2012 January Archive

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded an investigation into the death of two 14-year-old female farm workers in the village of Tampico in Whiteside County, according to the Rockford Register Star. The two young women tragically died in the summer of 2011 when they were electrocuted while removing tassels from corn in the rural northwestern Illinois city. An estimated 72 employees for the St. Louis-based company Monsanto Corp. were also de-tasseling corn when the fatal accident occurred, and eight of the workers were injured.

The father of one of the victims filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company claiming his daughter’s death could have been prevented, but the company denied these claims, saying workers would not have been allowed to work in the cornfield if they were aware of any electrical hazard. OSHA’s six month investigation into both companies associated with the accident, Monsanto Corp. and R & J Enterprises of Illinois Inc., found they were not at-fault. The organization determined that lightning may have struck the field’s irrigation system, causing the electrocution accident to occur.

OSHA will be issuing no citations in the case, stating the two companies could not have reasonably recognized the hazardous conditions based on the collected evidence. An OSHA spokesman asserts the tragic accident could not have been prevented as no one was aware of the hazards. In August of 2011, Monsanto announced that they had changed safety procedures for corn growers and farm landlords in all corn-growing regions as a result of the accident, including requiring landowners and growers to unplug irrigation systems at the panel.

When a loved one dies unexpectedly, it can lead family members and friends of the deceased to look for answers surrounding the death and ask whether or not it could have been prevented. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, an Illinois wrongful death attorney can help you get answers to your questions and hold any at-fault parties responsible. At the Bradley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping families seek justice in the case of a wrongful death. Please call (312) 252-1488 for a complimentary review of your case.

According to Dailytech.com, a new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center reveals the danger of wearing headphones while walking. The lead author of the study, Richard Lichenstein, M.D., determined that injuries to pedestrians who were wearing headphones have tripled over the last six years.

The research team conducted the study by examining cases where headphones were involved in serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities from car or train crashes from 2004-2011 reports from various organizations and databases, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPSC) and Google News Archives.

The study yielded some very interesting results. The following are a few highlights:

• Nearly three quarters of the headphone-related injuries were fatal.
• About 55 percent of the vehicles involved in the headphone-related accidents were trains.
• 29 percent of the vehicles involved used some type of audible warning system, such as a horn, to let pedestrians know they were there.

Lichenstein said the accidents examined in the research study were caused by pedestrians being distracted by their devices and blocking the sounds of warning systems with their headphones, which he calls sensory deprivation. Lichenstein feels that with more and more enticing devices, the risk of injury increases from both distraction and the blocking out of other sounds. He also asserts that the dangers of distracted driving have been well documented, but the dangers of teens walking while distracted with headphones and devices is an increasing problem that warrants attention.

This new study reveals the risks of wearing headphones while traveling on two feet, but pedestrians still face a variety of dangers on Illinois streets, such as distracted drivers. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Illinois, the pedestrian accident attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm can help you seek full compensation for your injuries. For a free consultation with our legal team, please call (312) 252-1488.

The Chicago Tribune reports that a recent intersection accident in north suburban Morton Grove injured three people and closed the intersection for close to 30 minutes. The multi-vehicle Illinois auto accident occurred around noon on January 16 at the intersection of Dempster Street and Waukegan Road. A total of four ambulances were called to the scene, but only three of the accident victims were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. The Morton Grove Fire Battalion Chief is hopeful for a swift recovery for the three as they were all “conscious and talking” at the accident scene, but was unable to provide further details regarding their conditions. The Chief was unsure what direction the vehicles were traveling, so an official investigation will have to determine what happened and who may be at-fault for the crash.

Despite improvements in things like road design, safety laws and regulations, and traffic engineering, intersection safety is still a serious problem. According to information from the U.S. Institute of Traffic Safety Engineers, the number of fatal crashes at traffic signals is rising faster than any other type of fatal crash in the nation. In addition, in 2002 an estimated 3.2 million intersection-related crashes occurred, which represented 50 percent of all reported crashes. Fatal intersection accidents the same year represented 22 percent of total fatal crashes, and injuries resulting from intersection accidents represented 55.3 percent of all injury crashes.

Being a cautious and aware driver can certainly help prevent dangerous intersection accidents, but a negligent motorist may still cause an accident to occur. The intersection accident attorneys in Illinois with the Bradley Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for your injuries when the crash is caused by the negligence of another party. Call (312) 252-1488 for a complimentary consultation and to discuss your personal injury claim.

Experiencing a slip and fall accident is a very common occurrence; in the United States, slip and fall accidents are the number two leading cause of injuries (auto accidents are number one). These types of accidents can result in minor injuries, such as bumps and bruises, or serious injuries, including broken bones or injury to the spinal cord. Slip and fall accidents are also the number one cause of accidents in homes, hotels, restaurants, and public buildings, meaning the likelihood of having this type of accident on another person’s property is extremely high. Dangerous conditions that can lead to a slip and fall include: poor lighting, torn carpeting, wet floors, cracked sidewalk, or a hidden hazard such as a pothole.

As slip and fall accidents typically occur on another person’s property, the owner or possessor of the property may be held legally responsible for any injuries that occur as a result of his or her negligence. In order to successfully win a slip and fall claim, a person must prove that a dangerous condition caused the accident and that the owner or possessor of the property was aware of the condition. In order to establish that the owner was aware of the condition, it must be shown that:

• The owner or possessor created the condition;
• The owner or possessor knew the condition existed and failed to fix it; and/or
• The condition existed for a reasonable enough length of time that it should have been discovered by the owner or possessor and corrected in order to prevent the slip and fall.

To hold a property owner or possessor of a business (such as a store or restaurant) legally responsible for a person’s injuries suffered from a slip and fall, it must be also shown that:

• The owner or possessor should have known about the hazardous condition because a “reasonable” person taking care of the property would have discovered and repaired it; or
• They must have caused the unsafe condition and did nothing about it.

Slip and fall accident cases can be very difficult to win, and the business will likely have an aggressive insurance company doing everything they can to show the accident was not the fault of the property owner. The premises liability attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm will be your advocate throughout your slip and fall case and protect your legal rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Please call (312) 252-1488 for a free consultation.

The New Year has just begun, but there have already been a handful of recalls issued for a variety of products, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Major retailers, including Target and Big Lots, have issued recalls for defective products that may cause a serious personal injury. The following are four products that have already been recalled for 2012:

1. Big Lots Floor Lamp: Over 43,000 units of the “Classic Quarters Five-Light Floor Lamps” from Big Lots has been recalled because the wiring for the lamp sockets may become exposed and pose a risk of electric shock. In addition, the recommended 40 watt light bulb can cause excessive heat and melt the double plastic shades. The item was sold nationwide from April 2010 through November 2011 for $30 to $50. Consumers should return this item to the store for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call (866) 244-5687, or visit www.biglots.com.
2. IKEA High Chair: IKEA North America has issued a recall for its ANTILOP high chairs due to the chair’s restraint buckle opening unexpectedly, which can pose a fall hazard for the infant. The company has received eight reports of this happening, including three children who suffered minor injuries. The item was sold nationwide from August 2006 through January 2010 for about $20. Contact IKEA for a free replacement seat restraint by calling (866) 966-4532 or visiting www.ikea-usa.com.
3. Triple Eight Distribution Bicycle Helmet: Product testing of this youth bicycle helmet, marked with a “Little Tricky” logo, did not comply with CSPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Therefore, young consumers may suffer impact head injuries if they fall. This product was sold at sports stores and retailers nationwide, and online, from August 2006 through November 2011 for about $40. Consumers should contact Tripe Eight for a full refund at (888) 548-8518 or via www.triple8.com.
4. Target LED Flashlight: Affecting about 55,000 units, Target has recalled their six-piece LED flashlight set. When turned on, the flashlights can heat up, melt, or smoke, all which can pose a dangerous fire or burn hazard. Target has received reports of four incidents, two that included minor burn injuries to the user’s hands. The set was sold nationwide from October 2010 through December 2011 for about $10. Contact Target for a refund at (800) 440-0680 or www.target.com.

Manufacturers have the responsibility to produce products that are safe and reliable for public use. However, when a product has a defect due to poor manufacturing or inadequate safety testing, it can cause serious injury. The Illinois product liability lawyers with the Bradley Law Firm can help any IL resident who has been injured by a defective product obtain compensation for their injuries. For a complimentary consultation and review of your case, call (312) 252-1488.

The state of Illinois has introduced a staggering 214 new laws for the New Year, largely due to a very busy state legislature, according to a Huffington Post report. The new laws are now in effect as of January 1. As the state and the city of Chicago are increasing fines for IL residents found to be violating any state laws, it is important to know some of the more notable laws that may affect your everyday life. The following are just a few of the new rules to keep in mind while you’re traveling on the open roads of the Prairie State:

New Trucking Laws

In a new measure sponsored by an IL senator, commercial truck drivers are now allowed to travel the same speed as other motor vehicles in the state. The previous law only allowed them to travel the same speed in certain areas. In addition, truck drivers will now have to use hands free devices due to a ban on cell phone use while driving.

New Law for Motorcyclists and Bicyclists

For citizens on two wheels, all motorcyclists and bicyclists are now legally able to pass through a red light after waiting two minutes. The rationale behind this new measure is that bikes and motorcycles are typically not heavy enough to trigger the sensors that switch a light from red to green. The old law required them to wait for another vehicle to trigger the sensor before proceeding through the light.

Backseat Passengers Safety Belt Law

As of the first of this year, House Bill 219 states adult passengers riding in the backseat not wearing a seatbelt can be ticketed and fined. If found in violation of that law, a person could fine could be up to $25. The previous law only required individuals in the front seat to buckle up. Illinois is the 26th state to approve such a law.

A majority of the new 2012 laws for Illinois are intended to protect residents and keep them safe, so it is important to obey these new measures so as not to endanger yourself or others around you. However, being the victim of a personal injury accident may still be possible if others act in a negligent, reckless manner. If you have been injured in any type of accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, the personal injury attorneys in Chicago of the Bradley Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Please call (312) 252-1488 for a free consultation.

WIFR.com reports that a mother and son were killed in a fatal auto accident that occurred on Christmas Eve. Authorities state the head-on collision happened on Route 20 in Winnebago County around 3p.m. when the driver of a black Ford heading west lost control of his vehicle with his family in the car. Subsequently, the Ford flipped over and went into the eastbound lanes, hitting a van head on. Two passengers that were in the van are in serious condition, but tragically the mother and 15-year-old son in the Ford died from the injuries they sustained from the crash. The father (the driver of the Ford) and the daughter, who was also a passenger, survived and are in critical condition receiving care at an area hospital. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department has determined that alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Head-on collisions are one of the more serious types of auto accidents that can occur and can cause serious, life-threatening injuries or possibly even death. A head-on collision can often be attributed to the negligence of one or more drivers, and most often occurs in two ways:

• Lane-departure accident, where the driver fails to stay in his or her lane and drifts into oncoming traffic.
• Wrong way driving accident, where a driver enters the highway via an off ramp instead of an off ramp, or makes an illegal u-turn on a one way street.

Head-on collisions can be caused by a number of factors, such as distracted driving, unsafe passing of vehicles, falling asleep at the wheel, or sudden swerving to avoid debris. In addition, drinking and driving can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle and strike another vehicle head on. The faster a vehicle is going increases the risk of injury or death from this type of accident. The impact of two vehicles striking each other while traveling 50 mph is the same as a car traveling 100 mph striking a parked car.

If you are an Illinois resident and have been involved in a head-on collision caused by the negligence of another driver, the Chicago head-on collision lawyers of the Bradley Law Firm can help you receive compensation for your injuries. We will work to hold any negligent parties liable. Call (312) 252-1488 for a free consultation and review of your case.

Each year, thousands of children suffer from harmful burn injuries. Children under the age of four are at the greatest risk for burn injuries; for example, the injury death rate for this age group is two times that of children ages five to 14. Scald burn injury, which is caused by hot liquids or steam, is the most common burn-related injury for young children, and flame burns, caused by direct contact with a fire, are more likely to occur amongst older children. Children are unfortunately at a higher risk for a burn injury because they may not know something is dangerous and may lack the ability to escape a dangerous situation. A young child may also have less control of their environment.

Burn injuries are recognized to be some of the most painful, devastating injuries a person may endure, and they can undoubtedly have a lifelong impact on the victim. The following are some helpful tips that may prevent your child from suffering from a dangerous burn injury:

• If working with a hot liquid or cooking with hot oil or a deep fryer, keep your child a safe distance away from the source.
• Do not use a tablecloth with young children as they may pull on it, causing a hot liquid to fall on them.
• In the event of a house fire, teach your child proper safety; practice an exit strategy and teach them how to out a fire.
• If a microwave is used to prepare a child’s food, test the temperature before they dig in. In addition, test the temperature of the water with your hand before placing a toddler in a bathtub.
• Use a bottle warmer to more safely warm formula or milk (microwave heating may not heat the liquid uniformly and could present a danger).
• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children, and teach them to stay away from these potential hazards.
• Fire-proof your home by doing things such as checking smoke detector batteries, having your chimney or fireplace cleaned during the winter, and throwing out smoking materials in a proper receptacle.

Adhering to these simple safety rules may prevent a serious burn injury accident from occurring in your home, but another individual may not exercise proper caution and endanger your young one, causing devastating injuries. If your child has endured a burn-related injury caused by someone else’s negligence, the burn injury attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm can help you get compensation for your child’s injuries. Please call (312) 252-1488 for a complimentary consultation.