaus can be interrupted even years after the initial injury.
Chicago brain injury attorneys describe the fourth myth as the “Lourdes Phenomenon” which involves miraculous healing. Many families believe that a miracle will happen after a brain injury and their loved one will recover completely. Believing this myth can lead to trying every available program and therapist. Many individuals do make significant gains, but this myth can lead to unrealistic expectations.
The fifth myth is “Normal IQ.” Many psychologists will examine an individual with a brain injury and find the IQ to be average, therefore stating the client is “cognitively recovered.” This myth can misrepresent client’s deficits and create unrealistic expectations. An IQ score can be average even if an individual is performing in the superior range on some tasks yet be severely impaired on others. Other individuals who may have scored very high on an IQ test prior to the injury may now score average. Illinois personal injury lawyers also stress that IQ tests have little relation to the mental processes required for everyday functioning.
These five myths of brain injuries can give false hope to individuals and their families. If you have been the victim of a brain injury, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today with experience in brain injury claims today.
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When an individual becomes paralyzed, how he or she copes with the paralysis will depend on a number of factors explains a Chicago spinal cord injury attorney. These factors include what has caused the paralysis, which parts of the body are affected and whether or not additional symptoms exist. Difficulties that arise after an individual is paralyzed may be at their worst from the beginning, they may fluctuate or they may get worse over time. If you have been the victim of an injury that has resulted in paralysis, Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you fight for justice.
The direct effects of paralysis affect everyday tasks such as eating, washing, bathing, dressing and using the restroom. The ability to do things that were once taken for granted become difficult such as using a fork and knife, drinking from a cup or combing hair. The term “activities of daily living” is often used to describe these actions. Someone who has been paralyzed from the waist down may be able to do these tasks, yet suffer from problems relating to mobility such as getting in and out of a wheelchair or getting dressed. The direct effects of paralysis can be very troublesome to victims of spinal cord injuries according to Chicago personal injury attorneys.
The indirect effects of paralysis stem from the widespread effects on systems of the body. Changes can occur in circulation, respiration along with an altering of kidney and gastrointestinal systems. Changes to the tissues such as skin, bone and muscles can also be affected and cause great discomfort or pain among paralysis victims. Muscle spasms, swelling, pressure ulcers and blood clots are also common. Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers explain that most of the nursing care for paralyzed individuals is to minimize the complications of indirect effects of paralysis.
Individuals who have been victims of paralysis as the result of another person’s negligence often face a lifetime of challenges. Skilled Chicago spinal cord injury attorneys have represented many individuals successfully to help obtain compensation for injuries sustained. The effects of paralysis can be devastating and having a competent, compassionate Illinois personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial.
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If you have suffered a spinal cord injury and/or have become paralyzed as a result, Chicago paralysis injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and proper compensation. In this post, Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers experienced in paralysis cases will explain immediate medical procedures to expect if you have suffered a spinal cord injury.
When an individual is first injured or paralyzed, the main priority is to stabilize his or her breathing, blood pressure and spinal column with a backboard and cervical neck collar. He or she is then brought to the nearest Trauma Center. During hospitalization, a variety of medications are generally used to control the extent of damage to the spinal cord. Neuro-protective therapies are often used to stop or reduce the immediate responses to the injury that can further cause spinal cord damage.
Physicians will next determine the level and extent of the injury or paralysis by using CT scans, MRIs or X-Rays. Once the patient is stable, final decisions on surgical interventions will be made explains Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers. If the vertebrae in the spinal column appears unstable, the doctor may perform a spinal fusion surgery. Ongoing research is being conducted that will give individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries more options in the future for treatment and rehabilitation.
Many victims suffer respiratory ailments. The lungs themselves are not usually affected by paralysis but the muscles of the chest, abdomen and diaphragm will not function. Even people with lower level spinal cord injuries may need ventilator assistance for short periods of time before they can breathe on their own. Age, level of injury and time spent on the ventilator can affect successful weaning off from a ventilator. Taking deep breaths and exhaling forcefully can be troublesome, especially for individuals who have been paralyzed. Chicago personal injury attorneys have represented many victims of spinal cord injuries that have difficulty breathing for years after the initial incident.
If you or someone you love has been paralyzed or the victim of any spinal cord injury, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
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In Illinois, spinal cord injury lawyers approach catastrophic injury cases as unique from the beginning. When an individual is paralyzed in a personal injury accident, he or she needs a competent attorney to handle the injury case. Competent Chicago paralysis injury lawyers can provide paralyzed individuals with one-on-one legal counsel, reliable direction and compassion. If you have been injured and are paralyzed as a result, you need your rights and best interests protected.
As discussed previously, paralysis is the loss of function of one or more muscle groups. Usually, an individual is paralyzed as the result of a spinal cord injury, brain injury or a neurological disorder. When an individual experiences paralysis, he or she will lose feeling in the affected area either temporarily or permanently. The paralysis may stay within a certain
muscle group or migrate to other regions according to Chicago personal injury attorneys.
A variety of medical conditions can result in paralysis including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal bifida
If the injury was a result of another person’s negligence, Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers can pursue legal justice to help collect compensation for the catastrophic injury. Paralysis can be devastating and life-altering and an experienced, competent attorney is crucial to receive proper justice.
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Thousands of individuals become paralyzed due to spinal cord injuries throughout the United States. In Illinois, spinal cord injury lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice for individuals who are victims. Paralysis can be life altering and can affect an individual physically and emotionally for life.
Spinal cord injuries occur when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord. If the injury occurs as the result of another party’s negligence, Chicago spinal cord injury attorneys can help.
Severe spinal cord injuries often cause a person to become paralyzed. He or she loses control over voluntary movement and muscles of the body. Lack of reflex function and a loss of sensation occurs below the point of injury. Autonomic activity such as breathing, bowel and bladder control can be affected. Secondary medical problems can result, sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms and sexual dysfunction. At this time, no cure exists for spinal cord injuries. New research is developing proving that repair and regeneration of the spinal cord is possible.
Paraplegia is when an individual suffers from the loss of sensation and movement in the legs and part or all of the trunk. Quadriplegia is when an individual is paralyzed from the neck down. Complete injuries result in a complete loss of function and sensation whereas incomplete injuries result in a partial loss. Chicago personal injury attorneys explain that complete injuries don’t always mean the cord has been severed. Complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries can occur in paraplegia and quadriplegia.
Paralysis is life-alterting and can be devastating to an individual. If you have been paralyzed and have questions about pursuing legal justice, contact an Illinois spinal cord injury attorney today.
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