Last spring, many offices and other workplaces around the country were forced to close as a result of the shutdowns enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19. Some employees, such as those who work in non-essential businesses (restaurants, bars, casinos, salons) were temporarily laid off from their jobs as a result of federal and state-issued orders. Employees in other industries were able to shift to a remote working arrangement—also known as “telecommuting,” or simply working from home. According to various estimates, up to 42 percent of the American labor force is currently working from home, at least in some capacity, and many employers are finding that the transition has had benefits for their companies.

Working from home does have its challenges, however. Managing time and distractions can be difficult for some people, as can putting household responsibilities aside to focus on work. However, there is one concern in particular that many telecommuters have, especially if they were injured while working from home. Does workers’ compensation cover injuries that occur at an employee’s residence?

An animal attack or bite can cause severe injuries and possibly wrongful death for the victim. Thankfully, the state of Illinois maintains a level of control over animals. The law regulating animal attacks in Illinois is known as the Animal Control Act. According to the Animal Control Act, if a dog or other animal, without being provoked, attacks, or injures a peaceable person who is legally allowed to be where he or she is at the time of the attack, the owner of the animal is liable for civil damages to the victim caused by the attack. 

What Is Included in the Animal Control Act?

The Animal Control Act applies to all animals, however, dogs are typically the most likely culprit in an attack. If a person’s pet were to attack another person, the Animal Control Act could hold the pet owner liable for the related injuries and damages. Damages include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, disability, disfigurement, lost wages, and other damages. However, this does require proof if the victim wishes to pursue a claim against the animal owner.

With winter weather already in motion, it is important to be prepared before getting behind the wheel. The holidays can increase the number of people on the roads, including those who have had a few drinks before operating their vehicles. You may not be able to control the weather, but taking additional safety measures is one way to increase your level of safety on the roads and reduce the risk of serious injury caused by a car accident. This is especially important in Illinois as winter conditions can fluctuate frequently. You may be unprepared for the snow until you find yourself navigating icy roads on your way home from work or visiting family and friends. 

Driving in Snow and Ice

A seasoned driver knows that all weather conditions require slight adjustments for the person behind the wheel, and snow and ice are no exception. The following tips can help you arrive at your destination safely this winter:

Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is a common occurrence regardless of your age. It can be difficult to pin down the exact number of individuals suffering due to misdiagnosis, as some of these cases go unknown. However, a 2014 article from CBS reported that approximately 12 million American adults who received outpatient medical care were misdiagnosed. This equates to about 1 in 20 adult patients. According to the National Academy of Medicine, it is likely that everyone in the United States will experience a misdiagnosis at least once in his or her lifetime. These cases are exceedingly dangerous for older patients, especially those in nursing homes who rely on the judgment of nursing home medical professionals and employees. Having a general knowledge of commonly misdiagnosed illnesses can help you protect your beloved family member.

Misdiagnosis Versus Missed Diagnosis

There are two types of incorrect diagnoses that can occur, missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. A missed diagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to diagnose the patient with any illness even though the patient has an illness or disease that he or she is currently enduring. This is not uncommon for illnesses that have minor or dormant symptoms. A misdiagnosis also deals with inaccurate care but in a different manner. Rather than not being diagnosed at all, patients are diagnosed with the wrong disease or illness. A misdiagnosis will often have doctors prescribing incorrect medication as well. Not only will the real disease not be treated properly, but it can also lead to dangerous side effects from the drugs that they have been taking to battle the misdiagnosed condition.

Pedestrians are put at risk every time they walk down the street. They can be struck by bicyclists, motorcyclists, and cars, each of which can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, injuries. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there have been 122 pedestrian fatalities so far in 2019, and the year is not over yet. Drivers and pedestrians themselves share the responsibility of pedestrian safety. In other words, drivers and pedestrians can be equally liable for any personal injuries depending on the situation.

Walk-the-Walk and Talk-the-Talk

Many people assume that all accidents involving pedestrian injuries are the fault of someone other than the walker, such as a cyclist or a motorist. While this is often the case, there are instances in which the pedestrian can be liable for the accident, even if he or she was the only one injured. When determining liability for the accident, consider if you violated any of the following street laws: