By admin on June 28, 2012
The Daily Herald reports that an Illinois train collision claimed the life of one bicyclist on Monday, June 25. The victim, who officials estimate is around 30-years-old, was crossing from the outbound to inbound platform when he was struck around 6:30 a.m. in Hanover Park. The bicyclist had attempted to ride across the pedestrian crossing, which had activated lights and bells, according to a Metra spokeswoman. The inbound train, No. 2208, was not scheduled to stop at the Hanover Park station.
Officials were still in the process of trying to notify the victim’s family on Monday evening and were withholding his name until family members were notified. Metra officials said that initial indications were that the tragic collision was an accident, but the Metra spokeswoman states that the “coroner will have the final ruling.” Immediately following the accident, inbound and outbound Milwaukee District West Line trains were stopped, experiencing delays of about an hour Monday morning.
The wrongful death attorneys in Chicago of the Bradley Law Firm understand how difficult the loss of a loved one is, and know that the sudden death of a family member or friend can leave those left behind with more questions than answers. Our dedicated legal team is committed to getting answers for those a victim left behind and will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, making sure anyone who is responsible is held legally accountable.
To see how we can help you during this difficult time, call (312) 252-1488. Your initial consultation is complimentary, and your information will be kept confidential.
By admin on June 26, 2012
As many Illinois residents are planning their summer adventures, a number of people may include a road trip as part of their seasonal fun. With more and more people on the road, the chances of being involved in an Illinois traffic accident may unfortunately increase.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is encouraging anyone who might be hitting the road this summer to practice safety at all times, before and during the trip. The following are safety tips to help you and your passengers get to your destination safely:
- Regular vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can go a long way in preventing a breakdown or roadside emergency, so be sure to keep up standard maintenance.
- Before you hit the open roads, make sure to check the following equipment in order to avoid a potentially serious problem: tires, belts and hoses, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, cooling system, and air conditioning.
- While you are on the road traveling to your seasonal destination, avoid bad driving behaviors. Distracted driving is a common factor in traffic accidents, so drive distraction-free and let passengers help with things such as changing the music or navigation. Also, do not drink and drive under any circumstances. Combining the two can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road and may cause an IL drunk driving crash.
- Everyone in the car should buckle up in order to prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.
- Avoid driver fatigue by scheduling frequent breaks throughout your trip to stop for food or beverages or simply stretch your legs at a rest stop. Sharing the driving duties with others can also help, as well as staying overnight at a motel to get a good night’s rest and reenergize yourself for the next day.
The summer season is a time for fun and celebrations, not accidents and injuries, so adhering to these simple safety tips can help ensure your road trip is enjoyable and safe. All traffic accidents, however, are regrettably not preventable. The traffic accident lawyers in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm can help you obtain compensation when another party’s negligence has caused you harm. Call us to discuss your case at (312) 252-1488.
By admin on June 22, 2012
The Evanston Patch reports that law enforcement in Evanston will be out in force targeting those who are not wearing seat belts and drunk drivers. The increased enforcement will begin June 22 and will run through Independence Day on July 4 and is part of two statewide safety campaigns: “Independence Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.” Evanston is one of 200 communities throughout Illinois participating in the enforcement campaigns, which is part of an effort funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation using “federal traffic safety dollars.”
As part of the campaigns, police will focus their efforts on late night enforcement. Data released by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that the deadliest time on IL roads is between midnight to 3 a.m., which is often due to the number of impaired drivers and seatbelt law violators on the road during late night hours.
An Evanston Police commander stresses that since Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays, largely due to the increase in drunk driving, officers “will be out in force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for drunk drivers.”
The drunk driving lawyers in Illinois of the Bradley Law Firm urge all Illinois motorists to designate a sober driver when celebrating this summer or choose a safe ride home, such as a taxi or a train. However, we understand that all drunk driving accidents can unfortunately not be prevented. If you have been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, schedule a no-cost consultation with a member of our legal team to discuss your legal options by calling (312) 252-1488.
By admin on June 19, 2012
A study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that fewer motorcyclists die in states with laws that require helmets, CarmiTimes.com reports. The federal study shows that about five times as many “no-helmet biker deaths” occur in states with less restrictive laws, leading the study’s author to say that helmet laws save lives.
Researchers with the CDC examined a government tally of fatal traffic accidents focusing on 2008 through 2010, ultimately counting 14,283 motorcycle-related fatalities. Of this total, 6,057 were motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Only 12 percent of these deaths occurred in the 20 states that require motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets.
The CDC researchers also made 2010 cost calculations based on medical expenses and lost work productivity from motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities, and concluded that the costs to society are lower when states require helmet use. A director for the CDC notes that more than $3 billion in economic costs were saved due to helmet use in the U.S. in 2010, and another $1.4 billion could have been saved if all motorcyclists wore helmets. In states that do require helmet use, more money is also saved per registered bike than in states with fewer or no restrictions, specifically $725 versus $200 as estimated by researchers.
In Illinois, there are currently no laws that govern motorcycle helmet use.
As this new federal study shows, motorcycle helmets can certainly help save lives, but it is still the responsibility of everyone on the road to drive responsibly and share the road with vehicle drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists alike. Those who do not take this responsibility seriously, however, may still cause a serious collision.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another individual, contact a skilled Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer with the Bradley Law Firm. Our legal team can help you obtain the compensation you need to heal. Call (312) 252- 1488 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
By admin on June 14, 2012
A tragic Illinois semi truck accident claimed the lives of three teenagers recently in unincorporated Kendall County, according to a Glen Ellyn Patch news report. Police report that the black Ford coupe driven by one of the teens, a 19-year-old from Plainfield, pulled out in front of a semi truck heading east on Route 126 near Oswego at Schlapp Road around 3:15 p.m. on June 4. The truck hit the car, then flipped onto its side, pinning the car beneath it. According to police, paramedics used extrication to get the three teens out of the car. A stretch of Route 126 between Schlapp Road to the west and Ridge Road to the east was closed until late Monday evening.
The young driver of the vehicle and a 19-year-old passenger were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The second passenger, an 18-year-old young woman from Naperville, was pronounced dead at Rush-Copley Medical Center where she was taken for treatment. The semi truck driver, a 45-year-old from Hodgkins, was also taken to Rush-Copley Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The truck driver was subjected to a blood test administered by police, which showed no signs of alcohol.
A vigil was held several days after the heartrending collision on the 24200 block of Apple Tree Lane in Plainfield where the 19-year-old driver lived with his family. More than two dozen families who lived on the block placed memorial candles in bags and placed them on the family’s driveway. The residents also plan on wrapping every tree in Plainfield North’s school colors to honor the victims. In addition to this neighborhood memorial, friends of the three victims gathered at the scene of the crash in the days following the fatal accident to honor the teens.
The wrongful death lawyers in Chicago of the Bradley Law Firm understand how devastating the sudden loss of a loved one is and the severe emotional and mental toll it can take on family and friends. Our compassionate, skilled legal team can help lessen the financial burden a family may experience following the death of a loved one by holding negligent parties responsible and obtaining compensation, which can help pay for a variety of losses, such as funeral expenses. To see how we can assist you during this difficult time, call (312) 252-1488.
By admin on June 12, 2012
The summer season brings many opportunities to celebrate, and fireworks are frequently part of the festivities. Fireworks are very fun and provide visual excitement for anyone close by, but if not handled properly, they can cause serious injuries to unsuspecting users. According to Fireworkssafety.com, there were an estimated 9,800 fireworks-related injuries in 2007, which is equivalent to 3.8 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks. If proper safety precautions aren’t followed, fireworks can cause eye injuries and burn injuries in both children and adults.
In honor of National Fireworks Safety Month, the following are tips to help keep you and your family safe while using fireworks:
- Purchase only legal fireworks, which will be unlabeled, and store them in a cool, dry place. In addition, never try and make your own fireworks.
- Use fireworks outside only and keep a bucket of water nearby in case of an accident. Point the fireworks away from homes and keep them away from brush, leaves, and other flammable substances.
- Light one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a dud. Also, do not hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. If you are the “lighter,” wear eye protection to prevent eye injuries.
- Don’t allow children to play with fireworks or pick up pieces of fireworks after an event as some may still be ignited and can explode without warning.
- After your fireworks-infused celebration, soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash.
The personal injury lawyers in Chicago of the Bradley Law Firm wish everyone a safe and fun-filled summer! If you are injured in a fireworks-related accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, please contact us to discuss your legal rights and options. Schedule your complimentary consultation by calling (312) 252-1488.
According to an MSNBC.com news report, a recent study shows dog bites cost insurance companies an estimated $479 million in 2011, which accounted for a large portion of payouts under homeowner’s liability policies. Though there was a slight decline in the total number of dog bite claims in the U.S., the cost per case has risen an astonishing 54 percent since 2003, averaging $29,400 in 2011 and making up more than one-third of total liability claims paid out by homeowners. The Insurance Information Institute, who conducted the study, explains that the increase can be attributed to increases in medical costs in addition to the size of settlements, jury awards, and judgments, all of which have notably risen above the rate of inflation in recent years.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and of the 800,000 that seek medical attention, 386,000 require emergency room treatment and 16 die. A California-based attorney who specializes in representing dog bite victims suggests the popularity of pit bulls in the U.S. may be a contributing factor in the rising cost of claims paid out by insurance companies. A study published in the Annals of Surgery affirms that pit bull attacks are associated with higher fatality rates and a higher risk of death, as well as higher hospital charges, than other breeds of dogs.
Traditionally, homeowner liability policies cover dog bites, but some insurance companies are modifying how they write their policies. Without coverage, an IL dog attack can result in costly medical bills and compensation worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial costs to the dog owner. For some breeds of dogs more associated with dog attacks, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds, a pet owner may need special canine liability insurance. Dog owners should check with their insurance company to ensure they have the appropriate coverage to avoid expensive costs in the unfortunate event of a dog attack.
The Illinois dog bite attorneys with the Bradley Law Firm recognize how devastating a dog attack can be for a person, and understand the physical and emotional injuries that can result can be very difficult to recover from. Our dedicated legal team can help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to if you have been injured in a dog attack that was caused by the negligence of the owner. To see how we can assist you with your case and get you back on your feet, call (312) 252-1488 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
The Chicago Tribune reports that three workers who were severely injured in a southern Illinois workplace accident have been awarded a $180 million settlement. The workers were badly burned in an April 2010 grain elevator explosion, and the federal jury in the Southern District of Illinois found that ConAgra Foods, the grain elevator owner, and a subcontractor were negligent. The three men arrived to clean out a grain bin that they were unaware was smoldering for days and exploded while they were removing their tools.
According to the Tribune, a chemical reaction ignited the grain pellets inside the silo, which sent a strange smell and smoke through the grain elevator complex for six weeks before the men arrived. Despite these warning signs and complaints from employees, managers never called the fire department to investigate and did not warn the three contractors before sending them into the silo to work. A plant supervisor was on the phone with the fire department just as the silo exploded on April 27.
The trial lasted for a month and the jury deliberated for 10 hours before reaching their decision. The three each received millions in compensatory damages, and $100 million in punitive damages will be split amongst the men. Officials with ConAgra said in a statement they plan on appealing the decision, noting that the accident was tragic, but that they do not believe their actions caused the injuries.
The workers’ compensation attorneys in Chicago with the Bradley Law Firm recognize how devastating a workplace accident can be and the importance of receiving financial assistance to help a worker recover from his or her injuries. If you have been injured in an IL on-the-job accident and need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, call us at (312) 252-1488 to discuss your case.
