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March 30, 2009

Prescription Internet Malpractice - Part I

Filed under: Chicago Personal Injury Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 7:56 am

Widespread abuse of prescription drugs prescribed over the internet happens on a daily basis.  A partnership between physicians and internet pharmacies has developed, filling prescriptions for patients solely based on an online questionnaire.  Many of these internet pharmacies push the drugs via pay per click advertising or spam emails.  This type of drug pushing does not imply those with lawful prescriptions should not fill their medication via the internet. 

The American Medical Association policy requires physicians to have an established patient/physician relationship to prescribe medicines through the Internet.  The requirement further states that online questionnaires or consulatations does not constitute an acceptable standard of care.  Also, the policy states that physicians who prescribe over the internet must be licensed in the same state where the patient resides.  In Illinois, personal injury lawyers have dealt with many personal injury lawsuits stemming from drugs prescribed through the internet.

Not long ago, a Chicago man received an email in his inbox for Xanax and Ultram, an anxiety and pain medication.  After filling out the online questionnaire and entering credit card information, his request was approved.  Both doctors were outside of Illinois and he never spoke with either.  Later, a medical malpractice suit was filed for the following reasons:

1) Xanax and Ultram were prescribed to a patient who was never seen
2) Excessive dosages were prescribed
3) Medicine was practiced in Illinois without a license

Prescription drug abuse has become out of hand.  Physicians need to be held responsible for any harm caused as a result of prescribing drugs over the internet.  The partnering pharmacies must also be held liable.  If you feel you have been the victim of any type of medical malpractice via online prescriptions, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.

Popularity: 40% [?]


March 27, 2009

Auto Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 7:22 am

Vehicle collision accidents with pedestrians are often extremely tragic.  Most of the time, injuries sustained are serious or directly result in death.  If you have been involved in this type of accident, protecting rights by contacting a Chicago personal injury attorney is imperative.

Many cases involve negligence on the part of the driver, especially in hit and run accidents.  Driver can face criminal charges and also a civil claim from the surviving family members, even if he or she was unaware of striking the pedestrian.  Not all of these types of accidents have a clear form of negligence.  For example, recently in Chicago, a pedestrian was injured first by the mirror of one vehicle, and then hit by a different passing car while attempting to cross an intersection.

Due to the complexity of auto accidents involving pedestrians, Illinois personal injury lawyers experienced in these cases need to be contacted immediately to increase the likelihood of success in a civil case.  The determination of liability must be made, especially when the damages could potentially be millions.  Because of the delicate nature of these cases, any injured party or family needs a supporting lawyer in the time of need.

Popularity: 42% [?]


March 25, 2009

Fatalities From Motorcycle Accidents are Increasing

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 10:58 am

Recently, a National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration report concluded that motorcyle rider fatalities are increasing every year along with accidents involving permanent bodily injury.  Since 1997, motorcycle rider fatalities have increased by almost 90% and the first question that comes to mind is why?

Several theories exist in attempt to answer the puzzling question of why.  Motorcycle riders under the age of 21 have grown along with a general increase of motorcycles on the road.  Motorcycles have also become bigger and faster than in past years.  The likelihood of serious injury or a fatility is greater in motorcycle collisions because of the lack of protection during accidents.

Illinois personal injury lawyers agree that being a well trained or experienced motorcyle rider will not always protect you.  Not all accidents are caused by careless motorcycle riders.  A rider might be extremely cautious yet tragedies are still highly likely.  Other drivers on the roadway might not see the rider, or be driving in a negligent manner.  Also, many accidents are a result of striking large animals such as deer.  Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.

Popularity: 43% [?]


March 23, 2009

Important Steps to Take When Injured in an Auto Accident

Filed under: Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 1:06 am

Automobile accidents can be devastating and fear can arise quickly when a person is injured.  Illinois personal injury lawyers do not have any type of universal handbook for how to handle a personal injury after an accident; however, there are important steps to take if you have been injured in this type of accident.

The first step to take is calling emergency services, even if the accident was minor.  The incident needs to be documented and authorities need to be contacted immediately.  Also, do not move your body.  Your exact position needs to remain still in case of a back injury.  Unless instructed otherwise by authorities, do not move your vehicle.  This step will assist the police officer in constructing the report.

Another important step is not speaking to anyone besides assigned police officers and emergency services personnel.  No one else should be discussing details of the accident with you at this time.  Any witnesses need to document their statements with the police officer.

If you do not feel perfectly healthy after an automobile accident, the next step is to seek medical attention.  Having a proper diagnosis of your injuries ensures your well being.  Something that might only be minimally bothersome could turn serious, and medical attention is imperative.  Documentation is highly important of all injuries sustained.

The last step is to contact a Chicago personal injury attorney.  Your claim needs to have representation at the beginning and for an attorney to be present when discussing your claim or injuries with insurance companies.  Having your rights protected is critical and will help prevent information from being used against you.  The attorney can handle the details of the claim so that you can focus on recovering.  If you have been injured in an auto accident in Illinois, personal injury lawyers can assist you every step of the way.

Popularity: 31% [?]


March 20, 2009

When is a Landlord Responsible for a Tenant’s Injury?

Filed under: Chicago Personal Injury Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 7:07 pm

In Illinois, personal injury lawyers often receive questions and cases regarding landlords and tenant injuries.  When is a landlord responsible for an injury that occurs on his or her property?  In order for a landlord to be held responsible, he or she must have been negligent in keeping the property maintained and the injury must be a direct result of that negligence.  To be held liable, all of the following descriptions must be proven:

  • The tenant was definitely hurt
  • The landlord did not take any steps to prevent the accident from happening
  • It was the landlord’s responsibility to keep the part of premises that led to the accident maintained
  • The accident was foreseeable
  • The problem area would have been relatively cheap to fix
  • The tenant’s accident was directly caused by the landlord’s negligence

A tenant will normally file a personal injury claim against the insurance company of the landlord.  Damages can include medical bills, loss of pay, physical pain, disability, disfigurement and/or emotional distress.  Tenants can also file a claim if personal property was damaged due to unsafe conditions or faulty maintenance.  Our Chicago personal injury attorneys recommend landlords take necessary precautions to help minimize financial losses.  To keep property in excellent condition, follow these steps:

  • Keep a written checklist to fix any problems before tenants move in and also to inspect the premises
  • Write a log of any tenant complaints or repair requests
  • Encourage tenants to report any safety or security problems as soon as possible
  • Keep the line of communication open regarding any problems being fixed
  • Take care of any safety issue within twenty-four hours
  • Give tenants a checklist every six months to report potential safety hazards and/or maintenance problems

If you are a landlord and want more information on liability, or if you are a tenant and feel you have been injured as a result of negligence from a landlord, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today.

Popularity: 38% [?]


March 18, 2009

Wrongful Death Claims

Filed under: Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 4:01 pm

When a loved one has passed away, the loss can be extremely difficult to deal with.  The last thing on one’s mind is calling a Chicago personal injury attorney.  Urgency can be very important in these situations for the sooner an investigation takes place can determine a loss or win in a claim.  In Illinois, personal injury lawyers have represented wrongful death cases for many years.  Usually a single phone call or conversation can determine whether or not an investigation should take place immediately. 

Confusion exists regarding the term wrongful death  “Wrongful death” is the term used when the death of an individual is a result of negligence, carelessness or recklessness from another person or party.  Examples of wrongful death incidents include:

  • A construction worker dies because the tractor he was on malfunctioned
  • A pedestrian is killed when a motorcycle, truck or car was reckless
  • A nursing home resident dies after being struck by a caregiver
  • A mother dies while giving birth because her heart was not properly being monitored

Claims can differ on wrongful death damages depending on the relationship to the deceased person.  Damages sought can include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral costs, medical costs, mental trauma, or loss of financial support.  Wives, husbands, daughters, sons, mothers and fathers can file wrongful death claims.  

A Chicago personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a legitimate claim or help answer any questions pertaining to a wrongful death situation.

Popularity: 31% [?]


March 16, 2009

Dog Owners Beware

Filed under: Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 8:09 am

No doubt exists that people love their pets.  “A dog is a man’s best friend” has been a saying for many years.  Even though a dog could be your best friend, if the dog bites or attacks a person, he or she could turn into your worst nightmare.  Dog owners are liable for their dog’s actions.  Even small breeds can bite, and well trained dogs do not always have predictable actions.  Most people think they have nothing to worry about when it comes to their dog; however, even the smallest breed can bite and cause serious injury. 

As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to take all appropriate measures ensuring your dog does not harm another person.  In Illinois, personal injury laywers recommend walking your dog on a leash, securing your home and yard to prevent escape, or locking your dog in a room when visitors are present.  Without these important precautions, a lawsuit could arise if your dog bites somebody.

In many cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy will cover dog bite damages, but if an injury takes place the premium will go up significantly if it is not cancelled.  Also, a landlord can be responsible for tenant’s dogs under premises liability theory and negligence.  If you a landlord, use extreme caution when renting to people with dogs. 

If you are the owner of a dog that has bitten somebody or if you have been the victim of a dog bite, contact a skilled Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.

Popularity: 31% [?]


March 13, 2009

Liability for Playground Injuries

Filed under: Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 11:44 am

Hundreds of emergency room visits occur every day as a result of accidents on the playground.  Many of these injuries are somewhat minor; however, others are serious enough to require rehabilitation or continued treatment.  In Illinois, personal injury lawyers are often questioned on whether any legal recourse is possible to recover damages.  Who is liable for the injury?

A skilled Chicago personal injury attorney can help determine if you have a case and which party is at fault or liable. For instance, if the playground where the injury took place was a community park, the city could be responsible.  If the playground was not properly maintained, the city may also be found liable.  The child could be partly to blame if another child caused the accident or injury.  If the surface beneath any part of the playground contributed to the injury, or a piece of the actual playground was used, the city could be held liable. The next scenario involves the parents of an improperly supervised child.  Some states will limit the liability of parents while other states hold parents completely responsible for any damage caused by their child.

When an injury occurs, it is imperative to get the child medical attention as soon as possible.  All treatments need to be well documented.  If any witnesses are present, obtain contact information.  Also, inquire whether other children have also had injuries on the equipment.  Another step is to research if the equipment has a regular inspection or maintenance schedule.

Illinois personal injury lawyers can help give a general idea for expectations in a settlement case for playground injuries based on past similar lawsuits in the same area.  Often, recovered damages in city cases will be lower because the award comes from public money. If you think you have a case, or have any questions regarding playground injuries, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney.

Popularity: 30% [?]


March 11, 2009

The Downside of Recording a Statement After an Auto Accident

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 7:30 am

Automobile accidents are extremely scary, and how to deal with the aftermath can be complicated and confusing.  While recovering, one has their hands full dealing with the insurance company, a body shop, rental car company or tow yard.

A question our Illinois personal injury lawyers ofter receive regards recorded statements to an auto insurance company.  Insurance claims can be extremely complicated, and the insurance representatives are often skilled in using tactics to minimize compensation.  When the insurance company  asks for a recorded statement, the recommendation is to decline.  Declining does not indicate you are trying to hide details.  Instead, it is highly likely you will be unprepared during the call, and not recall important details of the accident correctly.

For instance, if you are asked about the speed of the other driver, you might answer “I’m not sure.”  Truthfully, an estimation could be given and if the recorded statement doesn’t reflect this, the defense attorney can use the lack of information against you.  A Chicago personal injury attorney can be a huge ally when dealing with complex insurance claims, handling insurance company tactics and protecting your rights.

Devastating car accidents can bring financial and emotional worries.  If you are in Illinois, personal injury lawyers can answer questions if you have been injured in an auto accident or if you are unsure how to best protect yourself.

Popularity: 40% [?]


March 9, 2009

The Danger of Sport Utility Vehicles

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 4:10 pm

Recent statistics estimate over ten thousand people die annually due to auto accidents involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) rollover.  Thousands of other people are injured.  Even though vehicle rollovers account for only four percent of crashes, they contribute to one third of auto accident fatalities.  These statistics have been rising each year, a huge reason stemming from the increase in SUV sales.  In Illinois, personal injury lawyers can help you if an injury has occured after a rollover accident.   

Sport utility vehicles were not necessarily designed for safety.  They were first designed for extra luggage space and added seating.  The vehicles have become extremely popular as a family vehicle, an airport shuttle van and for use in other organizations.  Because of the increased room, often times sport utility vehicles become extremely instable during sudden or hard turns.  The vehicle can fishtail and due to the heavier tops the chance of a rollover is greater.  Adding to the danger is the lack of a strong roof.  In most cases, roll bars are not present and without proper roof protection, the likelihood of a head trauma or death increases tremendously. 

The average person who owns or rides in an SUV is usually unaware of the risks involved.  The staggering statistics show how dangerous they can be, and these popular vehicles are starting to become known as a “hazard on wheels.”  A Chicago personal injury attorney can assist with questions or help determine the proper course of action if you have been injured in a sport utility vehicle rollover accident. 

Popularity: 39% [?]


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