According to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), there are “tens of thousands” of individuals in the U.S. who suffer anaphylactic reactions, another way of referring to someone who experiences a severe sensitivity to an allergen every year.

This one factor results in 1 per every 3,000 inpatient hospitalizations. That same report outlines how anaphylaxis leads to anywhere from 500 to 1,000 annual fatalities in our country.

You were struck by a vehicle or falling tool, injured by dangerous machinery or heavy equipment, or suffered harm in some other way while on a worksite here in Illinois. If you’re wondering who’s liable if you’re hurt at a construction site like this, we’ll share those details below.

Anyone who is preparing to undergo a medical treatment or surgery should go through the informed consent process.

However, while statistics aren’t readily available, physicians likely fail to perform this required pre-operative procedure when treating patients. Doing so violates a doctor’s duty of care per a court ruling cited in a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023, yet it happens nonetheless.

Another study published by the NIH in 2004 suggested that the “lack of informed consent can reinforce a claim of medical malpractice.”

Below, we’ll delve deeper into what informed consent is, when it must be performed, and by whom.

We’ll also describe the dangers associated with doctors failing to consent patients and how situations like these often lead to the filing of a medical malpractice claim.

Yes, semis are very closely regulated. This is necessary because 18-wheelers are significantly larger than the average passenger vehicle and have the capacity to inflict so much harm on the motoring public. The primary regulations are found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These regulations play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of America’s roadways, including Interstate 57 here in southern Illinois.

As 2024 begins, I have been giving a lot of thought to two of my passions in life: helping my clients put their lives back together after a tragic loss and smoking and eating food! After much thought, I realized that my passions have much more in common than one might think. Let me share a few of these common characteristics.

Preparation. Representing an injured person in a lawsuit and smoking meat both require careful preparation and a plan. You can’t just jump in and wing it. You need to think about what you are doing and understand why you are doing it. In my representation of an injured person, I must thoroughly investigate the case, gather evidence, perform legal research, and get to know my client. Just like a pitmaster, I must meticulously prepare our “case ingredients” to build a foundation for success.

Illinois law requires almost every employer to secure workers’ compensation coverage that covers its employees in case they fall ill or get hurt on the job. Employers face daily fines for non-compliance. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 91% of our state’s employees are entitled to protections this coverage offers, according to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IL WCC). So, what steps should Illinois employees take to apply for worker’s compensation if they require it? We’ll share those details below.

Dogs might be man’s best friend, but it’s important to remember that our four-legged friends are still animals. A bite from an animal—especially a dog with a powerful jaw or strong bite power—can cause severe and lasting damage, both physically and mentally.

Knowing what to do after a traumatic event isn’t always easy, though. We hope that the following five important steps to take after a dog bite accident will serve as a helpful guide as you try to navigate this difficult period of life. And if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Marion law office for a completely free case evaluation.

After a sprain, tear, or strain to a muscle or ligament, we all hope that we’ll be back on our feet again soon. But unfortunately, without the right care, we are in danger of suffering long-lasting damage. Even a minor slip and fall or motor vehicle accident can cause tissue damage that upsets our lives for weeks, months, years, or even permanently.

Can soft tissue damage be permanent? In some situations, yes. Most healthy people can recover from soft tissue injuries. However, some people sustain life-long complications. Without the proper care, the likelihood of permanent damage increases.

Let’s start by looking at what constitutes a soft tissue injury and symptoms to watch for. Then, we’ll examine how it should be treated and what can cause soft tissue damage to become permanent. We’ll also discuss steps you can take to minimize the chances of your injury affecting you for the rest of your life.

Each year, a statistically significant number of motorists get behind the wheels of their vehicles while intoxicated from alcohol, putting both their lives and those of others on the line. Knowing what the tell-tale signs are that you’re sharing the road with an inebriated motorist and knowing how to avoid drunk drivers could save your life.

Below, our car accident attorney outlines how common drunk driving is in Illinois and goes over signs to look for that are indicative of a drunk driver. Also included are steps you can take to keep yourself (and others) from becoming entangled in a crash with them.

Every worker in the state of Illinois has the right to a reasonably safe workplace. When someone is injured or becomes sick while on the job, they are entitled to benefits that cover their medical bills and lost wages.

Few people have a full understanding of every right they have as an employee, though. And when you’re hurt, or you’ve just received a life-changing diagnosis, you don’t have the time or mental capacity to sort through pages and pages of complex legal information.

We hope that this Illinois workers’ compensation settlement guide will provide clear and simple information that will be helpful to your claim. And if you need any additional help or guidance, a compassionate workers’ compensation lawyer from our Marion office will meet with you for a completely free consultation.