Here in the Chicago metropolitan area, thousands of commuters utilize public transportation to get to and from work each day. Chicago is home to an intricate rail system with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Amtrak, and Metra trains. While trains are one of the safest public transit systems in the United States, accidents do occur.

According to statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), 864 Americans were fatally injured in train accidents in 2017, while thousands of others were injured, many severely. If you or a loved one are injured in a train accident, you may be entitled to injury compensation. 

Every single year, thousands of Americans are fatally injured due to negligence. Dealing with the emotions resulting from a death in the family can be unbearable. Whether they were caused by drunk driving, medical malpractice, or another form of negligence, wrongful death cases can be especially devastating. For families that experience a death, the financial impact (such as the loss of wages) can be crippling. If a member of your family has been fatally injured due to the negligence of another party, you should seek out a legal professional you can trust. 

The Most Common Forms of Wrongful Death

According to Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death lawsuit may be pursued by a victim’s surviving family members if their death was caused by any negligent actions that could have resulted in a personal injury case. Some of the most common forms of wrongful death in the United States include: 

• Motor Vehicle Collisions: Throughout 2017, a tragic 37,133 Americans were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions. In a vast majority of fatal car accidents, the collision was caused by negligent driving. Some of the most deadly forms of negligent driving include speeding, texting while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. 
• Workplace Accidents: According to studies conducted by OSHA, 5,147 American workers were killed while at work in 2017. Today, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields in which a person can work. Common fatal construction accidents include falls, burns, and electrocution. Falling alone accounted for 371 construction deaths in 2017. 
• Elder Abuse: Nursing home negligence has become a national crisis in the United States. Nationwide, nearly five million elderly Americans are abused each year. Forms of nursing home abuse and neglect can include misdiagnosis, malnourishment, and failure to provide care. If you believe that the actions of a nursing home staff member were the cause of your loved one’s death, you deserve answers and compensation from the nursing home. 

Contact a Plainfield Wrongful Death Lawyer 

Emotionally recovering from a loved one’s death can be a truly traumatic experience. If your family member was fatally injured in a car crash, while on the job, due to medical negligence, or due to some other form of negligence, your family could be entitled to wrongful death compensation. With years of experience operating throughout the state of Illinois, Attorney Daniel Flaherty is prepared to ensure that your family receives the full compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a Will County wrongful death attorney, call us today at 815-577-7500. 

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that phone use by drivers, such as texting, browsing the internet, and selecting song choices, has risen dramatically over the past few years. In the four-year span from 2014 to 2018, the number of people observed using their phones while driving rose by a staggering 57%. 

Distracted driving can be especially dangerous in urban and suburban areas. In the greater Chicago area, texting while driving and other types of distractions can put everyone at risk. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident that was caused by distracted driving, you should work with an attorney to pursue compensation from the negligent driver. 

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

As smartphone capabilities increase and people use their devices more and more often, drivers become tempted to use their phones while on the road, and this has led to the dramatic increase in distracted driving collisions throughout the United States. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 390,000 Americans were severely injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving in 2015, and approximately 3,450 people were killed due to the reckless actions of distracted drivers in 2016. 

Biking can be a great workout and an environmentally sustainable way to commute to and from work. Unfortunately, thousands of cyclists are seriously injured in collisions involving motor vehicles every single year. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 800 bicyclists were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout 2015, and an additional 45,000 American bicyclists suffered serious non-fatal injuries that year. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is time to contact a legal professional and learn about your options for pursuing compensation. 

The Dutch Reach Law

The number of bicycle accidents throughout the U.S. increased by 12% in 2015. This rise in bicyclist injuries has prompted a number of states to enact laws that increase bicycle safety. In January of 2019, Illinois became one of two states to adopt the “Dutch reach” law. This law updates road safety manuals to instruct motor vehicle users to exit their car by opening the door with their far-reaching hand. By using the opposite hand to exit the vehicle, passengers and drivers alike are forced to turn their body and face behind them, which will allow them to see any bicyclists near the vehicle and avoid opening their door into the bike’s path. Studies show that the Dutch reach can significantly lower the number of “dooring” accidents in which bicyclists are injured by car doors. 

Other Forms of Bicycle Accident Prevention 

While the newly implemented Dutch reach law should make a substantial difference in bicyclist safety, there are a few other simple steps you can take to increase your safety while riding your bike: 

Every single year, as many as 2.3 million Americans are sent to the emergency room after suffering injuries in a motor vehicle collision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents cost Americans approximately $44 billion every year in terms of both medical expenses and lost income. Those who have been injured in a motor vehicle collision should understand their legal options for recovering compensation from the negligent driver who caused their injuries. 

Common Forms of Negligent Driving

In the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents, the cause of the collision can be traced back to the reckless and negligent actions of a driver. Throughout the United States, various forms of negligent driving seem to be on the rise. The most common types of negligent driving include:

• Driving at Excessive Speeds: According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 9,717 Americans were killed in car accidents caused by speeding drivers in 2017. Speeding impacts a driver’s ability to brake, change directions, and react to changes in traffic flow. If you notice a driver traveling at excessive speeds, keep a safe distance away from them. 
• Drinking and Driving: Intoxicated driving is another common form of driver negligence. Despite increased traffic surveillance and substantial criminal punishment, thousands of Americans choose to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. Common signs of a drunk driver include swerving, recklessly passing, and driving at sporadic speeds. Recognizing these signs and reporting them to local law enforcement can save lives. 
• Distracted Driving: The past several years have seen an incredible rise in cell phone use while driving. Throughout 2016, distracted driving claimed over 3,400 lives, and this form of negligence accounts for around 25% of all motor vehicle collisions throughout the United States. While mobile phone use is the most common form of distracted driving, other common distractions include eating or drinking while driving, having conversations with passengers, or any other action that takes one’s eyes off the road or hands off the wheel of the vehicle. 

Meet With a Plainfield Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident injuries can result in costly medical bills, expensive physical therapy, and loss of work hours during recovery. At Flaherty Law, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve after suffering car accident injuries. With years of legal experience, we are confident in our ability to aggressively represent you and help you receive the financial support you need and deserve. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Will County personal injury attorney, call our office today at 815-577-7500. 

With the holiday season in full swing, thousands of people throughout the greater Chicago area are shopping and enjoying activities around the town. However, with the winter holidays comes winter weather conditions, and walking in and around establishments and other properties during this time of year can be a dangerous proposition. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, falls can result in expensive hospital trips, costly physical therapy, and chronic pain. If you suffer a fall injury, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. 

Understanding Illinois Slip and Fall Laws

According to the Snow and Ice Removal Act, written within the Illinois Compiled Statutes, property owners are encouraged to remove natural accumulations of snow or ice from their property, but they are typically not responsible for injuries that occur when someone slips and falls on snow or ice. While some municipal ordinances may require a premises owner to clear walkways of snow or ice in certain situations, this does not establish legal liability. That said, if a premises owner elects to remove the snow or ice and does so in a negligent manner, they may be liable for injuries suffered. 

While property owners are not liable for natural accumulations, they may be liable for falls caused by unnatural accumulations of snow or ice. These cases may involve factors such as sloping surfaces, improper entryway design, and negligent maintenance, resulting in snow or ice accumulating in an unexpected manner and creating an increased risk for people who enter the property.

On December 1st, 2018, a 63-year-old Illinoisan was killed after being struck by a vehicle in the northern suburb of Waukegan. After the vehicle struck the pedestrian, the driver fled from the scene and has yet to be located by local law enforcement officials. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead. The tragedy served as a sobering reminder of the risks that pedestrians face each and every day. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 6,000 American pedestrians were fatally injured throughout 2017 alone. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. 

Study Indicates Increased Collisions Involving Pedestrians 

Here in the state of Illinois, pedestrian injuries are alarmingly common. According to data reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 4,600 pedestrians were injured after being struck by motor vehicles in 2016, and 150 people died in these types of collisions. 

Accidents involving pedestrians are more common in urban areas, so it should come as no surprise that a large number of Illinois’ pedestrian fatalities occur within the city of Chicago. Just under 30% of all pedestrian fatalities throughout the state occurred in Chicago. Pedestrian fatalities throughout the city have risen by over 40% since 2013. Law enforcement officials believe that the increased number of pedestrian fatalities are due to increased traffic, drivers traveling over the speed limit, and a steady rise in distracted driving. 

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries while riding motorcycles. Motorcyclists are more susceptible to severe injuries in a collision, due in large part to the small size of their vehicles and the lack of protection offered to motorcyclists and their passengers. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise throughout the United States. If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you receive full compensation for the injuries you have suffered. 

Motorcycle Injuries Throughout the United States 

In 2016, motorcycle fatalities throughout the United States rose by more than 5% in comparison to 2015. The 5,286 fatal motorcycle collisions that occurred that year marked the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since 2008. As mentioned above, motorcyclists have limited protection in comparison to travelers within standard passenger vehicles. Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA states that motorcyclists are more than 28 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision than passengers within automobiles. Despite the fact that helmets can often make the difference between life and death in a motorcycle collision, a large percentage of motorcyclists choose to not wear a helmet. In 2016, approximately 60% of all motorcyclists killed in collisions were not wearing helmets. 

Motorcycle Collisions in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, motorcycle accidents and fatalities are much more common than most people would like to assume. Throughout 2016, over 2,600 Illinoisan motorcyclists suffered injuries that required hospitalization. Approximately 150 of those severely injured motorcyclists ultimately suffered fatal injuries. Despite the fact that motorcycle accidents only accounted for 1% of all motor vehicle collisions throughout Illinois, fatal motorcycle injuries made up 15% of all statewide traffic fatalities in 2016. 

While every business that employs workers in the state of Illinois is required to follow Illinois’ workers’ compensation laws, many businesses and their insurers will try to fight against paying an injured worker just compensation. Companies looking to resist making large workers’ compensation payments routinely engage in disputes with injured employees about whether the injury occurred in the course and scope of employment and the extent of the injury. If you suffer an injury in the workplace, it is important to contact a quality legal representative as soon as possible. 

Types of Workers’ Compensation Payments 

When a workplace injury occurs, Illinois law states that the employer is responsible for compensating the injured employee for the loss of work hours, medical expenses, and disability payments. The amount an employer must pay can depend on a number of issues, including the severity of the initial injury and the duration of persisting symptoms. 

The types of disability payments an injured employee is eligible to receive will fall into one of two categories:

While most people think of workplace injuries as serious accidents involving falls or electrocutions, the majority of on-the-job injuries occur in the office while working on repetitive tasks. These injuries are referred to as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and they account for approximately 33% of all workplace injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), MSDs are one of the most common causes of loss of work time. If you have been injured at your workplace, or if you have begun suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder, you should understand your options for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. 

The Most Common Musculoskeletal Disorders

While musculoskeletal disorders do not come with the fatal consequences of a disastrous accident, their chronic nature can have life-changing implications. Even the most common of musculoskeletal disorders can lead to loss of work hours, chronic pain, and costly medical care. Common MSDs include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Also referred to as median nerve compression, carpal tunnel syndrome is incredibly common throughout the United States, impacting more than three million Americans each year. These injuries are caused by the repetitive movement of the hand and wrist. The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain in the hand or arm, numbness in the hand, a tingling sensation, and general hand weakness. 
• Tendinitis: The repetitive motions performed in the workplace can put stress on certain tendons. Tendinitis is caused by the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. The most common forms of tendinitis occur in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. In the vast majority of cases, tendinitis requires a combination of rest and physical therapy. If untreated, tendinitis can lead to a ruptured tendon, which usually requires surgery to repair. 
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: These injuries can come with chronic pain and lingering health complications. Whether they are caused by lifting heavy objects or another form of shoulder strain, rotator cuff injuries can have a long-term impact on one’s well-being. The most common types of these injuries are rotator cuff tears, which occur when the tendon connecting the muscle to the bone tears. Receiving immediate medical attention is critically important to avoiding chronic shoulder pain. 
• Trigger Finger: This type of injury, which is also referred to as stenosing tenosynovitis, is caused by the repetitive movement of a finger, and it can ultimately result in the stiffening of the finger, as well as the possibility of the finger remaining in a bent position. Common symptoms include finger stiffness, a popping or clicking sound, and the inability to straighten the finger. 
• Lower Back Injuries: Back injuries are alarmingly common in the workplace. These injuries can be caused by the lifting of heavy objects or simply by sitting in a manner that strains the lower back. An injury to the lower back can be chronic and lead to additional injuries moving forward. Much like the injuries above, receiving immediate medical attention can be critically important to a speedy recovery. 

Contact a Will County Workers’ Comp Attorney

No one should have to face the consequences of a workplace injury alone. At Flaherty Law, we understand the impact that a workplace injury can have on your overall health and your ability to earn an income. Even the most minor injuries can result in loss of work hours, expensive physical therapy, and long-term pain. When you are injured at work, you are eligible to receive benefits that address your medical care and compensate you for temporary or permanent disability. To set up a free consultation with a dedicated Plainfield workers’ compensation lawyer, call our office today at 815-577-7500. 

The pain of losing a loved one can be incredibly traumatic. The tragic loss of a spouse or a family member can be especially difficult when the loss was caused by someone else’s negligence. While finances are often far away from the forefront of one’s thought process after a tragedy in the family, losing a family member, especially a spouse or parent, can have a monumental impact on one’s financial security. If you believe your loved one was fatally injured by the reckless or negligent actions of another party, you should understand your options for pursuing compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. 

The Wrongful Death Act

Here in the state of Illinois, a death in which a party is liable is defined by the state’s Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180). According to Illinois law, wrongful death occurs when the death of a person is caused by neglect or a wrongful act that would normally constitute a personal injury suit if the injuries suffered were not fatal. Common situations involving wrongful death include fatal injury suffered in a car accident, death in a workplace accident, or the negligence of a nursing home employee ultimately leading to the death of a resident.

The Survival Act

While the Wrongful Death Act addresses the damages caused to a victim’s family members, another law, the Survival Act, allows for a victim’s estate to pursue compensation from the person responsible for their death. A lawsuit filed under the Survival Act can seek to recover damages caused by the negligent party to the victim, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Any compensation recovered will be paid to the deceased person’s estate, and it will then be distributed to their next of kin according to the terms of their last will and testament.

In the state of Illinois, one in every three households owns a dog. While dogs are known as our loyal friends, they actually can be quite dangerous. In 2016 alone, 31 Americans were killed by dog bites. While the amount of fatal dog attacks remains fairly low, dog bite injuries are quite common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 800,000 Americans are hospitalized for dog bites each year. If you or are a family member are bitten by a dog, it is important to contact medical personnel as quickly as possible. 

The True Impact of a Dog Bite

While the vast majority of dog bite wounds heal within a matter of weeks, some injuries can be incredibly severe and even fatal.

Injuries to Children: Due to their small stature and inability to recognize behavioral cues, small children face increased risk of severe injury in dog attacks. Approximately 42% of all Americans killed by dog bites in 2016 were children nine years of age or younger. Additionally, infants between the ages of three and six days old made up 31% of all fatal dog bite victims. If your young children are in the presence of a dog, it is crucial to keep a watchful eye. 

Every year, thousands of American workers suffer serious injuries while at work. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 5,190 American workers lost their lives in on-the-job accidents in 2016 alone. The vast majority of workplace injuries are non-fatal, but they can come with monumental financial implications, including chronic pain or disabilities that impact one’s ability to continue working and earning an income. 

Fortunately, with the help of a quality legal team, people that suffer injuries or contract illnesses while at work can receive benefits in the form of workers’ compensation. Below, we discuss some common workplace injuries, some of the nation’s most dangerous fields, and facts about workers’ compensation in the state of Illinois. 

The Most Common Workplace Injuries

According to research compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, the vast majority of workplace injuries fall under a small number of categories. Most notably, on the job injuries often occur from vehicular collisions, falls, and exposure to harmful substances. These three types of injuries are also some of the most common forms of workplace fatalities. In fact, 40% of all 2016 workplace fatalities occurred in vehicular collisions. An additional 849 workers died from falls in 2016, as well as another 579 that were fatally injured through contact with harmful substances. 

To this day, elder abuse continues to be one of the greatest medical catastrophes throughout the United States. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), as many as one in every 10 people in the U.S. over the age of 65 face some type of elder abuse, while roughly five million elderly Americans are abused each year. 

Elder abuse is defined as any form of physical, sexual, or emotional harm conducted against an elderly person. The most common perpetrators of elder abuse include assisted-living facility workers, medical personnel, and family members. Despite the extensive research conducted on the impacts of elder abuse, we still have a limited understanding of the long-term impacts of emotional abuse against an elderly person. 

Emotional abuse is defined as abuse coming in the form of verbal attacks, harassment, or threats of future physical attacks. While emotional abuse does not come with the easily noticeable symptoms of physical abuse, such as skin lacerations or bruising, substantial changes in behavior can be a sign that this type of abuse has occurred. If you believe that an elderly family member is facing abuse, it may be time to seek out legal representation. 

After recent studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical experts found that elderly Americans are at an increased risk of depression when compared to other age demographics. For many older people, depression symptoms may be a sign of something more: elder abuse. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), roughly one in every ten Americans over the age of sixty have faced some form of elder abuse. 

Elder abuse can range from physical harm, financial exploitation, or emotional abuse, to even sexual misconduct. If your elderly loved one lives in an assisted-living facility, they may be facing an increased risk of suffering nursing home abuse. Maintaining a strong relationship with your elderly loved one can help you identify common symptoms of elder abuse. 

Preventing Elder Abuse

Every eleven seconds, an elderly American is hospitalized due to a fall injury, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Fall injuries are now the sole leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among Americans over the age of sixty five. Throughout American hospitals, an average of 2.8 million people are treated after suffering severe injuries due to falls on an annual basis. Equally concerning is the fact that fall injuries alone account for an average of more than 27,000 deaths each year. 

While fall injuries are concerning for all Americans, elderly men and women are among those who face a higher risk of suffering severe injuries due to falling. Recent studies concluded that falls account for roughly 87% of all bone fractures among those over the age of sixty five. If you or a loved one suffer a fall injury, contacting a competent personal injury attorney can be critical in receiving the help and legal guidance you deserve. 

Most Common Fall Injuries 

When families elect to place their elderly loved ones in the care of medical professionals at a nursing home facility, they are putting their trust in the hands of the caretakers, doctors, and staff at the facility. Unfortunately, elder abuse is far more common nationwide than most Americans would like to assume. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), as many as five million elderly Americans face some form of abuse each year. 

The NCOA defines elder abuse as any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse inflicted upon an older adult. Elder abuse continues to be a problem throughout the United States, in large part due to the fact that many of the cases go unnoticed by family members and are never taken to the proper authorities. In fact, one study estimated that less than 10% of all nursing home abuse cases are reported to police. If a member of your family has been abused by medical personnel, contacting a knowledgeable elderly abuse attorney can help your family find the answers and justice you deserve. 

Is the Problem Poised to Get Worse? 

Early this June, a Chicago area rideshare passenger was fatally injured when the vehicle he was traveling in was struck by a drunk driver. The crash was caused when the impaired driver drifted into the other lane and collided head-on with the rideshare vehicle. In all, three victims suffered severe injuries, and one victim ultimately did not survive. The accident is yet another reminder of the on-going dangers of drunk driving. 

Throughout the United States, roughly 29 people die in motor vehicle collisions involving alcohol impairment every single day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10,497 Americans died in alcohol related motor vehicle collisions in 2016 alone. If you or a member of your family is injured by a drunk driver in a motor vehicle collision, you should be sure to understand your options for recovering compensation from the person who caused your injuries. 

A National Issue 

Roughly one in ten Americans over the age of 60 face regular forms of abuse. Elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), can come in forms of overt physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, but also in the form of neglect. Elderly Americans are frequently victims of abuse due to their unique living situations. At senior living facilities, victims often suffer from social isolation, and they can also be more susceptible to abuse due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other health issues. 

What Can You Do? 

In many cases, nursing home abuse can be hard to detect, especially if a senior is afraid to talk about mistreatment by a staff member. Still, there are a few things you can do to help limit the likelihood of your loved one facing elder abuse: 

This May, a North Chicago woman suffered a traumatic and violent injury when she was bitten by a neighbor’s dog. The attack happened rapidly according to the victim, who was quickly rushed to the emergency room in the aftermath of the incident. The injuries were severe, as the dog jumped up to bite the woman’s face. The victim suffered serious injuries to her face and mouth requiring stitches and emergency medical attention, and she lost a substantial amount of her lip in the incident. 

The victim is now stable and healthy, but the ramifications of her injury could be lifelong. She now faces medical bills, loss of work hours, and emotional trauma, which is all too common in the aftermath of dog bite injuries. 

Dog Bites Throughout the United States