Workplace injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, and dealing with the aftermath is often complicated. Many workers in Illinois find it challenging to report these injuries due to several barriers. This article aims to shed light on these challenges and provide practical advice for navigating them.

Understanding the Importance of Reporting a Workplace Injury

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured during employment. In Illinois, timely workplace injury reporting is crucial for claiming these benefits. Workers have 45 days to report an accidental injury and 90 days to report a radiation exposure injury.

Identifying the Challenges in Reporting a Workplace Injury

Several obstacles can prevent workers from reporting injuries. Fear of retaliation from employers, lack of knowledge about the process, language barriers, and ignorance about worker rights are some common challenges that Illinois workers face.

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.

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.

Failure to Provide Supervision Can Lead To Nursing Home Injury Claims

When a nursing home fails to adequately supervise its residents and a resident is injured or killed as a result, the nursing home may be held liable for damages. A nursing home injury lawyer can help victims and their families pursue a legal claim for compensation. The damages may include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, and funeral expenses.

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.

Punitive Damages in an Illinois Personal Injury Case

In some cases, plaintiffs may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are a special form of compensation awarded by the court to punish and deter bad behavior. These kinds of damages are typically only available in cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. For instance, if a drunk driver causes an accident resulting in a catastrophic injury, they may face punitive damages. Punitive damages can often amount to large sums of money.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
• Speeding – Speeding is another prevalent cause of car accidents among young people. Young drivers may feel invincible and underestimate the dangers of speeding. Driving too fast can make it difficult to control the vehicle, particularly on curves or in inclement weather.
• Impaired driving – Drinking and driving is a significant problem among young adults. Alcohol can significantly impair judgment, reaction time, and vision, making it impossible to drive in a safe manner. In addition to alcohol, other drugs, like prescription drugs and marijuana, can impair driving ability and increase the risk of an accident.
• Inexperience – Inexperienced drivers are a significant factor in many car accidents involving young adults. New drivers may not possess the skills or experience needed to handle unexpected situations on the road. They may also be unfamiliar with the rules of the road and may struggle to drive in certain weather conditions, like rain or snow.
• Risk-taking behavior – Young people may be more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior while driving, such as driving aggressively, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic. They may also be more likely to drive without wearing a seatbelt or to drive with too many people in the car.

Contact a Kane County Car Accident Attorney

It is imperative for young drivers to be aware of these risks while out on the road, as failing to do so can result in devastating consequences. However, if you have been in an accident, do not hesitate to contact the skilled Aurora, IL car accident lawyers with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.

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:

1. 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.
2. Equipment failure – Equipment failure is another common cause of truck accidents. This can include issues with brakes, tires, or other mechanical problems. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring they operate safely on the road. Failure to do so can result in serious accidents.
3. Improper loading – Improper cargo loading is another common cause of truck accidents. If cargo is not loaded properly, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and difficult to control. Again, this can result in accidents, especially when the truck is traveling at high speeds.
4. Weather conditions – Weather conditions can also contribute to truck accidents. Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slick and challenging to navigate, especially for large commercial trucks. Drivers must adjust their driving habits to account for these conditions and take extra precautions to avoid accidents.
5. Bad road conditions – This can create a whole slew of problems while also contributing to truck accidents. Potholes, construction, and debris on the road can make it difficult for trucks to maintain control, leading to accidents. Local governments are responsible for maintaining the roads and ensuring they are safe for all drivers.

Contact a Kane County Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal counsel right away is crucial to protect your rights. An experienced truck accident attorney can help determine the cause of the accident and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact the skilled Aurora, IL personal injury lawyers with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. for additional information. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.

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.

Another sign of nursing home negligence is poor personal hygiene. If your loved one is not being bathed regularly, is wearing dirty clothes, or has an unpleasant odor, it could be a sign that they are not receiving adequate care or attention. Poor personal hygiene can also lead to serious health problems, such as infections or bedsores.

Wrongful death cases are complex legal matters involving an individual's death due to another party's negligence or misconduct. Despite their importance, several misconceptions surround these cases that can cause confusion and hinder the deceased person's family from seeking justice. Today, we will discuss four common misconceptions regarding wrongful death cases and clarify the truth to help you better understand your rights. If you have questions regarding a wrongful death claim, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney who works in wrongful death cases to help you understand your legal options during this difficult time.

What People Get Wrong About Wrongful Death Cases

Here are four examples of the most common misconceptions, including:

• Wrongful death and murder are the same – Many people mistakenly believe that wrongful death and murder are synonymous. While both involve the death of an individual, they are distinct legal concepts. Wrongful death is a civil lawsuit brought by the deceased person's family against the responsible party to seek monetary compensation for their loss. Murder, on the other hand, is a criminal charge prosecuted by the state.
• Anyone can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of another person – This is incorrect. In Illinois, only a personal representative of the deceased individual is the one who can bring forth a wrongful death claim. If the deceased person left a will behind, whoever the will names as an executor will likely be the personal representative. In cases where the deceased person did not have a will, the court will likely appoint someone. This person is typically nominated by the party with interest.
• Wrongful death claims must be filed immediately after the death – While it is crucial to file a wrongful death claim as soon as possible, there is no need to rush immediately after the death occurs. Illinois's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years. Consult with an attorney to ensure no deadlines are missed.
• Compensation in wrongful death cases is only for funeral expenses – One of the most significant misconceptions surrounding wrongful death cases is that the compensation sought is limited to funeral expenses. In reality, wrongful death cases can be much more expensive. They may include medical bills incurred before the death, loss of the deceased person's income and financial support, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and even punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct.

Contact a Kane County Wrongful Death Attorney

For competent legal representation, consult with the experienced Aurora, IL wrongful death lawyers with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits to workers who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the injury. However, there are some situations where workers’ compensation will not cover an injury in Illinois. Today, we will be discussing what situations must exist where workers’ compensation will not cover an injury. Remember, if you have been injured at work, strongly consider seeking the legal counsel of a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you have the best chance possible to be successful with your claim.

While you may like and respect your employer, it is essential to protect your rights and not hesitate to seek the compensation you may be entitled to under the law. Seek workers’ compensation after an injury does not mean you dislike or do not respect your employer. It simply means you are looking out for and caring about your well-being.

Instances Where Workers’ Compensation Benefits May Be Denied

Here are examples of when someone may not qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits, including:

Truck accidents are common on highways and roadways throughout the United States. Various factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, and poor road conditions, can cause these accidents. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents can be hazardous and often result in severe injuries and fatalities. Today, we will discuss why truck accidents occur and why they are so incredibly dangerous. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to begin the process of pursuing damages you may be entitled to.

Understanding Why Truck Accidents Happen

One common reason why truck accidents occur is due to driver error. Truck drivers often face tight deadlines and may feel pressure to deliver their cargo as quickly as possible. This can lead to drivers speeding, driving while fatigued, or engaging in other unsafe driving behaviors. In addition, some drivers may be inexperienced or untrained, leading to accidents. Another factor that can contribute to truck accidents is mechanical failure. Commercial trucks require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they are in good working condition. If a truck is not maintained correctly, it can experience mechanical failure while on the road, leading to devastating accidents.

Poor road conditions can also contribute to truck accidents. For example, if roads are poorly maintained or have construction zones, it can be difficult for truck drivers to navigate their vehicles safely. In addition, inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make driving conditions dangerous.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails in their duty of care to a patient, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. Medical malpractice cases can be complicated to prove. Moreover, there are a variety of reasons why medical malpractice occurs. Today, we will be discussing some of these factors. If you have experienced medical malpractice, consider contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to ensure you understand your rights and legal options during this difficult time.

Various Factors Which Contribute to Medical Malpractice

Here are some of the critical factors that may explain why medical malpractice occurs, including:

• Human error – Human error is one of the most common causes of medical malpractice. Healthcare providers are human and, regardless of their medical knowledge, may still be prone to making errors, whether it is misreading a chart, prescribing the wrong medication, or misdiagnosing a condition.
• Communication breakdowns – Another common cause of medical malpractice is communication breakdowns. Mistakes can happen when there is a lack of clear communication between healthcare providers. For example, if a nurse fails to communicate essential information to a doctor, the doctor may make an error that could harm the patient.
• Overworked and understaffed healthcare providers – Many healthcare providers are overworked and understaffed, which can lead to mistakes and oversights. Healthcare providers may be more likely to make mistakes or miss specific details when they are stretched thin.
• Inadequate training – Healthcare providers require extensive training to perform their jobs effectively, and inadequate training can lead to mistakes and errors. When healthcare providers are not adequately trained, they may not be able to recognize the signs of a particular condition or may not know how to treat a patient properly.
• Inadequate equipment and technology – Healthcare providers rely on various equipment and technology to perform their jobs. However, outdated equipment can lead to mistakes and errors. For example, if a hospital uses outdated monitoring equipment, it may not be able to detect important changes in a patient’s condition.
• Patient non-compliance – In some cases, medical malpractice may occur because a patient fails to comply with their treatment plan. For example, if patients fail to take their medication as prescribed, their condition may worsen, leading to complications that could have been prevented.

Contact a Kane County Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you believe you have suffered from medical malpractice, contact the experienced Aurora, IL medical malpractice lawyers with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.

Sadly, car accidents are an all-too-common occurrence in Illinois and across the country. These types of road accidents can cause severe injuries and even death. Understanding the various reasons why car accidents occur can help us prevent them from happening. Today, we will discuss the 10 most common reasons for car accidents. Of course, if you are ever involved in a car accident, strongly consider hiring a personal injury. Your attorney will ensure you understand your rights and legal options.

So, Why Do Car Accidents Occur?

Here are the top 10 most common ways car accidents happen, including:

• Distracted driving – This troubling phenomenon is becoming more and more common. Drivers can be easily distracted by their phones, eating, drinking, talking to other passengers, or changing the radio station. When drivers take their eyes off the road, accidents can happen.
• Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds is hazardous because it significantly reduces the driver’s reaction time. Speeding is a leading cause of fatal car accidents.
• Drunk driving – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to severe accidents. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment and are more likely to cause accidents.
• Reckless driving – Reckless driving may include behaviors such as weaving in and out of lanes, running red lights, and not using turn signals. Reckless drivers are a significant danger to themselves and other road users.
• Poor road conditions – Poor road conditions, such as potholes, can cause car accidents. For example, drivers can quickly lose control of their vehicles when they swerve to avoid potholes.
• Vehicle malfunctions – Sometimes, car accidents can occur due to vehicle malfunctions such as faulty brakes, blown tires, or steering problems.
• Inexperienced drivers – Inexperienced drivers are more likely to cause accidents because they lack the skills and experience to handle various driving situations.
• Weather conditions – Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, and ice can make driving difficult and dangerous.
• Tailgating – Following too closely to the car in front is dangerous because the drivers do not have enough time to react to sudden stops or turns.
• Fatigue – Tired drivers can cause accidents because they have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.

Contact a Kane County Car Accident Lawyer

As stated at the outset, understanding why car accidents occur is essential in reducing their occurrence. If you have been involved in a car accident, call the knowledgeable Aurora, IL, car accident attorneys with Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.

For many of us, the thought of nursing home negligence is entirely incomprehensible. How could someone ever think it would be ok to abuse or neglect some of the most vulnerable members of society? But unfortunately, nursing home negligence occurs all too often across many states in the county. In a recent blog, we discussed some of the most common forms of nursing home negligence. Today, we are going to discuss the reasons why such egregious neglect and abuse occur.

If your family member has been abused or neglected in a nursing home facility, do not hesitate to contact an aggressive personal injury attorney who will work tirelessly to ensure a favorable case outcome for your loved one.

Reasons Why Nursing Home Negligence Occurs

Nursing home negligence refers to the failure of a nursing home facility to provide adequate care and attention to its residents, which can lead to injury, illness, or even death. One reason nursing home negligence occurs is due to understaffing. Nursing homes are often understaffed, requiring more caregivers to provide proper care to all residents. This can lead to caregivers being overworked and stressed, resulting in neglect or abuse of residents. In addition, when staff members are spread too thin, they may not be able to meet the needs of all residents in a timely and appropriate manner. This can lead to residents developing bedsores, infections, or medical complications that proper care could have prevented.

Workers' compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or experience an illness caused by their job. Illinois is a no-fault system, meaning employees do not need to prove that their employer was responsible for their injuries in order to receive benefits. The benefits provided by workers' compensation may include medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Ultimately, workers' compensation aims to ensure that employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job can receive the necessary support and care while reducing the financial burden on employers who would otherwise be liable for these expenses.

However, filing for a workers' compensation claim is not always a cut-and-dry process. There are mistakes that can be made before, during, and after you file that can have a significant impact on the success of your claim. Today, we will review common mistakes when filing for workers' compensation. If you have been injured on the job, consider contacting an experienced workers' compensation attorney. Your attorney will help guide you through the process while ensuring your rights remain protected and respected.

Common Workers' Compensation Mistakes to Avoid

As stated previously, several mistakes can be made that can hurt your chances of receiving the benefits you may be entitled to. These mistakes include the following:

When we bring a family member to a nursing home facility, we entrust that facility to our loved one's well-being. Sadly, nursing home negligence is a serious issue that has gained increased attention in recent years. Neglect is defined as the failure of a caretaker to provide adequate care, which can result in physical harm, emotional distress, or even death. Many forms of nursing home neglect manifest themselves in various ways. This may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, and medical neglect.

Learning that a loved one has suffered abuse and neglect at a nursing home facility can be highly distressing. Older adults are a vulnerable part of society, and learning that they have been harmed or taken advantage of often brings significant pain and sadness to the family of the loved one. Today, we are going to discuss common forms of nursing home negligence. It cannot be understated that if you believe your loved one has suffered from mistreatment at a nursing home, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney who will aggressively and compassionately provide you and your family with the legal guidance necessary as you move to take legal action against the wrongful acts of the nursing home facility.

The Most Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse

As stated previously, nursing home abuse can manifest itself in many ways. The first way is through physical abuse. Physical abuse can include any type of physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or shoving. This type of abuse is often motivated by anger or frustration and can have severe physical and emotional consequences for the victim. Unfortunately, physical abuse often goes unnoticed because the victim is too scared or embarrassed to report it.

As we enter the month of February, temperatures are dropping, and roads are slick with snow, ice, and sleet all across Illinois. While the winter can be beautiful and picturesque across many areas of our state, the risk of weather-related car accidents is something that we must always be mindful of whenever we get behind the wheel. There is a common saying that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Unfortunately, during the winter in Illinois, failing to prep your car before you drive in adverse wintery conditions and keeping in mind safe driving tips while you are out on the road can result in terrible, life-altering accidents.

Today, we will discuss how you can prepare your car before going out and driving in wintery weather and what you should keep in mind as you are out on the road during the winter. If you have suffered injuries in a car accident related to wintery weather, consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney who will you be an advocate as you pursue compensation from your car insurance company. Unfortunately, car insurance companies are rarely generous. They may treat you unfairly or act like your accident was no big deal, which is the last thing you will want to deal with, particularly after just experiencing a car accident. Having an attorney by your side will likely make a positive difference as you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Steps You Can Take Before You Drive in Wintery Weather

To help ensure safe winter driving, consider following these tips: