Posted on June 30, 2020 in Personal Injury

Contrary to popular belief, slip and fall injuries in the workplace occur throughout the entire year, not just in winter. Though ice, snow, and adverse weather conditions can make slips and falls more likely to occur without proper precaution, many slip and falls accidents occur within the controlled environments of indoor offices. A common cause of slip and fall injuries is wet, slippery floors without proper signage of the hazard. Wet floors are not the only everyday materials that can cause such injuries. Improperly anchored carpet or extension cords and freshly mopped and waxed flooring can cause employees to lose balance, resulting in minor to serious injuries. Controlled office environments may not be absent from such dangerous conditions, but some occupations bring a higher risk of injury than others.

Industries with High Incidences of Workplace Injury

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that falls, slips, and trips accounted for 14 percent of all fatal workplace injuries in Illinois in 2018. It is also the third most common type of workplace fatality. Though injuries in the workplace are generally evenly distributed across industries and occupations, there are several outliers that exceed the average rates. The following are occupations in which workers may be at a higher risk for a fall, slip, or trip:

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 Posted on June 26, 2020 in Immigration

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an administrative change that is aimed to allow for more flexibility during the processing of employment authorization documents (EADs) for asylum applicants by removing the existing required 30-day time frame. This rule will become effective as of Aug. 21, 2020. Depending on their situations, certain aliens who are living in the United States temporarily may be eligible for a work permit. They can request work authorization using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Once approved, these individuals will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the country. U.S. employers have a duty to check that all employees, regardless of their nationality or citizenship status, are allowed to work in the country. If someone is not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR), he or she can still work in the United States if he or she has a valid EAD.

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 Posted on June 25, 2020 in Personal Injury

The roads in Illinois -- especially those closer to larger cities such as Chicago - are rarely empty. They are usually teeming with cars full of people trying to get to work, school, appointments, and everywhere else. Lately, however, the roads have been much less crowded -- and noticeably so. This was to be expected because of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the country. Illinois issued a stay-at-home order in mid-March that prohibited non-essential travel and work, which greatly cut down on vehicles on the road. Despite the drop in traffic, the number of speeding tickets and speeding-related accidents has increased greatly. An Illinois car accident injury lawyer can assist you with pursuing compensation if you are injured in a vehicle crash caused by speeding.

Traffic Fatalities Increase in Illinois

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 Posted on June 25, 2020 in Family Law

Similar to other kinds of losses, a divorce never looks or feels exactly the same for every person. We all grieve and process that grief differently, and because the divorce experience can vary in complexity depending on the circumstances of a given relationship, the journey can be especially unique and challenging to navigate. Emotional setbacks throughout a divorce are common and to be expected, regardless of your circumstances. The key to having victory over those setbacks and keeping them from controlling you begins with having coping strategies in your arsenal when times get tough.

Conquering the Tide of Discouragement

Thankfully, there have been countless studies on the psychological ramifications of divorce and the most effective ways to manage the stress, disappointment, and setbacks they entail. Psychologists recommend the following to heal, stay positive, and move forward, despite the emotional roadblocks you may experience along the way:

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 Posted on June 19, 2020 in Family Law

Among the many concerns divorcing parents have throughout the process of ending their marriage, establishing a solid parenting plan that equips them to effectively care for their children after the separation is often the most worrisome. This is particularly true for those experiencing a contentious divorce, as relationships with more tension tend to lead to major disagreements, especially when it comes to sensitive subjects like custody and parenting arrangements. However, creating a fair, realistic parenting plan that supports your children’s health and well-being is possible as long as you are able to keep things in perspective in the midst of your divorce.

Acting on Behalf of Your Children’s Best Interests

Checking in with yourself is key as you begin to work on constructing a parenting plan during your divorce. Here are three ways to help you determine whether or not your parenting plan arrangements truly have your children’s best interests at heart:

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 Posted on June 19, 2020 in Immigration

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency is responsible for protecting the United States by enforcing border control, customs, trade, and immigration laws for public safety and national security. ICE officials detain those individuals who are considered a “flight risk” and may move to another place within the country or who may be a danger to others. By being detained, the government ensures that the non-citizen will appear before the Immigration Court to plead his or her case. It is crucial that immigrants seek professional legal counsel for guidance on their options.

Grounds for Detention

If a person is detained by ICE officials, it does not mean he or she will automatically be deported. A detainee can plead his or her case to an Immigration Judge, who will make the final decision. There are several grounds that an immigrant can be detained, including:

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 Posted on June 15, 2020 in Personal Injury

Car accidents seem like a common occurrence, right? We are always hearing about some sort of collision on the news, but many of us may have never been in a vehicle crash ourselves. When you are in a traumatic event, such as an auto accident, adrenaline begins to flow through your veins, which can temporarily alter your thought process. Your judgment may be off or you may be feeling scared or confused. Although these are all normal feelings, they can pave the way for mistakes to be made that could affect your rights after an Illinois car accident. Here are a few mistakes you should avoid making after an accident:

• Leaving the scene. In Illinois, you are required to stop and exchange insurance and contact information with all other parties if you are involved in a car accident. If people are injured or hurt, you should also call emergency services for medical attention. Leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois is actually a crime for which you can go to jail. Sticking around at the scene also helps you, however, as it allows you to exchange information and file a police report, both of which can aid you in receiving compensation for the accident.

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 Posted on June 12, 2020 in Immigration

The immigration process involves many forms and steps. To those who have never gone through it, it can be confusing. Depending on the type of immigration benefit the applicant is seeking, he or she may be required to pass a medical examination. For example, those wishing to receive adjustment of status or K or V nonimmigrant visas must have an exam performed by an authorized physician or civil surgeon. It can be performed abroad or within the States. During the exam, the doctor reviews the applicant’s medical and vaccination history. In addition, a new physical, blood test, and chest X-ray will be conducted. However, immigrants who are under 15 years old are typically not required to have a chest X-ray or blood test.

Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility

Although it is not considered a comprehensive physical examination, the exam that is used for immigrant visa applicants does screen for certain conditions. The physician checks different areas of the applicant’s body to identify any condition that would designate him or her as inadmissible to the United States. The doctor can administer any required vaccinations that the individual may be missing. The applicant must agree to be vaccinated and submit proof of the vaccination.

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 Posted on June 11, 2020 in Family Law

Whether you ask a neighbor who is divorced or a financial expert who specializes in this area, they will tell you one thing for certain: Nothing turns your financial life upside down quite like a divorce. Even those who live very modestly, with little to no sizable assets, can expect some level of financial upheaval. You may be searching for a new place to call home, or struggling to find a way to afford the home you currently live in, all while doing so without your ex’s financial help. All too often, divorcees see a major portion of their savings and income go right out the door once the divorce is underway, as settlements take root and assets are divided.

Add any debts that you have accumulated during – or since the end of – the marriage, and suddenly your financial life might appear to be in shambles. As grim as this can seem, there is always hope for a better, brighter financial future, especially when we educate ourselves and are open and willing to make changes moving forward.

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 Posted on June 08, 2020 in Family Law

There are few major life events that will wreak more havoc on one’s mental health than divorce. Divorce is another kind of loss that involves a grieving process that is unique to everyone, as every situation has different circumstances. Even couples who decide to split amicably, with little contention, will experience some level of grief as they say goodbye to one relationship dynamic and learn to adapt to a new one. Stress levels can quickly escalate, especially when the circumstances are particularly distressing or the process itself is taking place amidst other major changes, such as adjusting to life during the current virus pandemic.

Whether you are in the beginning stages of the divorce process or are nearing the finish line, research shows that ongoing stress can affect both your physical and mental health. There are numerous techniques for managing the stress that our bodies and minds undergo during a divorce, but the key is to utilize positive techniques instead of negative coping mechanisms, as managing stress in negative ways can take even more of a toll on our overall health.

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