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May 29, 2009

Broken Bone Injuries Can Be Extremely Devastating

Filed under: Chicago Personal Injury Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 5:12 pm

Of all injuries, broken bones and bone fractures are among the most debilitating.  Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you receive compensation if you have a bone injury as the result of an accident.  These painful injuries can affect many areas of an individual’s life.  A large amount of time is usually missed from work, and quality of life can dramatically decrease without the ability to do recreational activities and sports.

Automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents and sports injuries are the normal cause of broken bone injuries.  Bone injuries are known as a “hard” injury.  “Hard” injuries are usually more serious than soft tissue injuries such as sprains.  A Chicago personal injury attorney can help to factor in financial losses that can be compensated if another person’s negligence was the cause of injury.

Pain and suffering, lost wages, medical costs and rehabilitation can equate to enormous loss.  Future costs for therapy can also be calculated by an experienced attorney.  Long-term physical therapy might be necessary, and depression or post-traumatic stress disorder is common.  Psychological issues are devastating, further increasing the need for proper compensation and a skilled Chicago personal injury attorney to represent your case.

Even if time has passed since you were injured, if you live in Illinois, personal injury lawyers can help explain the statute of limitations and start the legal process.  If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in a fractured or broken bone, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Popularity: 47% [?]


May 27, 2009

How to Cope With a Whiplash Injury

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 2:45 pm

Regardless of low or high speeds, whiplash is one of the main diagnosed injuries among car accident victims.  Whiplash is considered a soft tissue injury and occurs when the head and neck are jerked beyond their normal range of motion.  This painful injury causes trauma to the nerves, tissues, joints and muscles of the neck.  Illinois personal injury lawyers stress the importance of seeking medical treatment immediately if you have suffered this painful injury during an automobile accident.  A detailed and thorough report must be completed by your doctor and his or her treatment plan followed.

After seeking medical attention, the next step is to contact a Chicago personal injury attorney.  He or she has extensive knowledge in regards to the statutes of limitations and can help to analyze the evidence and medical reports.  These skilled attorneys can help move the case along and assist with all of the legal steps involved.

Whiplash injuries need to be taken seriously for they can cause a great deal of pain.  In many cases, the neck and back can have a great deal of stiffness and pain along with loss of movement.  Whiplash can also cause memory loss, fatigue, poor concentration and dizziness.  Physical therapy and pain medication can assist during recovery and most victims usually recover within a few months.  During recovery, time at work is often lost, medical bills mount, and individuals may experience a great deal of pain.

Illinois personal injury lawyers can assist in ensuring proper compensation is paid to whiplash injury victims and damages for losses suffered are recovered.  If you have been the victim of a whiplash injury, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.

Popularity: 42% [?]


May 25, 2009

How does the Statute of Limitations Work?

Filed under: Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 2:29 pm

If you live in Illinois, personal injury lawyers are available to provide a thorough explanation of the statutes of limitations if you have been injured in an accident.  Understanding the key factors regarding the statute of limitations is crucial if your rights have been violated in any way or if you have mental distress as a victim of an accident.

The statute of limitations refers to the limited time an individual has to file a claim after injury.  Each state has different laws, and the time frame can differ depending upon the type of claim that is filed.  In most cases, victims have up to one year, but the time frame can extend to three years depending on what type of injury was sustained.  The legal time starts the day the injury occurred.

If a defendant files a claim after the statute of limitations expires, the case can be permanently dismissed.  For this reason, Illinois personal injury lawyers recommend filing as quickly as possible.  You may not receive compensation for an injury if you wait too long.  Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

Not all injuries are discovered on the day of an accident.  In regards to the statute of limitations, the day of discovery is the beginning of the time frame for the statute of limitations versus the day of the accident.  When symptoms have been recognized or diagnosed, the legal time clock starts ticking.  If you have been injured, seek medical attention promptly.

Make sure all symptoms and treatments are documented thoroughly.  Skilled Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you through the legal process and are aware of all time limitations that could potentially affect your claim.  Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial if you have been injured.

Popularity: 34% [?]


May 22, 2009

How to Fund a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Filed under: Chicago Personal Injury Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 11:33 am

The cost of litigation is a primary concern among many potential claimants who have suffered an injury.  Medical and living expenses can be costly along with lost time at work.  When considering a lawsuit, most people understand it can be an expensive process with high legal fees.  In you live in Illinois, personal injury lawyers can help explain potential options for funding sources that will be of great assistance before you receive a settlement.

An important point to remember is that many Chicago personal injury attorneys are hired on a contingent fee basis; the attorneys receive no compensation unless a settlement takes place.  The difficulty in these cases is waiting for the settlement as personal expenses add up.  Dealing with the pain and suffering from injuries by itself is demanding and financial pressure only adds to the current high stress level of an individual.

Illinois personal injury lawyers advise to seek experienced help before seeking loans by yourself.  Experienced lawyers can explain the programs out there and the different organizations that can be of great assistance.  If you are hurt at work, workers’ compensation will often cover part or even all of your medical expenses and lost wages.  Other possibilities include Social Security disability, Medicaid or other subsidized health care plans.

Although the financial pressure can be overwhelming and daunting, if you have been injured, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney quickly.  Do not let financial difficulties stop you from receiving proper compensation.  A skilled attorney can help you through every step of the legal process.

Popularity: 39% [?]


May 20, 2009

What to do When You Feel an Auto Accident was Caused by a Negligent or Aggressive Driver

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 3:34 pm

If you have been an automobile accident, you may have an idea or strong feeling as to who was at fault.  Illinois personal injury lawyers explain that issues of fault can be complicated depending on the laws governing the situation and who acted when.  If you feel the other driver was negligent or at fault, you will have to prove that his or her actions caused your damages.  The assistance of a Chicago personal injury attorney can be extremely valuable for defending yourself and seeking compensation for the damages incurred.

In some cases, the at-fault driver might have acted recklessly, aggressively or even intentionally.  Road rage incidents can be extremely dangerous and often involve reckless behavior.  This intentional behavior is usually conducted with a disregard for possible consequences.  If an accident involving injuries is found to be from an aggressive driver, he or she can face criminal charges.  Aggressive drivers are an enormous safety threat and Illinois personal injury lawyers advise to avoid confrontation with anyone displaying signs of road-rage.  If faced with this situation, attempt to get out of the way, avoid eye contact and report the driver to authorities promptly.  Although sometimes difficult, do not challenge the driver; the consequences are not worth it.

Many other scenarios can take place for at fault drivers besides aggression.  Examples include:

  • Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
  • Distraction from a radio, cell phone, eating or a passenger
  • Not obeying traffic laws and rules
  • Driving above the speed limit
  • Driving below the speed limit
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to use signals or give the proper right of way

After an automobile accident has taken place, police reports, witnesses and the condition of the vehicles involved can help reveal the at-fault driver.  If you have been in an automobile accident, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible.  The complication of car accidents requires a skilled attorney to help battle with insurance companies, and/or defend you in court.

Popularity: 43% [?]


May 18, 2009

Dangerous and Defective Products Can Cause Serious Injuries

Filed under: Illinois Consumer Law — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 3:01 pm

Throughout the area of Chicago, personal injury attorneys have great expertise in assisting clients who have been injured due to defective products.  Large sums of money have been successfully paid out for seriously injured clients and even wrongful death cases of family members.  The average consumer is not always aware of the specific laws companies are required to adhere to regarding the manufacturing of their products.

For example, companies are required to provide warnings on their products for any unsafe features.  If a company is negligent in doing so and the product causes a serious injury, a legitimate claim can be brought forth.  In addition, if a company is found to have manufactured a defective product leading to injury, the company may be held responsible.  Adding to this includes products that are known to be dangerous, such as fireworks or power tools.  If you are not properly warned of the dangers, skilled Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you receive proper compensation for injuries sustained.  These dangers apply to manufacturing and design defects.

The following list includes other examples of potentially dangerous products:

  • Motor Vehicle Parts
  • Machinery
  • Power Tools
  • Electrical Appliances
  • Computer Equipment
  • Industrial Equipment
  • Toys
  • Medical Devices
  • Explosives
  • Dangerous Drugs

This list only provides a few examples of products that can be defective and lead to injury or death.  If you have been injured and you feel it is the direct result of a defective product, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.  He or she can provide you with the proper legal counsel and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

Popularity: 37% [?]


May 15, 2009

When an Automobile Accident Was Not Caused by the Drivers

Filed under: Illinois Consumer Law — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 12:34 pm

Automobile accidents can be the result of many different factors.  Often, no matter how carefully an individual drives, accidents cannot always be avoided.  Illinois personal injury lawyers explain that accidents are often caused by outside influences.  For instance, a vehicle’s design or manufacturing can have a defect, causing the accident or contributing to the extent of the accident.  Maybe your car brakes failed or the airbag did not deploy properly.  These are classic examples of a product defect, and consumer laws can help protect your rights.

If a product defect is the cause of injury, the law of products liability applies and you can take legal action against the distributor, manufacturer or designer.  If you live in or around Chicago, personal injury attorneys can help determine the proper steps to take.  The accident could be a result of the lack of responsibility on a mechanic who did not repair the car correctly.  Even the mechanic’s employer can be held liable in these cases.

Other examples include roads that have not been properly maintained, unclear signs, messy and confusing construction sites, or even improperly designed roads.  Government entities can be held responsible in these instances; however, lawsuits against government entities have special rules.  Therefore, experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers can be of great assistance in these cases.

Regardless of who holds the responsibility, prompt action is always imperative if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident.  Skilled Chicago personal injury attorneys can help preserve your rights and fight for proper compensation.

Popularity: 37% [?]


May 13, 2009

Drinking and Driving Carries Stiff Penalties

Filed under: Illinois Auto Accident Attorney — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 12:13 pm

Regardless of which state you reside in, drinking while under the influence of alcohol carries extremely steep penalties.  These penalties can include the loss of a license, fines, or even jail time.  Unfortunately, all too often, auto accidents involving alcohol cause injury or death to innocent victims.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than fifteen thousand people die every year in motor vehicle accidents as a result of an intoxicated driver.  In Chicago, personal injury attorneys can help seek justice if you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver.

Individuals who cause an accident while driving drunk can face criminal and civil charges.  Anyone harmed by the drunk driver can take legal action to help recover losses.  Experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers can help victims recover losses from medical bills, wages, or property damages.  Civil action can also include any individual harmed by the driver such as passengers, other drivers or pedestrians.  When a drunk driver causes a fatality, the family or estate can sue for wrongful death.

All drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely.  If a negligent, intoxicated driver goes against this duty and an injury results, he or she needs to be held liable.  If you or a loved one has been the victim in an accident involving a drunk driver, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.

Popularity: 42% [?]


May 11, 2009

Pedestrian Accidents Can Be Deadly

Filed under: Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 11:14 am

Sadly, over 5,000 people are killed every year in the United States due to traffic accidents involving pedestrians.  Many of these accidents are a result of a negligent or reckless driver.  In Chicago, personal injury attorneys have successfully handled numerous cases involving pedestrians and have recovered a great amount of settlements for victims and their families.

If a pedestrian who has been struck is lucky enough to survive the accident, injuries suffered can often be severe and life altering.  Often times, a head injury is involved, nerve damage, paralysis or broken bones.  Illinois personal injury lawyers will help you get your medical bills covered, make sure your insurance company pays for future treatment, and will also make sure you do not financially suffer in lost wages.  When suffering through this type of trauma, you need an experienced attorney who can help to discuss your situation, thoroughly cover all available options and work with any other party involved to make sure your needs are not only handled quickly, but appropriately.

If you live in or around the area of Chicago, personal injury attorneys can help seek justice if you are the survivor of a pedestrian accident.  If the accident was a result of negligence or reckless driving behavior, Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you through every legal step during this traumatizing time.

Popularity: 33% [?]


May 8, 2009

Consumer Debt Collection Abuse is Not Acceptable

Filed under: Illinois Consumer Law — Chicago Personal Injury Expert @ 5:56 pm

Consumers have increasingly become the victim of consumer fraud in the form of debt collection abuse in Chicago.  Personal injury attorneys often represent individuals who have been the victim in these cases.  In the last few years, the number of complaints filed by consumers against third-party collectors has been higher than any other specific industry complaint.  Skilled Illinois personal injury lawyers can help seek restitution for consumer fraud.

An important point to remember is that third-party debt collectors are separate from the original business or employees where an obligation first took place.  These third-parties are the root of most cases taken by Chicago personal injury attorneys. In 2004, consumers filed over 50,000 complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  In 2005, complaints rose to more than 60,000 representing almost twenty percent of all complaints received.  Last year, complaints still increased dramatically both in the number and the percentage of overall complaints.  This increase occurred despite measures that have been taken to ensure the protection of individual rights per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Too often, Illinois personal injury lawyers who specialize in consumer debt collection abuse are needed to pursue a legal course of action.  If you would like more information or feel you have been the victim of debt collection abuse, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today.

Popularity: 35% [?]


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