Posted on April 17, 2024 in Estate Planning

A common misconception about estate planning is that this process should only be completed by people who have literal estates, but this is not the case. Your estate consists of your possessions, including your home, car, investments, life insurance, and other possessions, and estate planning is an important step in ensuring that your choices are followed upon passing away or being otherwise unable to make decisions about your estate.

An experienced Illinois estate planning lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of this process and help you settle vital decisions about your estate.

What Documents Are Included in Estate Planning?

While the planning of every estate is different, there are a few types of documents that are commonly created for most estates. You may need to include one or all of these documents as part of your estate plan.

• Last will and testament – outlines how your wishes for taking care of your pets, children, or other dependents and how you want your possessions to be distributed.

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 Posted on March 21, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Drunk driving accidents are totally avoidable tragedies, and injuries associated with drunk driving accidents are often severe. Because of this, victims of drunk driving accidents may also deal with numerous medical costs and bills that can be incredibly difficult to manage. An Illinois lawyer can help you navigate your legal options and pursue a compensation claim against the party responsible for the drunk driving accident.

Consequences of a Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving accidents can be severe, as many drunk drivers are completely unaware of their surroundings and act recklessly as they operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. If you or a loved one is involved in a drunk driving accident, you could experience any of the following consequences:

• Serious injuries that result in permanent disability or disfigurement

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 Posted on February 21, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can be life-altering for you and your family. These injuries involve much more than immediate physical harm. They can affect the emotional, financial, and social well-being of a victim and their loved ones. Understanding the various types of catastrophic injuries, their potential long-term effects, and the steps that may be taken to recover compensation is crucial for injury victims and their families. In these situations, an experienced attorney can explain your options and provide you with effective legal representation to ensure that you will receive the compensation you deserve.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can occur in a variety of different situations, including motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, or slip and fall accidents that are caused by dangerous property conditions. These injuries may include:

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 Posted on January 23, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional act is an incredibly painful experience. While nothing can truly compensate you for the loss of a family member, Illinois law allows surviving family members to seek justice and financial compensation through wrongful death claims. A civil lawsuit may be brought by the deceased person's estate or a representative of their surviving family members. An attorney who has experience representing clients in these types of cases can provide guidance on who can pursue a wrongful death claim, the time limits for when a lawsuit can be filed, and the types of damages that can be recovered.

Eligible Family Members

Under Illinois law, certain specific family members are entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These include:

• The surviving spouse

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 Posted on December 22, 2023 in Catastrophic Injuries

Elderly people may sometimes face challenging situations that require the assistance and support of others. In these situations, appointing a legal guardian to help an elder address their personal needs or manage their finances may be necessary. However, full guardianship may not be necessary or appropriate, and an elder may want to retain control over certain areas of their life. In these instances, limited guardianship can be a viable alternative that ensures the well-being and protection of the elder while allowing them to maintain some level of independence. An attorney with experience handling elder law issues can provide guidance on when limited guardianship may be an ideal solution.

What Is Limited Guardianship?

In a limited guardianship, a court will appoint a person to make certain types of decisions for an elderly person who is unable to handle specific aspects of their life independently. Unlike full guardianship, which grants broad authority over personal and/or financial matters, limited guardianships are narrower in scope. The court may specify the types of decisions a limited guardian can make while taking steps to provide an elder with assurance that they will be able to address their own needs as much as possible.

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 Posted on November 27, 2023 in Motor Vehicle Accidents

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family gatherings, delicious meals, and expressing gratitude. However, it is also one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. As families hit the road to visit loved ones or embark on vacations, there is an increased risk of car accidents. While nothing can ruin a holiday like being injured in a car accident, an attorney can provide assistance in these cases, helping families take steps to recover compensation that will address the injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of other drivers. Some reasons why car accidents may occur over Thanksgiving include:

Increased Traffic Volume

Millions of Americans travel by car during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The roads become congested as people rush to reach their destinations, leading to a higher chance of collisions. In addition to regular commuters and travelers, many college students return home for Thanksgiving break. This influx of young drivers who may not have extensive experience behind the wheel can contribute to an increase in accidents.

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 Posted on October 23, 2023 in Personal Injury

Even though many dogs are friendly, others may be dangerous, and even a well-behaved dog can behave unexpectedly and bite or attack someone. Dog bites can result in multiple types of serious injuries, as well as significant emotional trauma. Following a dog bite injury in Illinois, it is important to understand who may be held liable for your injuries. The state of Illinois has specific laws that cover dog bite cases, and you may be able to take legal action against a dog's owner or other responsible parties. To make sure you will be able to recover compensation for your injuries, you can work with an attorney who has experience in premises liability cases involving animal attacks.

Strict Liability Laws in Illinois

Illinois follows a strict liability rule when addressing dog bite and animal attack injuries. The owner of a dog is generally responsible for any injuries caused by their pet, even if they were not aware of the dog's aggressive tendencies.

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 Posted on September 21, 2023 in Personal Injury

Accidents can happen in a wide variety of situations, and victims may suffer multiple types of injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most severe forms of bodily harm that accident victims can experience. These injuries occur when there is a sudden jolt or blow to the head, causing damage to the brain. They can have long-lasting effects on victims and their families. Following a brain injury that was caused by someone else's negligence, a victim can work with an attorney to determine their legal options.

The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can have a major impact on a victim's life, and a person may be impacted both physically and mentally. Here are some common effects of traumatic brain injuries:

• Cognitive impairment: A TBI can lead to difficulties with memory, attention span, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities.

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 Posted on August 10, 2023 in Estate Planning

Avoiding probate is a common goal for many seniors seeking to protect their assets and provide a smoother transition for their loved ones. Probate involves the legal validation of a will, settling debts, distributing assets, and can take several months to years to complete. For seniors who want to spare their families from the complexities of probate and ensure their assets are placed in the right hands after their passing, there are various strategies to consider.

Most Common Ways to Preserve Your Assets

One of the most popular methods for seniors to avoid probate is by creating a living trust. A living trust allows you to transfer your assets to the trust while you are still alive. You can serve as the trustee and maintain control over your assets until your passing. After your death, the appointed successor trustee can distribute the assets to your beneficiaries without going through probate.

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 Posted on July 17, 2023 in Construction Accidents

As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, construction sites across the nation are abuzz with activity. However, the summer season brings its fair share of challenges and potential construction site accidents.

Understanding the Risks of Working in the Summer Heat

Working outdoors under the scorching sun can lead to various heat-related illnesses and accidents. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable due to their physical exertion and exposure to hot surfaces and direct sunlight.

Heat-Related Illnesses and Their Prevention

Construction workers are at risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, during the summer months. Recognizing the symptoms and taking preventive measures can save lives. To safeguard against these illnesses, outdoor workers should take these actions:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas

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