To Procreate or to Not Procreate: Whose Right is Most Valid?

 Posted on September 10, 2014 in Family Law

In recent years, assisted reproductive technology has progressed rapidly and has provided women and men the opportunity to become parents. In 1985, through this new reproductive technology, 260 babies were born to parents who otherwise would not have been able to conceive. As of 2010, more than 61,000 children were born as a result of the newest technology. However, with the amazing results that have occurred from the utilization of this reproductive technology, also comes legal controversies in regards to the rights of the donors. Is the right to not procreate outweighed by the right to procreate?

Illinois’s Stand on the Right to Not Procreate

This legal controversy has been pushed in the direction of the right to procreate with a recent ruling by the Cook County court in Illinois. The Court awarded custody of the frozen embryos that were prepared prior to the woman’s chemotherapy treatment for her lymphoma. The chemotherapy had the effect of destroying the woman’s chance to conceive otherwise. Her now-ex boyfriend had originally agreed to provide his sperm for the embryos and later objected to the use of the embryos after the couple had split. The ex-boyfriend cited privacy issues, stating that the use of his genetic material could have a negative impact in regards to his future with other women.

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How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

 Posted on September 09, 2014 in Personal Injury

Many car accident victims can feel overwhelmed in the days and weeks following such an incident. Everything from being treated for injuries, to having property replaced or repaired, to tending to time-sensitive personal affairs can take up most of an injured person's time and energy after an accident.

Often, the idea of taking legal action takes a backseat to matters that are seemingly more pressing. Perhaps finding an experienced attorney seems daunting, being compensated for injuries is a secondary concern to getting well, or the injured person is simply not sure if they even have a legal case. The best thing someone in this situation can do is reach out to a knowledgeable attorney who can discuss their case with them and determine what rights they have and how to protect them.

An Attorney Can Help

There are many benefits to seeking the advice of counsel following a car accident. An injured person likely has a long list of questions relating to the incident, and a good accident attorney can help to put their mind at ease. An attorney working in the best interests of their client allows the client to focus on other things, like rehabilitation and medical care

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Increased Injuries Associated with Increased Bicycle Use

 Posted on September 05, 2014 in Personal Injury

There is no doubt that summer weather draws people outdoors in large numbers, all finding different ways to enjoy enjoy themselves. One common activity to take part in during summer months is bicycling. Whether it is as an alternate mode of transportation or a leisurely activity, bike riders have been everywhere this summer throughout Chicago and the surrounding area. While getting outside and being active is a positive thing, according to a recent news story, doctors are also warning of the dangers of carelessness when bicycle riding.

Bike Safety

With the multitude of bike riders present in the city, it is more important than ever to take advantage of safety equipment when riding—something not all riders do. It is likely not hard to spot a significant portion of riders who choose to forego the safety gear available to wear when riding a bicycle. In particular, wearing a bike helmet or other forms of protective head gear is of the utmost importance in avoiding many of the more serious injuries that can result in a bike accident.

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Debunking the Myths about Undocumented Immigrant Children

 Posted on September 03, 2014 in Immigration

With the current surge of undocumented minors surrendering themselves to the Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) at the United States’ southern borders and their very real needs, there comes a host of misinformation. Pundits and other media personnel have made comments that not only do not promote understanding, but actively spread inaccuracies to the general public. For the sake of current and future clients who may be in the same situation, we feel it is important to debunk some of the myths currently making the rounds.

Myth #1. All of the recent influx of undocumented migrant children will be allowed to stay in the United States—which is why they have not been deported yet.

False.

While some of the children will likely be allowed to remain—some will likely apply and qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile status, and others will likely apply for asylum—President Obama is actively trying to speed up the repatriation of many. The 2008 William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act holds that any undocumented minor from a non-contiguous country (that is, any country that does not directly share a border with the United States, such as Guatemala or Honduras) is entitled to a hearing before being repatriated.

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How Often is Domestic Violence Occurring?

 Posted on September 03, 2014 in Family Law

In just the first three months of 2014, it happened over 36,000 times. In 2013, it happened over 177,000 times. What are these statistics referring to? Domestic violence.

Illinois takes domestic violence seriously, and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act gave victims a tool to help combat abuse and separate from their spouse. Orders of protection can make an abuser take (or not take) a number of actions that will help ensure the safety of the victim, their loved ones, and their property.

Who Can Get an Order of Protection?

There are two basic requirements that must be met before a person can obtain an order of protection. First, the person must have been abused. Second, his or her abuser must be a member of the family or household.

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Trucking Accidents: A Problem Across the Country

 Posted on September 02, 2014 in Personal Injury

There have been no shortage of news stories about devastating trucking accidents that have occurred locally, throughout the state of Illinois, and across the country. Many times, the results of trucking accidents are fatal; perhaps this is not surprising when considering the capacity and sheer size of a semi-trailer or big rig versus an average vehicle. A recent news article published by NBC News recounts various tragic truck accidents that have occurred in Illinois and in other states, as well as the need for public outcry to stop them.

National Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fatal truck accidents occur, on average, about 11 times per day across the country. This amounts to about 4,000 deaths per year in addition to the over 100,000 people who are injured annually in truck crashes. Put another way by the article mentioned, those numbers equate to a plane crashing every week of the year, killing every person on board. And it appears the numbers are only getting worse.

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Preventing Accidents on Illinois Railways

 Posted on August 28, 2014 in Personal Injury

While car accidents may be unfortunately common in the United States, another major concern is present, especially in the state of Illinois. Accidents involving trains and on railways happen all too frequently in Illinois, due in part to the fact that the state has so many miles of track. According to a recent news article, preventing these devastating accidents has become a top concern for railway safety experts.

Rail-Safety Issues

Illinois is one of the few states across the country that must address rail-safety issues due to the numerous crossings present in the state along its many miles of train tracks. Illinois is among the top five states for most railway accidents and related deaths, according to a coordinator from Illinois Operation Lifesaver. Railway safety experts are focusing their efforts on Illinois since there is a higher chance of accidents happening involving trains within the state. They recently met to talk about risks posed by Illinois railways as well as discuss potential solutions for the thousands of railways crossings in Illinois that are located on private property.

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What Is Notario Fraud?

 Posted on August 27, 2014 in Immigration

Many immigrants, documented or undocumented, are in vulnerable positions when trying to come to the United States. Some are too poor for an attorney, but seek other ways to get help to stay legally. It is this situation that is ripe for exploitation by scam artists who call themselves notarios. It is important, if you are seeking immigration help, to not fall for their tricks, and to only pay or give information to people who have the authority to help you.

What Are Notarios?

While in Europe and Latin America the term “notary public” applies to a person who is qualified to represent individuals before a government, that is not the meaning of the term in the United States. Notarios use that linguistic confusion to prey upon immigrants who need help. They are people who lack any kind of legal authority in the U.S., but hold themselves out as “immigration consultants” or “visa consultants” in order to project an air of authority. They are, not to put too fine a face on it, con men who make a living preying on desperate immigrants. Sometimes, their lies can have long-term consequences, including damaging a potential immigrant’s prospects for genuine applications to be approved.

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If it’s a Boy, We Get Married? Babies, Gender Preference and Divorce

 Posted on August 27, 2014 in Family Law

A married couple finds themselves constantly fighting. They are unhappy with each other and unhappy with their relationship. Though they have considered a divorce, the wife is pregnant and the couple wants to try to stay together for the sake of their unborn child.  Just a few months later, the child is born. Will the gender of the baby have an impact on whether the couple stays together?

Just a few months ago, the answer might have been yes. In 2003, researchers found that parents of girls were more likely to divorce than parents of boys. The findings set off a firestorm, igniting debate about whether parents prefer boys and why a parent might choose to stay in a relationship for one child and not another. But recently, more data has come to light that seems to suggest that the gender of a baby does not cause a divorce­—the stress of an unhappy marriage causes the gender of the child born to the marriage.

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Back-to-School Safety Precautions for Motorists

 Posted on August 26, 2014 in Personal Injury

As summer draws to a close, one thing is for certain: back-to-school season is here in Illinois and in states across the country. While the summer months present unique safety concerns of their own, back-to-school time can be a particularly frustrating adjustment for motorists, who likely did not have to navigate roadways filled with buses or small children for the past few months. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issued a comprehensive guide on motorist safety with regards to school buses and other traffic issues presented by back-to-school time. Read on for tips on how to navigate some common scenarios.

Passing a School Bus

According to the ISBE, children are at the greatest risk when boarding or exiting the school bus. Children may become distracted, cross the street without warning, fail to ensure the road is clear before crossing, and may even be blocked from view by the bus as they attempt to navigate around it. In addition, many students likely expect traffic to stop for them while crossing the street at a bus stop.

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