If you or someone you know has been injured in a Chicago motorcycle accident, then you may want to claim damages through an Illinois personal injury claim. But in the state of Illinois, your claim will be affected by your own degree of fault. This is known as the law of comparative fault. It means that in a personal injury lawsuit due to an accident, you will be held legally responsible for your own percentage of fault.For instance, if you are driving your motorcycle through Chicago at night without the use of a headlight, and you are sideswiped by a vehicle that crosses into your lane, then you may be determined to have been at fault for your failure to use a headlight. In such a case, an insurance claims adjusted will determine your percentage of fault. If you are found to have been 20% negligent, and the overall settlement is $1,000, then 20% will be deducted from the $1,000 settlement, and in the end you will receive $800 in damages.If you have recently been in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, then you may want to know how comparative fault may affect a personal injury settlement. To learn more, read our article When You’re Partially At Fault for a Motorcycle Accident If you want to file a Chicago motorcycle injury claim, you can get the help of a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.Contacting a Chicago Motorcycle Accident LawyerA motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys will examine all aspects of your accident, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

While most of us don’t think much about dentists being medically negligent, it does happen. Medical negligence involving dental work can lead to further injuries and time off from work, as well as with pain and suffering.Here are some examples of medical malpractice involving dentistry: 

• Nerve Injuries (can result in permanent numbness to tongue, resulting in an ability to taste)
• Extraction of Teeth (either unnecessarily removing them or removing the wrong ones)
• Failure to Diagnose (oral cancer, periodontal disease or other oral diseases)
• Past Medical History (failure to take into consideration a patient’s medical history which could lead to medical complications)
• Incorrect Procedure (either a procedure is done incorrectly or the incorrect procedure is performed) 

Dental malpractice can lead to devastating results. If you feel you have a medical malpractice claim involving dentistry, contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer who can look at the specifics of your case and help you determine if negligence was a factor in your injuries.You can learn more about medical malpractice claim in Illinois by visiting our article library.  Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life due to medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Trucking companies are responsible for the safety and security of their vehicles. They must maintain their trucks, secure their loads, and ensure the responsibility of their drivers. The failure to do so can result in a potentially devastating or deadly accident. If safety regulations are not met, then both the trucking company and their driver(s) may be found guilty of trucking company negligence.What constitutes trucking company negligence?Some common causes of trucking company negligence include: 

• Failing to provide the proper safety equipment, such as brakes, windshield wipers, underride protection and horn;
• Failing to adequately maintain a vehicle;
• Failing to properly secure a load;
• Sending drivers on schedules that exceed federal regulations; and
• Failing to train and discipline personnel. 

If you have been injured in a trucking accident that was caused by any of these negligent acts, you may be able to receive compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.What are the federal regulations regarding trucking schedules? Under federal law, truck companies may not schedule deliveries that require the driver to exceed the speed limit. Nor may a driver exceed the maximum amount of driving time allowed. In order to monitor such activity, drivers are required to keep a detailed log book of their activity.This log book can provide useful evidence in a trucking negligence lawsuit.If you have been in a truck accident in Illinois, you may want to know if trucking company negligence was a factor in your crash. To learn more, you can visit our article Types of Trucking Company Negligence. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyYou should be able to recover from your trucking accident without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury lawsuit alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Pharmacists can make mistakes when dispensing medication that could result in serious injuries. If you have been injured because of a pharmacist, you may be eligible to file a pharmacist malpractice lawsuit.  The most common types of pharmacist mistakes include: 

• Giving the wrong medication;
• Giving the wrong medication dosage; and
• Failing to provide the correct instructions.

If the nature of these mistakes is alarming to you, you may have cause to wonder; what leads to pharmacist mistakes?Listed below are some of the circumstances that could result in a serious pharmacist mistake: 

• Shortage of pharmacists;
• Not enough time to fill prescriptions;
• Pharmacist distraction;
• Inability to read physician’s handwriting;
• Interruptions;
• Heavy workload requirements;
• Inadequate assistance from technicians; and
• No system in place to verify medications are correct. 

Although these may be “logical” reasons for a pharmacist mistake to happen, the end result is the same: a patient injury. For this reason, you can open a pharmacist medical malpractice case.If you have been injured because of a pharmacist’s mistake, contact a medical malpractice attorney in Chicago. A Chicago medical malpractice attorney will use their expertise to fight for your rights and advocate that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.

Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney

At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life that are the result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for no cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Timing is everything when filing a personal injury claim. While you need to first pay attention to getting your medical needs met, you also must start thinking about filing a personal injury claim. If you don’t act on your case quickly enough, you’re only hurting yourself and your case. A delay in filing your claim could result in: 

• loss of evidence
• inaccurate statements from yourself or witnesses, caused by forgetfulness
• skepticism of judge or jury over severity of claim
• expiration of statute of limitations

 The expiration of statute of limitations is the most urgent matter when trying to file a personal injury claim. In Illinois, you have 2 years to file a personal injury claim. The longer you wait, the more hurdles you’ll encounter. A Chicago personal injury lawyer may help you address some of there troubles, but many lawyers will refuse a personal injury claim that is too close to the expiration.Our article on the Illinois statute of limitations explains what the laws are and how they impact your case. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you understand the nuances of the laws and how they relate specifically to your personal injury claim.A Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is ready to help you file your personal injury claim in a timely manner, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

A few Illinois auto accident attorneys are reporting that clients of theirs have been given materials from hospital employees about a company called Claim Assist after they have gotten care for injuries in car accidents.  Hospital employees have left the clients with the strong impression that involving Claim Assist in their car accident case would be strongly beneficial to them, even when they have health insurance to cover their bills.  There is nothing that could be farther from the truth.Here are what one lawyer in the Chicago area had to say:

I just got off the phone with a client to discuss ClaimsAssist.  She says when she was at the hospital she was told by the hospital personnel that ClaimsAssist could assist her in getting insurance to pay her bills.  She had med pay and health insurance.  She says it was made very clear that they were there to help her.

She did not use them, but now they have placed a lien on her PI-auto case on behalf of the hospital, after the hospital accepted money from auto and health insurance and took a health insurance adjustment.  ClaimsAssist ?claims? that the hospital can accept the health insurance money, make an adjustment, and then later, if we obtain money on the PI case, pay back health insurance, undo the adjustment, and claim full payment on its lien.

This is what a lawyer in far southern Illinois had to say:A new client of mine was given a pamphlet at the hospital with very aggressive urging to register immediately with “Claim Assist”. I have never heard of them before, but I looked it up and they appear to be an outsourced bill collection system to maximize recovery for the health care provider. One thing that I have seen more of in the last few years in handling car accident cases is that hospitals are refusing to bill a patient’s health insurance for a car accident and instead waiting to be paid the full amount of their bill out of the settlement of the case.  It is great business for the health care provider, but not so good for the injury victim.In short, they are saying “We’ll Bill The Accident,” and these are four words you never want to hear your health care provider — whether a hospital, doctor, or therapist — say when it comes to payment of medical expenses after a car accident.  Letting that happen can cost you thousands of dollars.See our article for how to pay medical bills from an accident for information about how to protect your interests, not the hospitals.As an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, I would say to stay away from these people and not get near them with a 10 foot pole.

If a healthcare provider has failed to properly diagnose your medical condition and it led to serious injuries, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice claims require substantial evidence to prove medical neglect and will likely be met with a team of lawyers who are not interested in settling your claim for a fair amount.That is why you should consult with an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer who can help defend your best interests during the malpractice claims process.Under Diagnosed Conditions Due to Lack of Awareness  Some medical conditions may be difficult for a physician to diagnose. This may be because of a lack of information available or that a doctor is not familiar with certain medical conditions.Some of the conditions that are under diagnosed due to a lack of awareness include: 

• asthma;
• depression;
• sleep disorders;
• infectious diarrhea;
• lactose intolerance;
• fecal incontinence; and
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  

How a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can HelpWith the help of an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer, you can determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim. Your attorney can also inform you of any challenges your claim may face and walk you through each step of the process.Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerIf you have been injured because a doctor has under diagnosed your condition, you should immediately contact an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer to learn more about your legal options for filing an Illinois medical malpractice claim. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice lawyer team will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life that are the result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been seriously injured because a healthcare provider has failed to diagnose your condition, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim.Bringing a lawsuit against a medical facility or healthcare provider may sound intimidating. You may feel like you are no match against a large insurance company that is ready to fight against your claim. However, this shouldn’t prevent you from seeking the compensation that you deserve when you’ve been injured by medical negligence.Conditions Under Diagnosed Due to Vague or Absent Symptoms There are some medical conditions that doctors find difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are either vague or absent. While this may be the case, it still remains the doctor’s duty to prevent further injuries to a patient.Some of the conditions that are under diagnosed due to vague or absent symptoms include: 

• glaucoma;
• impaired glucose intolerance;
• type 2 diabetes;
• hypothyroidism;
• high cholesterol;
• chronic kidney disease;
• hypertension;
• hemochromatosis;
• osteoporosis; and
• certain sexually transmitted diseases.  

How a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can HelpWith the help of an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer, you can determine the validity of your malpractice claim and whether you are entitled to receive compensation. Your Chicago medical malpractice lawyer can also help gather evidence that would be difficult or impossible for you to obtain on your own as well as consult with other medical professionals to support your claim.Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerIf you have been injured because a doctor has under diagnosed your condition, you should immediately contact an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer to learn more about your legal options for filing an Illinois medical malpractice claim. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice lawyer team will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life that are a result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Illinois state law requires every driver to carry a minimum of $20,000/$40,000 of underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is in place to compensate car accident victims for their injuries in the event the at-fault driver was not carrying sufficient bodily injury liability insurance.If the at-fault driver in your car accident only had the basic coverage for BIL, your injuries will only be covered up to $20,000. After this, it’s up to your own underinsured motorist coverage limits to make up the difference. If you also chose a basic policy, your total coverage by the insurance companies will not exceed $40,000 for injuries.If you sustained serious injury in your car accident and need to seek compensation for expenses beyond what the car insurance offers, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A Chicago car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you examine your coverage and file your claims.We offer more information on the 4 types of car insurance every Illinois driver must have in our article library. Take the time to review your own car insurance policy before hitting the road again. Having good underinsured motorist coverage limits may save you headaches down the road if you’re involved in a serious car accident. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you file your car accident claim if you need to recover compensation for your wage losses, medical bills and more, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

If you have driven on a highway, you have no doubt seen a semi. These giant trucks are beyond conspicuous; they are among the most prominent features on the highway. This begs the question, how is it possible that so many truck accidents are underride collisions? It would seem impossible that a car could drive into and under such large vehicle? The Blinding Effect of Light and ShadowEvery driver’s education program across the country will emphasize the relative dangers of driving at night; becoming the 19th wheel of a semi, however, remains absent from those warnings. There are many forces working to blind the average motorist to the presence of a semi trailer. The forces include: 

• The truck’s headlights;
• Inadequately marked trailers;
• Backlighting; and, of course
• Darkness. 

You may expect the truck’s headlights to aid you in seeing the semi, instead you should imagine this scenario; if a truck is jackknifing and you are coming towards it in the opposite lane, the headlights, apparently in the appropriate lane, will create a light wall, blocking the presence of the truck’s trailer in your lane until it is too late.Similarly, backlighting should aid you in seeing an oncoming trailer. But backlighting, by definition, creates a silhouette or a dark outline against the light; and how strange is it to see a dark spot before you at night?Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerYour family should be able to mourn the loss of your loved one without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your loss, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago wrongful death lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your family’s long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been involved in a Chicago truck accident, you may now be dealing with the complicated world of insurance companies. This aspect of accident recovery is difficult enough when it involves 2 or more passenger vehicles, but when a crash involves a commercial truck, such as a semi truck or tractor trailer, the process becomes even more complex.There may be several insurance companies for one commercial truck. This is because a truck and its contents can have several owners: 

• The owner of the tractor;
• The owner of the trailer;
• The owner of the cargo; and
• The owner of the truck company. 

Factor in your own insurance company and the potential insurer for the truck driver and it’s easy to see how things could spin out of control very quickly. Your Chicago truck accident lawyer can (and should) handle communications with each and every insurance company to ensure that your claim is handled correctly and fairly. If your injuries permit you to, after your accident, take a survey of the accident scene and make a note of the condition of tires, safety equipment, lights, and reflectors. If any of these are absent, make a note of this as well. Your Chicago truck accident lawyer may be able to use this information when determining who was liable for the accident-the truck driver? The trucking company? Both?-and which insurance company will be responsible for your settlement.Federal law dictates that trucking companies carry more insurance than the standard automobile and this could have a significant impact on your level of compensation after a Chicago truck accident.Hiring a Chicago Truck Accident LawyerWhile you recover from serious injuries after a Chicago truck accident, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury alone. When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080

Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries. If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago truck accident, contact an Illinois truck crash attorney who will work on your behalf to advocate that you get what you deserve for your injuries. To learn more about truck driver requirements and employer responsibilities, visit our article library. Determining who is at fault in a truck accident requires an understanding of a common-law doctrine known as respondeat superior. This doctrine holds that an employer is held responsible for an employee’s actions that occur during the employee’s scope of employment.There are pros and cons to respondeat superior. For a party who has been injured as the result of a truck driver’s negligence, there is the ability to receive damages for their injuries.An injured party doesn’t even have to prove that the truck company was negligent in hiring or supervising a truck driver. Just the mere fact that the driver’s actions occurred during the scope of employment is typically enough.This provides a better chance at adequate compensation for injured parties who will be paid by the trucking company, who are required to carry high insurance coverage.Respondeat superior helps to protect those who have been injured in a truck accident. Contact an Illinois truck crash attorney if you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident in Chicago or the surrounding metro areas.

Hiring an Illinois Truck Crash AttorneyEven experienced, safe drivers run the risk of being involved in a serious Illinois truck accident.

Beyond your initial recovery, injuries in these types of accidents are often serious and may result in permanent disability or disfigurement which can cause loss of the ability to work, years of rehabilitation, serious medical bills, and have a significant impact on your life.An Illinois truck crash attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with cases similar to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all of the paperwork involved in an Illinois truck accident claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080

There is unfortunately a negative bias toward motorcyclists – they are often seen as “daredevils” and this puts them at a disadvantage in settlement negotiations. One of the common motorcyclist stereotypes is that of the reckless driver who weaves in and out of traffic, neglecting the rules of the road and the presence of other vehicles.More often than not, the motorcyclists involved in serious injury motorcycle accidents are responsible drivers who are put in unfortunate situations. Even the most experienced riders cannot always compensate for the negligence and misconduct of other drivers. Unfortunately, many jurors do not see things that way, and they will often display bias against the injured motorcyclist.To avoid this, experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will take special care during juror selection to identify potential jurors who may hold this type of bias. They will take the measures necessary to avoid allowing these jurors to be selected and hopefully avoid unfair opinions of their motorcyclist client.A good understanding of the nuances of motorcycle operation is sometimes vital to the understanding of the factors of the motorcycle accident. Most non-riders do not know what “laying down” your bike means, or understand about maintaining speed for stability. Lawyers who handle motorcycle accident claims are familiar with these concepts and can help explain them during trial to present a clearer picture of the accident factors.Motorcycle accidents are serious events that can result in severe, life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident you should know the basic details of motorcycle accident claims and how to seek damages for your medical expenses. With the various negative stereotypes against motorcycle riders, you owe it to your family to obtain the guidance of an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

Illinois state law requires that every driver carries a minimum of $20,000/$40,000 of uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is in place to compensate car accident victims for their injuries in the event the at-fault driver was operating without car insurance. Failure to carry the minimum requirements for car insurance in Illinois will result in a minimum $500 fine and suspension of registration.If the other party in your car accident was an uninsured driver, your injuries will only be covered up to the uninsured motorist coverage limits on your own car insurance policy. If you chose a basic policy as well, your total coverage by the insurance companies will not exceed $20,000 for injuries. Many serious injury accidents can result in medical bills well above this amount, so it’s important to consider your own needs when setting your uninsured motorist coverage limits.If you sustained serious injury in your car accident and need to seek compensation for expenses beyond what the car insurance offers, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A Chicago car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you examine your coverage and file your claims.We offer more information on the 4 types of car insurance every Illinois driver must have in our article library. Take the time to review your own car insurance policy before hitting the road again. Having good uninsured motorist coverage limits may save you headaches down the road if you’re involved in a serious car accident. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you file your car accident claim and help with recovering compensation for your wage losses, medical bills and more, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

If you have been seriously injured after taking a dangerous prescription drug such as Yasmin, you may be eligible to file a dangerous prescription drug claim in Illinois. A Chicago product liability attorney can evaluate the facts surrounding your case, determine if you have a valid claim and help you build a comprehensive case that demonstrates how Yasmin caused your injuries or illness.Types of Dangerous Prescription Drug Recalls in Illinois There are different types of dangerous prescription drug recalls in Illinois that can occur. The type of recall issued depends on the severity of the particular drug’s risks and dangers.

The types of dangerous prescription drug recalls that can be issued include: 

• Class 1 Recall – when there is a reasonable probability that use of a prescription drug could lead to serious medical problems or death.
• Class 2 Recall – when there is a remote chance that the use of a prescription drug will lead to adverse medical consequences or that it may lead to temporary or reversible medical consequences.
• Class 3 Recall – unlikely chance the use of a prescription drug will lead to adverse medical consequences.
• Market Withdrawal – minor problem not related to standard FDA monitoring.

If you have been seriously injured from a dangerous prescription drug such as Yasmin, then you should immediately contact a Chicago product liability lawyer. A product liability lawyer will investigate your case to determine if the drug manufacturer has ever issued a prescription drug recall for the particular medication. A Chicago product liability lawyer can also find out if the manufacturer has ever been cited for violation of industry-standard safety measures.

Contacting a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have the experience necessary to investigate and handle dangerous prescription drug claims, such as those for women who have been injured by Yasmin. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your claim, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

Every year, thousands of people are hospitalized or receive medical treatment in medical facilities across Illinois. However, sometimes a doctor’s failure to exercise proper care can cause devastating injuries, which may be grounds for a patient to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim. There are numerous types of medical malpractice claims, which frequently take place for different reasons.Some of the most common Illinois medical malpractice claims include: 

• misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a condition;
• surgical errors;
• anesthesia errors;
• medication errors;
• birth injuries;
• intravenous medication errors; and
• wrongful death. 

Regardless of the type of Illinois medical malpractice claim you need to file, it is important to retain the legal services of an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney who can work with you and your family to establish negligence, prove causation, and file a claim for the compensation you need and deserve.Before you take time away from your recovery you should learn how to determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim. When you know that the negligence of a medical professional caused your injuries, you should contact a Chicago medical malpractice attorney to discuss the next steps in filing an Illinois medical malpractice claim. Hiring a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney If you think you’ve been injured as a result of a medical negligence in Illinois, you should consult with an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney who can help you determine if you are eligible to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim. These types of claims are often complicated and require both medical and legal expertise.An experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your medical malpractice case, assess damages, and defend your best interests against the individuals or hospitals that are responsible for your injuries. Contact us today at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle for a no cost case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission last week re-announced its recall of the Simplicity bassinets after learning of two additional wrongful deaths of infants and two other episodes where infants were entrapped but freed by parents or caregivers before suffering injury.The reason for the recall is that there is a defective design of the product in  that it has a gap between the rails which is large enough for an infant to slide between and become entrapped, creating a strangulation or suffocation hazard.  The photos of a mannequin on the CPSC announcement are chilling and truly show the danger posed by this product.The manufacturer of this product has gone out of business, and some stores are accepting returns of the models involved in the recall.  However, regardless of whether the bassinet can be returned, children should not be left in this bassinet.

The GAO has released a report showing that many trucking companies and bus companies that were ordered closed due to safety violations have kept the doors open — not by changing their ways, but by changing their name.  The study showed that these companies have been ordered to either shut down or correct serious safety violations.  Instead of doing so, they have simply shifted the assets of the business over to a new corporation, obtained a new corporate identity, and continued doing business as usual.  That of course is bad news for the public, because “business as usual” for these companies did not include doing things the right way.What are the implications of this news story for victims of Illinois trucking accidents?There are few truly “new” companies, especially with the high cost of gas and tight credit markets making entry into the trucking industry a difficult proposition.  When we are doing our investigation into a trucking company whose driver was involved in a crash, one thing that we do is check to see how long the company has been in business.  When we see that it is a new company, we start looking into who the principals are of the company and whether they have been operating from the same location.  When you see that there was a troubled motor carrier operating out of that same location with the same principals, it raises a question as to whether the trucking company is the same bad actors dressed up in a new corporate identity.Even though the new company is a new trucking company and technically has a clean record, where there are safety and operating violations that caused the wreck that both the old company and the new company was guilty of and the management is the same, a court would likely admit evidence of the prior safety violations to show that management had specific, actual notice that their method of operation was unsafe.  This is powerful evidence for a jury to consider.

One of the biggest dangers for trucking companies is the negligence of personnel. The irresponsibility of drivers and maintenance professionals can result in a devastating accident. Therefore, it is the responsibility of trucking companies to: 

• Hire qualified drivers;
• Provide specialized industry training;
• Ensure that maintenance workers properly maintain the vehicles and safely secure the loads;
• Submit personnel to random drug and alcohol testing; and
• Effectively discipline personnel for any traffic or criminal violations. 

Trucking companies must also make sure that their drivers’ licenses have not expired, been suspended, revoked or cancelled. And they may not schedule deliveries that subject drivers to speeding or overtime.The failure to maintain these safety standards can cause serious injuries or fatalities, which is why trucking companies may be held liable for damages that are caused in a truck accident.If You Have Been Injured Because of Trucking Company NegligenceIf you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident and you believe trucking company negligence is to blame, you may be eligible for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. To receive the money you deserve, you can get the professional help of a Chicago personal injury attorney. An attorney will investigate your case, and if you have a valid claim, they can file your lawsuit in the proper Illinois court of law.To learn more about trucking company negligence, visit our article library. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyYou should be able to recover from your trucking accident without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury lawsuit alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When an Illinois accident results in broken bones and fractures, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Treatment for broken bones can be very costly and result in lost wages. These may be just some of the damages that are recoverable in an Illinois personal injury claim.A Chicago personal injury attorney will consider not only current treatments but any potential future treatment in your Illinois personal injury claim. They will work hard to help you fight for the damages to which you may be entitled.Some of the types of treatment that may be available in the event of broken bones and fractures include: 

• cast;
• physical therapy;
• rehabilitation;
• anti-inflammatory medication;
• pain medication;
• joint supplements;
• injections; and
• surgery.

Depending on the extent of your injuries, treatment and recovery may prevent you from working for a long period of time. A Chicago personal injury attorney can provide an outline of the types of damages to which you may be entitled depending on the length of time you will be unable to work, as well as the types of medical treatments that will be necessary to treat your accident injuries.Suffering broken bones and fractures in an accident in Illinois may entitle you to pursue an Illinois personal injury claim. By consulting with a Chicago personal injury attorney you can know what legal options may be available. 

When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

A Chicago personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If someone else’s negligence causes an accident in Chicago that leaves you suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you should consult with a Chicago injury attorney. A Chicago injury attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid injury claim worth pursuing.A traumatic brain injury can be mild, moderate or severe. Depending on the level of the injury and the severity, treatment will naturally vary. However, treating a traumatic brain injury may involve an array of tests, hospital stays, and perhaps even surgery. All of these expenses can quickly add up while simultaneously preventing you from working. These expenses and more may be recoverable through a personal injury claim.Treatment for a traumatic brain injury can include: 

• assistive technology and devices;
• rehabilitation programs;
• medication;
• surgery;
• counseling;
• therapy (physical, speech, occupational, vocational); and
• long-term medical care. 

Treatment for a severe traumatic brain injury can cost millions of dollars if life-long treatment and assistance is required. This is where an Illinois personal injury claim can help. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical treatments as well as the psychological damage suffered as a result of a traumatic brain injury. A Chicago injury attorney can explain all of your legal options.

When to Hire a Chicago Injury Attorney

A Chicago injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

In the wake of the recent Washington, DC commuter train collision, Popular Mechanics has come out with an article that lists ten lessons learned from various train accidents over the years.  One of the accidents was a CTA el train derailment where the cars came off the elevated tracks in the Loop.  The lesson learned from that was the train operators were not allowed to override signals without clearance from central control.From the news stories coming out of the DC train derailment, it appears that the lesson to be learned from that equipment must be properly maintained and upgraded as needed to assure rider safety.  It sounds like an obvious principle, but apparently one that hard to be reinforced through tragedy.

Our firm handles cases involving a wide variety of accidents. Motor vehicle collisions can be serious, but they frequently do not result in fatalities because of the protection afforded by today’s cars and trucks. Motorcycle accidents and auto-pedestrian accidents tend to have higher death rates because the victims do not have any external protection to safeguard them from harm. But the type of accident that is most often fatal is the train-pedestrian accident. Because when a colossal train impacts a defenseless human, the results are inevitably tragic.

You may be asking: aren’t all train-pedestrian accidents the fault of the pedestrian? After all, the train is traveling in a predictable straight line and the pedestrian can easily see it, right?

That’s not altogether true. Obviously, trains are unable to swerve to avoid a person on the tracks. But train operators and municipalities are still responsible for taking certain measures to ensure that no pedestrians are struck by trains. A pedestrian (or, more likely, his or her surviving relatives) may have an actionable train-pedestrian claim if:

• A train conductor/operator did not sound the train’s horn to warn a pedestrian of the imminent danger.
• A train conductor/operator was distracted and did not attempt to stop for the pedestrian.
• A train was moving faster than the designated speed for the area in which the accident occurred.
• A municipality did not properly maintain or identify a railroad crossing.
• A municipality did not place appropriate warning signs or signals to alert pedestrians that the crossing point was unsafe.

In most train-pedestrian accident cases, the victim does bear at least some of the responsibility for his or her fate. But if it can be demonstrated that a municipality or train company was negligent in its duties to protect pedestrians, then a court may choose to award some damages to a plaintiff. Like most large entities, defendants in train-pedestrian accident cases do not want to be found negligent. Not only does such a judgment cost them money, but it also sets a judicial precedent which may result in similar judgments in the future. Therefore, these defendants will spare no expense in trying to show that the plaintiff was completely at fault in a train-pedestrian accident. For example, they may argue that the victim was distracted or negligent and attempted to cross the tracks despite the presence of warning signs or signals, or claim that the victim trespassed and was therefore fully liable for his or her demise. That’s why it is wise to engage the services of an experienced train accident attorney when taking legal action after a train-pedestrian accident. He or she has the skills and knowledge to deal with train companies and municipalities, and will fight to obtain every possible dollar to which you are entitled. Your train accident attorney will substantially increase the chances of a positive outcome when compared to trying to argue your case on your own.

When the negligence of another results in an accident in Illinois and you suffer serious injuries, you may be able to hold them liable through a personal injury claim. A Chicago personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim.A painful injury that can be sustained in a variety of accidents from slip and falls to motor vehicle accidents is a herniated disc. This type of injury causes severe back pain and other symptoms that can make it a debilitating condition.Treatment of a herniated disc will depend on the location of the damage and the severity of the injury, which may include: 

• chronic pain management;
• rehabilitation;
• physical therapy;
• injections – enzyme, corticosteroid;
• medication – pain relievers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, opioids; and, in serious cases,
• surgery – discectomy, laminectomy, laminotomy, perctuaneous discectomy.

Treatment for a herniated disc can be lengthy and expensive, requiring multiple treatments over an extended period of time. An individual may find themselves out of work and facing significant medical bills. These expenses may be compensated through a successful Illinois personal injury claim.If you have been the victim of an accident in Illinois that has resulted in a herniated disc, consulting with a Chicago personal injury lawyer is the best way to protect your legal rights and pursue compensation through an injury claim.

When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

A Chicago personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in a personal injury claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been seriously injured in an accident in Chicago that was due to someone else’s negligence you may be able to file a personal injury claim. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can sit down and discuss with you all of your legal options.

One of the most devastating types of injuries to sustain in an accident is an amputation. The loss of a limb can have tragic consequences that affect an individual’s ability to work, enjoy life’s pleasures and general quality of life.The treatment of an amputation will depend on the particular limb and severity of the injury.

If the limb is completely severed, known as a complete amputation, it may be possibly reattached or it may require the use of a prosthetic device. This will depend on the care given to the severed limb along with the stump.

In a partial amputation there is some soft-tissue remaining which could assist in reattachment of the limb. If not, sometimes an individual will be fitted for a prosthetic device.If the individual suffered other complications such as excessive bleeding, shock or infection they will need to be treated for those injuries as well.

Long-term treatment may include rehabilitation and physical therapy. The emotional trauma may also lead to the need for psychological therapy.Treatment for an amputation can be very costly. These costs may be recovered through a personal injury claim in some cases. Consulting with an Illinois personal injury lawyer should be your next step if have suffered an amputation as a result of an accident in Chicago. 

When to Hire an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

An Illinois personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.