Posted on September 12,2017 in Construction Accidents

Exposure to hazardous substances is a serious risk that some construction workers face on the job. The immediate danger is most apparent when disastrous events occur, such as explosions. However, chemical exposure can cause medical conditions that may become life-threatening over time. Construction workers must be aware of the long-term hazards of working with toxic substances.

Types of Hazards

Construction projects may use materials that are toxic to workers who come in contact with them. Builders have stopped using some of the most hazardous materials, such as asbestos. However, workers may still need to remove dangerous materials if they are renovating an older building. Workers can also become ill due to exposure to more common substances, such as:

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 Posted on July 24,2017 in Personal Injury

Obtaining compensation in a personal injury case relies upon proving the defendant’s negligence. Illinois law defines negligence as failing to act in a manner that a reasonably careful person would or acting in a manner that a reasonably careful person would not. However, both sides can be negligent in a personal injury case. The idea of shared blame is often called comparative fault. If a jury decides that a plaintiff's negligence partially caused his or her injuries, it may award reduced damages or no damages at all.

Comparative Fault

A jury in a personal injury case must first determine whether the defendant is at fault for the plaintiff's injury. If the jury rules in favor of the plaintiff, it moves on to determining how much compensation is owed and whether there was comparative fault by the plaintiff. Illinois law instructs the jury to quantify the plaintiff’s share of the responsibility for the injuries in terms of a percentage:

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 Posted on May 26,2017 in Premises Liability

Summer is swimming pool season for both recreational swimmers and personal injury attorneys. There are numerous potential safety hazards at swimming pools that can cause injuries. In the most serious cases, the victim may drown. If property negligence causes injury, premises liability laws allow victims to pursue damages from the person or entity responsible. However, success in a swimming pool personal injury case depends on the circumstances of the injury and who owns the pool.

Liability

When seeking compensation for a swimming pool injury, you must determine who is liable for your injury. Depending on the responsible party, you may have a greater burden in proving negligence:

• If another person's actions cause your injury, that person is the liable party. Your claim may succeed if you prove the person acted recklessly or intended harm.

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 Posted on March 15,2017 in Catastrophic Injuries

Suffering a catastrophic injury to your spine is a life-altering event. The immediate treatment and long-term effects can take a physical and mental toll on you. It may be hard to put a monetary value on how much a spinal injury will cost you, but you should have an idea if you are seeking legal compensation from the party at fault for the injury.

Immediate Cost

The initial medical fees often are the most expensive part of a spinal injury. Treatment can require surgery, prolonged hospital stays, rehabilitation and use of medical equipment such as wheelchairs. A study found that the average first-year cost for a patient who loses any level of motor function is more that $300,000. The first-year cost escalates, depending on the severity of the injury, including:

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