Even the most confident of drivers can feel a twinge of intimidation and vulnerability when passing a large semi-truck on the highway. Some drivers accelerate faster to lessen the amount of time spent next to the truck, while others may avoid passing them until absolutely necessary.

These instincts are not entirely unfounded. Accidents involving large trucks have proven to be incredibly devastating to occupants of passenger vehicles and often result in catastrophic injuries. This blog details some of the most common injuries seen in truck accidents and the long-term consequences the injured victims may suffer.

Back and Neck Injuries

Truck accidents often result in passengers experiencing moderate to severe pain in their back and neck. In some cases, the accident may only result in minor neck pain, however, in worse cases, a person may suffer dislocated discs and whiplash. Back and neck injuries can greatly impact a person’s ability to complete daily tasks, likely delaying the timeframe in which an individual can return to work.

As young adults begin taking part in dangerous activities such as underage drinking, many parents may believe the safer route is to allow their minor teenager and their friends to drink at their homes. However, these parents, along with other parties who willingly provide alcohol to minors, should understand the persisting risks of underage drinking. In the event of serious injury or death, Illinois law allows for the adult who provided the alcohol or drugs to be held responsible.

Drug or Alcohol Impaired Minor Responsibility Act

In 2004, Illinois passed a law that placed significant responsibility onto individuals who supply alcohol and drugs to minors. Specifically, under the Drug or Alcohol Impaired Minor Responsibility Act, when an intoxicated individual under the age of 18 seriously harms another person or property or is harmed themselves as a result of the alcohol consumption, the adult who provided the minor with the drugs or alcohol may be held liable. In regard to this act, the adult is considered the social host.

Many people may be familiar with dram shop laws that exist throughout the country and place responsibility on alcohol sellers, such as bars or liquor stores. On the other hand, any person who supplies alcoholic beverages to underage guests who go on to injure a third party while intoxicated may be imposed with social host liability.

Overmedication results when elderly patients take unneeded or excessive quantities of medication. When staff intentionally overmedicate their residents, it is considered elder abuse, whereas accidental overmedication may point to nursing home neglect. Nursing home staff may purposely overmedicate their residents to better control those who are more difficult and stubborn. If you believe your loved one may be a victim of overmedication at their nursing home, it is important to act quickly to avoid further injury and hold the proper parties accountable.

What Does Overmedication Look Like in Nursing Homes?

Lethargy, isolation, confusion, and excessive sleeping are just a few of the signs that someone may notice if their loved one is a victim of overmedication. Additionally, excessive quantities of medication can lead to depression, injury, and even death. When the overmedication is chronic, not only may the resident develop an addiction, but acute medical conditions may also.

There are several manners in which nursing staff may overmedicate their residents. If a staff member administers medication and neglects to monitor how the drug will interact with the resident’s other medications, this may be considered overmedication. Additionally, if there is no prescription for the medication, administering the drug can be considered overmedication.

The statistics regarding sexual abuse are shocking: The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that someone is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States. Sadly, many victims of sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse are children. If you were sexually assaulted or abused by a caretaker, teacher, religious authority, or another individual, you should know that you have options for holding the liable person or organization accountable.

Understanding the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Sex Abuse Cases

When most people think about taking legal action against a sex predator, they assume that the action is being taken in criminal court. However, this is not the only legal route available in sex abuse cases. Through a civil lawsuit, a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault may hold the perpetrator responsible and pursue financial compensation for the damages he or she suffered because of the abuse. Criminal charges are brought by the state but a civil claim is brought by the actual victim. The standard of proof is lower in civil cases than it is in criminal cases. This means that it is possible to file a successful civil suit even if the perpetrator was not criminally convicted of the offense. Often, sex abuse civil cases are brought against the organization such as a church or religious organization, school, daycare, summer camp, medical facility, or business instead of the individual perpetrator or perpetrators.

Why Should I File a Sex Abuse Claim?

You may wonder if filing a claim is even worth the mental and emotional stress it may cause you. Understandably, it can be extremely painful to think about past abuse. However, filing a sex abuse claim can accomplish two important goals. First and foremost, it is a way to hold the responsible party accountable for the abuse you endured. The more sex abuse survivors that come forward, the harder it is for perpetrators to hide in secrecy. Secondly, filing a civil claim may allow you to collect financial compensation for your damages. There is no amount of money that could make up for something as heinous as sexual abuse. However, compensation can help alleviate the financial burden created by the abuse. You may be compensated for medical bills, including mental health care, as well as pain and suffering, loss of qualify of life, and more.

One of the most traumatic and damaging things to experience for anyone, regardless of age, is sexual abuse. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is also one of the most prevalent forms of domestic violence in the United States. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), more than 400,000 people are victims of sexual abuse or violence each year. In 2016 alone, more than 57,000 instances of confirmed or suspected sexual abuse toward children were reported by Child Protective Services across the country. Filing a lawsuit against a perpetrator or others who are responsible for allowing sexual abuse to take place can help you regain certain expenses and hold your perpetrator accountable.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

In recent years, the statute of limitations for instances of sexual abuse or sexual violence in Illinois has been updated. Prior to 2019, victims of sexual abuse only had up to 10 years to bring criminal charges against a perpetrator and only if the offense was reported to law enforcement within three years of it happening. However, much research has been done over the years, especially in the past decade, about how sexual abuse affects humans. In some cases, it can take years for a person to even come to terms with the sexual abuse that they were a victim of, let alone file a lawsuit for it. Now, there is no statute of limitations for bringing criminal charges against a person for major sex crimes. There is also no time limit for child victims of sexual assault or abuse to bring civil lawsuits against their perpetrators. However, if a person was over the age of 18 at the time of the offense, they only have 20 years to bring a lawsuit.

Who Can I Hold Accountable in a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?

When recovering damages for sexual abuse or assault, the obvious person you will likely target is the perpetrator themselves. However, there are also other individuals and entities that you may be able to hold accountable. These can include: