You may be wondering what no-fault means in relation to Workers’ Compensation. In the state of Illinois, employees are covered by Workers’ Compensation, but it is also a no-fault system.This means that no matter who is to blame for your work-related injuries, you are still eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. If an injury results from an accident occurring on the job, you cannot be denied benefits whether or not you, your employer or co-workers are to blame.However, if another party were involved and found to be responsible for your injuries, then you could file a third-party liability lawsuit. For more information on this type of scenario, read our article on Workers’ Compensation Claims and Personal Injury Claim. The upside to this is that if you are responsible for your injuries, it won’t be held against you. The downside, however, is that if your employer was at fault, they cannot be held responsible. Even if your employer was grossly negligent or failed to abide by safety regulations, they cannot be held responsible other than through Workers’ Compensation benefits. If you receive these benefits, you cannot sue your employer.Because of this, you are entitled to a limited set of benefits. This is known by attorneys as “exclusive remedy rule.” In other words, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act is your sole remedy against your employer for any injuries sustained at work. In addition, this exclusive remedy rule applies to your co-workers as well.If you have been injured at work, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you learn what your rights are.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyDuring 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 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.

Insurance companies take care in hiring their claims adjusters to make sure they are friendly, sympathetic, and persuasive. Adjusters undergo weeks of training to learn the nuances of their job, how to conduct themselves on the phone, and most importantly the right ways to lead conversations.When speaking with an adjuster, their basic job is to interview you for the facts about your truck accident. While their questions may seem simple and innocent, they are often worded to get you to admit more information than you should. For example, the basic question may be “who hit whom” but they may ask it as, “did you make a left turn without properly stopping and were struck by the other car?”If you answered yes to this question, you may think you’re only agreeing that the other car hit you, but you also just agreed that you made an improper left turn. You need to be mindful of the wording used in questions you are asked, and either only agree to completely factual statements or ask for a rephrasing of the question. You can also clarify in your answer, but be careful that you don’t say too much in your response.Insurance companies rely on their claims adjusters to build a happy working relationship with the claimant. This allows them to earn your trust and put you in a lax mindset so you’ll be more apt to reveal damaging information about your claim.Remember that insurance companies are looking out for their best interests first, and our article on dealing with insurance companies following a truck accident will help you understand some of their strategies. If you’re ever unsure about working with an insurance company or talking with a claims adjuster, you don’t have to worry alone. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you compile your case and take it to court. Contact us today for a free case evaluation: 312-263-1080.

Internal injuries and internal bleeding are commonly seen after a traumatic accident in Chicago. The preferred course of treatment for a victim’s internal injuries will depend on where the damage has occurred and the severity of the injury. Initially, an injured patient is stabilized and doctors work to make sure they can breathe, that the airway is open and that their blood pressure and pulse are normal.Many internal injuries cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Doctors will identify the source of the internal bleeding and work to stop it, along with repairing any damage to the affected organs. This typically requires surgery.

Surgery to repair internal injuries can mean lost time from work, physical and emotional pain and expensive medical bills. In addition, the damage done to internal organs may mean a long recovery period and life-long effects on your health.When someone else’s negligence causes you to suffer internal injuries from an accident in Chicago, you may be eligible to pursue compensation in an Illinois personal injury claim. A Chicago personal injury lawyer will carefully evaluate the facts in your case to determine if you can proceed with filing a claim.If you have suffered internal injuries because of an accident, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can talk to you about how to seek damages to allow you to move on with your life.

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.

Burn injuries can originate from many different sources, including open flames, fireworks, chemicals, and car crashes or industrial accidents. But in the 21st century, more and more burns are being reported from electric stun-guns which are commonly identified by their brand name: Tasers.How Do Tasers Feel?Eric Nein of Springfield, Illinois knows about Taser burns first-hand. The 24-year-old says that police shot him with a 50,000-volt Taser twice in less than a year’s time. Though he freely admits that the officers’ actions were justified, Nein says the Tasers left burns on his head, chest, and side. He also insists that he has experienced lasting effects from his burn injuries, including muscle spasms.Different Opinions on Safety of TasersTaser International, the makers of the handheld stun-gun devices, insists that the weapons are safe and effective when used properly. But the U.S. Justice Department hasn’t yet given its stamp of approval on the use of Tasers. The DOJ says it is concerned because there hasn’t been enough research conducted on the effects of extended use of Tasers.Calls For Outlawing Taser UsageSome lawmakers are calling for an end to Taser use in Illinois. In 2005, Illinois State Representative Monique Davis authored a bill to completely outlaw Taser usage, even by law enforcement personnel. But Davis, who represents a district in Chicago, says the bill was tabled the following year because of a lack of support. She said she still believes that Tasers are dangerous.If you suffer from burn injuries or other afflictions as a result of being shocked by a Taser, you may want to consult with a Chicago burn injury attorney who can talk to you about your legal options. For more information about the various types of burn injuries and how they can impact your life, visit our article library. Contacting a Chicago Burn Injury AttorneyWith serious medical issues such as burn injuries, it’s always best to consult a medical professional to help with diagnosis and treatment. During this time, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago burn injury attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.A Chicago burn injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080.

If you’ve suffered because of a doctor’s failure to diagnose an underlying or associated illness, you might be eligible for compensation through a Chicago medical malpractice claim. To find out if you have a case, consult a Chicago medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.Each state has its own statute of limitations on medical malpractice. It is essential that you file your Chicago medical malpractice claim within the allotted period of time.In Illinois, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is 2 years. The official starting point may vary, depending on the circumstances of the case.It is generally considered to have begun when the patient realized (or reasonably should have realized) that the doctor’s mistake occurred. When the doctor’s mistake is failure to diagnose an underlying or associated illness, the timeline can vary quite a bit. It may take some time before the doctor’s mistake is realized. Some victims of Chicago medical malpractice are unaware of the statute of limitations on malpractice cases in Illinois. This may cause them to file a Chicago medical malpractice claim too late.Remaining within the statute of limitations is a vital part of your Chicago medical malpractice claim. Because of all the legal details, your best course of action is to consult a Chicago medical malpractice attorney as soon as you suspect your doctor made a mistake. From there, your Chicago medical malpractice attorney can investigate your case, and even file your Chicago medical malpractice claim. When it comes to settlement negotiations or courtroom proceedings, your Chicago medical malpractice attorney will represent you, so you can focus on recovery.Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice AttorneyMedical 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.

Medical malpractice lawsuits can be filed if injuries or death has resulted due to medical negligence of a medical professional or a hospital. It is important to know what the statute of limitations is with regard to medical malpractice claims in the state of Illinois. The time frame to file a medical malpractice lawsuit varies in every state, but in general the time frame is short. Therefore, it is best to seek the counsel of a medical malpractice attorney immediately.From the time of the injury, you have 2 years to file a medical malpractice claim in Illinois. For example, if you were injured on March 1, 2009 then you would have until March 1, 2011 to file your claim.However, sometimes you may not immediately discover your injury. In that case, you must file your medical malpractice lawsuit within 4 years from the date the action which led to your injury occurred.If the injured party is under the age of 18, then the limitation period for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit extends to 8 years from the date of the action that led to the injury. However, a lawsuit cannot be filed after an injured party has reached 22 years old, even if it is within the 8 year limit. Additionally, if the victim of medical malpractice is mentally incompetent, the time limit for filing a medical malpractice claim does not begin until the disability has been removed.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.

There are a few things that every worker should know about getting medical care after a work accident in Illinois:

• Your employer or their worker’s compensation carrier is responsible for payment of all related medical expenses.
• It does not matter whether you have health insurance or not.  If you do not have health insurance, your bills are paid through worker’s compensation insurance, which is a different kind of insurance than worker’s compensation insurance.  Every employer in the State of Illinois is required to either have insurance or a certificate of self-insurance.
• Your health insurance will not cover work-related injuries.  “Putting it through health insurance” may make your employer feel better about not having to make a claim on his worker’s comp coverage, but every health insurance policy I have seen excludes work injuries from coverage.  Health insurers known that your employer has to pay for a work injury, so they exclude it from coverage.
• You have a right to see your own doctor and receive care from your own doctor.  You have a right to physician choice in Illinois worker’s compensation cases up to two times. 
• Any time you choose a doctor and he refers you to another doctor, that still counts as a single choice.
• You cannot be required to receive care at the company clinic or from the company doctor, but you may be required to see the company doctor for an “independent medical examination.”  Most often, “independent medical examinations” are nothing but a pretext for cutting off worker’s compensation benefits.  Being sent for an “IME” is a sign of bad things to come, and is one of the times that we suggest that you should be hiring an experienced Chicago worker’s compensation lawyer.

The final decision in a slip-and-fall accident claim is in the hands of the insurance company, and later the jury if you proceed with a full personal injury lawsuit. One of the most common hazards for a slip-and-fall injury in Illinois is the presence of snow or ice on walkways. The factors of these sorts of slip-and-fall accidents are often left to the interpretation of victims, witnesses, property owners and ultimately the insurance company or jury.Most snow and ice slip-and-fall accidents involve determining if there was a natural accumulation of winter weather on the ground or if it was in excess of normal levels. The victim must be able to prove one of several reasons why the hazard was unnatural, such as: 

• Placement – The snow was manually moved into a hazardous area such as near a doorway;
• Removal – The walkway was not properly salted and cleared of ice if the property lease states removal services are provided by management; and/or
• Property hazard – A property feature that knowingly creates hazardous conditions (i.e., a water spout that leaks and forms ice). 

Normal winter weather conditions constitute a natural accumulation of snow/ice. If the basis of your case is that the normal snow/ice was not properly shoveled/salted, there is no liability for the property owner. Likewise, snow that was tamped down by traffic, forming ice, is also considered natural. Puddles of water inside buildings from the melting snow tracked in by pedestrians are also natural.Slip-and-fall accidents can be difficult claims to prove because of the opinion-based nature of the evidence. Knowing the basics of a slip-and-fall accident claim process is important when reviewing your own situation. For experienced advice in slip-and-fall accident claims and help in proving your case, a Chicago slip-and-fall accident lawyer can help. Since most insurance companies try to understate your settlement offer, or even deny your claim outright, many slip-and-fall accident claims must go to trial for an appropriate settlement. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. can help you compile your case and take it to court, contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

While Duragesic patches are used to treat chronic pain, they can also be considered dangerous prescription drugs. If you have experienced an overdose or suffered any type of injury from using these patches, you may be entitled to seek compensation.Consulting with a Chicago injury lawyer is the most important call you can make after suffering serious injuries from Duragesic patches and seeking appropriate treatment for those injuries. An attorney can evaluate your case to determine whether you should proceed with filing an Illinois product liability claim.

Some of the side effects that patients have experienced after using Duragesic patches include: 

• respiratory difficulties;
• seizures;
• rashes;
• vertigo;
• hypotension;
• arrhythmias;
• bradycardia;
• gastrointestinal problems;
• dental decay; and
• urinary retention.

Patients who have experienced an overdose on Duragesic patches have also faced life-threatening illnesses or died.Additionally, since Duragesic patches are a narcotic, patients have also experienced withdrawal symptoms such as abdominal cramps, sweating, agitation, blurred vision and tremors.If you have been injured after using Duragesic patches a Chicago injury lawyer can talk to you about your potential for filing an Illinois product liability claim. 

Hiring a Chicago Injury Lawyer

The Chicago injury lawyer team at Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has experience handling complex product liability claims involving dangerous prescription drugs. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080.

If you have suffered internal injuries or internal bleeding after an accident in Chicago, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. Through an Illinois personal injury claim, you may be eligible to seek compensation for the losses you suffered as a result of your injuries.Internal injuries are not always obvious but there may be signs that indicate damage.Symptoms vary depending on the type of body part that was injured:    

• Joints – loss of range of motion and significant pain.
• Muscles – intense pain, loss of sensation.
• Intra-abdominal – pain, weakness, shortness of breath, shock, low blood pressure.
• Brain – headache, symptoms that are similar to those of a stroke, loss of vision.
• Gastrointestinal – bright red blood in vomit, bloody bowel movements.
• Urinary Tract/kidney – blood in urine.

Significant internal bleeding often occurs with internal injuries and represents a critical health threat that requires additional testing and immediate medical care. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms after suffering trauma in an accident in Chicago, it is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.When an accident in Chicago results in serious internal injuries, consult with a Chicago personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid personal injury claim to account for your damages.

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.

The spinal cord-while protected by the vertebra of your spine-is a sensitive area that can be easily damaged. While the vertebrae serve as stability and protection, they can also be the cause of the damage. When the vertebrae are fractured, bone fragments can tear or sever the soft tissues of the spinal cord. The discs between vertebra can also damage the cord, causing spinal cord injuries.Car accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. The sudden impact to your vehicle causes the body to tense and be jarred in an unnatural manner. This can at the very least cause bruising of the spinal cord, which leads to swelling and potential paralysis. If you are ejected from the vehicle, the impact with the pavement can also cause fractures and damage to your spine.Impact accidents such as slip-and-falls are also common reasons for spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the vertebra can lead to slipped discs, which can bruise or tear into the spinal cord. When the spine twists in an unnatural way, tearing is more prevalent.You can learn more about spinal cord injuries by visiting our article library. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you determine if you can file an Illinois 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

When you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident, it’s common for victims to point the blame at the truck driver. What most families don’t realize is that it’s not always just the truck driver to blame when a serious accident occurs. A personal injury attorney will be able to identify all of the possible liable parties in your accident claim.When other parties are suspected of being involved in the occurrence of the truck accident, it becomes known as a third party liability case.

Potential Third Parties Your Attorney Can Identify in Your Claim 

• the trucking company;
• maintenance workers or companies that performed work on the truck;
• federal regulators and inspectors; and
• truck manufacturers.

It’s not always driver negligence that causes trucking accidents. Manufacturer defects, mechanical failure, and improper loading can all add to the frequency of commercial trucking accidents. If another party failed to complete their required inspections or duties to keep the truck running safely, they can be held liable for your injuries as well.Not only can it be confusing to determine if your accident was caused by another party, but it can also be difficult to prove this liability.

An attorney who focuses their practice on Illinois trucking accident claims can help you determine if third party liability factors into your situation and how to deal with settlements.

When to Hire a Joliet, IL Attorney after a Trucking Accident

Hopefully you’ve never had to deal with an Illinois trucking accident claim before, and those that have know how difficult they can be to resolve. You’ll be dealing with not only the truck driver, but also their trucking company, and many other potential third parties.

Even experienced, safe drivers run the risk of being involved in a serious  truck accident. Beyond your initial recovery, injuries in these types of accidents are often serious and result in permanent disability or disfigurement which can cause loss of the ability to work, years of rehabilitation, serious medical bills, and have a significant impact on your life.A  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 trucking accident claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have been injured from a dangerous prescription drug such as Avandia, you may be eligible to file an Illinois dangerous drug claim. A Chicago product liability lawyer can help determine if your injuries resulted from taking Avandia and can inform you of your legal options to seek compensation for your injuries.

Severe Avandia Side Effects

Avandia has been shown to cause severe side effects, which include: 

• heart failure;
• heart attack;
• chest pain;
• swollen feet, ankles and hands;
• numbness in the limbs;
• fainting;
• dizziness;
• severe headaches;
• difficulty breathing;
• vomiting; and
• sudden weight gain. 

With the recent restrictions issued by the Food & Drug Administration in the use of Avandia, new patients should be made aware of the potential risks. In addition, doctors should advise patients who are currently taking Avandia of the drug’s potential severe side effects.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 Today

If you have experienced 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.

You may be eligible to file a dangerous drug claim if you have taken anemia drugs to treat your chronic kidney disease but that treatment resulted in additional medical complications, such as heart problems. A Chicago product liability attorney can evaluate your case to help you determine your next steps.Procrit, Epogen and Aranesp are common anemia drugs that have been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular problems. Side effects of these anemia drugs may indicate that a stroke, blood clot or other heart problem has developed.Some of the serious side effects associated with anemia drugs include: 

• breathing/swallowing difficulties;
• swelling;
• infection;
• rash/itching/hives;
• dry mouth/hoarseness;
• paleness;
• decreased urination;
• wheezing;
• chills;
• sunken eyes; and
• lack of energy. 

Individuals who take anemia drugs and experience those side effects should seek immediate medical attention. If it is determined that an individual has suffered further complications, damages may be recovered through a dangerous drug claim.A Chicago product liability attorney can provide you with an explanation of your legal options if anemia drugs have caused a serious illness.

When to Hire a Chicago Product Liability Attorney

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

If you are injured in an auto accident which is the fault of another driver, you know to get the other driver’s name, address, contact information, and insurance information. Then you should engage the services of an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you determine what your damages are and then file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf with the proper court.

---

At this point, you may be asking yourself: Do I have to inform the person I am suing that he or she has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit?

Fortunately, you are not responsible for notifying an individual that you are filing suit against him or her. The courts and/or your attorney will take care of that procedure, which is known in the legal community as process of service. In a nutshell, process of service is the collective group of laws and regulations which govern how a defendant must be legally informed of an impending lawsuit. These guidelines have been implemented to prevent people from being surprised by lawsuits of which they were not advised.The actual document which tells someone that he or she has been named in a lawsuit is called a summons, so named because it “summons” the individual to court on a given date to respond to the lawsuit. The primary way that individuals are notified of lawsuits is by the sheriff’s office. One of the major duties of any county sheriff is to ensure that all court summonses are delivered to the correct recipients in a timely fashion.

In smaller counties, the sheriff, a sheriff’s deputy, or another member of the sheriff’s office personally conveys the court summons to its recipient. But in larger counties (like Cook County), courts often employ licensed process servers to handle these duties. These process servers are hired to find defendants and deliver court summonses in order to free up the sheriff’s office to focus on other law enforcement functions.The simplest way that a court summons is served is by delivering it to the defendant’s home address. If the person to be served is not home, Illinois law allows the summons to be accepted by any other person who lives at the same address and is at least 13 years old. (In these cases, another copy of the summons is usually sent to the residence via certified mail.) Sometimes, process service can take place at the defendant’s workplace or another location. In the worst case scenario where the defendant cannot be located despite several attempts to serve him or her, your attorney can file a motion with the court to make other arrangements and/or allow the suit to proceed.Your attorney can answer any question you might have about process of service. All you have to remember is that it’s not a problem that you’ll have to worry about.

Illinois has enacted legislation requiring all drivers, front seat passengers, and children who are younger than 8 years of age to be appropriately restrained while a vehicle is in motion. Some Illinois residents think that they are actually safer when they don’t wear safety belts. Here are two major myths associated with seat belt use.The “Thrown Clear” MythMyth: Being thrown clear of a vehicle during an accident increases your chances of escaping without injury.Statistics do not support this contention. Usually, when unbelted people are involved in a car crash, they are propelled through the windshield, abraded along the pavement, and/or struck by other vehicles (or their own). These scenarios result in much more serious injuries than those sustained in a crash where the victim was wearing a seat belt.The “Escape From Fire/Water” MythMyth: Wearing a seat belt increases my chances of dying if my car catches on fire or goes underwater.First, car accidents under these circumstances only occur about .5% of the time – so you’re much better off protecting yourself from more traditional crashes. But even when cars are engulfed by flames or water, the people in the vehicle have a much better chance of escaping if they are not injured, dazed, or unconscious due to the impact which resulted from the initial car accident.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyAfter a serious 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.

Two recent stories in the news underline the fact that it is not safe to leave gas burning equipment running in the garage.  Doing so allows carbon monoxide to seep into the house, placing people in the house at risk for serious injuries or wrongful death due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

In Connecticut, two men and seven rescue workers were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after they left a generator running in a garage adjoining the house where they were living.  When rescue workers came to their aid, their carbon monoxide detectors found that the levels exceeded the 500 ppm maximum amount that could be measured on their equipment.  Anything in excess of 35 ppm is considered hazardous.

In Florida, a woman was not able to shut the engine off on her SUV, so she shut the garage door and went into the house.  Carbon monoxide fumes seeped into the house, killing her daughter and another girl who was spending the night.

The take-away from these two news stories is that it is very dangerous to leave gas burning equipment running inside the house, even if it is in the adjoining garage.  Carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless, so it is virtually undetectable without a carbon monoxide detector.  If there are no carbon monoxide detectors present, equipment such as cars or generators can generate enough carbon monoxide gas to cause serious injuries or even wrongful death.

Working in a trench is a dangerous profession, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates specific safety standards for the job. Many dangerous situations can arise from neglecting these mandates, the most serious of which is a trench collapse accident. To best understand how one can neglect the OSHA mandates, you must first understand the mandates themselves. OSHA Trench Safety MandatesAccording to OSHA, an unprotected trench must never be entered. OSHA specifies three types of protection that may be used within a trench. These are: 

• Sloping. Sloping the walls of the trench outward or creating a gradual decline of stepped bench grades on either wall provides greater stability.
• Supports. A support system made of beams, posts, or hydraulic jacks can be used to hold the walls in place; or
• A trench box. Trench boxes are, exactly as they sound, a protective box within which a construction worker may work, protected within the box from a cave-in or collapse.  

In addition to these provisions, OSHA requires that all excavated materials and debris be at least two feet away from the trench’s edge. Construction workers must also have access to a laddered exit from the trench within 25 feet of where they are working.If any of these elements were missing from the trench involved in your trench collapse accident it may affect your Illinois personal injury claim. Speaking to an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you determine liability for your trench collapse accident, including third party claims.Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerYou should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about confusing court documents and filing paperwork. While you re-adjust to life after a Chicago trench accident, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois personal injury alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Reglan is a metoclopramide drug that has been linked to serious complications like tardive dyskinesia and other disorders that are similar to Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, Reglan has been found to cause complications with the cardiovascular system.In addition, Reglan’s other potentially dangerous side effects include:

• liver problems;
• arrhythmia;
• endocrine problems;
• Agranulocytosis;
• Aldosteronism;
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome; and
• Hyperaldosteronism. 

Because of the risks of taking this dangerous prescription drug, the FDA instituted a black box warning for its severe and even fatal side effects. While Reglan can help treat digestive problems, the benefits may not be worth the drug’s risks.If you have been injured by taking Reglan, you may now be facing additional medical problems along with costly medical expenses. If taking Reglan has resulted in serious injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, along with other damages like pain and suffering.A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you may be eligible to receive compensation for injuries you have suffered after taking Reglan. In addition to helping you file your dangerous drug claim, your Chicago personal injury lawyer can represent your best interests throughout the claims process. 

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 an Illinois dangerous drug claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

If you have suffered injuries as a result of taking a prescription drug, you may be entitled to file a dangerous drug claim against the manufacturer, marketer, or sometimes multiple parties. These can be complex cases that typically require the assistance of an experienced Chicago product liability attorney.

Risperdal is a prescription medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and irritability in autistic children. However it has also been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes or elevating blood sugar levels for those who already have diabetes. The risk of developing ketoacidosis is another potential life-threatening condition that can result when hyperglycemia is not properly treated. Because of the risks associated with diabetes, Risperdal may cause further injury to an individual.If you have been prescribed Risperdal and sustained injuries due to diabetes, ketoacidosis, or other serious medical conditions, you should consult with an attorney experienced with dangerous drug claims to get a better understanding of the process and to determine the validity of your potential case.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.

Motorcycle safety can help you avoid the sometimes serious and deadly consequences that can result because of a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists are oftentimes inexperienced and unaware of the potential dangers that are out there, not only with drivers of other vehicles but objects and driving conditions.There are some motorcycle safety steps that can be taken which will help protect bikers on the road. Obstacles in the road are a common reason for a motorcycle accident to happen when another vehicle is not involved. Here are some specific obstacles that can potentially cause a motorcycle to lose control:

• Potholes or other poor road conditions that lead to cracks and uneven surfaces
• Rocks or gravel
• Small animals
• Standing water

Weather conditions can also play a role in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists should use extreme caution when driving in snow or rain. Vision and traction are the biggest problems that can arise in poor weather conditions, so motorcyclists should drive slowly and apply brakes gently. The safest thing to do during these types of weather is to not ride at all, or if you are already out on the road, find a safe place to pull over and wait until the bad weather subsides.Motorcycle riders should always take a motorcycle safety course that can teach them how to ride safely around road obstacles and how to handle their bikes in a variety of weather conditions.To learn more about causes of motorcycle accidents, visit our article library If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer. They will work in your best interest to get the compensation you may deserve.

Contacting a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries.  At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys will examine all aspects of your accident, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

The economic stimulus package included a great deal of money for road construction projects, and as that money gets allocated and contracts awarded, we can expect to see a greater than usual number of road construction projects next riding season.  Many road construction projects have strict completion deadlines and financial penalties or incentives for timely completion.  However, the pressure to get done on time sometimes leaves safety on the back burner, as a recent article in the Dallas Morning News pointed out.The article described two wrongful death motorcycle accidents that happened in highway construction zones.  One involved a pavement drop-off — a height differential between two sections of pavement — which caused a rider to lose control of his bike.  An inspector had warned both the contractor and his superiors that the drop-off was a hazard, but they elected to leave it uncorrected.  The other motorcycle accident involved a rider who hit a backhoe which was parked right next to the lane of traffic instead of 50 away as called for in the construction project requirements.  In both instances, investigating officers placed blame for the motorcycle crashes on the deceased motorcycle riders.Road construction projects pose special hazards for motorcycle riders who can come upon unexpected changes in road way configurations, pavement hazards, or other dangerous conditions very quickly.  Any rider injured as a result of a motorcycle accident in a roadway construction project should give consideration to hiring an experienced Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer to investigate the causes of the accident instead of simply accepting a police officer’s assessment that the accident was the dead or injured rider’s own fault.

Reglan, a metoclopramide drug prescribed to help treat medical issues such as diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, has been found to lead to serious complications. These include tardive dyskinesia and other symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.In fact, the complications of taking Reglan are so serious that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning on this potentially dangerous prescription drug.In addition to tardive dyskinesia and seizures, Reglan can cause any of the following side effects: 

• allergic reactions;
• restlessness;
• agitation;
• anxiety;
• menstrual changes;
• confusion;
• depression;
• tenderness or swelling in the breasts;
• nausea;
• fever;
• diarrhea;
• fluid retention;
• insomnia;
• hallucinations;
• dizziness;
• jaundice;
• irregular breathing;
• drowsiness;
• muscle movements;
• fatigue;
• suicidal thoughts;
• headache;
• stiff muscles; and
• frequent urination. 

In some cases, Reglan side effects have led to severe or even life-threatening complications.If you have suffered injuries associated with Reglan use, you may be eligible to file a dangerous drug claim and receive compensation for your injuries. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can advise you of your legal options and how to protect your rights. If you decide to file a claim, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can guide you through the entire process.  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.

One question that we receive frequently from potential clients is, “Why is my worker’s comp settlement so much less than someone else who had the same injury?”There are a few good reasons for this:

1.  The two main factors for determining the amount of a lump sum settlement are the nature of the injury and the injured person’s average weekly wage (AWW).  A settlement in a worker’s compensation case is for permanent partial disability (PPD) which is paid according to a schedule set in the Worker’s Compensation Act at 60% of the AWW.  This means that if you suffered 50% of the loss of use of a body part that the Act values at 100 weeks pay, you would get 30 weeks pay at your average weekly wage.  This 100 weeks x 50% x 60% = 30 weeks pay.The bottom line on this:  if someone has a higher average weekly wage, they will receive a higher settlement, even when the cases are otherwise identical.2.  No two cases are truly identical, and there may be other factors which are coming into play, most likely that there is evidence of pre-existing conditions or that the injury you are making a comparison to is not truly the same kind of injury you had.  The bottom line is that you need to evaluate your case on its own merits, and not look at what someone else is saying they go on their worker’s compensation case as a guide for the value of your worker’s compensation case.

The person in charge of filing an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit is known as the “administrator of the estate” for the deceased. The administrator is the person who handles the filing and decisions related to the Illinois wrongful death lawsuit. If you find yourself acting in this capacity for your loved one, you have many responsibilities, including: 

• hiring a Chicago wrongful death attorney;
• furnishing documentation for the court;
• appearing at trial and all necessary court hearings;
• representing the interests of the beneficiaries of the deceased and informing them of the case progress;
• making decisions regarding settlement of the case;
• presenting a settlement agreement and distribution order;
• distributing the final settlement in accordance with court order; and
• filing proof with the court that the settlement has been disbursed. 

If you are the administrator for your loved one, you will be responsible for providing evidence for the trial, documentation of medical expenses and wages, and many other types of paperwork. Some of these records may be difficult to obtain. You will also find yourself having to attend court hearings and other legal processes which are usually unfamiliar events for non-lawyers.There is a lot more to learn about eligibility to file an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit and what the process entails. Our article touches on the basics, but for comprehensive help, you should consult with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer. When handling any sort of trial procedures, it’s best to have the advice and guidance of someone who has been through the Illinois wrongful death lawsuit process before. A Chicago wrongful death attorney from The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is available to help you through your claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation. (312) 263-1080