Posted on September 08, 2023 in Personal Injury

There has been much controversy over the past decade or so about the catastrophic effects that professional athletes suffer from brain injuries and repeated hits to their heads, particularly professional football and hockey players. After years of participating professionally in their chosen sports, many players develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive and fatal disease of the brain. While CTE has been associated with professional athletes, a new study shows that the condition is developing in people at much younger ages than previously thought.

Any brain injury has the potential to cause devastating disabilities. An Illinois brain injury attorney knows that one or more brain injuries have the potential to cause significant health issues later, as this new study reveals.

What Is CTE?

CTE is a fatal condition that is caused by traumatic brain injuries. Multiple studies have shown that people who suffer a brain injury – including concussions – are two to four times more at risk for developing dementia as they get older. People who have suffered multiple head injuries have an even higher risk.

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 Posted on August 30, 2023 in Personal Injury

Truck accidents can be devastating. Due to their size and weight, 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can inflict severe injuries in a collision. However, some truck accidents may also be related to the cargo a truck carries. When cargo falls from a truck onto the road or another vehicle, it can lead to dangerous accidents and serious injuries. People who have been injured by falling truck cargo can work with an attorney to pursue compensation from the parties who were responsible for an accident.

The Dangers of Falling Cargo

Falling cargo can create dangers on roads and highways. Large trucks carry heavy loads that are secured by straps, chains, or other restraints meant to keep items in place during transit. If these restraints fail, the cargo can shift or fall off a truck while it is in motion. There are rules that must be followed when securing cargo on commercial trucks, and failure to meet the proper standards can put drivers and passengers at risk of being injured in collisions.

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 Posted on August 24, 2023 in Immigration

Leaving your home country and resettling in a new country can be a difficult process. You may struggle to adjust to life in the United States while working and supporting your family. To make matters worse, there are some situations where you may face deportation based on claims that you have violated immigration laws or remained in the United States illegally. As you look at your options for defending against deportation, you may want to consider whether voluntary departure would be the best choice for you. An immigration attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed.

What Is Voluntary Departure?

Voluntary departure may be an option if you are involved in removal proceedings. You may seek to leave the United States and return to your own country rather than being forced to leave by immigration officials. If your request for voluntary departure is granted, you will be able to leave the country on your own terms, although you will also be required to pay for your own travel expenses.

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 Posted on August 18, 2023 in Family Law

Sharing parental duties with your ex-spouse after your divorce can be challenging, but even if the two of you do not get along, it is often best to put aside your differences and focus on working together to raise your children. When you and your ex-spouse are able to work together effectively as co-parents, you can create a stable and nurturing environment for your children to thrive in. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the journey of co-parenting after an Illinois divorce:

1. Prioritize Effective Communication

Good communication is crucial when it comes to co-parenting. If you struggle to be civil with your ex-spouse, you can work to keep conversations focused on your children's needs rather than discussing personal issues or past conflicts. Various communication methods, such as phone calls, email, or parenting apps, can be used to stay connected with each other regarding schedules, school events, medical information, and important decisions related to your kids.

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 Posted on August 15, 2023 in Personal Injury

Drunk driving is a serious problem that continues to plague our roads. It poses a significant risk to everyone's safety. Despite the numerous campaigns informing people about the dangers of drunk driving and strict laws that impose harsh penalties for people who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Illinois.

The Effects of Alcohol Impairment

Alcohol can affect various critical skills that are necessary for safe driving. When consumed, alcohol affects a person's central nervous system, slowing down their brain function. This impairment results in:

• Poor judgment: Alcohol reduces inhibitions and impairs decision-making abilities. Drunk drivers will be more likely to engage in reckless behavior while failing to consider the consequences of their actions.

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 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Immigration

The U.S. government’s immigration policies have changed significantly in recent months. The administration of President Joe Biden has put measures in place that are meant to reduce illegal immigration and ensure that people who are seeking to enter the United States can do so in a safe, orderly fashion. While these policies have seemed to have positive effects, reducing the number of people who have attempted to enter the U.S. without authorization, they have also come under fire by advocates for human rights. These advocates recently scored a victory when a federal judge blocked a key provision in the Biden administration’s asylum policy.

Changes to Policies Affecting Eligibility for Asylum

Under the Biden administration’s policy, immigrants are encouraged to apply for asylum by scheduling an appointment with immigration officials through a smartphone app, and they must do so before attempting to enter the United States. To help ensure that people use the proper channels when applying for asylum, the administration has stated that anyone who enters the United States without authorization would become ineligible for asylum.

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 Posted on July 25, 2023 in Personal Injury

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but retail stores are particularly prone to these types of incidents. Whether it is a grocery store, clothing boutique, or department store, the potential for slip and fall accidents is a constant concern. In fact, these incidents are among the leading causes of injuries in retail stores. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help injury victims understand who may be held liable for the damages they have suffered.

Wet or Slippery Floors

Many slip and fall accidents in retail stores occur because of slippery surfaces. Floors may become slick due to spills, leaks, inadequate floor mats, or freshly mopped surfaces. When floors are wet or slippery, customers can easily lose their footing and fall, resulting in injuries such as broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.

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 Posted on July 24, 2023 in Immigration

Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming. For immigrants who are currently living in the United States, it is important to understand what steps they can take to continue on their path toward permanent residence and eventual U.S. citizenship. For many immigrants, one of the most important steps in their immigration journey will involve applying for adjustment of status. By adjusting their status from a non-immigrant who is visiting the United States temporarily to that of a permanent resident, a person can ensure that they and their family will have the opportunity to resettle in the U.S., maintain employment, and in some cases, take steps to bring their family members to live with them. By understanding the eligibility requirements a person will need to meet when applying for adjustment of status, they can begin taking the proper steps to receive a Green Card and continue living in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

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 Posted on July 13, 2023 in Immigration

Over the past decade, immigration has been a major political issue. With millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States and thousands more attempting to enter the country on a daily basis, government officials are seeking to implement policies that will address these concerns while also protecting people's humanitarian rights. The administration of President Donald Trump sought to detain and deport many undocumented immigrants, but President Joe Biden's administration has attempted to make changes to these policies. While these policies have been challenged, a recent Supreme Court decision has allowed the administration to focus on protecting public safety as it enforces immigration laws.

Biden Administration Allowed to Set Priorities for Immigration Enforcement

During the Trump administration, immigration officials took a hard-line approach to immigration enforcement. The administration stated that any immigrants who were in the United States without authorization could be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and they would be subject to deportation proceedings. These policies led to large numbers of immigrants being detained, resulting in criticisms about the humanitarian treatment of detainees and the separation of families.

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 Posted on July 11, 2023 in Family Law

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally difficult process, especially when it comes to dividing marital assets. In some cases, one spouse may attempt to dissipate or waste marital assets to prevent the other spouse from receiving their fair share of the property the couple owns together. Thankfully, Illinois law provides remedies to address the dissipation of assets and ensure a fair distribution of marital property.

What Is Dissipation of Assets?

Dissipation of assets refers to the intentional wasting, depleting, or hiding of marital assets by one spouse during the breakdown of a marriage or during the divorce process. This can include excessive spending, gambling, giving away assets, or transferring funds to other accounts without the other spouse's knowledge or consent. It is important to note that dissipation can only occur after the marriage has begun to permanently break down.

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