Fatal car accidents are often the result of driver negligence, intoxication or both. In these cases, when the surviving driver is found to be guilty of any of these factors, they often face criminal charges under Illinois state laws. The first charge they can face is a Class 1 felony if they fail to stop at the scene of the accident or file a report with the police within a half hour.Once the fatal accident is reported, the attending law enforcement may issue citations for various traffic law violations of which the negligent driver was guilty. These violations carry their own additional penalties and fines not associated with the severe penalties for causing an accident resulting in death. Violations of traffic laws are often used to cite the degree of fault in your wrongful death lawsuit.The penalty for a Class 1 Felony in Illinois can include 4 to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. The guilty driver may also be tested for intoxication and if found guilty, can face additional DUI charges. In almost all cases, suspension or revocation of the guilty driver’s license is an additional penalty levied alongside their other criminal charges.If the driver responsible for your loved one’s fatal car accident is guilty of any criminal charges, these can be used as evidence of reckless and negligent behavior when filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Our article on fatal car accidents and wrongful death claims will help you proceed with your claim and seek compensation for your losses. Once you’ve learned the basics, an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you with the filing and lawsuit procedures to work toward a fair settlement. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. are available to help you through your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

In some dog attack cases, depending on city, county and state laws, there may be criminal penalties. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog attack in the Chicago area, you should know the dog bite laws for Illinois. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the dog attack, along with the types of injuries sustained or if a victim has died, responsible parties can face jail time for dog attacks.The most severe penalty, that is rarely given, is murder in the 1st or 2nd degree. Other criminal penalties that may be given include a felony or misdemeanor for any of the following:

• Where injury is serious (felony conviction for mayhem)
• Injury sustained when a dog is ordered to fight, attack or kill
• Using a dog as a deadly weapon
• Injury by a dangerous dog

Manslaughter charges can be brought forth in the following types of dog bite cases:

• Death during commission of misdemeanor per misdemeanor-manslaughter rule
• Death caused by negligence

Misdemeanor charges can be filed based on these types of dog bite cases:

• Based on degree of injury inflicted by attacking dog
• Destruction of attacking dog needed as evidence
• Failure to quarantine a dog
• Failure to produce or provide information about a dog 

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog attack, contact a Chicago dog bite attorney who will fight for your rights.Contacting a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer   Dog bite injuries can leave psychological and physical scars.  At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago dog bite attorneys will examine all aspects of your dog bite case, 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 dog bite incident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

After your Chicago personal injury complaint is filed and the summons is sent to the defendant, they may choose to submit a cross-claim when there are multiple parties involved in your case.For example, you (Driver A) are in a car accident involving 2 other drivers (Driver B and C) and you and Driver B both file separate personal injury lawsuits against Driver C for causing the accident and your injuries. However, Driver C may feel that something Driver B did also contributed to the accident. Driver C may then file a cross-claim against Driver B to include them in the claim. Driver B must now submit an answer to the cross-claim to accept or deny it, just as with a regular answer.A third-party complaint is where the defendant has legal reason to pass the liability for your personal injury claim to another party. In the event of a contract where a third party promises to be liable for injuries at a venue, the defendant may file a third-party complaint to include that third party in the claim. In the case of a third-party complaint, the third party is the one who must file an answer to the new complaint.There are many follow-up claims and complaints that can be filed following your initial Chicago personal injury claim. For a more in-depth look at the filing of a Chicago 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 Chicago personal injury case for more than 15 years. You Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

Your Illinois auto insurance policy will offer coverage options for custom parts and equipment, which would include most any additional parts that were installed after the car left the factory. These non-factory additions may be done at a dealership, an auto body shop, or even by yourself.Some common examples of non-factory equipment include: 

• spoilers
• body kits
• roll bars
• bed liners
• trailer hitches
• camper shells
• custom wheels
• dealer-installed equipment
• stereo or other media equipment 

When filing a property damage claim for your vehicle damages, it’s important to know the value of your non-factory equipment and be able to prove how much it will cost to replace or repair.There are some cases where your property damage claim will not cover non-factory equipment. These include instances wherein equipment was improperly installed, contributed to the accident, or if it is found to be illegal. The state of Illinois does not allow for additions such as video displays in the front of the vehicle (except for navigation or driver view assistance devices) or undercarriage neon lighting, so these items would not be eligible for damages.Vehicles modified for medical needs such as steering assistance or wheelchair access are also considered non-factory equipment. These items, as long as they are properly installed by a professional, are considered necessary for the vehicle and would be considered recoverable damages.It’s tricky to figure out what property is covered in a property damage claim in the event of a Chicago car accident. Visit our library for more information about property damage claims in Illinois and learn more about what property may be covered in your property damage claim.The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have been helping car crash victims like you understand their personal property claims for years and you have nothing to lose from our free case evaluation. Contact us today – (312) 263-1080

Each year, hundreds of patients receive inaccurate results and diagnoses as a result of medical testing which has been flawed by laboratory mistakes. While the circumstances will vary for every case of medical malpractice resulting from a laboratory mistake, it is not uncommon for a victim to experience pain and suffering as well as potentially life-changing consequences.   If you have been seriously injured as the result of a laboratory mistake, a Chicago medical malpractice attorney can talk to you about your options for filing a claim and inform you of whether or not you have a viable case.Some of the more serious effects of laboratory mistakes may include: 

• unnecessary surgery;
• delayed treatment of your actual medical condition;
• incorrect blood type transfusion; and
• incorrect prescription and medication. 

Emotional and psychological injuries, such as anxiety and stress, are also common with laboratory mistakes. If you have suffered these types of injuries, you may be eligible to receive damages for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering in a Chicago medical malpractice claim.You can learn more about filing a medical malpractice claim in the wake of a laboratory mistake by visiting our article library. There, we explain how these laboratory errors can occur and what the result of such a mistake can mean for a patient. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice AttorneyIf you have suffered injuries as a result of a laboratory mistake in Chicago, a Chicago medical malpractice attorney can work with you to investigate the details of your case. If it is determined that you have a viable claim, the Chicago injury team at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you file a medical malpractice claim. Contact us today for a no cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080

Contributory negligence is a measure of the degree of fault in a wrongful death claim. When the matter of contributory negligence is brought up in a wrongful death lawsuit, the defense is basically blaming the plaintiff for their own injuries resulting in death. In Illinois, you can be found up to 50% responsible for your injuries before the case is dismissed with a “not guilty” verdict for the defendant.Children younger than the age of 7 cannot be held liable for contributory negligence and children aged between 7 and 14 years are examined on a sliding scale accounting for age and experience. For example, if a 10-year-old is killed while playing near fallen power lines, the jury would have to determine if they were old enough-or had the cognitive maturity-to know that the lines were dangerous.The jury in your wrongful death lawsuit will be responsible for determining the degree of fault as they examine evidence and hear testimony. Once this percentage is disclosed, it will directly impact any potential settlement amount by that percentile. If your wrongful death lawsuit results in an award of $100,000 and your side was found to be 20% at fault for the injuries that led to the wrongful death of your loved one, your settlement will be reduced to $80,000.Not all wrongful death cases are determined by contributory negligence. In some cases, misconduct or statutory violations come into play. For a full overview of wrongful death lawsuits, read our article in our article library. Once you’ve learned the basics, an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you determine liability and file a claim to recover the compensation your family needs and deserves. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. are available to help you through your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

Besides economical losses, compensation in a claim for an Illinois truck accident that results in death will also factor in emotional losses as part of the final settlement amount. You often hear about plaintiffs being awarded damages for “pain and suffering” which involves emotional stress and loss of contact with their deceased loved one.In the event of a married couple, the court will consider loss of companionship or consortium for the surviving spouse. The surviving spouse will now be burdened with running the household alone, including parenting duties if there are children left behind.Affection is another matter considered in compensating the family for their loss. The deceased was an integral part of the lives of his or her surviving family and they are entitled to recover damages from the loss of the affection and interaction they will no longer be able to receive.Finally, if there are surviving children of the deceased who depended on that parent for affection and support, the court will also consider that in part of the emotional losses. In the case of the loss of a single parent, the amount may be substantially greater, as the children have now lost their primary caretaker.There are many more factors that come into play when determining the types and amounts of compensation for a truck accident death. Our article library has a full explanation of the financial matters and the types of compensation your Illinois wrongful death lawsuit can claim. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will be able to help you prepare the proper evidence to substantiate your emotional loss claims and help secure your family’s financial well-being in the absence of your loved one. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries. In some instances, they can even lead to death. Determining and proving liability for your slip and fall accident however will be the most important aspect of your injury claim and the amount of compensation you may be able to recover.Property owners can be found liable for a slip and fall accident if they failed to fix a problem or did not provide adequate warning about a potential danger. If a property owner is found liable, then they are responsible for compensating you for damages. Some of the ways you may be compensated for a slip and fall accident include: 

• Medical expenses (now and future);
• Pain and suffering;
• Prescribed drugs;
• Rehabilitation expenses; and
• Lost wages. 

All or some of these factors may play a part in your final award amount. No attorney can give you an estimate about what your claim is worth until they become familiar with your particular accident, the parties involved, and the full extent of your injuries. Do not trust a lawyer who promises or quotes potential settlement amounts before they investigate your claim.You can learn more about the conditions that lead to indoor slip and fall accidents by visiting our article library. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyDuring this time, recovering from your slip and fall 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.

When you undergo surgery to correct one problem, you don’t expect another problem to develop. However, this can happen when a surgeon leaves behind an object inside a patient, otherwise known as “retained foreign object.” It is devastating to know that you underwent surgery for one condition and later discover that another surgery must be done to address a health professional’s surgical error.Recovery from the original surgery is already difficult. And added complications from objects being left inside a patient may worsen the situation. Some complications that can result from an object being left inside a patient include: 

• Infection;
• severe pain;
• abscess;
• damage to organs, blood vessels, tissue and muscle;
• obstruction to intestines;
• damage to nerves;
• blood clots; and
• internal bleeding. 

In the most extreme cases, death may occur as a result of this medical negligence. There is an increased risk if the object left inside a patient is not immediately discovered.Patients may also face emotional complications after such a devastating experience. If you have been the victim of an object being left inside your body after surgery, contact a medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago who can talk to you about your legal options for financial recourse.Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life that are the result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Because your spinal cord is the highway for the nervous system to control the rest of your body systems, spinal cord injuries to the soft tissues can cause severe complications. Every part of your body connects to the brain through your spinal cord. Depending on the location and severity of your spinal cord injury, the damage can affect any area below the injury site.Some possible complications from immobility of limbs include: 

• Skin breakdown – pressure sores caused by excessive pressure on the skin
• Osteoporosis and muscle atrophy
• Heterotopic ossification – stiffening or fusion of joints
• Deep vein thrombosis – slowing of blood flow
• Muscle spasms 

Internal organ complications include: 

• Respiratory complications – pneumonia, diaphragm exertion, breathing disorders
• Autonomic dysreflexia – dangerous rise in blood pressure which can lead to stroke
• Cardiovascular disease
• Syringomyelia – enlargement of the central canal of the spinal cord, causing loss of function above the level of injury
• Loss of function of bowel and bladder, leading to infection 

In the past, many of these complications were the leading cause of death for those who suffered spinal cord injuries. With advances in modern medicine and care, these spinal cord injury complications are normally preventable with proper medical attention and ongoing physical therapy. It is important to keep up with your medical treatments and regular doctor visits to prevent these complications from occurring.If your accident and resulting medical bills are making it difficult for you to continue seeking treatment, you should contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.Our article can help you learn more about spinal cord injuries and our team of Chicago personal injury attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. are ready to help your case with a free evaluation – (312) 263-1080

If you or a loved one has suffered a bacterial infection after surgery and you suspect your medical team’s negligence is to blame, a Chicago medical malpractice attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim.You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses, treatment and emotional distress as a result of your infection. Additionally, if you have missed time from work because of your surgical site infection, you may also be able to recover lost wages.With any type of infection after surgery, there are complications that can result. The ability to detect and treat a bacterial infection is vital, since sepsis, a serious complication, can result.Sepsis occurs when a severe bacterial infection is left untreated. It can cause the body to become inflamed, which can lead to major organ failure or even death.When an infection enters the individual’s bloodstream, it can be fatal, which is why surgeons and other hospital staff must exercise extreme caution during any type of surgery in order to prevent an infection at the patient’s surgical site.Since the complications of a bacterial infection have the potential to lead to physical suffering and additional financial burdens, it may be worthwhile to see if you are eligible to pursue compensation through an Illinois medical malpractice claim. Consulting with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney is the best way to protect your legal rights during this difficult time. When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney:  A Chicago medical malpractice 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 a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been the victim of a radiation mistake in Illinois, you may be entitled to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim. If medical negligence results in injuries, the medical professional who is responsible can be held liable.A Chicago medical malpractice attorney can determine what your legal options are and whether you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim worth pursuing.A radiation mistake can result in a number of complications including: 

• burns;
• difficulty swallowing;
• loss/decay of teeth;
• loss of taste;
• tongue swelling;
• destruction of jaw;
• damaged salivary glands;
• damaged cells;
• bone death;
• vision/hearing problems;
• organ damage/failure; and
• death.

Treatment for these complications can be just as devastating and leave an individual permanently disabled or disfigured. It can result in a loss of time at work, huge medical expenses, emotional distress, unbearable pain and suffering, and other physical and psychological injuries.These damages may be recoverable through an Illinois medical malpractice claim if you were the victim of medical negligence.When a radiation mistake leads to serious injuries, you should immediately consult with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney who will work hard to ensure your legal rights are protected.  When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney  A Chicago medical malpractice 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 a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

While neck surgery may be necessary if you have sustained a severe neck injury in a Chicago car accident, there are complications you can unfortunately suffer as well. Any type of surgery comes with inherent risks, which should be explained to you before the surgery takes place.  Some of the complications that can happen with neck fusion surgery include: 

• anesthesia risks;
• infection;
• excessive bleeding;
• spinal cord or nerve damage;
• pain in the site of the bone graft;
• blood clots;
• bone graft rejection; and
• failed neck fusion (metal implants break).

Complications can lead to further injuries which only add to the already expensive medical costs an individual may be facing. The surgery itself as well as recovery time can be expensive as you’ll likely have to miss work while recuperating. The costs for your medical care along with lost wages and other expenses related to the treatment may be recoverable through an Illinois personal injury claim.Consulting with a Chicago car crash lawyer is the best way to understand not only your legal rights but the options for recovering compensation you may have available after a Chicago car accident leads to injuries.If neck surgery becomes necessary as a result of a serious Chicago car accident, you should immediately consult with a Chicago car crash lawyer.   A lawyer can help determine liability for your car accident, collect the evidence necessary to prove negligence and the extent of your injuries, and protect your legal rights throughout the claims process. 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 cases similar to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When you have suffered a head injury in an accident in Illinois, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. A Chicago car accident lawyer will take the time to evaluate your case and determine if you should proceed to file an Illinois personal injury claim.If a head injury leads to concussion, you could face mild or more serious consequences. In most cases a concussion is not serious, but with any head injury, there is always the risk of complications.A possible short-term consequence of a concussion is post-concussive syndrome, which may cause the following symptoms: 

• dizziness;
• concentration difficulties;
• nausea;
• vomiting; and
• persistent headache (lasts anywhere from days to months after the accident).

Long-term consequences of a concussion may include susceptibility to other concussions in the future. Repeated concussions can lead to neurological problems, psychiatric disorders and loss of memory.In addition, even a mild concussion could lead to complications later in life such as dementia, early Alzheimer’s disease and depression. If an accident in Illinois has resulted in a concussion, you may be entitled to seek compensation through an Illinois personal injury claim. Consulting with a Chicago car accident lawyer should be your next step in order to protect your legal rights. When 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.

For many bikers in Illinois, Memorial Day weekend marks the first time they will get back on their bikes since the end of the last bike season. Veterans and novices alike will hit the roads for a ride or poker run, or to gather at a local motorcycle event.With an increase of bikers on our Illinois roads there is also an increased risk of motorcycle accidents. There are several reasons why you could be involved in an Illinois motorcycle accident, including both driver error and errors by other drivers, but there are some common causes you should be aware of.The following is a list of the 5 most common types of motorcycle accidents: 

• Motorists who do not see motorcycles in heavy traffic;
• Motorists who do not see motorcycles at night;
• Hazardous road conditions;
• Speeding or driving recklessly; and
• Rider inexperience. 

In addition to the dangers of sharing the road with larger vehicles at night and on congested roads, other circumstances involving motorists also commonly result in serious or fatal Illinois motorcycle accidents, such as: 

• Motorists who do not see motorcycles changing lanes;
• Motorists who do not see motorcycles entering the road from driveways; and
• Motorists who do not see motorcycles when making turns or U-turns. 

Then, there are also issues with the bike itself that may lead to a single-vehicle collision (when a biker loses control of their bike), these include: 

• Defective motorcycle parts;
• Mechanical errors or structural or design flaws
• Errors due to faulty repairs; or
• Improper maintenance. 

If your motorcycle accident occurred due to a defective part on your bike or because a mechanic made a critical error while working on your motorcycle, the manufacturer or mechanic may be liable for your Illinois motorcycle accident injuries and expenses.To learn more about the compensation that may be available to you after a serious or fatal Illinois motorcycle accident, contact the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C – (312) 263-1080. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys will aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.  Schedule your free case evaluation today!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the following 2008 statistics for fatal motorcycle accidents: 

• 1,963 (36.4%) front collisions with another vehicle;
• 326 (6.1%) side collisions with another vehicle;
• 192 (3.6%) rear collisions with another vehicle;
• 81 (1.5%) other/unknown collisions with another vehicle;
• 1,391 (25.8%) collisions with a fixed object;
• 540 (10%) collisions with an unfixed object;
• 1,158 (21.5%) non-collisions; and
• 6 (0.1%) unknown accident types. 

Statistics show 55% of fatal motorcycle accidents are multiple-vehicle crashes and most occurred between a motorcycle and a light truck. With motorcycle accidents representing nearly 11% of the 50,000 fatal crashes reported in 2008, all drivers must take extra precaution to avoid causing accidents.Intersections are one of the deadliest crash sites for motorcycle accidents. Besides the normal hazards of drivers running red lights or failing to properly signal for turns, motorcycles are often unseen in these areas because of their smaller size. One of the most common accidents is when a car fails to see an approaching motorcycle while making a turn at an intersection.Lane changing is also a hazardous time for motorcycle riders as they are often unknowingly caught in the other vehicle’s blind spot. A car unaware there is a motorcycle slightly behind them in the other lane will often begin merging without knowing they are about to cause a crash.There is a lot more to know about the basic details of motorcycle accident claims that will help you if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. The more informed you are about the basics of motorcycle accidents, the more confident you will be to proceed with a personal injury claim. When you are ready to begin the personal injury claim process and file for damages for your injuries, an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

Just as there are common types of car accidents or truck accidents, unfortunately, there are also common types of wrongful death claims that are routinely seen by the lawyers who handle these sorts of cases. This list includes but is not limited to: 

• Motor vehicle accidents;
• Construction or worksite accidents;
• Slip-and-fall;
• Nursing home abuse and neglect;
• Medical malpractice;
• Dangerous and defective products; and
• Child abuse and neglect. 

All of these accidents and injuries are usually the result of negligence on the part of another party. Negligence is the main factor the court looks at when determining the initial validity of a wrongful death lawsuit.While understanding that fatal accidents caused by neglect are not an uncommon occurrence, it is important to not judge your case by looking at someone else’s. There are a lot of unique factors that go into each wrongful death lawsuit that impact the final settlement, which is why it’s impossible to give a ballpark figure as to what a case may be worth.Wrongful death lawsuits can be a complicated venture to deal with, especially when suffering the sudden loss of a loved one. Our article on the basics of wrongful death lawsuits will help dispel some of the confusion and get you started on the right path to recovery for your loss. Once you’ve learned the basics, an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you determine liability and file a claim to recover the compensation your family needs and deserves. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. are available to help you through your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

Medical malpractice can destroy a patient’s health and lead to financial loss and reduced quality of life. A patient can help to avoid a gynecologist’s mistake by effective communication with him or her.When speaking to a gynecologist, it’s normal for some women to feel vulnerable and intimidated. But it’s essential to be open, honest and detailed to prevent the doctor making a mistake.You must also truthfully answer all your doctor’s health questions. Some people are reluctant to reveal certain things for fear of being judged.  But your gynecologist needs accurate information to effectively treat you.Your healthcare provider needs to know everything relevant to your condition. You know your body better than anyone else, and feeling it’s “off” is something your doctor should know. Write down your symptoms and any questions you may have. This will help you prepare for your conversation with the gynecologist. If the gynecologist says something you don’t understand, ask him or her to explain again in laymen’s terms.There are some unfortunate instances though, where you may do everything in your power to effectively communicate with your OBGYN, and a gynecologist mistake still ensues. This could range from misdiagnosis of an illness to an incorrect drug prescription. The effect of a gynecologist mistake on your life may be minimal, but there are times when a gynecologist mistake may have far-reaching effects on your life, such as chronic pain or infertility.In either case, a gynecologist mistake may be a form of Chicago medical malpractice. If you’re considering filing a medical malpractice claim in Chicago, contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer who can guide you through the entire process and build a strong case on your behalf. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerMedical malpractice can have serious and long-lasting effects on your life. You need someone who will listen, understand and give you valuable legal support. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your case, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due you for any injuries or loss suffered as a result of a doctor’s error. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

The majority of states in the U.S. use a comparative negligence system which comes into play when determining liability and compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Illinois is one such state and follows a modified comparative negligence system for determining fault and compensation in personal injury claims.Comparative negligence refers to when the degree of fault of both parties is divided on a scale of 0 – 100%. You as the plaintiff must not be found at fault for more than 51% of your injuries in order to receive any compensation for your personal injury claim. If you are found to be at 50% or below 50% to blame for the accident, you can be awarded damages reduced by your degree of fault.For example, if the jury in your Chicago accident case determines your injury was worth $10,000 in damages, and you were found to be 40% at fault, your final compensation will be deducted by 40%, leaving you with $6,000 in awarded compensation. If you are found to be at 51% or more fault, the defense will receive a not-guilty verdict, as you were found to be more responsible for the accident than the other party.Learn more about negligence in personal injury lawsuits by visiting our library.The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve after a serious accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

Negligence is a pivotal factor in establishing how much compensation should be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit and which parties are entitled to relief. But the principles behind the determination of negligence vary from state to state.Illinois-along with 20 other states-employs a modified comparative negligence system and what is known as the 51% rule.Modified Comparative NegligenceA modified comparative negligence system embraces the notion that if a party is mostly responsible for an accident, then they should not receive any damages as a result. This differs from a pure comparative negligence system, which allows compensation to be awarded to any party which is less than 100% responsible for an accident. A total of 12 states utilize a pure comparative negligence system.Illinois Negligence Law and The 51% RuleThe 51% rule further dictates who may and may not be compensated for an Illinois accident. This rule states that if any party is 51% or more responsible for the accident, then they are not entitled to any compensation at all. A dozen other states follow a modified comparative negligence system, but they use what is known as the 50% rule, wherein the injured party’s fault may not exceed 49%.It is worth noting that in a state like Illinois, where a 51% rule is embraced, two parties can both receive damage awards if it is determined that they are equally responsible for an accident – meaning a 50/50 “sharing” of negligence.To learn more about Illinois negligence laws and how they will affect your case, visit our article library.  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.

Illinois is like almost every other state in the U.S. in that it has enacted seat belt laws in an effort to protect the safety of its residents. But how do Illinois seat belt laws compare to those across the country?Primary vs. Secondary LawsBefore we can answer this question fully, we must explain that seat belt laws can be classified as either primary or secondary. In states with primary laws, drivers can be pulled over by police for seat belt violations. But in states which have their seat belt regulations listed as secondary laws, police officers are only permitted to ticket people for seat belt infractions if the driver or passenger has first been cited for a different violation.Illinois has a secondary seat belt law, joining 18 other states in that category. Conversely, 30 states, the District of Columbia, and most American territories have enacted primary seat belt laws. Only the state of New Hampshire does not enforce any seat belt laws where adults are involved.Other Differences in Seat Belt LawsIn the state of Illinois, the driver and front seat passengers must be wearing a seat belt, but passengers seated in other parts of the vehicle may or may not be required to do so depending on their age. A total of 13 other states distinguish the legality of front and rear seat belt use by age.In the rest of the U.S., 15 states only require front seat passengers to wear safety belts. The remaining 21 states and the District of Columbia mandate that all passengers in a vehicle must be belted in.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyIf you have been seriously injured in a car 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.

There are two main types of losses the court has to determine when settling an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a truck accident: economical and emotional.  Economical losses include medical bills and the potential income the deceased could have earned had the fatal truck accident not occurred.Medical bills are fairly easy to calculate, as they only involve the bills accrued from the medical treatments resulting from the truck accident until death. The matter of lost wages is another story. There are many factors that come into play when determining your family’s economic loss. When determining the lost earning potential of your loved one, the court evidence looks at 4 main factors: 

• The deceased’s earning potential;
• The deceased’s life expectancy;
• The deceased’s assets; and
• The deceased’s health at the time of their death. 

The earning potential looks at the deceased’s wages at the time of their death and factors in the future earning potential should they not have been involved in the fatal truck accident. The court may also consider the potential for raises and bonuses, as well as when the deceased would have been retired as part of the final settlement amount.There are many more factors that come into play when determining the types and amounts of compensation for a truck accident death. Our article library has a thorough explanation of the financial matters and the types of compensation your Illinois wrongful death lawsuit can claim. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you obtain the proper documentation for your claim to prove your economic needs following the unexpected loss of your loved one. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

A doctor’s failure to diagnose associated disease can lead to major problems for a patient. An associated disease is a disease that commonly accompanies another disease or group of diseases. Some illnesses tend to group together, though they may not all manifest at the same time.A doctor’s mistake can cause him to miss the signs and symptoms of associated diseases, and let the patient go undiagnosed and untreated much longer than is safe. If you have suffered because of a doctor’s mistake or failure to diagnose an associated illness, you should contact a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Your doctor can and should be held financially liable for your condition.Some Common Types of Associated DiseasesObesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease often group together. Autoimmune diseases tend to group together as well.Some autoimmune diseases include, but are not limited to: 

• psoriasis;
• lupus;
• multiple sclerosis; and
• type I diabetes.  

If you have 1 of these diseases, you are likely to have 1 or more of the others.While physicians are trained to be aware of common associated diseases, a doctor’s mistake could result in a misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose are both forms of medical malpractice that might entitle you to compensation, if you pursue a Chicago medical malpractice claim. A Chicago medical malpractice lawyer can help to see the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and even help you file your Chicago medical malpractice claim. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerMedical malpractice can have serious and long-lasting effects on your life. You need someone who will listen, understand and give you valuable legal support. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your case, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due you for any injuries or loss suffered as a result of a doctor’s error. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When the negligence of another person causes a serious car accident in Illinois and you sustain a back injury, you may want to file an Illinois personal injury claim. The extent of your damage may not be immediately evident and you could find yourself in need of back surgery further down the road.The expense of back surgery may be recoverable through an Illinois personal injury claim, which is why you should seek the help of a Chicago car accident attorney who understands how to evaluate cases in which serious injuries are likely to lead to long-term health consequences.There are some common types of back surgery that may be necessary, depending on the location of the injury and the extent of damage.

One type of back surgery is a spinal fusion. When a disc is injured a spinal fusion, which connects 2 or more bones to your spine, adds stability, which can stop the pain. An alternative to a spinal fusion is to have artificial discs implanted. This is considered to still be a fairly new type of procedure and may not be your physician’s top choice for treatment of your severe back injury.

A diskectomy is a type of back surgery where part or the entire back portion of a vertebra is removed in order to access the ruptured disc. The disc is removed and this helps to relieve pain from inflammation and irritation of the nerves. Expenses related to your back surgery may be recoverable through an Illinois personal injury claim. Consulting with a Chicago car accident attorney should be your next step in order to protect your legal rights.

When to Hire a Chicago Car Accident Attorney

A Chicago car accident 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.

When someone else’s negligence causes you to sustain an open head injury in an accident in Illinois, a Chicago car accident attorney can determine your legal options.You may be entitled to seek compensation for damages you have suffered related to your injuries through an Illinois personal injury claim. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and disability.Depending on the extent of damage, an open head injury could lead to a mild or severe brain injury. The complications and long-term effects of this type of head injury can be devastating.Some of the common types of brain injuries that can result from an open head injury accident in Illinois include: 

• concussion;
• acute subdural hematoma;
• chronic subdural hematoma;
• epidural hematoma;
• skull fracture;
• brain contusion;
• diffuse axonal injury; and
• subarachnoid hemorrhage. 

In some cases, surgery may be necessary in order to treat the brain injury. In other types of injuries, rehabilitation, medication or physical therapy may be required. No matter what type of treatment you are facing, it is likely to result in medical expenses that can put a severe financial drain on any household.If you have been the victim of an open head injury from an Illinois accident and have suffered damages, a Chicago car accident attorney can determine if you have sufficient grounds to proceed in filing an Illinois personal injury claim.

When to Hire a Chicago Car Accident Attorney

A Chicago car accident 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.