If you ride a motorcycle in Illinois, the state laws DO NOT require you to wear a motorcycle helmet. In fact, you can operate a motorcycle, a scooter, and almost any other type of motor-powered cycle without wearing a helmet. You must, however, wear protective eye gear, unless your motorcycle has its own windshield. But you DO NOT need protective headgear to ride on the highways of Illinois.If you do wear a helmet, there are no restrictions against having internal speakers.The most obvious argument for wearing a motorcycle helmet regardless of state law is that by not wearing a helmet, you can be seriously injured or killed in the event of an Illinois motorcycle crash. Additionally, if you are injured and want to claim damages in a personal injury lawsuit, your neglect to wear a helmet may be seen as an act of your own negligence.Under these circumstances, if you do receive a settlement, the total amount may be reduced by the percentage of your own negligence. In other words, if your settlement is $100,000, but you are found 60% negligent for not wearing a helmet, then you will only receive $40,000 in personal injury damages.To find out what you might be entitled to in your personal injury claim, you can get the advice of a Chicago personal injury attorney.If you ride a motorcycle in Illinois, visit our article on Illinois helmet laws. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerYou should be able to recover from your loss without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your loss or injury, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an Illinois wrongful death or injury claim alone.When you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080

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

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

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

Medical negligence can lead to serious injuries or death. If you have been the victim of a blood transfusion mistake, you should speak with an Aurora medical malpractice lawyer. They will advocate on your behalf for the damages to which you may be eligible. Contacting an Aurora Medical Malpractice LawyerAt the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Aurora medical malpractice attorneys will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life as the result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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

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

Contacting an Aurora Medical Malpractice LawyerIf you have been injured because you have received an incorrect diagnosis, you should immediately contact an experienced Aurora medical malpractice lawyer to learn more about your legal options for filing a medical malpractice claim. At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Aurora medical malpractice lawyer team will examine all aspects of your claim, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you or your loved one for any injuries or loss of life that are a result of medical malpractice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries or even death. Determining fault in an Illinois motorcycle accident is an important part of the motorcycle accident claims process and will be based on several factors. This is why it’s important to immediately contact a Chicago injury lawyer if you have experienced a motorcycle accident in Chicago or the surrounding regions.Contrary to popular belief, most accidents involving a motorcycle are not the fault of the motorcyclist. It has been found that in 80% of motorcycle accidents, the cause was another party’s negligence.Sometimes negligence is a result of the lack of respect in sharing the road with motorcyclists. Other times negligence is a result of driver inattention, failure to obey signs or even driving under the influence. These are just some of the many factors that can play into another party’s negligence.Since every accident is unique, liability cannot be determined without the help of an experienced and qualified attorney. Your Chicago injury lawyer can use the evidence that you collect after an Illinois motorcycle accident to determine issues of fault and negligence.If you have been involved in an Illinois motorcycle accident, contact a Chicago injury lawyer who can help you get through the complex process of determining liability.  If you have questions about what needs to be done after an Illinois motorcycle accident, visit our article library. Contacting a Chicago Injury Lawyer    A motorcycle is usually no match for a larger vehicle. Therefore, most Illinois motorcycle accidents will result in the rider sustaining serious and sometimes fatal injuries.  At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, a Chicago injury lawyer will examine all aspects of your accident, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

Some of the symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds. These are just some of the symptoms that your physician should be made aware of if you are currently taking or had been taking Risperdal.  It is also very important that diabetics who take Risperdal regularly monitor their blood sugar levels in case their condition begins to worsen.You can learn more about the connection between Risperdal and diabetes by visiting our article library. When to Hire a Chicago Product Liability Attorney  A Chicago product liability attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois dangerous drug claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

Contributory negligence is something to pay attention to. This means that you are partly at fault for your accident and the resulting injuries. This is based on the premise that you have an obligation to look out for your own safety and if you fail to do so, then you have contributed to your injury and should be penalized for that.For more information, read our article on Workers’ Compensation Claims and Personal Injury Claim to get a better understanding. Hiring a Chicago Injury LawyerDuring this time, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago injury lawyer can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.The Chicago injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080

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

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

Additionally, metal particles from the defective hip replacement have been found to cause injuries when they wear off and travel to fluid surrounding the joints and muscles.If you have experienced, pain, swelling or difficulty walking after receiving a DePuy ASR Hip Replacement, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer to help with the costs of your additional medical treatments and other expenses.A defective product lawyer in Chicago will carefully examine the facts in your case to determine if manufacturer negligence led to your injuries from a defective hip replacement. He or she can also assist you with filing your Illinois defective product claim.You can learn more about defective product claims related to DePuy ASR Hip Replacements by visiting our article library. When to Hire a Defective Product Lawyer in Chicago A defective product lawyer in Chicago at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois defective product claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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

Additionally, you may be entitled to recover compensation if a severe TBI requires you to make substantial changes to your home such as installing wheelchair ramps and making kitchens and bathrooms wheelchair accessible.If an accident in Chicago has caused you to suffer a traumatic brain injury, consulting with a Chicago injury attorney should be your next step in order to determine what your legal options are and if you have a valid injury claim. When to Hire a Chicago Injury AttorneyA Chicago injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog attack, contact a Chicago dog bite attorney who will fight for your rights.Contacting a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer   Dog bite injuries can leave psychological and physical scars.  At the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C, our Chicago dog bite attorneys will examine all aspects of your dog bite case, determine liability, and aggressively pursue the full amount of compensation due to you for any injuries or loss you may have suffered as a result of your dog bite incident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All or some of these factors may play a part in your final award amount. No attorney can give you an estimate about what your claim is worth until they become familiar with your particular accident, the parties involved, and the full extent of your injuries. Do not trust a lawyer who promises or quotes potential settlement amounts before they investigate your claim.You can learn more about the conditions that lead to indoor slip and fall accidents by visiting our article library. Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury AttorneyDuring this time, recovering from your slip and fall injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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

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

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

Internal organ complications include: 

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

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

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

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

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

Treatment for these complications can be just as devastating and leave an individual permanently disabled or disfigured. It can result in a loss of time at work, huge medical expenses, emotional distress, unbearable pain and suffering, and other physical and psychological injuries.These damages may be recoverable through an Illinois medical malpractice claim if you were the victim of medical negligence.When a radiation mistake leads to serious injuries, you should immediately consult with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney who will work hard to ensure your legal rights are protected.  When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney  A Chicago medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.

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

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

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