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

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

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

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

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

Contacting a Chicago Product Liability Lawyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

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

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

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

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

When to Hire a Chicago Injury Attorney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Hire an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

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

After a long Chicago winter, passionate bikers and casual motorcyclists are all anxious to get back on their bikes and take to the road. With the beginning of motorcycle season also comes an increase in Illinois motorcycle accidents. To make sure your spring rides are fun and safe, take the time to read and practice these motorcycle safety tips.1. Get Your Motorcycle Back in Working OrderDuring the long winter months your motorcycle sat out of use, a lot may have changed. Before you take your bike back out on Illinois’ roads, give it a once over or take it to your local motorcycle mechanic to make sure your tires, brakes, battery, and all the other parts of your motorcycle are ready for the open road.2. Check Your Motorcycle GearJust like your bike, your motorcycle gear can deteriorate in storage. Be sure to check jackets and pants for holes, check motorcycle helmets for cracks, and make sure your gear still fits properly. Gaining or losing weight over the winter months may mean your motorcycle gear no longer fits correctly and ill-fitting gear cannot adequately protect you in the event of an Illinois motorcycle crash.3. Take a Short Test DriveBefore taking your motorcycle on a long road trip or even into heavy Chicago traffic, take a short test drive in a lightly trafficked area to ensure your bike is responding properly and to reacquaint yourself with your bike. If you are feeling unsure about riding after a long hiatus, you can always take a refresher motorcycle safety course.Hiring a Chicago Motorcycle Accident AttorneyAfter a serious motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.A Chicago motorcycle accident attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.

A Chicago injury lawyer who guarantees any sort of settlement on your personal injury claim is only using this as a tactic to get your case. In truth, no one can predict or estimate the value of a claim until it’s been offered a settlement.Your medical expenses are a major focal point of your personal injury claim. Somewhere, a lawyer decided to make a “3 times medicals” rule that stemmed from the fact that in the past, simpler cases usually did settle for around that amount. Things have certainly changed, and the fact that many people took this phenomenon as a “rule” in injury settlements has now rendered this value horribly inaccurate.There is no law book on the shelves that will state that your settlement should be 3 times your medical expenses. Settling for this amount is impractical in most cases. For example, if a professional athlete lost a leg in a car accident, the medical expenses for proper suture of the wound, prosthetics, and rehabilitation may amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, even 3 times the basic medical bills wouldn’t compensate that athlete for the lifetime of lost wages and emotional damages resulting from not being able to play their sport.Knowing the factors that go into valuating your injury claim is important when perusing a settlement. While a Chicago injury lawyer can’t tell you what your claim is worth (as far as how much money you’ll definitely receive), they can help you fairly estimate your accident damages and gather evidence to support your claims. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you examine your injury claim and help with recovering compensation for your medical expenses, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080

The Chicago Tribune ran an article in today’s magazine section with tips for victims of Chicago dog bite attacks.  It is a pretty good primer for what to do is you or a child is bitten by a dog.As an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer who has handled several dog bite cases, I would emphasize the importance of two points:

• The wound must be cleaned carefully to prevent infection; and
• Animal control should be contacted, even if you know the dog or dog owner.  Not only does this help you get valid information regarding the rabies status of the dog, but the investigation will help develop information that may be useful in a later civil lawsuit.

Medication errors can lead to serious injuries. While patients would like to solely rely upon doctors and pharmacists in making sure they receive the right medication, individuals need to do their part to avoid medication errors.One of the more common medication errors that can occur is to receive the wrong dosage. This can especially be dangerous with babies and young children.Here are some tips to avoid medication errors with children: 

• Always check with a doctor before administering medication to your child
• Know what your baby’s weight is
• Use a measuring device that is accurate and appropriate
• Keep track of the medication you have given and the times
• Stick to the appropriate timeframe that the medicine should be given  

Children are not the only ones at risk of being injured because of a medication error. Here are some tips that may help you avoid a medication error: 

• Understand what medication you are taking and why
• Know how much and at what time a medicine should be taken
• If you have any questions or concerns about taking a particular medication, ask your doctor
• Ask about any possible side effects as well as any foods, other medications, or other considerations that may negatively interact with your medication
• Share your medical history, other medications you may be on and any current medical conditions (such as being pregnant) 

When in doubt it is best to seek a second opinion or ask further questions.You can learn more about common medication errors by visiting our article library. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life due to medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been seriously injured or suffered a wrongful death from an Illinois truck accident it may not just be a case between you and the truck driver. Lawsuits that indicate the negligence of additional parties in contributing to your accident are known as third-party liability lawsuits. The basic idea of a third-party liability lawsuit is that someone besides the truck driver was negligent in their duties and caused unsafe conditions leading to your accident.Common third parties your Chicago truck accident lawyer may investigate include: 

• The trucking company that employs the driver;
• The repair facility that serviced the truck;
• The manufacturer of the truck and associated equipment; and
• The inspection departments that certified the truck. 

As the cause of your truck accident is determined, one or more of these parties may be found liable for your injuries. Negligence on their behalf will make them eligible to be included in a third-party liability lawsuit.A note of warning when getting involved in a third-party liability lawsuit; you will most likely be going up against large companies with insurance companies that handle hundreds of similar cases a year. You will want the help that an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer has to offer.Our article on common parties at fault in a truck accident explains the role that each party may play in your Illinois truck accident claim. To get the best advice and help with your unique case, you should contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer for personalized legal assistance. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you investigate your case and take it to court. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080

Lawsuits for Illinois truck accidents commonly include the trucking company that employs the involved driver. The company can be held just as liable for negligence as the driver, especially if they failed to reprimand the driver for negligence in on-duty time limits, inspection requirements, or safety measures. Truck companies can also be negligent in ordering routine vehicle inspections and maintaining proper insurance coverage.The companies that perform necessary repairs and maintenance on the truck involved in your Illinois truck accident can also be held liable for negligence in their duties. If vehicle records show failure to perform routine maintenance or ignorance of recorded issues, the repair company can be held liable for your truck accident.With all the news of consumer vehicle recalls, know that commercial trucks are no exception to this occurrence. Manufacturers of commercial trucks have also been found to be negligent in reporting vehicle defects or providing safety features to prevent injury or failure. If the truck involved in your accident has a known manufacturer defect, the manufacturing company can become involved in your case as well.Departments that are involved in commercial trucking inspections including weigh stations and cargo inspections may be found negligent if they failed to issue citations for failed inspections. More often than not, the inspection companies are not the negligent ones, but the driver or trucking company that failed to acknowledge the citation and correct the issue.Our article on common parties at fault in a truck accident explains the role that each party may play in your Illinois truck accident claim. To get the best advice and help with your unique case, you should contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer for one-on-one help. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you investigate your case and take it to court. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080

Effective January 1, 2010, text messaging and driving is now illegal in Illinois.   Drivers who are caught doing so can now receive a traffic ticket.  Reading a text message or e-mail is also illegal, as is talking on a hand held device in a school zone or road construction zone.The purpose of the new laws is to cut down on the incidence of distracted driving. Even though these acts have now officially been declared illegal, distracted driving was a basis for civil liability for a car accident before the new statutes.  To recover in an Illinois car accident suit, the injured party needed to show that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care in the operation of his vehicle.  Driving while distracted did not comport to that standard prior to the passage of the new statute.

You or a loved one may have just been involved in a serious accident with a commercial truck, resulting in severe injury, property damages, and perhaps even wrongful death. No one should have to suffer this tragedy and the negligence of the truck driver or associated companies may be to blame for your losses.To obtain compensation for your losses and damages, you will need to file an Illinois truck accident claim. There are 3 main phases of the claim process: filing, adjusting, and settlement. The help of a Chicago truck accident lawyer can reduce the stress of the filing and adjustment phases and help you determine if the settlement is fair or if you need to go to trial for a larger settlement.The filing phase is where you and your lawyer go over the facts of the accident, collect the necessary evidence for use in your claim, and submit this information for review by the insurance company adjusters. The claim then enters the adjustment phase, where the adjusters collect the evidence from both sides, analyze it, question witnesses and both parties, and assign fault values and dollar amounts to the injuries and damages to your property.Once the adjustment phase is complete, the insurance companies offer you an initial settlement based upon their findings. You will be given the opportunity to accept or deny this settlement. Your Chicago truck accident lawyer can help you review this settlement and determine if you should accept or take the case to trial to fight for a higher settlement.Your family should not have to worry about money matters following your Illinois truck accident, and a fair settlement can only be obtained in a well handled truck accident claim. For more information on Illinois truck accident claims, read our article, which gives a basic overview of the entire process, as well as trucking accidents in general. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you with the Illinois truck accident claim process and work for a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

As soon as you are seriously injured in an accident, you should start considering your legal options and needs for a personal injury claim. Quick filing of your personal injury claim, especially with the help of a Chicago personal injury lawyer, will reap many benefits including: 

• faster resolution to a settlement
• details of the accident are still fresh in witnesses’ minds
• critical evidence is easier to collect and preserve
• your Chicago personal injury lawyer has more time to investigate and prepare your claim
• you can avoid having to take your case to court and incurring resultant court/attorney fees

 An ideal personal injury claim is filed quickly, with the support of a good Chicago personal injury lawyer, and is settled out of court. The out-of-court settlement benefits you the most because it lets you avoid costly court fees, lengthy procedures, and does not incur more attorney fees that would be paid out of your settlement.Don’t delay in filing your personal injury claim. Your medical expenses are piling up, you may be out of work because of your injuries, and insurance companies are notorious about dragging things out to delay a settlement. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you work toward a faster settlement as long as you file in a timely manner.You should also know how the Illinois statute of limitations . A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you make heads or tails of your personal injury claim.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

If you have become seriously ill while taking a dietary supplement or pharmaceutical that is known to be a potentially dangerous drug, you may be eligible to file an Illinois product liability claim to seek compensation for your injuries. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and assist you with filing the appropriate type of claim.Hydroxycut is a popular weight loss supplement that has been linked to serious side effects. Produced by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., Hydroxycut has been found to cause liver damage. While some side effects of taking Hydroxycut have been mild, such as jaundice, other side effects have led to liver failure and in one case, death.The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall on a number of Hydroxycut products in May 2009 because of the risk of liver injuries, seizures, cardiovascular problems and other serious health risks.These serious side effects mean that Hydroxycut can be considered as a potentially dangerous drug. Evidence of such serious side effects and illness may entitle you to recover damages for injuries you have received after taking it.A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid Illinois product liability claim related to Hydroxycut and will assist you with the process of filing your claim. 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 dangerous drug claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

A crane is one of the most dangerous machines on a city construction site. Cranes have been known to drop loads, hit people who walk within the swing radius and collapse altogether. In fact, hundreds of people are injured or killed in crane accidents every year. If you have been injured in a Chicago crane accident, you may be able to file for compensation in a personal injury claim.Example of a Big City Crane Accident On May 20, 2008, a construction crane collapsed on New York’s Upper East Side, crashing into a neighboring 23-story apartment building, reportedly killing at least two construction workers, and seriously injuring several others. No pedestrian fatalities occurred in the incident, though one passerby was said to have suffered minor injuries.While emergency crews and firefighters pulled construction workers out of the wreckage, one worker, Simeon Alexis, was confirmed to have been taken to a hospital with serious injuries to his chest.Seven fatalities and more than a dozen critical injuries resulted from a similar crane collapse on March 15, when a crane came crashing down upon an apartment building on 51st Street between 1st and 2nd  Avenues.If you were involved in a similar crane accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you sustained. To do so, you can get the professional help of a Chicago personal injury lawyer. To know more about the dangers and implications of a Chicago crane accident, you can visit our article Crane Accidents and Injuries. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerAfter a serious construction site accident, you should be able to concentrate on recovering from your injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury lawsuit alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury 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

As with any sort of injury, repetition is never a good thing. Repeated damage over an extended period of time can cause permanent damage and worsen symptoms. This is often the case with mild traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions. Many times, the victim won’t even realize they suffered a severe enough head injury to cause alarm.It’s important to be examined by a doctor as soon as any type of head injury occurs. You may think mild headaches are just a side effect from the bruise on your head, but they could be a sign of a traumatic brain injury. If you suffer another head injury soon after, it could increase the severity of your symptoms or cause new problems.Even the mildest of traumatic brain injuries can become severe, or even life-threatening, if you sustain several head injuries within a short period of time. Without adequate time to attempt to recover from the damage, your body cannot keep up with an additional injury.Our article on traumatic brain injuries has more information on causes, symptoms, and treatment of these life-changing accidents.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyInsurance company settlements don’t always take into account the severity of the impact a traumatic brain injury has on your life. They’ll usually try to get away with paying the initial head injury treatment bills and neglect to factor in the future treatments, therapy and lost wages or disability.The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. know the impact traumatic brain injuries can have on your life and want to help you provide for your future. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

On US construction sites, crane accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries and deaths. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set strict rules for crane regulation. OSHA requires training for crane operators and mechanics, and has established rules of safety that construction workers must abide by at all times. Some of these crane safety rules include: 

• Standard preparations for a load chart, in order to know how much weight a crane can handle;
• Hoist tests for stability and functionality;
• Establishing barriers to prevent anyone from entering within the swing radius; and
• Ensuring the proper set-up, stability, and maintenance of the outriggers.
• Regulations also state that a crane operator must be at least 18 years of age.  

The failure to abide by these safety regulations can result in a fatal crane accident. It may lead to hazards such as rigging failures, overturned cranes, dropped loads, or overall collapses. Operators must also always be careful of high-voltage power lines. To see a full list of OSHA safety regulations regarding crane operation and maintenance, you can view the section on cranes and derricks at the US Department of Labor website.If you have recently been injured in a crane accident, you may want to know what your legal options are. To learn more you can read our article Crane Accidents and Injuries. Hiring a Chicago Construction Accident LawyerAfter serious construction site injuries like those typical of a crane accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury lawsuit alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago construction accident 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