Continue reading "What should you do if you have been hurt or injured in a motorcycle accident?"
The post What should you do if you have been hurt or injured in a motorcycle accident? appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>If you are a regular rider, it is a good idea to leave instructions for a friend or loved one if the event that you end up in the hospital and cannot communicate with anyone.
A motorcycle accident and injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and help you get compensation for your injuries if others were at fault. Oftentimes attorneys are only called after a horrific accident or injury that caused a serious injury or even death to a biker. An experienced accident and personal injury lawyer can help you plan for a motorcycle accident, collision, serious injury or crash.
Most biker think they are invincible and do not plan or talk about plans for the end of life – this is especially true amongst younger bike riders. If you are a regular rider, it is a good idea to have an estate plan in place. It could be something as simple as a will and a medical power of attorney. You could also add a trust, depending on the amount of assets you have. A possible future motorcycle crash is a good reason to have an estate plan in place, but estate planning is always smart to prepare for. When you have an estate plan in place like a medical power of attorney or a living will – it will be much easier for your loved ones to manage your affairs and make decisions for you in the event that you should suffer from a serious or catastrophic injury.
If you can move after the accident, check on others involved in the accident. Then contact 911 to let them know that you were involved in a motorcycle accident and that you need help and an ambulance if your injuries are severe. Gather contact information, registration, and insurance information from all those involved in the incident. Additionally, obtain contact information from any witnesses that you may see in the area. Ask witnesses what they saw and take notes. You can use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene – make sure you get photos from many different angles. Take photos of any skid or tire marks and pictures of any property damage.
Allow the emergency medical people to thoroughly check you over. Once the police release you from the scene, go to the hospital and ask for a complete checkup. Sometimes injuries will not appear for hours or even a day or two after an accident due to adrenaline in your body. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should still have a thorough medical examination.
The sooner you can speak with an attorney, the better. You are more likely to remember pertinent facts and information immediately after an accident. If you wait to talk to an attorney, you might forget about something that could make or break your case.
It is important to let your insurance company know that you were involved in an accident, even if the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible. When you contact the insurance company, only give the representative your name, contact information, date and location of the accident, the other driver’s insurance and contact information, and your attorney’s contact information. Let your lawyer provide all other details after you make initial contact. Do not forget – insurance companies are in business to make money. The representative may try to get you to discuss the accident – refer them to your motorcycle accident attorney. The insurance company may twist your words to deny your claim. If the insurance company cannot find a reason to deny your claim, they may use what you say against you in an attempt to offer you a low-ball settlement. Attorneys with experience in motorcycle crashes know the tricks that insurance companies will use. Since most people do not deal with the insurance companies regularly other than to pay insurance premiums, you may not be aware of these tactics. Some victims of motorcycle wrecks may try to settle on their own, however do not recommend proceeding without legal representation. In most cases, those who try to settle their claim without the help of a lawyer will receive less compensation than those who hire an attorney. The insurance company will not tell you if you are entitled to compensation for some injuries, but an attorney can evaluate all of your injuries and determine the true value of your claim.
Some injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident include:
Economic Damages – some damages include past medical expenses, future medical expenses, past lost wages, future lost wages, replacement or repair of destroyed property (including your bike) and funeral, burial or cremation expenses if you lost a loved one in a catastrophic motorcycle accident.
Non-Economic Damages – pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship, loss of consortium (if you can no longer have a physical relationship with your spouse), inconvenience expenses (if you have to hire someone to do chores you normally do, including house cleaning, grocery shopping, lawn maintenance, and home maintenance and repair), and extra compensation for scarring and disfigurement.
Courts will normally award non-economic damages if doctors believe that your injuries will lead to long-term or permanent disabilities or if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for a free case evaluation if you have suffered serious injuries or have lost a loved due to a motorcycle accident.
The personal injury attorneys at Healy Scanlon Law Firm are proud to have obtained more than 50 verdicts and settlements in excess of $1,000,000.00 for our clients. We have also obtained many multi-million dollar verdicts and judgements for our clients. We have a track record of success and have established a reputation by recovering RECORD SETTING JURY VERDICTS/JUDGMENTS for our clients.
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]]>Continue reading "Some Tips To Help Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries"
The post Some Tips To Help Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>TBI can cause impaired thinking, memory, or movement and can cause emotional changes like personality changes and / or depression. Common causes of TBI include falls, being struck by an object, motor vehicle collisions and crashes, suicides and falls from high places. People tragically die each year while cleaning gutters and performing DYI tree trimming, etc. Preventing older adult falls, improving safe play in sports, and increasing motor vehicle safety can help reduce Traumatic Brain Injury.
Older adults are most at risk for TBI, specifically those who were 75 years of age and older.
Learn about basic concussion safety – children can learn the benefits of playing safe. Prevention and awareness can help create a culture of concussion safety within your community. Adults and children should wear a helmet and protective gear when participating in sports and recreational activities.
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBI-related deaths for youth and young adults. Everyone can improve motor vehicle safety by using seat belts for every trip, make sure all passengers are buckled, use appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Lastly, choose not to drive after drinking alcohol and / or drugs and helping others do the same.
Americans have added many safety protocols over the years to help reduce the number of TBI injuries. Commonly people ride a bicycle with a helmet, we make sure to use seatbelts when riding in motor vehicles, and most recently we have made improvements to sporting equipment like football helmets.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of others – contact a personal injury lawyer at Healy Scanlon to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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]]>Continue reading "Work Injuries Causes by Covid"
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]]>The post Work Injuries Causes by Covid appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>Continue reading "Pile-up on the Kennedy Illustrates Complexity of Multi-Car Accidents"
The post Pile-up on the Kennedy Illustrates Complexity of Multi-Car Accidents appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>The unseasonable winter weather undoubtedly contributed to the crash. But, external factors like slick roadways rarely tell the whole story. Drivers are expected to take note of hazardous conditions and adapt accordingly. When the road is slick and snow may be impairing visibility, for instance, a driver should reduce speed and increase the distance between vehicles. Distracted driving can also play a role in a multi-car accident, since diverted attention may mean a driver loses critical response time and is unable to avoid joining the pile-up.
Healy Scanlon has experience with multi-car and truck accidents. Recently, we handled a wrongful death case for a 50 car pile-up in Michigan City, Indiana. The case resolved after three mediation sessions at ADR Systems. It was the largest mediation ever conducted by ADR.
Determining Liability in a Multi-Car Accident
Police reports and witness accounts provide a starting point for investigating who was responsible for injuries sustained in a multi-car accident, but more in-depth investigation is typically required. Often, more than one driver contributed to the accident. In some cases, partial liability will lie with someone who wasn’t even involved in the accident, such as:
● A trucker responsible for debris in the road that set off the accident chain
● A vehicle owner who negligently entrusted a car or truck to someone who wasn’t in a position to operate it safely
● A vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer whose defective product contributed to the accident
Often, identifying possible responsible parties and building a case requires the use of experts, such as accident reconstructionists. And, if a commercial motor vehicle was involved, there may be an additional set of laws and regulations in play, such as federal hours-in-service limits for truckers. This complexity is one reason it makes sense to connect with an experienced local car accident attorney right away after a serious traffic accident. The further removed you are from the accident, the more obstacles you may encounter in reconstructing what happened and showing who was responsible.
What if More than One Party is Responsible?
In car accident cases, it’s not unusual for two or more parties to share responsibility. That’s all the more true when the accident involves several cars–or, like the Wednesday morning crash, dozens of cars.
In that situation, it’s important that you identify all responsible parties. Otherwise, the party you’re pursuing for compensation may point the finger at the missing parting. Depending on the specifics of the case and how the jury weighs that evidence, it could mean a reduced recovery or no recovery at all. Therefore, it’s critical to thoroughly investigate before moving forward.
If the jury determines that two or more parties are each partly responsible and you’ve sued them both, they can apportion liability. That means each can be ordered to pay a percentage of your damages in proportion to their responsibility.
What if I’m Partly Responsible?
If your own fault played a role in the accident, you may still be able to recover some of your damages. Under Illinois law, someone who was partially responsible for the accident (and therefore for his or her own injuries) can still be awarded partial compensation as long as he or she is not more than 50% responsible. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages and the jury found that you were 20% responsible, you could be awarded 80% of your damages, or $80,000.
Talk to an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, you have enough to manage. The last thing you need is the added stress of trying to identify possible responsible parties and negotiate with insurance companies.
The attorneys at Healy Scanlon dedicate their practice to helping people who have been injured secure the compensation they need to rebuild. We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients who have been injured through someone else’s negligence. To learn more about how we may be able to help you, just call 312-226-4236 or fill out the contact form on this site. The initial consultation is free.
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]]>Continue reading "Coronavirus and the Threat it Presents to Nursing Home Residents"
The post Coronavirus and the Threat it Presents to Nursing Home Residents appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>A vast majority of nursing home facilities do not have the equipment to prevent the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Far too many residents of nursing homes falsely believe the facilities are dedicated to creating sterile and, thus, healthy living environments for seniors. Because of this line of thought, some residents of nursing homes fall victim to careless workers that do not take proper precautions when it comes to limiting the spread of the Coronavirus.
The time is now to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at American nursing homes.
Why are Nursing Homes Considered Dangerous Settings?
Certain nursing home conditions make the facilities highly vulnerable to the spread of contagion, such as COVID-19. Improper sanitizing of surfaces can lead to the virus developing at a nursing home. Frequent contact with facility workers can also speed the transmission of the Coronavirus. Remember that a worker does not have to demonstrate symptoms of the virus. He or she can unknowingly carry it and infect an unsuspecting resident of a nursing home.
Residents of nursing homes are at high risk for contracting COVID-19. This is because of compromised immune systems, as well as any number of other medical conditions. Residents that experience respiratory distress symptoms are particularly vulnerable to contracting the Coronavirus. Add to that understaffed facilities and a lack of diagnostic equipment, and you have the ideal conditions for the virus to grow and thrive.
Not a First Time Problem
The scourge called COVID-19 is not the first-time nursing homes have become the focal point for preventing the spread of an infectious disease. With around three-quarters of nursing homes failing to comply with basic infection prevention standards, more than 75% of registered facilities received at least one citation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. The agency recently announced that to inhibit the spread of the Coronavirus, it planned on conducting nursing home inspections that focus solely on COVID-19.
The United States Outbreak Started at a Washington State Nursing Home
In the city of Kirkland, Washington COVID-19 has infected the Life Care Center nursing home, with the facility experiencing at least 13 patient deaths and more than 50 residents dealing with the symptoms of the Coronavirus infection. Officials in several federal health departments believe Life Care Center is the epicenter where the virus began its assault on American citizens. Health officials also believe the outbreak was the first one of its kind in a nursing home facility. Although the facility received a five-star rating from federal regulators, the nursing home has received numerous complaints concerning its lack of compliance with anti-infection procedures.
One inspection detailed the account of a daughter who, during one visit to the facility, found her mother’s open wound on her heel touching the floor. This discovery was made with several workers passing by in the same room. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak at Life Care Center, workers have taken measures to tighten up the facility’s procedures for washing hands and changing out gloves.
Prevalent Risk Factors for Nursing Homes
Since 2017 9,372 nursing homes operating in the United States violated at least one infection prevention protocol. Common infection prevention protocol violations included failure to wash hands properly and not to change gloves after meeting with a patient. The handwashing issue is especially appalling because it requires just 20 seconds of intensive washing under hot water. Of the 9,372 nursing homes that operated using lax health standards, a vast majority of the facilities did not have enough caregivers on staff.
Four out of every ten nursing homes in America that received five-star ratings violated at least one nursing infection prevention protocol. Life Care Center had a five-star rating before the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. However, it should be noted that the lowest-rated facilities typically violated the most infection prevention protocols. With the current pandemic spreading across the United States, caregivers need to be much more vigilant when it comes to interacting with patients.
The bottom line is that although the spread of the Coronavirus appears to affect every age demographic, it is the elderly that are more most vulnerable to contracting a severe case of the virus. Seniors, by far, run a higher risk of dying from contracting COVID-19.
Controlling COVID-19 Requires Time and Money
You can also add superior planning to time and money. If there is one lesson we have learned since the spread of the Coronavirus made international headlines, it is that the United States is woefully prepared to handle a pandemic of such a large proportion. We need thousands of more respirators, as well as other vital medical gear and equipment that healthcare professionals use to treat patients, as well as protect themselves from the potentially deadly virus. We cannot afford to construct makeshift masks to treat patients suffering from COVID-19.
We also need to train caregivers working at nursing homes on how to handle patient care correctly to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Training takes both time and money, but now we understand that we need to do whatever it takes to stop the spread of this virus and be prepared for the next inevitable outbreak that can come later this year or several years down the road.
When Should You Contact a Nursing Abuse Attorney?
When you entrusted the care for an elderly family member with a highly rated nursing home, you expected the care to be top-notch. The COVID-19 outbreak has shown us the glaring mistakes made by far too many health care workers when it comes to preventing the spread of an infectious disease. You should get in touch with an Illinois licensed nursing home law firm such as Healy Scanlon, as soon as you learn about any abuse that occurred at a facility. You can reach our law firm by calling locally at (312) 977-0100 or through our toll-free line at (800) 922-4500. You can also submit the short Contact Form.
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]]>The post Illinois among worst states for infection citations, leaving them susceptible to COVID-19 appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>Continue reading "How a Workman’s Comp Lawyer Fights for Your Rights?"
The post How a Workman’s Comp Lawyer Fights for Your Rights? appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>What is Worker’s Comp?
Worker’s comp (also known as worker’s compensation) is a type of insurance that provides wages and medical benefits to employees who are injured on the job in exchange for the relinquishment of the employee’s right to sue their employer for negligence that resulted in the accident. At Healy Scanlon, these workman’s comp lawyers in Chicago fight for your right to be treated justly and fairly in regard to medical expenses, and to receive appropriate wage compensation for the hours you will be missing due to the accident. Workman’s comp lawyers in Chicago can help workers who are hurt on the job receive numerous benefits, depending on the type of injury, such as medical benefits, temporary or permanent partial disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, and wage reimbursement benefits.
How These Lawyers Fight for You!
The overall goal for Healy Scanlon’s workman’s comp lawyers in Chicago, who represent the injured worker, is to help that individual obtain the benefits listed above. These lawyers gather medical records and evidence, perform legal research, remain abreast of current evolutions of the law, take depositions ((from the claimant, medical experts, physicians, and others), and litigate the worker’s case before a referee or judge. Gathering medical evidence is an especially important skill to have for your workman’s comp attorney; insufficient medical evidence is often the most common reason for worker’s comp claims to be denied. Additionally, these lawyers must have the capabilities and knowledge required to excel as a workman’s compensation attorney, like strong litigation and trial experience, excellent negotiation skills, and extensive knowledge of worker’s compensation laws and procedures in addition to essential legal skills that every lawyer requires. However, to fully get the most from your worker’s comp lawyer, you must consult with them as early as possible. This is because worker’s compensation often involves intricate rules, which determine whether your injury can be compensated, and what extent of wage and medical benefits you will be able to receive. Healy Scanlon’s workman’s comp lawyers in Chicago often file emergency motions in disputed cases to get the medical treatment approved, and wages paid, all for the benefit of the injured worker. So, if you’re in the Chicago area and you are in search of a workman’s comp lawyer, then Healy Scanlon Law Firm is the firm for you.
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]]>Continue reading "How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Assist their Client?"
The post How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Assist their Client? appeared first on Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon.
]]>If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that has resulted in damages, injury, or death, then you will need the help of a top car accident attorney team, one that can help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve. But how do car accident lawyers in Chicago, IL help their clients? Here are a few ways.
1. Build Your Case
While many people think that building a case is as easy as providing testimony, there are many different aspects of building a case that will increase your chances of getting justice. The right car accident lawyers in Chicago, IL, will combine your testimony and important evidence with precedent made in other cases. This helps build a case that is more likely to win and more likely to convince the judge that you were the victim and are in need of compensation.
2. Determine Your Compensation
Many car accident cases can get very complicated in a short amount of time. Between proving fault, insurance claims, health issues, and more, figuring out just what constitutes the right compensation and punishment can be complicated. The right car accident lawyers in Chicago, IL can help you not only build your case but also negotiate the right amount to cover your costs and help you work towards a new future. Without the right team behind you, these negotiations can fall apart, and you could end up with much less than you deserve.
3. Fight for Your Cause
Healy Scanlon is a firm of car accident lawyers in Chicago, IL who has a reputation for fighting for their clients. Our entire team has real court experience, which means they are willing and able to take your case as far as it needs to go. If your case is one that needs a judge rather than a boardroom, we are the lawyers who can fight your case in court and ensure that justice is served.
If you have been in a vehicular collision in Illinois that has resulted in damages, injury, or other consequences, then you will likely need the expert advice and help of car accident lawyers in Chicago, IL. We here at Healy Scanlon have decades of experience in helping people get the justice and compensation they deserve to help restart their lives after a car accident. We are known throughout Chicago as the firm that will take their clients’ cases to court instead of settling them as quickly as possible. That is because we believe in the power of justice and in fighting for our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
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]]>Continue reading "How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer"
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]]>Reputation Matters
When hiring a personal injury attorney in Chicago, you will want to be sure they have a dependable track record. What do previous clients have to say about their experience with the firm? Have they had notable settlements, and can they bring demonstrated legal expertise to the table? Checking into an attorney’s history is good practice for anyone seeking compensation, and it will help you determine if a legal team is the right fit for your case.
Commitment to Clients
Not only do you want a team with demonstrated legal skills and experience, but you will also want someone who is going to be in your corner and beside you every step of the way. Dealing with a personal injury can weigh immensely on individuals and families. From physical injury to financial stress, recovering from an accident comes with unique challenges. While financial compensation is important, getting victims of personal injury cases back on track and ensuring the health and wellness of clients should be at the top of a reliable personal injury attorney in Chicago’s priority list.
Know the Cost
Legal fees can be pricey, and the last thing you need is an expensive bill after an uphill battle with insurance companies. An indication that a personal injury attorney in Chicago has your best interest in mind is a free consultation. Before you sign on with a legal team, you should be able to meet your legal representative and learn more about their skills before signing on the dotted line. Many personal injury lawyers work by a contingency fee, meaning they are only owed payment if your claim is successful. Knowing how much your legal fees are going to cost you is an important step before making any big decisions.
Finding the Right Attorney
Dealing with legal obstacles can be challenging, and choosing a personal injury attorney in Chicago is stressful – but neither of them needs to be. The right legal team for you will demonstrate from the beginning their commitment to fighting for fair compensation and getting your life back on track.
The team at Healy Scanlon Law Firm are proud of their track record of over 50 successful verdicts and settlements in several complex cases. With record-setting settlements and the resources needed to take on corporate giants, Healy Scanlon is committed to fighting for justice and fair compensation. The firm has its client’s best interest in mind, offering free consultations in English and Spanish, and working on a contingency fee basis, meaning the team is only paid if a settlement is recovered. If you are a victim of a personal injury case, you could be entitled to more than you think. Healy Scanlon’s personal injury attorneys in Chicago will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
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]]>Continue reading "Reasons to Consult a Truck Accident Attorney"
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]]>Specialty Services for Trucking Accidents
Not all attorneys are knowledgeable enough when it comes to truck accidents; they may lack the experience and specialty services required for truck accident investigations and claims. When a truck is involved in an accident, there are a lot more variables to consider when trying to determine fault, and a truck accident attorney in Chicago will have the special resources, such as experts they can call on to investigate the scene and give testimony in negotiations or court.
Truck Accidents are More Complex than Car Accidents
As mentioned above, truck accidents are a lot more complex than car accidents because the size of the vehicle can result in a lot more problems in much more catastrophic ways. As well, hiring a truck accident attorney in Chicago is likely going to be absolutely necessary because there are going to be multiple insurance companies to deal with. When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the trucking company’s insurance company gets involved, and so does the driver’s insurance company, and sometimes the truck has its own insurance, and the cargo may be insured. With so many insurance companies involved, there’s likely no way you could handle the task on your own.
Additionally, the trucking industry is highly regulated, so you will need a truck accident attorney in Chicago that understands all the laws and regulations related to trucks and traffic to ask the right questions and find out what exactly caused the accident. Multiple parties may also be as a fault, not just the driver, but also the inspector of the truck, or the trucking company itself.
The Stakes are Higher with Truck Accidents
With the size and weight difference of trucks compared to other vehicles, the likelihood of physical damage is going to be much higher in a truck accident. This means that the number of injuries and losses are going to result in significant financial and physical burdens for the victim and/or surviving family members. A truck accident attorney in Chicago will be able to take the burden of the criminal and civil cases off your shoulders, dealing with all the attorneys and insurance companies so that they can get you the settlement you need to deal with potentially life-altering and debilitating injuries.
Trucking Companies will have More Resources than You
In all likelihood, if you start to try to deal with a trucking company’s attorneys, and the many different insurance companies yourself, you are going to be vastly overwhelmed by the number of resources they have to minimize their payout. Having a truck accident attorney in Chicago on your side means you will have somebody to help you, someone with the resources and experience of a legal firm who can compete with that of the trucking company and the insurance companies involved in the accident.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney for the Best Chances for Your Case
If you have been involved in a truck-related accident, then it is in your best interest to hire an attorney that specializes in truck accidents so you can have the best chance for your case. For a truck accident attorney in Chicago, contact Healy Scanlon Trial Attorneys today for a free consultation.
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