Guardrails Pose New Threat to Motorists

 Posted on December 10, 2013 in Personal Injury

There are many safeguards designed and implemented to help keep drivers and their passengers safe on the roadways. However, these safeguards don't always operate as intended. According to ABC 15, recent lawsuits indicate that guardrails have become significantly more dangerous since 2005, when their model head changed, leading to more auto accidents.

The news story recounts various tragedies caused by guardrails: one lacerated the leg of an 18-year-old in Florida in 2010 after it punched through the floor of the truck the teen was riding in; the fatal injury of a mother in 2008 after a guardrail came straight through her SUV; a family involved in a crash in New York in 2001 when a guardrail cut through the wheel well and into the back seat, pinning a two-year-old in his car seat.

When Josh Harman realized that the guardrail heads were failing, he took action by filing a lawsuit against Trinity Industries, who manufactures most of the guardrails on roadways. Harman's position is that the newer guardrail model heads were smaller than the previous model used, and that they were not functioning as intended.

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Pedestrian Accident Due to Driver Negligence

 Posted on December 06, 2013 in Personal Injury

With the holiday season upon us, there will undoubtedly be an influx of cars on the road and increased traffic surrounding shopping centers and malls everywhere. Dealing with crowds at this time of year can be stressful, and the large amount of people out and about can make for hectic conditions. While it is always a good idea to use caution on the roadways in order to avoid an accident, it is especially true in the coming months to be aware of other cars and pedestrians as we navigate around local retail establishments, completing tasks on our holiday to-do list.

This issue of pedestrian-related car accidents comes up relatively frequently in Illinois and, more specifically, the Chicago area. A Chicago news story from the beginning of the month reports an unfortunate story about two pedestrians being hit by a driver, who was later attacked. At the national level, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that a pedestrian is injured by a vehicle every eight minutes. This type of accident is usually found to be the driver's fault as the result of driver negligence. In common terms, negligence essentially means that the individual (in this case, the driver) was not exercising a reasonable amount of care when acting (or, in this case, driving). Some common scenarios involving driver negligence are when:

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Contractor Dies in Workplace Accident in East Chicago

 Posted on December 03, 2013 in Personal Injury

Workplace injuries are more common than one might think. CBS Chicago recently reported that a contractor died in an accident at ArcelorMittal in East Chicago. Michael Samuelson was working as a contractor at the ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor West steel mill in East Chicago when he was killed in an accident in November. Two other contractors also working at the mill were injured in the same incident.

The Lake County Coroner's office reported that Samuelson's death was caused by blunt force trauma to the body. His death was ruled accidental.

The accident was caused by falling debris near the basic oxygen furnace at the No. 3 steel production facility in Indiana Harbor West. It occurred just before 7:00 a.m. on November 13th, after which security called police to the scene. The two injured workers were taken to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

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Divorce and Telling the Kids: One Size Does Not Fit All

 Posted on December 03, 2013 in Family Law

So the decision has been made, either you or your spouse are filing for divorce. Even the word “divorce” conjures up discouraging thoughts of possible anxiety, stress, financial difficulties, and lifestyle changes with the emphasis primarily on the adults and their adjustment to the changing family dynamic.

But what about the kids? They're resilient, right? Not so fast, according to a recent article posted to Divorce Source, Inc., the level of a child's understanding and how he/she will handle the situation is still based upon the age old adage, children learn by example and will follow your parental lead.

According to the late Ruth Peters, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specialized in child and adolescent psychology, breaking the news to your children should be scheduled early in the process. If possible, both parents should be involved, without playing the “blame game”. Timing should not be too far in advance nor too late in the game either. Showing your emotions during the “talk” is encouraged, let them know that upcoming changes will be difficult for you as well. Remember to provide them with a brief summary of why, how and when these changes will occur. For example, discuss living arrangements, visitation schedules and all adjustments to their routines, which may be difficult but as parents you will both be present to make these transitions flow as smoothly as possible.

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The Basics of Premises Liability

 Posted on November 29, 2013 in Personal Injury

When you are on another person's property, there is an expectation that you are safe. However, that is not always the case. The most common type of injury in these circumstances is a slip and fall accident. In order to prove that the accident was due to negligence on the part of the property owner, there are certain things that need to be proven. The first requirement is that an accident on the premises was the cause of an injury. It does not matter if the injury is small or severe, as long as an injury occurred due to the accident on the property. Beyond that fact, it is necessary to prove that the property owner was the cause of the accident. Otherwise, the accident and subsequent injury might be normal in the daily course of living. Liability is determined if one of the following are true.

• The premises manager or a responsible party has caused the dangerous condition. This includes circumstances like uneven flooring, poor lighting, ripped carpeting, constricted stairs or a slippery floor.

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The Top Financial Fears of Divorce

 Posted on November 28, 2013 in Family Law

Money issues can cause a lot of fighting during any marriage. The stress that builds up when bank accounts are low can make your partner look like an enemy rather than an ally. This is the case especially if each spouse tries to manage their joint account differently. Some research suggests that arguments about money are a top predictor of the dissolution of marriage. But just as money issues can cause a divorce, there are money fears that are prevalent even through the divorce process.

One fear during a divorce is not getting what you deserve. Throughout marriage, each spouse plays a role in the accumulation of wealth. In some cases, that is simple assets like a house and a bank account. In some cases, the marital property is complex and its division can be the cause of fear. No one wants to be a sucker especially during a divorce. Make sure to talk to your divorce attorney to ensure that you uncover any hidden assets and set a fair value for your shared property.

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Woman Files Personal Injury Lawsuit against Marseilles Police

 Posted on November 25, 2013 in Personal Injury

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Railroad Industry Calls for Better Safety Regulations

 Posted on November 22, 2013 in Personal Injury

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Expert Help to Consider During the Divorce Process

 Posted on November 20, 2013 in Family Law

If you are considering or actively seeking a divorce, then you will need the help of experts and legal professionals. They can provide insights into contentious issues like child custody, division of property, and support. In some cases, an expert can give you guidance on the proper settlement to your divorce. In other cases, they can provide trustworthy testimony in a litigated divorce. No matter what type of divorce you are seeking, these experts can assist you in the process.

1. Property Experts

Just as you would get your house appraised before selling it, a property expert will estimate the value of your marital home and other property. Their job is to compile prices of neighboring properties to have a sense of your house’s market value. They will also review custom upgrades, the structure of the home, and curb appeal. They will ensure that you get the proper value for your home when property is divided.

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Survey Shows that Paramedics Might Not be Trained

 Posted on November 18, 2013 in Personal Injury

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