North Chicago & St. Louis Injury Updates

Selfies: The Latest Danger for Illinois Motorists

Published on: February 1, 2016 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Legal Articles | February 1, 2016

People often take selfies while driving, but engaging in this distracting behavior may lead to auto accidents, which may cause serious injuries or death.

The popularity of self-portraits, also known as selfies, is ever-growing in Illinois, and elsewhere. People regularly take these types of photos at all times and in all types of places. In fact, CBS Interactive Inc. reported that 17 percent of the respondents in one survey admitted to taking photos, including selfies, while behind the wheel. A potentially dangerous distraction, this can result in collisions, which may cause serious injuries or death for those involved.

Car Accident Preparedness

Published on: February 1, 2016 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Legal Articles | February 1, 2016

Proactive planning can be very helpful to motorists after an accident occurs. Get tips on what to do at these times.

A driver in Chicago can easily become flustered and unsure of what to do after an accident happens, regardless of the cause. Being prepared ahead of time can go a long way toward making this time less confusing. It can also help when the time comes to address issues such as compensation.

What Is The Difference Between Medical Negligence and a Medical Mistake?

Published on: January 19, 2016 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Medical malpractice | January 19, 2016

If you or someone you love sought treatment at a hospital or clinic only to become far more ill, you might wonder whether you can file a medical malpractice claim.

Many people do not realize that not all medical mistakes or complications amount to medical malpractice under the law. How can you tell if you are dealing with medical malpractice or an honest mistake?

The Dangers of Drop-Side Cribs

Published on: January 14, 2016 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Defective Products | January 14, 2016

A drop-side crib seems like a great idea when you first buy it. Now you can just fold the side over or slide it down if needed and get to your child with relative ease. This is especially nice if your back and shoulders are already sore from carrying the child around and caring for it.

While the benefits are clear, it’s also important to note that these cribs can be inherently dangerous, and they could injure your child.

Rollover Crash Kills 81-Year-Old Woman, Injures Six More

Published on: January 7, 2016 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Car accidents | January 7, 2016

A Cadillac Escalade flipped over after running into the median in Bartlett, Illinois. It was just a single-car accident, but it still put many people in the hospital, as five passengers and the driver were all hurt. On top of that, an 81-year old woman passed away.

As of the last reports, one of the passengers—a 16-year-old boy—was suffering from injuries that were life-threatening.

Can Your Employer Retaliate Against You For Filing A Workers’ Comp Claim?

Published on: December 29, 2015 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Firm News | December 29, 2015

When you are hurt at work, this isn’t always the easiest thing to confess to your boss. Maybe you were injured because you were messing around and doing something you weren’t supposed to be doing. Maybe your coworker did something wrong, causing your injury, and you don’t want to get him or her in trouble. Maybe the injury wasn’t really anyone’s fault, but you’re still worried about how your employer will handle it.

Can your employer discipline, or even fire, you for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

Why Doctors Make The Wrong Diagnosis Regarding Autism

Published on: December 16, 2015 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Medical malpractice | December 16, 2015

When a child is diagnosed with autism, it has a huge impact on the child’s life and the lives of the parents. However, doctors do sometimes make mistakes when determining whether or not a child has autism. Below are a few examples of how a misdiagnosis can occur.

First of all, the child could have other medical conditions that make him or her act differently. Children cannot always tell medical professionals what is wrong, so the behavior may be the only indicators that the doctor has.

What Is Popcorn Lung And What Do E-Cigarettes Have To Do With it?

Published on: December 15, 2015 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Firm News | December 15, 2015

Many people in Chicago have turned to e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine to the user, along with selected flavors, through vapor. While e-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, we are beginning to learn about health risks linked to the product.

Although e-cigarettes don’t produce tobacco smoke, they do produce a number of harmful chemicals including not only nicotine but also formaldehyde and acetaldehyde (known carcinogens) and potentially toxic metal particles. Some of the vapor flavors also contain diacetyl, which has been linked to the severe disease known as “popcorn lung.”

What Should Teens Do to Avoid Accidents?

Published on: December 10, 2015 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Car accidents | December 10, 2015

There’s a learning curve with driving, which is why teens are often a high-risk group. They simply don’t have time behind the wheel and they don’t have experience. Classes and sessions with instructors are meant to help them before they’re allowed to drive on their own, but teens should drive with parents or other adults as much as possible, even after getting a license. This builds experience and helps them get comfortable behind the wheel.

Teens are also encouraged to avoid distractions. This means not texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. It also means not driving with too many other people in the car, not eating behind the wheel and not playing the music too loudly. Attention needs to be paid fully to the road at all times, especially for those who haven’t been driving for long.

When You Are Injured At An Airbnb, Who Pays?

Published on: December 7, 2015 | by Seidman, Margulis & Fairman, LLP

Firm News | December 7, 2015

When you’re traveling, the risk of injury is probably the last thing on your mind. However, things happen and this is one reason hotels and other commercial properties carry insurance.

Property owners are generally liable for medical expenses and other damages when someone is seriously hurt on their premises due to their negligence. But with the rise of Internet companies that allow individuals to use their private property for commercial services — such as Uber for transportation and Airbnb for lodging — premises liability questions are emerging. Who is liable if your Airbnb stay ends badly?

Seidman, Margulis, & Fairman Blog