Posted on December 00,0000 in Orland Park Personal Injury Lawyer

A recent study has revealed that thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms each year because of injuries they receive from strollers and baby carriers. In fact, between the years 1990 through 2010, 361,000 children who were 5-years-old or younger were treated in emergency rooms across the country for injuries received from these devices. This works out to more than 17,000 injured children every year, 50 children per day, or two injured children per hour.

The study was conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital using data which was collected by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Common Dangers

According to the data, the majority of injuries to children involved the head or face and was usually caused by the carrier or stroller tipping over. More than one-third of children who were treated suffered from either traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or concussions. One of the researchers pointed out just how tragic the consequences of TBIs can be in young children because of the long-term consequences it can have on the child’s cognitive development.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Medical Malpractice

One of the most exciting times in a couple’s life is when they are expecting a child. Picking out a name, decorating the nursery, picking out baby clothes – all the planning that must be done to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Whether it is a couple’s first baby or their fourth, there is often some apprehension and worry over whether or not the baby will be okay, but there is also usually confidence that the doctor and medical staff will do everything to ensure a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Tragically, that is not always the case and there are many babies who are born with serious medical conditions or injuries – or even more tragically – do not survive those injuries. When this happens, how do the bereaved parents know if it was something that the doctor had no control over or if the injury or issue was in fact caused by something the doctor did or failed to do? Was it a birth defect or a birth injury?

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

The U.S. government has designated this week National Teen Driver Safety Week in an effort to teach teenagers the “five to drive” safety rules. These rules apply to distracted driving, extra passengers, speeding, alcohol, and seat belt use. Although many programs attempt to scare teens “straight” regarding practicing safe driving habits, studies show that these types of tactics tend to overwhelm teens and they then shut down and shut out the safety message.

Instead, safety programs should focus on the positive steps teens can take to stay safe behind the wheel. There is also a more positive outcome if safety programs also focus on how the teen driver can keep their friends safe, too.

Distracted Driving

One in three teens has admitted that they text and drive – despite knowing how dangerous it can be. Driving and dialing a cell phone increases the risk of a car crash by six times. Driving and texting increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. When a teen is focused on their phone and not on the road – whether that is talking or texting – their reaction time decreases to that of a 70-year-old who is driving (and not using a phone). Teens – and adults – need to keep both hands off the phone and on the wheel.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Bicycle Safety

There have been specific laws put into place to help protect bicyclists while they are riding alongside other moving vehicles on the road over the years in the state of Illinois.  Although Chicago has the reputation of being a bike-friendly state, accidents may still occur regularly which is why bike laws are important to be aware of. As recent as 2014, Illinois was among the top states for bicyclist fatalities. Statics like these have led to changes in the bike-related laws.

Earlier this year a law was signed in and will officially take effect January 1, 2017, in response to the number of bicycle-related injuries and deaths in the state of Illinois. House Bill 5912 went through a series of actions and was filed February 11th, 2016, followed by signature into law on August 12th by Governor Bruce Rauner. Before this law goes into effect, there are details that drivers in Illinois may choose to be aware of.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Bicycle Safety

Recently, Chicago had the honor of being named the best bicycling city in the United States. The city takes the top spot thanks to Divvy, now the largest bike-share system in North America, along with the addition of 148 miles of protected bike lanes since 2011. The many bike paths and walking trails both within and outside of the city also contribute to Chicago’s reputation as a pedestrian-friendly, walkable urban garden. Unfortunately, with so many cyclists and pedestrians on the streets, pedestrian and vehicle accident rates continue to be a source of tragedy.

Walking and Biking in the City Still a Dangerous Proposition

So far this year, Chicago has seen the first bike-share program accident fatality in the nation, and at least five other cyclists have been killed in auto accidents. A recent report indicated that yet another cyclist, a student at Northwestern University, was killed in an accident with a cement truck, bringing that total even higher. One prominent University of Chicago doctor was killed in a collision with a car while jogging early this summer.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Dog Bites

Being bit by a dog, or another animal, may not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking of a personal injury case. However, in the state of Illinois, man’s best friend can get into trouble with the law and it’s up to the owner to right the wrongs of the crime.

According to Illinois law, if a dog bites or acts out and was not provoked by the injured person, the person that owns the dog becomes responsible for the dog’s actions. Even if the owner behaves cautiously with their dog, they will still be at fault. This means that they also become liable for the injuries that were caused. Illinois has a statute that states that an owner can be any person that has a right of property for an animal. Be mindful that if you are dog-sitting, these laws still apply to you.

Dog Bite Statistics

Animals can cause injuries to occur annually not just in Illinois, but across the U.S as well. There are a number of dog bite-related statistics that prove this to be true. Listed below are just a few:

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

It may be difficult to deal with all of the aftermaths of a car accident. However, there are steps to take after you have been injured and your car has been damaged in an accident. You could face a number of challenges when it comes time to discussing medical care, treatments, rates with insurance companies, and other issues surrounding your damaged vehicle. Take these precautionary steps so that you will be prepared if you get into a car accident.

Stay at the scene of the accident and make sure to exchange information.

Do not leave the scene of an accident until appropriate to do so because you may face serious criminal penalties for being a hit-and-run driver. Once you are out of your vehicle and communicating with the other driver do not apologize and do not try to admit guilt unintentionally or unnecessarily.

Remember to get the names, numbers, addresses, driver's' license numbers, plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all passengers involved as well.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Slip and Fall Accidents

With the winter weather here, Illinois can become icy this time of year which means slippery streets. If you were to slip and fall on someone’s property, the owner may become responsible for your accident. However, there are some instances when the property owner is not held accountable for your injuries. Take precautions this year by understanding some important questions you may decide to ask if you are injured in a slip and fall accident.

Who is responsible for my injury resulting from a slip and fall accident?

Just because you fall on someone’s property does not mean that they are always responsible for the accident. There may be a number of reasons as to why you fell that have nothing to do with the owner. Yes, it could be the property owners fault but if it is not their fault then it might be yours. This is important to keep in mind when determining liability. Remember, if the owner of the premise caused the spill or other slippery or dangerous surface then they are legally responsible for the injuries you suffered.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Uncategorized

In today’s society, social media has made it easy for anyone that has internet access to find out personal information with just a few clicks of a mouse. Once you post, comment, or send something on any social platform, it is out there for the world to see. Most of the time, the only people that are paying close attention to what you share online are your friends and family. However, there may come a time when you choose to share important information about a personal injury case and the wrong person sees it and makes comments that can affect the outcome of your case.

The Evolution of Social Networks

Over the last decade, a lot of changes have happened regarding social networks. They have created policies and procedures that are made to validate certain comments and disclose confidential information. If necessary, in court, the judge may rule that a claimant or plaintiff must disclose their social media login information if a specific request is made. Because of this, most social channels have created methods for people to download their full profile history. According to the Snapchat transparency report, between the dates of November 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015, the company received 375 requests for data on 666 user accounts in the United States. This just further shows that publishing this type of personal information on social media does not offer much help to a claim.

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 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

Rollover accidents can happen in any vehicle, in any weather, and under any circumstances. However, they are more common in certain situations and in specific vehicles. You can improve your chances of surviving such accidents by understanding these situations, and knowing which vehicles may be problematic. The following information explains further.

How Serious Is the Problem?

It is estimated that only about three percent of all serious crashes involve the rollover of a vehicle. However, these accidents account for about 30 percent of all traffic accident fatalities. Those at the greatest risk are those who are unbelted since rollovers can result in one being tossed throughout the cabin or ejected from the vehicle. Yet even belted drivers can suffer fatality.

Understanding Why Rollovers Happen

Rollovers are most likely to happen in vehicles that are considered “top-heavy.” These are vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. Tire grip is sometimes a factor, particularly when tire tread is low. Avoid this by ensuring you keep a careful eye on tire tread.

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