Fosamax, a prescription drug used to treat bone loss, is just one bisphosphonate drug on the market currently under investigation for its link to femur fractures. An expert panel has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include special warnings on these medications.The recommendations ask the FDA to include a warning which states the risk of femur fractures on these medications. The panel has also requested that the FDA develop diagnostic codes that can aid in reporting new cases of femur fracture. In addition, the panel would like an international registry of patients put in place to track future cases and provide important data for further research.While the femur fractures appear to be rare, they are still a risk and just one of many serious Fosamax side effects that the manufacturer, Merck & Company, is addressing.Fosamax has been proven to help patients with osteoporosis but a number of other severe medical conditions can result from taking the potentially dangerous prescription drug. If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of taking Fosamax, then you may be eligible for compensation in an Illinois dangerous prescription drug claim. A Chicago product liability lawyer can help collect evidence to prove how the dangerous side effects of Fosamax led to your condition, and can represent you in legal proceedings while you focus on recovery. Contacting a Chicago Product Liability LawyerThe Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

If you have experienced serious side effects from taking Fosamax, a prescription drug used to treat osteoporosis, you may be eligible to file an Illinois dangerous prescription drug claim against the makers of Fosamax.An experienced Chicago product liability attorney can evaluate the facts in your case and determine if your injuries are related to taking Fosamax. Your attorney can also help gather the medical evidence necessary to prove your injuries and help you file your Illinois dangerous drug claim.Fosamax Side Effects Fosamax is considered a dangerous prescription drug because of the serious side effects that can occur to those who use the medication.Some of the more severe Fosamax side effects include: 

• Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) – a bone disease of the jaw where the jaw bone’s tissue dies, which can eventually lead to a complete collapse of the bone if it is left untreated or undetected.
• GI Tract – a number of problems with the GI tract can occur, which may include obstipation (severe constipation), cancer of the esophagus and severe abdominal cramping.
• Stevens – Johnson syndrome (SJS) – a potentially fatal condition in which the layers of skin separate and die.  

If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of taking Fosamax, then you may be eligible for compensation in an Illinois dangerous prescription drug claim. You can learn more about the dangerous side effects of Fosamax by visiting our article library.  Contacting a Chicago Product Liability AttorneyThe Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

Trucking accidents can be expensive and deadly. One way to prevent such tragedies is to make sure that all tractor trailers in the U.S. are properly registered and insured. This responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).The FMCSA was established in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency was born out of the Federal Highway Administration, and its primary purpose is to prevent injuries and fatalities involving tractor trailers. It strives to accomplish its mission by: 

• Enforcing safety regulations;
• Focusing on high-risk truck drivers and companies;
• Advancing safety information programs;
• Improving tractor trailer equipment, technology, and standards; and
• Raising safety awareness. 

The FMCSA works closely with local, state, and other federal enforcement agencies to monitor trucking activity across the U.S. Some of its activities include: 

• Enforcing regulations pertaining to commercial transportation of dangerous and hazardous materials;
• Testing and licensing commercial truck drivers;
• Collecting and distributing information and data about trucking safety;
• Overseeing programs to eliminate high-risk drivers from U.S. highways;
• Giving financial assistance to states for roadside inspections and other truck safety initiatives;
• Supporting standardized trucking procedures for the continent; and
• Allocating resources to improve and maintain trucking safety. 

If you have questions about regulations or requirements faced by truck drivers, you can contact the FMCSA. If you have been injured in an Illinois truck accident, you should consult a Chicago truck accident attorney about your legal options.For more information on trucking safety and financial responsibility, read our article on Truck Company Financial Responsibility.Hiring a Chicago Truck Accident AttorneyWith serious medical issues such as truck accident 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 truck accident attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.The Chicago truck accident 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.

The recently concluded Child Passenger Safety Week shone a spotlight on the need to reduce the risk of child injuries related to car seats and restraints, something that is critical all year round. Parents need to make sure that their child’s car seat and seat belts are free from defects before properly securing their children in them.A defective child car seat can result in serious injuries or even death. If your child has been injured from a child car restraint, a product liability lawyer can help gather evidence to substantiate a product liability lawsuit.Safety Measures to Protect Children in Car Seats and RestraintsSome safety measures that can help protect children in car seats and restraints include: 

• Children 12 and under should always ride in the back.
• Infants should be secured in a rear-facing child seat (until at least one-year-old and 20 pounds).
• Children who outgrow an infant seat should be secured in a forward-facing child seat (until at least age 4 and 40 pounds).
• Children who outgrow a forward-facing child seat should be secured in a booster seat (until at least age 8 and 4’9” high).
• Children who outgrow a booster seat should be secured with an adult seat belt.

Even when safety measures are carefully followed, accidents and child car seat defects may still occur. If your child has been seriously injured because of a defective or dangerous car seat, you should immediately contact a Chicago product liability lawyer. Contacting a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer  The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express the degree of fault to the court. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Blair LLC have issued a voluntary recall of 162,000 full length chenille robes.  This product was originally recalled in April, 2009 after reports of three robes catching fire, with one resulting in second degree burns.  After the recall was announced, the manufacturer learned of 6 additional fires, including five that resulted in wrongful death.  Five of the six victims were female, and all were cooking at the time.  Three of the burn victims were in their 80’s.

The prescription drug Avandia, which helps control diabetes, has been shown to cause serious side effects. Despite these risks, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is not issuing a recall; instead, they are restricting the use of Avandia.This comes after a study revealed that there was an increased risk of stroke and heart attack for patients who take Avandia. This is especially true for patients who are already at risk for cardiovascular problems.Meanwhile, the sales for Avandia have been temporarily suspended in Europe. Here in the United States, the restrictions on Avandia will just make it more difficult for doctors to prescribe.There are approximately 600,000 patients in the United States currently taking Avandia. It is believed that these patients can continue to take the prescription diabetes medication if they meet certain requirements.The requirements for continued use of Avandia include: 

• there must be no alternative drug that can keep blood sugar under control;
• the drug must currently help to manage blood sugar; and
• doctors must inform patients of its risks.

New prescriptions for Avandia can only be given to patients if they are unable to take Actos, another prescription medication used to treat blood sugar levels. Actos has not been shown to cause the heart problems that are linked to Avandia.If you have been seriously injured by taking Avandia, contact a Chicago product liability lawyer to learn more about filing an Illinois dangerous drug claim. Contact a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer TodayIf you have been seriously injured after experiencing severe Avandia side effects, you may be eligible to file a dangerous drug claim. A Chicago product liability lawyer can evaluate your case, collect the necessary medical evidence and help you file your dangerous drug claim.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand how liability can spread across one or more defendants. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a personal injury claim involving an Illinois government entity. A government entity can include: 

• counties
• townships
• municipalities
• municipal corporations
• school districts
• park districts
• fire protection districts
• sanitary districts 

State-governed entities such as state troopers or state parks are also considered government entities.With personal injury claims against government entities in Illinois you typically have 1 year from the date of injury in which to file your claim. Depending on which branch of government or office you are dealing with, this time limit may be shortened to as little as 30 days. This is why it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible to avoid denial because of expiration of the statute of limitations.Filing immediately also gives you the benefit of having all the details of the accident fresh in your mind. This will make it easier to collect evidence and obtain clearer witness statements to help support your injury claim. Adjusters and the court also see timely filing of your claim as more proof of a legitimate injury – after all, if you waited so long to file, was it really that bad?Filing a personal injury claim against a government entity is a serious process which is often difficult to do alone. Our article explains some of the basics, but for complete assistance in the claims process, you should talk to a Chicago personal injury lawyer. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help with your claim regardless if it involved a government entity or not. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

A facial injury that is the result of an Illinois accident may lead you to file an Illinois personal injury claim. If someone else’s actions caused the accident that led to your injuries, that person may be held liable and you may be entitled to compensation.A facial injury can lead to not only physical discomfort, such as pain and swelling, but it may also lead to emotional trauma if you suffer permanent disfigurement or scarring. There is also the financial aspect of undergoing costly treatment for a serious facial injury.Depending on the severity of your facial injury, you may be facing cosmetic surgery. While this can help lessen the physical impact of the injuries to the face, it may also alter the appearance. All of this can be devastating and completely change an individual’s quality of life. You deserve to be compensated for this, which is why you need the help of an experienced and knowledgeable Chicago personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to pursue compensation for your physical, emotional and financial suffering after an Illinois accident. A Chicago personal injury lawyer will work on your behalf to help put together a solid Illinois personal injury claim.A Chicago personal injury lawyer will lay out for you what your legal options are and estimate how much compensation you may be eligible to receive. Consulting with a lawyer should be your next step if an Illinois accident has resulted in serious facial injuries. When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerA 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 an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been seriously injured because of a dangerous or defective product in Chicago, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer and any other liable parties. FDA Issues New Warnings for Gadolinium As a result of gadolinium’s association with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), a painful disease that affects individuals with kidney problems, the FDA has issued new warnings for gadolinium based contrast dyes.Gadolinium based dyes are used intravenously to help detect abnormalities in individuals who undergo an MRI. It’s been found that gadolinium can cause serious medical complications for patients who have temporary or long-term diminished kidney function.Before this discovery, the FDA had required a warning label to advise of potential risks. Now it has issued new warnings. For 3 manufacturers of this dye, the warning must indicate that it is not appropriate for patients with severe chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury.The products and manufacturers include: 

• Omniscan by GE Healthcare;
• OptiMARK by Covidien; and
• Magnevist by Bayer.

In addition, all labels for gadolinium will warn that patients should be screened for kidney dysfunction before receiving the dye. The FDA has taken these efforts to cut down on the incidence of conditions such as NSF, which are associated with gadolinium.If you have been injured from gadolinium or another dangerous/defective medical product, you should contact a Chicago product liability lawyer. A product liability lawyer in Chicago will work on your behalf to help you recover damages to which you may be entitled.  Contacting a Chicago Product Liability LawyerThe Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence, contact us today – 312-263-1080.

After a fatal accident, families are left to deal with settling their loved one’s estate. If your loved one left a will, the will should indicate who the executor of the estate is. An executor can be a person, more than one person or an organization like a bank.When a person passes away without a will, an administrator will be appointed according to Illinois law. The person or people who are the executor or administrator have responsibilities to the estate regarding an Illinois wrongful death claim.Administrator/Executor Wrongful Death ClaimsThe executor of an estate not only decides if the estate should file a wrongful death suit, he or she decides what party to file the lawsuit against and decides when to settle the case. In addition, the executor will protect the interests of the estate’s beneficiaries impartially, will help with negotiating the settlement and will attend court proceedings. After settlement is reached, the executor of the estate will make sure that the estate is then distributed correctly. After this is accomplished, the executor will file proof with the court that the estate was disbursed according to the agreement.The executor cannot work for his or her own benefit nor for the benefit of one specific beneficiary. The administrator must work for all of the beneficiaries equally. In addition, the executor or administrator usually will not be paid for time spent on settling the estate, with a few exceptions can be explained on a case by case basis by your attorney. Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerLosing a loved one to a tragic and preventable accident carries with it an emotional toll that can quickly become overwhelming when funeral costs and medical bills come pouring in, especially if your family relied on the income of the deceased as your main source of financial support. If you have lost a spouse, parent, or other family member due to neglect, you may be entitled to receive compensation from those responsible to help your family get back its feet after your loss.With so much going on during this emotional time, it’s best to have the help of an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping the families of accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve to move on with their lives. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

Elevator shaft accidents and related construction site injuries can lead to permanent disability or even death. Having to cope with a Workers’ Compensation dispute is an added stress that accident victims and their families shouldn’t have to encounter at a time like this. An experienced Chicago construction accident lawyer can talk to you about your accident injuries, Workers’ Compensation and your avenues for recourse if and when Workers’ Compensation isn’t enough to cover your medical expenses and long-term needs.In order to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits, you must notify your employer of your injuries within 45 days of the accident and file the appropriate paperwork with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.After the paperwork is filed, Workers’ Compensation will assign a case number to your file and appoint an arbitrator to handle your case. An arbitrator will address your case after you have healed completely. The exception is if you request an emergency hearing.Arbitrators typically issue their decisions within 60 days of the trial. Either you or your employer can appeal the decision.Workers’ Compensation Disputes If you or your employer appeals your arbitrator’s decision, the appeal will go through a process. The steps of this process include: 

• Ÿ Appointing 3 arbitrators, call the “Commission,” to review evidence of your case and the decision made by your arbitrator as well as any additional arguments that you or your former employer want to submit;
• Ÿ Listening to oral arguments, which usually run for 5 to 10 minutes, from you and/or your employer at a hearing; and
• Ÿ Issuing a final decision within 60 days.  

Courts usually uphold a Commission’s decision as the final step in the legal process.When to Hire a Chicago Construction Accident LawyerWhen Workers’ Compensation isn’t enough to fully address your medical needs after a Chicago construction accident, contact an attorney who can talk to you about your options for legal recourse and third-party liability claims.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to handle your worksite injuries case. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080.

What will it take for people to stop drinking and driving in Illinois? The public awareness campaigns about the dangers of impaired driving apparently aren’t reaching a certain segment of the population. And getting busted by police for DUI doesn’t always seem to solve the problem. Nor does getting into an auto accident which injures or kills someone else. How about this? If you drive drunk, you might have to endure the horrifying experience of watching your vehicle go up in flames – with your passenger trapped inside.That’s what happened to one alleged drunk driver in Winnebago County last week. Early Friday morning around 1am, a 32-year old man was driving eastbound on Route 75 in Durand, which is several miles south of the Wisconsin border. The man’s 1994 Buick Le Sabre Limited reportedly left the roadway around Winslow Road and smashed into a light pole. The impact sheared the pole off of its base and forced the car to roll over onto its roof and catch fire. The driver managed to free himself from the wreckage, but his passenger remained trapped in the burning vehicle and died on the scene. The victim was identified as a 29-year old woman from Rockton.  The 32-year old man was charged with DUI after he was airlifted to a hospital in Rockford. It is unclear if the occupants of the Buick were related. But if they are not, the family of the woman could choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the car. In addition to reimbursement for burial expenses and compensation for lost future wages, a jury in this type of lawsuit could order the defendant to pay damages for pain and suffering or loss of care and companionship. If the man is convicted of DUI, it’s even possible that he may have to pay punitive damages to the plaintiffs.

If you have been involved in a scaffolding accident, it is important to take immediate action. After tending to your medical needs, begin documenting the accident and collecting information that your Chicago construction accident lawyer may need to put together a solid injury claim on your behalf.Scaffolding Accidents & Medical CareIf you have worksite injuries as a result of a scaffolding accident, the most important thing that you can do now is to get medical help. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to the letter and make it a priority to keep all of your scheduled medical appointments.Keep copies of all of your medical bills and expenses and any medical records to which you have access. In addition, you might want to keep a diary to document your injuries, medications and your healing process. You may forget important details if you try to reconstruct events later.Scaffolding Accidents & Your EmployerYou are required to notify your employer within 45 days of the accident in order to file for Workers’ Compensation. Remember that by accepting Workers’ Compensation benefits, you relinquish the right to pursue a claim against your employer or fellow employees.Scaffolding Accidents & DocumentationIf you are able, take pictures of the accident site. In addition, take pictures of your injuries. Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. Record the incident while it is fresh in your mind in order to best preserve your claim.  To learn more about scaffolding accidents in Chicago, please visit our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Construction Accident LawyerYou need to get a qualified Chicago construction accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Your lawyer will be able to give you additional advice on what type of documentation you might need. Your best chance at receiving the damages you deserve is to have an experienced Chicago construction accident lawyer on your side.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to handle your worksite injuries case. For a free evaluation of your case contact us today – 312-263-1080.

If you ride a motorcycle in Illinois, the state laws DO NOT require you to wear a motorcycle helmet. In fact, you can operate a motorcycle, a scooter, and almost any other type of motor-powered cycle without wearing a helmet. You must, however, wear protective eye gear, unless your motorcycle has its own windshield. But you DO NOT need protective headgear to ride on the highways of Illinois.If you do wear a helmet, there are no restrictions against having internal speakers.The most obvious argument for wearing a motorcycle helmet regardless of state law is that by not wearing a helmet, you can be seriously injured or killed in the event of an Illinois motorcycle crash. Additionally, if you are injured and want to claim damages in a personal injury lawsuit, your neglect to wear a helmet may be seen as an act of your own negligence.Under these circumstances, if you do receive a settlement, the total amount may be reduced by the percentage of your own negligence. In other words, if your settlement is $100,000, but you are found 60% negligent for not wearing a helmet, then you will only receive $40,000 in personal injury damages.To find out what you might be entitled to in your personal injury claim, you can get the advice of a Chicago personal injury attorney.If you ride a motorcycle in Illinois, visit our article on Illinois helmet laws. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerYou should be able to recover from your loss without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your loss or injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois wrongful death or injury claim 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

Your Illinois personal injury claim is going to be investigated by an insurance adjuster – a person whose job it is to uncover details of your accident and obtain the necessary information to make a settlement decision.While they may seem sympathetic to your injuries, their real concern is how to get their company out of the claim while paying you the least amount of damages. Lying to an adjuster about your medical history, injuries, or wages is only asking for trouble.Many insurance claims are dismissed even before they have the chance to come to fruition. One of the first things that happens following the initial filing of your personal injury claim is the recorded statement.Usually taken over the phone, often abruptly, this series of Q&As from the insurance adjuster or investigator is a test designed more to make you admit potentially damaging details about your accident rather than get the details from your point of view.The insurance company is most interested in how to report the case to make the accident seem less serious, or that their client is less at fault. This saves them money by seemingly giving them grounds to settle on a lower amount of compensation by downplaying or twisting the story of the accident.For more information on common mistakes made when pursuing a personal injury claim in Illinois, read our featured article, How To Preserve Your Personal Injury Claim. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you build a strong case from day one and help you avoid the types of mistakes that can destroy your claim!  Contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your case – (312) 263-1080

It is difficult to estimate how many blood transfusion mistakes are made every year. What can be said with certainty is that when blood transfusion mistakes do occur, they can lead to devastating consequences.The risk of acquiring a deadly or lifelong incurable disease is an unfortunate reality when it comes to blood transfusion mistakes. This type of mistake can completely change the course of an individual’s life.Medical professionals can avoid the majority of blood transfusion mistakes. Doctors and other medical professionals owe a standard of care to their patients that prevents further injury. If there is a failure to do so, it can lead to unfortunate consequences for the patient, not to mention a medical malpractice claim.Some of the diseases that can be acquired through blood transfusion mistakes include: 

• Hepatitis B;
• Hepatitis C;
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV);
• Human T-lymphocytotrophic Virus (HTLV-1);
• Hepatitis G Virus (HGV);
• Cryoglobulinemia;
• Transfusion Transmitted Virus (TTV);
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV);
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD);
• Leishmaniasis;
• Lyme disease;
• Chagas disease;
• Babesiosis; and
• Toxoplasmosis.  

Medical negligence can lead to serious injuries or death. If you have been the victim of a blood transfusion mistake, you should speak with an Aurora medical malpractice lawyer. They will advocate on your behalf for the damages to which you may be eligible. Contacting an Aurora Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Aurora 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 as the result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been seriously injured because a physician has provided you with an incorrect diagnosis of your medical condition, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim against that physician.Whether or not a condition is difficult to diagnose, patients should be able to expect that they will receive the proper and necessary treatment. If a doctor fails to provide that treatment and it results in serious injuries, you may be able to recover damages for your pain and suffering, medical bills and other costs related to your injuries.While some conditions may be difficult to diagnose, a qualified healthcare provider will take the time and care to investigate a patient’s symptoms in order to provide a correct diagnosis.A correct diagnosis is important since misdiagnosing a condition or failing to diagnose a condition can lead to serious injuries or even death.Listed below are a few diseases with vague symptoms that can make diagnosis difficult: 

• depression;
• lupus;
• diabetes;
• hypothyroidism;
• multiple sclerosis;
• Lyme disease;
• fibromyalgia; and
• chronic fatigue syndrome. 

The digestive system can also present vague symptoms in a patient, making diagnosis difficult.Some digestive diseases that can be difficult to diagnose include: 

• diabetic diarrhea;
• diabetic gastroparesis;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• celiac disease;
• Crohn’s disease;
• ulcerative colitis; and
• bacterial/viral infection in the digestive tract. 

Contacting an Aurora Medical Malpractice LawyerIf you have been injured because you have received an incorrect diagnosis, you should immediately contact an experienced Aurora medical malpractice lawyer to learn more about your legal options for filing a medical malpractice claim. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Aurora 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.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries or even death. Determining fault in an Illinois motorcycle accident is an important part of the motorcycle accident claims process and will be based on several factors. This is why it’s important to immediately contact a Chicago injury lawyer if you have experienced a motorcycle accident in Chicago or the surrounding regions.Contrary to popular belief, most accidents involving a motorcycle are not the fault of the motorcyclist. It has been found that in 80% of motorcycle accidents, the cause was another party’s negligence.Sometimes negligence is a result of the lack of respect in sharing the road with motorcyclists. Other times negligence is a result of driver inattention, failure to obey signs or even driving under the influence. These are just some of the many factors that can play into another party’s negligence.Since every accident is unique, liability cannot be determined without the help of an experienced and qualified attorney. Your Chicago injury lawyer can use the evidence that you collect after an Illinois motorcycle accident to determine issues of fault and negligence.If you have been involved in an Illinois motorcycle accident, contact a Chicago injury lawyer who can help you get through the complex process of determining liability.  If you have questions about what needs to be done after an Illinois motorcycle accident, visit our article library. Contacting a Chicago Injury 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, a Chicago injury 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.

Risperdal is a prescription medication used to treat irritability in autistic children and adults suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Additionally, the drug has been found to increase the chances of developing diabetes or causing blood sugar levels to worsen for those who already have diabetes.You may be eligible to receive compensation through filing an Illinois dangerous drug claim if you have suffered diabetic complications that are a result of taking Risperdal. A Chicago product liability attorney can assist you when determining the validity of your case and the liable parties.Some of the diabetic complications that are associated with Risperdal include: 

• hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels);
• ketoacidosis (untreated hyperglycemia);
• pancreatitis;
• diabetic coma; and
• death.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds. These are just some of the symptoms that your physician should be made aware of if you are currently taking or had been taking Risperdal.  It is also very important that diabetics who take Risperdal regularly monitor their blood sugar levels in case their condition begins to worsen.You can learn more about the connection between Risperdal and diabetes by visiting our article library. 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.

Dealing with insurance companies in a third-party liability lawsuit can be challenging. This is because you are dealing with insurance companies that are skilled in defending claims and doing all they can to avoid paying them. This is especially true if you have suffered serious injuries.This is why you can benefit from hiring a Chicago injury lawyer who will work on your behalf, looking out for your best interests, and fighting for your rights. You should never attempt to deal with insurance companies on your own when involved in a third-party liability lawsuit.Insurance companies will try anything to avoid payment of your claim or at least drastically reduce the amount for which you are compensated.Some of the tactics insurance companies may use include: 

• Claiming you are exaggerating your injuries; 
• Stating your injury was a result of a pre-existing condition or previous accident;
• Saying that you failed to get the recommended medical care;
• Laying the blame solely with the employer and/or co-worker(s); or
• Claiming you are guilty of contributory negligence. 

Contributory negligence is something to pay attention to. This means that you are partly at fault for your accident and the resulting injuries. This is based on the premise that you have an obligation to look out for your own safety and if you fail to do so, then you have contributed to your injury and should be penalized for that.For more information, read our article on Workers’ Compensation Claims and Personal Injury Claim to get a better understanding. Hiring a Chicago Injury LawyerDuring 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 injury lawyer can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.The Chicago injury lawyers 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

If you have suffered injuries as a result of DePuy ASR Hip Replacements, which have been recalled due to their high failure rate, you may be entitled to recover damages through an Illinois defective product claim. A defective product lawyer in Chicago can help determine if your injuries are the result of a defective hip replacement system.The DePuy ASR Hip Replacements have caused many patients to experience chronic pain or undergo additional surgery. Damage to the muscles, nerves and bones can occur when the defective hip replacement system malfunctions.Serious injuries can occur when:  

• the implant doesn’t stay attached properly;
• the components are misaligned; and/or
• the patient experiences a fracture around the area of the implant.  

Additionally, metal particles from the defective hip replacement have been found to cause injuries when they wear off and travel to fluid surrounding the joints and muscles.If you have experienced, pain, swelling or difficulty walking after receiving a DePuy ASR Hip Replacement, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer to help with the costs of your additional medical treatments and other expenses.A defective product lawyer in Chicago will carefully examine the facts in your case to determine if manufacturer negligence led to your injuries from a defective hip replacement. He or she can also assist you with filing your Illinois defective product claim.You can learn more about defective product claims related to DePuy ASR Hip Replacements by visiting our article library. When to Hire a Defective Product Lawyer in Chicago A defective product lawyer in Chicago 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 defective product claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Since January of 2005, CTA el trains have derailed 13 times.  The rate of CTA subway train derailments is higher than of the New York and Washington, DC subway systems combined.  Following each derailment, the root cause is examined by the National Transportation Safety Board, and they have to find a cause of the derailment.  For example, with regard to the 2006 Blue Line derailment, they found that poor maintenance was the root cause of the derailment.  That derailment left passengers in a situation where they had to exit cars into smoke-filled tunnels to try to find a place of safety.A long history of neglect of maintenance has placed the CTA in a tough position as it faces tough budgetary times.  It has a legal obligation to exercise the highest degree of care for the safety of its passengers, but lacks the resources to meet that legal obligation by making sure that the tracks are properly inspected and repaired as needed.In the end, CTA el trains will continue to derail, and the CTA will continue to pay claims instead of paying for repairs.

One of the most devastating and expensive injuries to sustain in an accident in Chicago is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When the brain damage is severe, it can lead to costly medical bills and treatment.With the help of a Chicago injury attorney you may be able to pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered as a result of another individual’s carelessness or negligence. When the fault of your accident in Chicago is due to someone else, they can be held legally liable for your medical treatments, lost wages, and other damages.The costs associated with a traumatic brain injury can’t be measured easily as there are not only physical injuries but emotional injuries as well. It is estimated that treatment for a traumatic brain injury can range from a few thousand dollars for a mild case or a few million dollars if the victim is young and requires life-long treatment.Some of the damages that you may be entitled to recover for your TBI through an Illinois personal injury claim include: 

• doctor bills;
• hospital bills;
• current lost income;
• future medical bills;
• future lost income;
• pain and suffering;
• disability;
• emotional distress; and
• rehabilitation.

Additionally, you may be entitled to recover compensation if a severe TBI requires you to make substantial changes to your home such as installing wheelchair ramps and making kitchens and bathrooms wheelchair accessible.If an accident in Chicago has caused you to suffer a traumatic brain injury, consulting with a Chicago injury attorney should be your next step in order to determine what your legal options are and if you have a valid injury claim. When to Hire a Chicago Injury AttorneyA 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.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident that was caused by someone else’s neglect and are considering filing an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit, you may be wondering how damages work in these types of claims. The first thing you want to do is contact a Chicago wrongful death attorney who will help determine if you have a viable case.To learn how to file a wrongful death lawsuit, visit our article library. Damages in an Illinois wrongful death claim are awarded to the deceased victim’s next of kin, starting with the spouse and/or children. If the victim does not have a living spouse or children, the compensation goes to parents and/or siblings, and finally to other family members if the victim does not have any living parents or siblings.These damages are to compensate for the loss and to prevent others from negligent actions that could result in someone else’s death.Damages from a wrongful death lawsuit can help cover costs associated with:

• Lost future wages;
• Funeral expenses;
• Pain and suffering for the family;

• Loss of financial support;
• Loss of parental guidance and support; and
• Loss of companionship.

Additionally, a survival action may also be filed which would compensate the deceased’s estate for damages incurred during and after the accident but before the victim succumbed to their injuries, such as:

• Medical bills;
• Pain and suffering of the victim;
• Lost wages; and
• Other considerations specific to the accident/claim.

Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death LawyerA Chicago wrongful death lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can talk to you about the types of compensation that you and your family might be entitled to after the loss of a loved one. If you are coping with the loss of a spouse or family member after an Illinois accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080

In most cases, a DUI arrest in Illinois is considered a misdemeanor for the first two convictions. In the case of your drunk driving accident, however, the driver who caused the crash as a result of their intoxication is now guilty of a felony. Any DUI arrest in connection with a car accident that caused personal injury or death results automatically in felony charges.A 3rd conviction DUI or one that causes a crash resulting in serious bodily injury to anyone involved will be tried in a criminal case for a Class 4 felony. This comes with a minimum loss of license for 10 years, a possible 1 to 12 years of jail time, and fines up to $25,000.If the drunk driving accident resulted in a death, the DUI driver’s conviction moves to a Class 2 felony. They now face 3 to 14 years for a single death, 6 to 28 years for multiple deaths, and fines up to $25,000. In most cases, drivers convicted of DUI-related-deaths lose their license for life.Our article about Illinois DUI laws explains how these laws may impact the proceedings of your Illinois personal injury lawsuit. Remember that criminal charges may send the drunk driver to prison but they won’t help with your medical bills.  If you want to seek compensation for your accident injuries and property damage, you need to talk to a Chicago personal injury lawyer. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you file your personal injury claim in a timely manner, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080