Recent Blog Posts
What Are Signs to Watch for After a Fall in a Nursing Home?
Falls in nursing homes are a prevalent and serious issue, affecting a significant proportion of the elderly population each year. This blog post aims to shed light on the signs to watch for after such an incident and the potential legal implications, providing valuable information for families and caregivers of nursing home residents.
Understanding the Risk Factors for Falls in Nursing Homes
Falls often occur due to a combination of individual and environmental factors. Age-related changes, chronic health conditions, medication side effects, and mobility problems can increase an individual's risk. On the environmental side, hazards such as poor lighting, wet floors, or inadequate assistive devices can contribute to falls.
Signs to Watch for After a Fall in a Nursing Home
After a fall, it is crucial to look for signs of injury or distress. Physical signs could include bruising, cuts, fractures, and changes in mobility or functionality. Psychological signs may involve changes in behavior, withdrawal, fear of standing or walking, or signs of depression or anxiety. Additionally, a sudden increase in medication, worsening health, or new diagnoses could indicate complications following a fall. Noticing administrative changes, like alterations in staffing or procedures, or reluctance to discuss the incident can also be telling.
Wandering and Elopement Caused by Nursing Home Negligence
Nursing home residents must be supervised for their own safety. When a vulnerable nursing home resident wanders off into an unsafe area of the facility or leaves the facility, it is a potentially deadly matter. A wandering resident may become lost or disoriented, leading to injury and even death. Eloping from a nursing home facility puts residents at risk of being severely injured in an accident, becoming victims of crime, or dying of exposure.
Nursing Homes Should Take Measures to Prevent Wandering and Elopement
Nursing home facilities and other long-term care facilities have a legal obligation to keep the residents safe. It is the responsibility of nursing home staff to provide a safe and secure environment for residents. This includes taking measures to prevent wandering or elopement, such as providing adequate supervision, installing locked doors and gates, using door alarms, and keeping a close eye on residents with cognitive decline or dementia.
Damages in an Illinois Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims are civil legal claims used to pursue financial compensation for losses caused by an injury. Many personal injury claims follow a serious car accident or commercial truck accident. However, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, construction site accidents, and product liability accidents may also lead to personal injury claims. In Illinois, certain damages may be available to successful plaintiffs in a personal injury claim.
Compensatory Damages in an Illinois Personal Injury Case
Compensatory damages refer to economic losses suffered from an injury. This includes any out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages. In addition to financial losses, compensatory damages may also cover the physical pain and emotional suffering associated with an injury. Compensatory damages are meant to make a plaintiff “whole” after an accident by reimbursing them for actual economic losses suffered due to an injury.
Can I File an Insurance Claim if I Was Hurt in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Staying at the accident scene is not only the ethical thing to do after a crash but it is also required by Illinois law. Unfortunately, people who cause an accident sometimes speed away in hopes of avoiding accountability for their actions. Even more unfortunately, some of these hit-and-run drivers get away with it.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run car accident, you may be lost, confused, and unsure of what to do. You may wonder whether you can file an insurance claim considering the other driver is nowhere to be found, and you do not have their contact information. In this blog, we will discuss your legal options for recovering compensation for medical bills and other damages caused in a hit-and-run accident.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The police are not always able to catch hit-and-run drivers. However, you may still be able to file an insurance claim and pursue financial compensation even if the at-fault driver is never apprehended.
Update: Can I File a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse in Illinois?
Originally Published July 28, 2021 ---------- Updated May 19, 2023
Earlier this year, the Chicago Board of Education Inspector General reported that nearly 500 sexual abuse allegations were brought against Chicago public school employees in 2022. Sadly, this number reflects only a portion of the sexual abuse reports brought against teachers, religious authorities, childcare workers, medical providers, and other individuals in positions of authority.
Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse can attest to the fact that it changes your life forever. The psychological impact of the abuse lasts long after any physical injuries heal.
If you or a loved one were sexually abused, filing a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or the perpetrator’s employer can provide justice and peace of mind. A civil lawsuit may also result in the recovery of monetary damages.
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.
What Rights Does a Construction Worker Have After a Struck-By Accident?
It is widely accepted that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields to work in. Construction workers are regularly exposed to dangers that can lead to severe and fatal injuries. Struck-by accidents are one of the “fatal four” types of accidents listed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Construction workers who are hit by falling debris, equipment, tools, or other objects often suffer catastrophic injuries that require them to miss work and endure months or years of recovery. Others are unable to survive the extent of their injuries.
If you were injured or your family member was killed in a struck-by accident on a construction site, make sure you understand your legal rights.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Illinois employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, and this rule applies to construction companies just as it applies to any other type of company. However, a worker must be classified as an employee to be covered under the employer's workers’ compensation insurance.
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Working in an office environment does not make one immune to work-related injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained by office workers are those that occur due to repeated strain on certain body parts over time.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve. Typing on a computer is one of the most common ways that a person develops carpal tunnel syndrome. However, mechanics, cashiers, musicians, factory workers, and virtually any other worker who frequently uses his or her hands may develop this medical condition. Symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and reduced functionality in the hand and arm.
If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Be Painful and Expensive
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and frustrating. We use our hands and arms for countless purposes throughout the day, and the weakness, pain, and other symptoms caused by carpal tunnel syndrome can be a significant burden. If you have developed carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be unable to fulfill your work obligations or handle everyday responsibilities at home.
Understanding the Most Common Reasons Why Young Adults Get into Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury among young adults. There are many different reasons why young adults tend to be prone to getting into car accidents. Today, we are going to unpack the reasons why this is. Remember, if you have gotten into a car accident, strongly consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you can pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Reasons Why Young Adults Get into Car Accidents
Some of the most common reasons young adults get into accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents among young adults. Distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio or GPS. It only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause a severe accident.
Top Five Reasons Why Truck Accidents Occur
Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. There are many reasons why truck accidents occur, some of which are more common than others. Therefore, you must contact a personal injury attorney if you have been involved in a truck accident. Your attorney will work with you as you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to while protecting your rights and interests.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Here are the five most common reasons why truck accidents occur, including:
- Driver error – Driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents. This can include things like distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and pressure to take shortcuts, leading to driver error.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Negligence Occurring?
Choosing a nursing home is a difficult decision for many families. Selecting a facility that can provide the necessary care and support for your loved one is important. Unfortunately, nursing home negligence can occur, putting residents at risk for serious injury or harm. It is essential to understand the signs of nursing home negligence to ensure you can alert a personal injury attorney of what is going on and work with the attorney to ensure those responsible for the negligence are held accountable and that those who are being neglected can receive the care they need and deserve.
Look Out for These Signs of Nursing Home Negligence
One of the most common signs of nursing home negligence is unexplained injuries or bruises. If your loved one has unexplained injuries or bruises, it could be a sign of mistreatment or neglect. This can include physical abuse or neglect, such as failing to provide necessary medications or treatments.
