When a medical professional or facility faces charges of medical negligence in Illinois they have a legal team dedicated to their defense. As a victim, you have the right to the same legal representation as they do, and a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer should be your first choice.There are many lawyers in the Chicago area that deal with injury cases such as car accidents and slip and falls; however, not all of them have the experience and intimate knowledge of how the medical malpractice claim system works. Filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver or property owner is far different from filing one against an entire hospital system.The differences between a normal injury claim and a medical negligence claim are what make the need for a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer so critical. The legal team you will be going up against defends their client against claims like yours all the time. You should have the same degree of legal expertise on your side as well to avoid making mistakes that could damage your chances at a fair settlement.The expenses and losses you incur from a case of medical negligence in Illinois are serious matters. You shouldn’t deprive yourself of legal assistance in pursuing a fair settlement to compensate for these damages. Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers Are Here to HelpIf there is even the slightest question that medical negligence in Illinois may have played a part in a serious injury or death of a loved one you should bring it to the attention of an experienced lawyer.Chicago medical malpractice lawyers can help your family seek compensation for the damages and suffering you incurred at the hands of a negligent medical professional or facility.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to present the evidence of negligence necessary to prove your claim. When you’re ready to file, we offer a free case evaluation and help in preparing your evidence. Contact us today – 312-263-1080.

You’ve just been involved in a car accident where you were rear-ended by another driver while stopped at a red light. While all signs point to the other driver having the biggest degree of fault, there are many personal injury claims wherein a third party can become involved.The other driver may claim that their accelerator pedal stuck, causing them to be unable to stop behind you. In this case, the car manufacturer could be considered a third party in the case and a portion of the degree of fault can be attributed to them.In the case of car accidents with multiple drivers, each driver has the risk of a degree of fault. In this case, there will be multiple drivers with multiple insurance companies pointing multiple fingers. Things get especially complicated when there are several injured parties all claiming damages for their injuries.You can’t bring an Illinois personal injury claim against each driver individually, especially if you are being blamed by the other drivers as well. Third party injury claims are where the help of an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help sort things out.The modified comparative negligence law in Illinois plays an important part in how the degree of fault and involvement of third parties impacts your settlement.  Read our article on comparative negligence in Illinois  for more information on proving your degree of fault.For help in identifying potential third parties involved in your Illinois personal injury claim, contact The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. today. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you make sense of your personal injury claim – (312) 263-1080

One of the most traumatic types of injuries to suffer is an amputation. A serious accident in Chicago involving a car, truck or motorcycle could lead to the loss of a limb. Likewise, a victim may suffer a full or partial loss of limb or digit because of a dog bite/animal attack, because of a defective product or in a workplace injury.The loss of a limb can result in devastating consequences to the injured party and may entitle them to pursue a personal injury claim in Illinois. When someone else’s recklessness or carelessness causes an accident and leaves another party seriously injured, they may be held liable for both economic and non-economic damages suffered. This can include not only medical bills but pain and suffering, along with other types of injury-related damages.In pursuing a personal injury claim in Illinois in connection with your amputation injury, an attorney may try to help you recoup the cost of:

• surgery (both emergency surgery and subsequent operations, such as when surgery is needed to treat nerve damage);
• prosthetics;
• pain medications;
• ongoing medical care;
• physical therapy;
• post-trauma therapy and victim counseling;
• adaptive devices for the home or automobile; and
• lost wages.

When someone else’s negligence causes you to suffer amputation in an accident in Chicago you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Consulting with an Illinois personal injury lawyer is the first step in determining your legal options. When to Hire an Illinois Personal Injury LawyerAn 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.

When you decide to do undergo a surgery for whatever reason, you place your life in the hands of surgeons, hoping they will do everything possible to ensure a safe procedure. However, some medical professionals don’t always live up to the standards of their profession and a wrong-site surgery be the end result of such negligence.  Wrong-site surgery, as the name suggests, is when an operation is done on an incorrect part of the body. This kind of surgical error can lead to devastating, life-long consequences.Wrong-site surgical error can be avoided if medical professionals adhere to the standard pre-surgery protocols set by the medical facility. Liability in the form of a medical malpractice lawsuit may be determined based on whether or not these pre-surgery protocols were followed.There are steps every medical professional is required to take before performing a surgical operation, including: 

• verification of the intended procedure;
• marking the intended surgical site; and
• time-out period. 

These pre-surgery protocols are established to ensure a safe operation. The most important step is the “time-out” period. This is where all the medical professionals meet as a group and re-verify the identity of the patient, the type of procedure and the specific site of the surgery.Under Illinois medical malpractice laws, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages for injuries sustained as a result of wrong-site surgery. If you have had a wrong-site surgery in Illinois, then a Chicago medical malpractice attorney from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. may be able to help you file a claim. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

There are two major events that can happen between the Discovery and Trial stage of your Illinois personal injury claim: Motion to Dismiss and Settlement. Both events will end your case without the need to go to trial for a resolution. As with all stages of an Illinois personal injury case, having a trusted Chicago personal injury attorney at your side will make the whole process much easier.A Motion to Dismiss occurs when the defendant believes the court doesn’t have the power to resolve the case. Your case may need to be tried in a special court due to lack of jurisdiction (either the court isn’t involved in the subject matter of your case or one of the parties involved is not a resident of the state). The case may also be dismissed due to technical mishaps such as improper summons or if the defendant fails to respond to the complaint in a timely manner.A Settlement can come at nearly any stage of your personal injury lawsuit once the case has been filed. Often, a settlement is offered pre-trial to avoid lengthy court proceedings and further argument. Out-of-court settlements are especially common with larger companies who want to avoid media attention in high-profile cases. In smaller cases, the defense may decide that they don’t have enough chance to win at trial and choose to settle to avoid more attorney fees.Understanding all the stages of a personal injury claim is important, even when you have the help of a personal injury attorney. To read a brief overview of the basic stages of a personal injury case visit our article library. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping clients like you with every stage of their Illinois personal injury claim for more than 15 years. You have nothing to lose from our free case evaluation, contact us today – (312) 263-1080

Anytime a patient undergoes a medical procedure, the doctor is responsible to advise the patient of special instructions. This includes when a patient begins using a medical device such as an implantable defibrillator. These instructions can help prevent unnecessary complications from developing.Additionally, doctors must ensure that they are not using a dangerous medical device on a patient. There have been several recalls over the years because of a defective implantable defibrillator, which doctors should be aware of. Preventing Complications from an Implantable Defibrillator Not only does a patient have to be advised of any possible complications that could arise from receiving an implantable defibrillator but they should also be given special instructions that will help prevent complications.Some of the ways complications can be prevented include: 

• avoid vigorous activity immediately after the surgery;
• avoid all contact sports;
• keep cell phones more than 6 inches away from the implanted defibrillator;
• avoid magnets;
• avoid contact with power generators and welding equipment; and
• advise healthcare providers of the implanted defibrillator before using medical equipment. An MRI, for instance, contains a powerful magnet and therefore would be off limits.

While a doctor must ensure that these special instructions are shared with a patient, they must also ensure that their patient is not being given a dangerous medical device, such as a defective implantable defibrillator.If you have been seriously injured because of a defective implantable defibrillator, you may be eligible to file an Illinois dangerous medical device claim. A Chicago defective product attorney can talk to you about the strength of your potential case.

Contacting a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer

The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the intricacies of a product liability claim involving defective medical devices. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080

The U.S. Department of Labor has several organizations including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) that are charged with setting and enforcing safety standards in various occupations. Construction sites are one of the most common areas that OSHA monitors.OSHA standards require that contractors not allow their workers to work in surroundings or under working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to their health or safety. OSHA requirements include: 

• posting proper notice of hazardous areas/materials;
• providing adequate safety equipment;
• disclosing notice of any hazardous substances that may be present on the construction site;
• identifying environmental hazards such as bad weather, poor terrain, or other natural occurrences;
• locating and marking utility lines and pipes;
• maintaining or servicing equipment; and
• providing adequate training for site operation. 

Construction site accidents that are found to have been caused by OSHA violations will typically be stronger claims to settle. If you have difficulty proving your injury claim, you may need to hire a Chicago construction site accident attorney.There are many factors that go into filing a claim for a construction site accident. Our article gives a basic overview of construction accidents and how liability will affect your claim. An experienced Chicago at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you investigate your construction site accident and determine if any OSHA safety standards were violated. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

Before taking to the road, motorcyclists should be aware of Illinois’ motorcycle laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are to protect motorcyclists from crashes, which can result in serious motorcycle accident burn injuries, brain trauma or even death.The following are required by Illinois motorcycle laws: 

• Eye protection;
• Rearview mirror;
• Passenger footrests; and
• Daytime headlight use. 

In addition, every motorcyclist in Illinois must have insurance. Vehicle liability insurance should have the following minimum amounts: 

• $40,000 for injury or death per accident;
• $20,000 for injury or death for one person; and
• $15,000 for damage to another party’s property.  

In addition, motorcyclists are required to carry their insurance card with them.The state of Illinois does not legally require that a safety helmet is worn; however, it is always in the best interest of a motorcyclist to wear one. This can protect you from traumatic head and neck injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. Wearing protective clothing might help to prevent or lessen the extent of certain types of motorcycle burn injuries in the event of a crash.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, a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer 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.

With an increase in dangerous cribs being recalled, it is important to learn how injuries can be prevented. Parents, caregivers and daycare providers should regularly inspect their cribs to ensure they are safe for use.Dangerous Cribs:  Preventing Crib Injuries While a dangerous product can find its way into the most safety-conscious household, a caregiver can take steps to help prevent crib injuries.Some of the ways children can be protected from dangerous crib injuries include: 

• visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to see if you are using a recalled crib;
• if your crib has been recalled either exchange it for a new one or get a repair kit;
• regularly inspect the crib to make sure hardware hasn’t become loose, broken or missing;
• ensure that the crib is assembled correctly and functions properly;
• inspect the crib’s slats to make sure a child’s head could not become entrapped;
• avoid using drop-side cribs, and instead, opt for one that has stationary sides; and
• never purchase a crib that is more than 10-years-old. 

While you may do everything in your power to protect your child, dangerous cribs can still lead to serious child injuries. If your child has been injured because of a dangerous or defective product, you should contact a Chicago product liability lawyer who can explain more about child injury claims stemming from a dangerous crib.

How a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer Can Help

Injuries from dangerous cribs or any other defective product, including dangerous toys, may result in a product liability lawsuit. A Chicago product liability lawyer from The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can evaluate your case, determine if your child’s injuries were the result of a dangerous child product and explain your options for filing a claim. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080

If you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose in the Chicago area, then you may be entitled to file an Illinois medical malpractice lawsuit. Although a patient can never guarantee that they won’t be the victim of medical negligence, there are some things you can do to help prevent a misdiagnosis.

• Make sure that you disclose all of your symptoms, past health history and family’s health history. Every detail helps in coming up with an accurate diagnosis. 
• Ask lots of questions during your consultations with your doctor about your symptoms and any diagnosis the doctor presents.  
• If there is anything you don’t understand ask for an explanation. Sometimes doctors will speak in medical terms rather than a language you are familiar with.  
• Do your own research. This is not to self-diagnose but to see if what your doctor has diagnosed you with makes sense. This can help raise other questions you may not have thought of before.  
• Always seek a second opinion. If you receive the same diagnosis, this can help assure that you are going the right direction. If not, it may raise some important questions. 

If you are the victim of a misdiagnosis, contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer who can help you determine if there was medical negligence, and if so, what your legal options are.  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.

Last year, there were 66 million prescription errors made in the U.S. according to a drug industry data company. Pharmacist error falls under tort law for medical malpractice which is a system allowing victims of medical provider negligence a way to recover for their losses.As medical providers, pharmacists must adhere to the very high standards set by society and their profession. Failure to follow this high standard of due care when filling your prescription constitutes negligence.There are standards in place which if practiced thoroughly by the pharmacist should normally prevent most prescription errors.Communication is at the heart of these standards and in most cases, will prevent pharmacist prescription errors. For example, if a hand-written prescription order is illegible, the pharmacist has the duty to call the prescribing doctor for clarification.Making assumptions because of a heavy workload or handing the order to another pharmacist or technician to decipher is unacceptable behavior.Drug utilization reviews (DUR) are one of the communication tools designed to prevent prescription errors. Pharmacists must conduct a DUR and counsel you about your medication before dispensing it.Failure to fully conduct the DUR constitutes medical malpractice if you are seriously injured as a result of this omission and pharmacist negligence.During a DUR, the pharmacist is required to: 

• Determine what medications you are taking;
• Determine if you have a history of allergies;
• Ascertain your current health condition;
• Evaluate drug interactions;
• Evaluate drug-disease contraindications; and
• Check for any under or over-prescribed medications. 

A pharmacy can be held liable for any pharmacist’s negligence and failure to practice the accepted level of due care when dispensing your medication to you.To learn more about pharmacist errors, visit our article library. Contacting an Aurora Prescription Error LawyerIf you or a family member have been seriously injured by pharmacist error, you have the legal right to hold the pharmacy accountable for the physical and emotional damages you suffered.The Aurora prescription error lawyers at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. understand the complex legalities of medical malpractice cases in the Chicago area. Let us help defend your legal rights to seek just compensation for your pain and suffering caused by your pharmacist error injury. We can build a strong pharmacist error medical malpractice case and give you a voice against the vast resources of a pharmacy corporation or malpractice insurance company.Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation on your pharmacist error medical malpractice claim: 1-312-263-1080.

If you have been injured in an accident in Illinois resulting in a head injury such as a concussion, you may be able to seek compensation through an Illinois personal injury claim.A Chicago car accident lawyer will take the time to discuss with you all the facts surrounding your accident to determine if someone else’s negligence was the cause.One type of common head injury from an Illinois car accident is a concussion. In many cases, a concussion is not serious but carries with it the potential risk of a more serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury.    Sometimes a concussion will lead to a brief loss of consciousness, but other times the loss of consciousness may last much longer. In addition, the victim may suffer headaches and other symptoms such as blurred vision and vomiting.Dealing with a head injury can be challenging since the long-term effects don’t always present themselves immediately. Because of this, you may need the help of an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer who can help you prepare for any future medical expenses you may incur.A Chicago car accident lawyer will assist you with the entire process of filing your Illinois personal injury claim if you have suffered a concussion because of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness.

hen to Hire a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer 

A Chicago car accident 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.

When an accident in Illinois results in a herniated disc you may consider filing an  Illinois personal injury claim to try and recover compensation for your medical expenses among other types of damages. If the negligence of another causes you to suffer injuries they may be held liable for your accident injuries, including a herniated disc.

The initial symptom of a herniated disc is lower back pain. This is because most of these injuries occur to the lower back.

Sometimes a herniated disc can affect the neck or upper back.Damage to a disc can cause it to bulge or break. If the ruptured disc is near a nerve and puts pressure on it, which can lead to severe or even debilitating back pain. There may also be symptoms of numbness in the area that is injured. The treatment and care of a herniated disc can be costly as the treatment may need to continue for an extended period of time. An individual may need to undergo expensive tests and treatment that includes medication, injections or even surgery in severe cases.

A herniated disc can result in an individual being unable to work for a period of time. Lost income, along with medical expenses may be recovered through a personal injury claim.A Chicago personal injury lawyer can carefully evaluate your case to determine liability and the types of compensation you may be eligible for if you have suffered a herniated disc as a result of an accident in Illinois.

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.

Duragesic patches have been used by patients who suffer from ongoing, chronic pain. Unfortunately, the use of these patches has also led to numerous life-threatening illnesses and even death. If you have suffered a severe side effect from using Duragesic patches, you should consult with a Chicago injury lawyer.Duragesic patches contain a narcotic drug that has been linked to severe injuries and fatalities. While the patches were approved by the FDA in 1990, since then numerous warnings and recalls have been issued. Additionally, many lawsuits have been settled with some still pending.Some of the serious side effects from using Duragesic patches have included cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Numerous other side effects, including withdrawal symptoms, have also been experienced.Injuries that are a result of taking dangerous prescription drugs can lead to an Illinois product liability claim. Anyone who is involved in the making and selling of dangerous prescription drugs could potentially be held liable for damages.You may be entitled to file an Illinois product liability claim in the quest for compensation for your injuries after using Duragesic patches. By talking to a lawyer who has experience in these types of cases, you will have a better understanding of whether you have grounds for legal recourse. Hiring a Chicago Injury LawyerThe Chicago injury lawyer team at Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has experience handling complex product liability claims involving dangerous prescription drugs. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080.

If you have taken anemia drugs to treat kidney disease and have developed heart problems, you may be entitled to file a dangerous drug claim. A Chicago product liability attorney will take the time to evaluate your case and provide you with information about all the legal options that may be available.With the help of a Chicago product liability attorney who understands the complexities of dangerous drug claims, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries and seek damages for your injuries and lost wages.While anemia drugs are used to treat individuals who are anemic, they are also used to help treat kidney disease.

Unfortunately, anemia drugs have also been linked to heart problems, stroke, blood clots and even death.  The most common types of anemia drugs that are used to treat kidney disease and have been found to increase the risk of heart problems are Procrit, Epogen and Aranesp. These are brand names for darbepoetin and epoetin alfa injections used in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.These particular anemia drugs could lead to a blood clot in the vascular access, the part of the body where blood is removed and returned during dialysis. Additionally, these anemia drugs could also cause tumors in cancer patients to grow or return. They may also lead to cancer death.When anemia drugs cause a serious illness or health condition, like heart problems, a dangerous drug claim may be filed. A Chicago product liability attorney will work on your behalf to help protect your legal rights. 

When to Hire a Chicago Product Liability Attorney

A Chicago product liability 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 dangerous drug claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have suffered broken bones in an accident in Illinois that was caused by the negligence of another, a Chicago personal injury attorney can advise you on pursuing a personal injury claim.Broken bones, or fractures, can sometimes result in more complicated injuries. The healing process will depend on certain factors such as the force of the break and the strength of the bone. Sometimes, bones take a long time to heal. This is known as delayed union. In some circumstances, a bone may never properly heal, which is called nonunion. This presents a new set of challenges for the injured party, including additional treatment for complications.When multiple broken bones occur, such as to the shoulder, arm, legs or feet, this can make the recovery time prolonged. Because you will need to take time off from work, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages.Additionally, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, therapy and rehabilitation. A Chicago personal injury attorney will work hard to compile the necessary evidence to prove your case.Consulting with a Chicago personal injury attorney should be your next step if you have suffered broken bones and fractures in an Illinois accident. An attorney will guide you in the filing of your Illinois personal injury claim. 

When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyA 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.

One type of common injury that can occur in a car accident is a neck injury. However a neck injury can also affect the back and spinal cord. When there is damage to the discs or you suffer spinal stenosis, neck surgery such as neck fusion may be necessary. If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident that was someone else’s fault, then damages related to your injuries may be recoverable through an Illinois personal injury claim.The most common symptom experienced in this type of neck injury is pain. When the pain cannot be managed non-surgically, neck surgery may become necessary. Or if there are other areas of the body that are damaged, neck fusion may be required.

Neck fusion can be done a number of different ways but no matter how it’s accomplished, it will result in medical expenses and a significant recovery time. If you are unable to work for a period of time pre- or post surgery, your lost income in addition to your medical expenses may also be recoverable through an Illinois personal injury claim.

A Chicago car crash lawyer will consider all potential damages in your claim and any future treatment or lost income that may apply. When neck fusion becomes necessary after a Chicago car accident, your legal options available are best pursued with the help of a Chicago car crash lawyer.

When to Hire a Chicago Car Crash Lawyer

A Chicago car crash 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.

Debra Hersman, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, addressed the National Sleep Foundation last week and encouraged them to continue to research causes and cures of fatigue, including sleep apnea.  It is well established that fatigue is a major cause of accidents in the transportation industry and has been a cause of many serious truck accidents in recent years.Currently, federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be working and actually operating a tractor trailer due to the adverse effects that fatigue has on driver performance.  However, more recent studies have shown that sleep apnea is a widespread problem with truck drivers and is largely untreated.  This means that even when a truck driver limits his hours in service to that which is allowed under the regulations, he may still be suffering the effects of fatigue due to poor quality rest.  There are no regulations at present addressing this emerging issue in the trucking industry.

One of the most common causes of Illinois truck accidents is that the truck driver was too fatigued or otherwise impaired to react quickly enough to a dangerous situation. In 2008 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 37% of fatal truck accidents were caused by driver-related factors.Commercial truck drivers have federal laws governing the amount of time they may legally operate their truck before having to take a required amount of off-duty time. Because of the nature of their job, many drivers neglect to follow these guidelines and push their physical limits of sleep and rest. When a driver is deprived of sleep, their reaction time slows, causing more accidents.Aggressive driving is also a large issue in the cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers who are negligent in keeping their cool with adverse traffic experiences can often become distracted and cause more hazards on the road.Intoxication by alcohol or other substances is another issue which can adversely affect any driver. Many truck drivers have been found to abuse stimulant drugs such as caffeine pills, amphetamines, and even serious drugs like MDMA/Ecstacy. This is done to combat the fatigue experienced on long hauls, instead of safer alternatives like sleep or frequent breaks.When you are involved in a serious Illinois truck accident, you need to be aware of the types of truck driver negligence that may affect your claim. When filing a personal injury claim to recover damages for your Illinois truck accident, the negligence of both drivers will be called into question, so you must be able to prove the truck driver’s negligence caused your accident. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. knows there is a crucial window to be able to obtain the driver records when you are involved in a truck accident. For help in making sure your Illinois truck accident claim is filed as quickly as possible, contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

People who suffer from trip and fall accidents often sustain serious rotator cuff injuries. Many times, these injuries are so severe that surgery is required to fix them. But now there is a new technique to surgically repair rotator cuff injuries that may be superior to traditional methods.The Net BridgeThe procedure is called a Net Bridge, and it was developed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.Traditional rotator cuff surgery involves reconnecting torn muscles and tendons to the bones from where they originally detached. Unfortunately, about 15% of patients who have this procedure are forced to undergo additional surgery because the attachments do not hold. The Net Bridge method operates under a different concept: providing a more even distribution of attachment points over a given area.How the Net Bridge Procedure Works A surgeon performing the Net Bridge operation inserts several tiny anchors in the bone. Then a special fiber tape is attached to each of these anchors. The other end of the tape, which acts as a compression net, is placed over the injured tendon.The Net Bridge procedure has produced hopeful results so far. Dr. ElAttrache claims that the operation reduces the risk of reinjuring the rotator cuff when compared to traditional surgical methods. And he says that athletes are usually able to resume their activities within 6 weeks.If you have sustained a rotator cuff injury, consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. If you suffered the injury in a trip and fall accident, you may want to contact a qualified personal injury attorney.For more information on rotator cuff injuries, read our article on Trip and Fall Injuries and Rotator Cuff Injuries.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyAfter a serious accident, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Burn injuries are all too common in the United States, and are a frequent result of accidents, including car accidents. You would think that because burn injuries occur so frequently, there would be no confusion as to how to treat them. Unfortunately, some myths persist about how to properly address burn injuries.The Right Way to Treat Burn InjuriesIf you or a loved one suffers a minor burn, here are the correct steps to take. 

• Place the affected area under cool running water for 5 to 15 minutes. You can also immerse the skin in cool water if you choose.
• Bandage the area with loose-fitting gauze.
• Take over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce pain and discomfort. 

If the burn causes severe blistering, you should seek immediate medical attention.Common Burn Injury MythsChalk it up to the persistence of “old wives’ tales,” but several long-standing myths about the treatment of burn injuries may actually do more harm than good: 

• Applying ice to a burn. Ice is so cold that it can actually “burn” or further damage the wound.
• Applying butter or oil to a burn. These substances actually trap heat in the skin instead of cooling it, which could lead to infection.
• Breaking burn blisters. This does not speed healing to the burned area; rather, it leaves the skin more vulnerable to infection. 

Doctors May Believe the MythsYou might think that medical personnel are well-versed in proper burn injury treatments, but that isn’t always the case. According to a recent survey of physicians, one in three doctors believed that ice was indeed a proper treatment for burns.If you believe that your burn injury was not treated properly by medical personnel, you may wish to contact a Chicago burn injury lawyer. For more information about burn injuries and how they occur, visit our library. Hiring a Chicago Burn Injury AttorneyWith serious medical issues such as burn injuries, it’s always best to consult a medical professional to help with diagnosis and treatment. During this time, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago burn injury attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.A Chicago burn injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall for the Hitachi Koki nail gun.  The reason for the recall is that there is a fault feeder device for the nails.  The nail gun product defect could cause nails to be ejected from the gun sideways, posing a risk of harm to users and bystanders.There have been 37 reports of nails being ejected sideways with 15 reports of injuries, including 5 cases where there was partial blindness as a result of the accident.It is important to keep in mind that most nail guns are used commercially, which means that injured workers would also be entitled to seek Illinois worker’s compensation benefits from their employer, in addition to the third party product defect liability suit against the manufacturer of the nail gun.  However, it is important to keep in mind that the relationship between the worker’s compensation case and the third party liability suit is quite complex, so anyone injured at work due to a defect in an industrial product should be certain to promptly retain the services of an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer and to take steps to retain the remains of the product.

Before you get back on your motorcycle and head out on Illinois’ roads this spring, especially after a long winter without use, you need to ensure your motorcycle is in proper working order.The best way to go about doing this is to create a motorcycle safety checklist.(The following motorcycle safety checklist is a modification of a list created by Nationwide Insurance.)Tires -make sure your tires are in proper working order, such as looking for weather cracking, tread depth (in more than one spot), and tire pressure.Wheels – look at your wheels for any signs of loose spokes or bent rims.Lights – check the condition of your lenses for signs of cracking or condensation as well as testing your headlamp, turn signals, brake lights and tail lights, then replacing any bulbs that need it.Battery – you won’t get very far with a dead or nearly dead battery, so make sure your battery is fully charged, or replace an old battery if the case is bulging.Fluids – always check your fluid levels before getting on your motorcycle, this includes engine oil, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, your coolant, and of course fuel. If your bike has been in storage all winter, chances are you will need an oil change and a new filter.Controls – this refers to your throttles, cables and hoses. Check your throttles to ensure they twist freely and snap back in the off position. Additionally, look at your cables and hoses for any signs of damage and that they are not interfering with suspension and steering.Brakes – even though you’ve already checked your brake fluid, you still need to inspect your brake pads and liners.Tools – every biker needs to keep a tool kit, first aid kit, and ideally a tire repair kit on their bike at all times in case emergencies happen on the road. If you haven’t looked at your kits for a while, make sure all the parts are still in working order and replace any expired medications that may be in you first aid kit.Gear – motorcycle safety doesn’t stop at your bike, it also applies to your motorcycle gear. Make sure your helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and goggles are all in good working order and still fit you properly.By making sure your motorcycle is road safe you can decrease the chances of being in an Illinois motorcycle accident. While many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers, especially those in larger vehicles like cars or trucks, making sure that you are doing everything you can to protect yourself will allow you to fully enjoy your riding experience.If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident, a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will listen to your case and let you know what legal options are available. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.

A motorcyclist is vulnerable to drivers in other vehicles on the road, which is the leading cause of motorcycle crashes. Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be life altering and debilitating. The lack of protection a motorcyclist has puts them at great risk for serious injuries or even death as the result of a serious motorcycle accident.Some of the injuries that can result from a motorcycle crash include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – TBI’s include a wide variety of brain injuries including closed head injuries. Closed head injuries are those that occur when there is no outside visible wound or laceration, however, the brain has still been damaged. Every year there are over 570,000 cases of closed head injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Some are mild injuries, however, other spinal injuries can lead to paralysis.
• Orthopedic Injuries – Fractures or broken bones, torn ligaments or tendons, and sprained or strained muscles.

Not always given much consideration are traumatic emotional injuries that can occur as a result of a motorcycle accident. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may happen to motorcyclists who have been involved in a motorcycle crash and can become debilitating without treatment.  To learn more about the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, visit our article library If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.

Contacting a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A 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.

Motorcycle defects can pose serious risks to motorcyclists and other motorists. If a defective part or design flaw causes a motorcycle accident, then the manufacturer may be held completely liable.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will investigate all cases of defective motorcycle parts and malfunctions and then order a recall if necessary. Visit our article library to read more about motorcycle manufacturer defects.  Because the outcome of a motorcycle accident can be so severe, it is important that you do regular maintenance checks on your motorcycle. A small defect may result in long periods in the hospital and expensive medical bills. If you think your motorcycle might have a defect you should report it to your local dealer or the manufacturer’s main office. Motorcyclists may make reports about defective motorcycles directly to the NHTSA.The NHTSA conducts its investigation in 4 stages:  

• Screening – reports submitted by motorcyclists are reviewed along with other related information to determine whether an investigation is needed;
• Petition Analysis – the administration will review all the petitions made regarding the need for a defective motorcycle recall and/or safety hazards;
• Investigation – This is done in two parts: a preliminary evaluation and engineering analysis;
• Recall Management – after a recall is ordered, the process is monitored to track the recall rate, the effectiveness of the solutions, etc. 

The NHTSA functions in the best interest of motorcyclists and provides measures to ensure safety at all time. If you were injured due to your own reckless riding or negligence, however, your claim may be dismissed without consideration.Injuries that result from motorcycle accidents are often more severe than automobile accidents. If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident due to a manufacturer’s defects, then a Chicago personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you with your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.