In the days following your Illinois truck accident you’re most likely focused on recovering from your injuries, medical treatments, and keeping your family in order. The last thing you need to worry about is confusing legal paperwork and talking to insurance adjusters.To help take the hassle out of filing a claim for damages resulting from your truck accident, you have the option of hiring a Chicago truck accident lawyer with the experience and knowledge to handle your claim for you. A good lawyer will have tried many other cases similar to yours and have the experience necessary to help you make the best decisions for your needs.In many truck accident claims, the trucker’s insurance company will try to place blame on everyone except the trucker or their company. Many claims end up involving third parties, including equipment manufacturers, logistics companies, inspection organizations, and all sorts of other entities. With this many parties involved, the process can become even more complicated.As with most accident claims, the insurance companies are always out to secure their own bottom line. Their adjusters may seem sympathetic, but they’re ultimately interested in keeping their company from paying out any money. It has been shown that truck accident claims that are tried by an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer most often result in higher settlements and quicker resolution.The process of filing an Illinois truck accident claim can be difficult, long and tedious, but made easier on you when a lawyer can be there to help. Our article explains some of the basics of the claim process for an Illinois truck accident, but a Chicago truck accident lawyer can give you real legal assistance. 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

If you can prove you are completely not at fault for your Illinois car accident then you will receive the full settlement amount in your claim. However, if the judge or jury in your case finds you to be partially at fault for your Illinois car accident, your final settlement amount will be reduced according to your degree of fault.For example, you fail to stop at a stop sign at a 4-way stop and are hit by a speeding driver who also ran their stop sign. Had you properly stopped at the intersection and then continued to where the accident occurred, you would have been completely not at fault. However, since you also ran the stop sign, the judge or jury will most likely find you to be partially at fault for the accident.In a case such as this, the other driver was also at fault, and more so than you, because not only were they found to have run the stop sign, but they were also speeding at the same time. In this claim, you would likely be found to be partially at fault, such as 40%, while the other driver would be 60% at fault. There is no mathematical system to determine fault, it’s purely up to the judge or jury.If your case results in you being found 40% at fault and your settlement is for $100,000, you would then be entitled to recover $60,000 in damages. Your degree of fault reduces the amount of the settlement you can receive by that percentage.For more information on how the degree of fault affects your Illinois car accident claim when you are found to be partially at fault, visit our article library. Your claim isn’t over until a judge rules it so, or you receive a settlement, and a Chicago car accident lawyer can help you manage your case.An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. is there to help you with all aspects of your Illinois car accident claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 312-263-1080.

Because of the nature of the vehicles involved, Illinois motorcycle accidents are vastly different than car accidents or any other type of collision involving an enclosed passenger vehicle.One of the biggest differences between a motorcycle and car accident is the significance of injuries that can be sustained. Serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or even death, are more likely to occur with a motorcyclist than with the driver of an automobile. This is owed to the fact that motorcyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle surrounding them in the event of impact.Another difference comes with how the public perceives motorcyclists. People tend to misconstrue motorcyclists as “dare devils” and therefore, believe that any crash involving a motorcycle driver must have been their fault. This rush to judgment rarely exists for victims of passenger vehicle accidents, and the reality is that many crashes occur because of the fault of the other driver. Many motorcycle accidents involve drivers of other vehicles who fail to see the motorcycle. This can result in a driver cutting off a motorcyclist. Because motorcycles are smaller, they can easily get “lost” in a driver’s blind spot. An inattentive driver may change lanes or make turns without carefully checking first for oncoming motorcycles.In many motorcycle accidents, there exists a failure to give the right of way to motorcyclists. Not all drivers of automobiles share the road safely with motorcycles. In some cases, motorcyclists are not given the same respect concerning the rules of the road as drivers of other vehicles.If you have been injured in a Chicago motorcycle crash, visit our article library for tips on what to do after a motorcycle accident in Illinois. Contacting a Illinois Motorcycle Accident LawyerA motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Illinois 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 Illinois motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

When trying to receive compensation for an accident in which you were injured as a result of the other driver’s negligence, it is always preferable to have an experienced Chicago accident lawyer on your side.Many of the arguments and evidence involved in determining fault and negligence are complicated and may be difficult or impossible for you to gather on your own. Additionally, navigating the legal framework can be frustrating for those without extensive knowledge of Illinois negligence laws and how to build a solid personal injury claim.When choosing a Chicago personal injury lawyer, it’s important to find someone you’re comfortable working with, since a negligence case may take some time to resolve. Look for someone you can talk with openly about everything that happened in the case and anything in your background that might affect your claim.Your total honesty is crucial in a negligence case-even if you were partially at fault, your attorney may still be able to help you recover compensation. They can only do this if they know in advance of any obstacles that may affect your claim.  Negligence cases have many things in common with one another, and your Chicago personal injury lawyer should have experience with cases similar to your own, giving them a wealth of past cases to draw on when arguing your case.The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will fight for a settlement that is fair and will help you to move on from your injuries and regain control of your life.  Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080For more information on driver negligence, read our article on actions that constitute negligent driving.

May 14, 2010 – A Chicago teenager was killed, and several others were injured, in a hit-and-run accident on Chicago’s West Side. According to reports at ChicagoBreakingNews.com, a 19-year-old man was killed when the car he was riding in was hit by another vehicle. Four other teenagers driving in the same car were injured, some seriously. The fatal accident occurred around midnight on Wednesday night.Police say the male victim was a passenger in a car that was passing through the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Keeler Avenue when it was hit by another car. The force of the collision propelled the victim’s car into a nearby utility pole. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene after the accident. the victim was pronounced dead an hour later at Mount Sinai Hospital.Four other teenagers in the car suffered personal injuries, and two are believed to have serious, life-threatening injuries. Their identities have not yet been released. Police are still investigating this fatal car accident and they have not released any details about the hit-and-run vehicle.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is caused by a common strain of bacteria found on human skin or nasal passages. When Staphylococcus aureus (a bacterium) does not respond to antibiotics it becomes MSRA.Unsanitary hospital conditions can lead to development of MRSA. The bacteria enter the body through a catheter, breathing tube, sore or cut. Minor infections create a pimple-like bump on the skin. More serious cases of MRSA can affect bones, blood or the heart.The people at highest risk of acquiring MRSA are those with weakened immune systems. Many hospital patients have weakened immune systems that raise their chance of developing MRSA. Patients going through kidney dialysis are also at risk of developing this hospital infection.Healthcare-related MRSA occurs to hospitalized – or recently hospitalized – patients, especially at an unsanitary hospital. Many MRSA cases can be prevented with proper hygiene and sterilization. Medical personnel who improperly wash their hands or handle unclean equipment can cause a hospital infection such as MRSA. When a hospital infection occurs in Chicago area hospitals, it’s typically a sign of medical negligence, and can open up the organization to a Chicago medical malpractice claim.If you have been a patient at an unsanitary hospital in the Chicago area and acquired a serious hospital infection such as MRSA, you should contact a Chicago medical malpractice attorney to learn more about your options for seeking compensation related to your injuries. Contacting a Chicago Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will examine every aspect of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue full compensation for you or your loved one, for any injuries or loss of life due to medical malpractice. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

While blood transfusion mistakes may not frequently occur, they are still a risk factor for anyone facing a medical procedure or surgery. Patients trust that doctors and other medical professional will do their job without causing further injury.Unfortunately, blood transfusion mistakes can happen and when they do, they often lead to devastating consequences.Hepatitis C is the most common blood transfusion mistake. Hepatitis C is a serious disease as it can lead to the need for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, an individual who has this disease may not even know it. It can sometimes take decades before Hepatitis C turns into liver disease. Statistics show that the chances of developing Hepatitis C in the United States from a blood transfusion are 1 in 121,000. While that number may not be particularly high, the risk is still too great to ignore. If someone who does not know they have Hepatitis C donates their blood, the chance of that blood being used in a blood transfusion is 1 in 103,000.Hepatitis C is a serious disease. If you have acquired Hepatitis C or any other type of disease because of a blood transfusion mistake, you should immediately contact an Aurora medical malpractice lawyer. Medical negligence can lead to serious injuries or death. If you have are the victim of a blood transfusion error, you should speak with an Aurora medical malpractice attorney. They will work on you behalf to help you recover damages that you may be entitled to for your injuries Contacting an Aurora Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Aurora medical malpractice lawyers will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life as the result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Fisher-Price has issued a voluntary recall of a high chair which was sold exclusively through Target stores.  The 3-in-1 High Chair poses a fall risk to children if the release is activated with the child still in the booster seat, or if the child is placed into the booster seat without the release properly secured.One injury has been reported where a child suffered a skull fracture after falling backwards.

The Sun-Times ran an article today that hits a point that I am always making with clients I am representing in Chicago car accident suits: that you should go to traffic court for the hearing on the ticket that the other driver received.  Many people I speak to on the phone tell me that they are pretty sure that since the other guy got the ticket, they are going to win their case.  The truth is that it’s a good start, but is not the whole ball game.The law in Illinois is that the mere fact that someone got a traffic ticket following a car accident does not come into evidence in a later civil suit arising from the same car accident unless the person receiving the ticket pleads guilty to the charges.  Unless that happens, the jury in the civil case does not get to hear that a ticket was issued, even if the other driver is convicted of the charges in traffic court.Showing up in traffic court does not guarantee that the other driver will plead guilty, but it greatly increases the odds that this will happen.  If you do not go to traffic court, the ticket will probably be dismissed, and a jury in your personal injury case will never hear about it.  If you are too hurt after a serious car accident to go to traffic court and have not yet hired an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, then you should send a friend or family member to court to tell the prosecutor assigned to that court room that you would like to come to court, but could not come because of your injuries.  The prosecutor should be able to get the case continued for another date when you would be well enough to come to court.Teaching point:  if you want to help yourself in your civil personal injury suit for a car accident, go to the traffic court hearing for the other guy’s traffic tickets.

Car accidents happen every day and can result in great financial loss from lost wages, medical bills, or inadequate auto insurance. In every car accident case, someone is legally liable. Unfortunately, sometimes the liable party has no liability insurance. The state of Illinois requires insurance policies to automatically include uninsured motorist coverage with the purchase of the state-required Mandatory Vehicle Insurance. But costs from a Chicago car accident can far exceed the minimal amount of coverage included in your insurance plan. It is important that you understand the limits provided by your uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy.For instance, imagine you are in an accident with a motorist who runs a red light and crashes into your car, causing physical damage to your car and lacerations to your face and arms. You are unable to work for two weeks. In addition to medical bills totaling $26,000, you have no sick leave at work and lose $2,000 in lost wages for a total financial loss of $28,000.This driver was uninsured and so you turn to your insurance policy. In this instance, if your policy provided coverage at the state mandated minimum of $20,000, you will be responsible for the $8,000 of financial loss you have suffered above and beyond the $20,000.Check in with your insurance agent yearly. Make sure your policy provides adequate coverage for all situations. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist a Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you work through any complications arising as a result of inadequate coverage of involved parties.  Learn more about Illinois’ mandatory insurance law by visiting our article library. The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. understands the complexities of car accident cases, including those with uninsured motorists. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your uninsured motorist claim contact us today – 312-263-1080

A recent news story featured the use of a headlight modulator as a possible safety device to help prevent motorcycle accidents.  The device alternates the headlight of the motorcycle between normal and bright lights.  Proponents of the device claim that it draws attention from otherwise inattentive car drivers who may have otherwise pulled in front of oncoming motorcycles.Considering the number of times we have written about wrongful death motorcycle accidents caused by the failure of drivers to yield the right of way to a motorcycle, anything that can help draw the attention of a car driver is probably a good thing.

For individuals who are severely obese and need to lose a significant amount of weight, gastric bypass surgery or gastric banding may be the best option. However with any type of surgery there are risks involved.Complications from gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding are possible but can many times be prevented.Some of the complications that can occur from gastric banding include: 

• Blood clot – Doctor should provide options such as compression stockings, compression pumps, and blood-thinning injections to help prevent a blood clot from forming in the leg, which could be life-threatening if it leads to a lung blockage.
• Organ Damage – A doctor could accidentally damage other organs in the body while performing the procedure.
• Infection – Doctors should make sure patients receive antibiotics to ward off infections from their wounds.
• Gastric Band Problems – A doctor should carefully monitor that the gastric band is positioned correctly otherwise it can break or slip out of place, requiring additional surgery.
• Gallstones – A doctor may choose to remove the gallbladder because of the risk of gallstones developing during rapid weight loss. If gallstones are not detected, this could lead to further health problems.  

Doctors have a duty of care to their patients. It is important that they discuss with patients ahead of time the risks involved in surgery.You can learn more about gastric bypass surgery complications 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you have questions about regulations or requirements faced by truck drivers, you can contact the FMCSA. If you have been injured in an Illinois truck accident, you should consult a Chicago truck accident attorney about your legal options.For more information on trucking safety and financial responsibility, read our article on Truck Company Financial Responsibility.Hiring a Chicago Truck Accident AttorneyWith serious medical issues such as truck accident injuries, it’s always best to consult a medical professional to help with diagnosis and treatment. During this time, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago truck accident attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.The Chicago truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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