Every 20 minutes in the United States, a fall causes injuries to the elderly, and unfortunately many die from those injuries. As this group continues to age and grow, so does the number of people who are susceptible to fall-related injuries. Falls are a threat to the health of older adults because a bad fall can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, if you or your loved one suffered a slip, trip, or fall due to someone else’s negligence, an Illinois attorney can help.

Why Is a Fall So Dangerous for Elderly People?

One out of five falls cause a severe injury that can include broken bones or hip fractures.

Head injuries are the most serious especially if the person is taking blood thinners. An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they do not have a brain injury.

In the bustling city of Chicago, the thrill of street racing may seem alluring to some, but the devastating consequences it can leave behind are often overlooked. Suppose you have been injured in an accident caused by reckless street racers. In that case, it is important that you understand your legal rights and take appropriate measures to seek justice. Today, we will shed light on the process of filing a personal injury claim in such cases, emphasizing the importance of proving negligence and recklessness on the part of the street racers to strengthen your claim and chance of obtaining compensation. Hire an aggressive personal injury lawyer to give yourself the best opportunity of obtaining the compensation you may be entitled to.

Demonstrating Negligence and Recklessness 

To file a successful personal injury claim against reckless street racers in Chicago, it is crucial to establish their negligence and recklessness on the roads. Negligence implies a failure to conduct yourself reasonably safely while driving, while recklessness involves consciously disregarding the safety of others. Detailed evidence, such as witness statements detailing the accident and surrounding circumstances, police reports, accident reconstructionist professionals, and more, can help paint a clear picture of the dangerous and reckless behavior exhibited by the responsible party. 

Documenting Injuries and Damages

Upon being injured, you will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Of course, seeking medical attention is the commonsense reaction after being injured, but it is also important to build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim. Retain all medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical bills. If your injury has caused you to lose income or has otherwise hindered your future earning potential, keep detailed records of this. Salary reports and employment history are also important documents to have. Ultimately, you will want to maintain a comprehensive record of the incident's physical, emotional, and financial impact, as this will only enhance the strength of your claim. 

Navigating a personal injury case can be a daunting process, often accompanied by questions about the expected timeline. Today, we will explore the factors that affect the duration of a personal injury lawsuit, shedding light on the variables that both litigants and injured individuals need to consider during their legal journey. Contact a skilled personal injury lawyer to guide you through your case as seamlessly as possible.

Case Complexity and Investigation

The duration of a personal injury case depends primarily on its complexity. Cases involving straightforward liability determinations and clear damages calculations generally resolve more quickly. On the other hand, cases requiring detailed investigation, professional testimonies, or multiple liable parties often experience longer timelines. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing medical records are essential steps that can potentially lengthen the time it takes to resolve the case. Adequate time is necessary to build a strong foundation for your claim, ensuring that all aspects are effectively addressed.

Settlement Negotiations vs. Trial

The majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, which can shorten the overall duration of the case. Settlement discussions involve negotiation between your attorney and the responsible party’s representatives or their insurance company. The process encompasses evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, developing a persuasive demand, and engaging in back-and-forth offers and counteroffers. The length of this phase varies depending on the parties’ willingness to reach a settlement and the complexity of the litigation.

High-speed car accidents can result in devastating musculoskeletal injuries, significantly impacting the injured individual's overall well-being and quality of life. Today, we will provide an overview of the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries with high-speed car accidents. Understanding these injuries is crucial when seeking legal remedies after such events and pursuing fair compensation. Regardless of whether your accident was high-speed, low-speed, medium-speed, or anything in between, a personal injury is ready and willing to assist you in any way they can.

Spinal Injuries

Of course, the greatest fear in high-speed car accidents is suffering a catastrophic injury. Spinal injuries, such as sprains, strains, herniated discs, fractures, and in worst cases, spinal cord damage. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility and may even result in paralysis. Seek immediate medical attention for spinal injuries, as prompt diagnosis and treatment may help aid the chance of a more successful recovery.

Whiplash

While not as permanently debilitating as a spinal cord injury can be, whiplash is a common effect of a high or low-speed car accident. This injury occurs when the head jerks abruptly in a back-and-forth motion, causing tremendous strain on the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or fatigue. Although commonly considered a minor injury, whiplash can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

When it comes to personal injury, it is often assumed that older individuals may take longer to recover compared to their younger counterparts. However, the relationship between age and recovery time is more nuanced than a simple blanket statement. While it is true that some factors associated with aging can influence the recovery process, it is also essential to consider other variables that contribute to an individual’s healing journey. Today, we will delve deeper into the varying factors that influence recovery time for older individuals and provide an informed perspective on the matter.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time

Here are the essential factors to consider, including:

• Physical condition – One primary factor to consider is an individual’s overall physical condition. While older people may experience age-related changes such as reduced muscle mass, bone density, and slower healing, their physical fitness level plays a crucial role. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact the recovery process.
• Type and severity of Injury – The type and severity of the injury also heavily influence an older person’s recovery time. A less severe injury, such as a minor fracture or sprain, might not significantly differentiate between age groups. However, age-related conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis can further complicate recovery, potentially lengthening the healing process.
• Psychological and emotional factors – Make no mistake, an individual’s emotional and psychological state can impact their recovery time. Older individuals may experience more anxiety, stress, or depression following an injury, affecting their overall well-being and recovery. In contrast, younger individuals may cope better mentally, thereby potentially experiencing a swift recovery.
• Pre-existing health conditions – Older individuals may have pre-existing health conditions that can hinder their recovery, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular issues. These conditions require additional care and attention during the rehabilitation process, sometimes prolonging the overall recovery time.
• Access to social support – A robust support system has been seen to positively influence recovery time for individuals of any age. Emotional support from family, friends, and caregivers can boost morale, motivation, and adherence to necessary treatment plans.

Contact a Northbrook Personal Injury Attorney

Recovery time from a personal injury is a complex process influenced by various factors that extend beyond age alone. While older individuals may face additional challenges due to age-related changes and pre-existing health conditions, each person’s recovery journey is unique. Considering a holistic approach that promotes emotional well-being, physical fitness, access to appropriate medical care, and a social support system is crucial when determining the expected recovery time from an injury. For legal assistance in pursuing an injury claim, contact the experienced Cook County personal injury lawyers with Gruzmark Law, Ltd.. Call 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.

After a car accident, one of the most crucial questions is whether to speak to the insurance company before or after hiring a personal injury attorney. While many assume they should hire an attorney only if the insurance company denies their claim, it is worth speaking with an attorney from the beginning, even before contacting your insurance company. Here is why.

Why it is Better to Speak with an Attorney Before Speaking with the Insurance Company

Here are some reasons why you should engage the services of a personal injury attorney:

• The insurance company’s objectives are not aligned with yours – An insurance company represents its policyholder, not the sufferer of an accident. The insurer may try to minimize its liability, leading to a low settlement offer or even a denied claim. It is vital to have an attorney to ensure they can negotiate and protect your interests.
• Hiring an attorney helps protect your rights – By law, sufferers of accidents have rights, and an attorney can help you understand what exactly those rights are. Insurance companies may try to persuade you to waive your rights to a fair settlement, but an experienced attorney can advise you on the potential pitfalls of any agreement with the insurer.
• An attorney can investigate further – Investigating the cause of an accident is very important. Your attorney will examine police reports, medical records, and more. By providing a knowledgeable perspective on your claim, your attorney can advocate more effectively for you.
• Time constraints – Securing the services of a personal injury lawyer soon after a car accident may optimize your chances of obtaining maximum compensation, as it is very important to meet case deadlines while also preserving as much evidence as you can. The quicker the attorney commences the process of pursuing a claim on your behalf, the higher the level of protection afforded by securing advice from a legal professional.
• Best interests – By revealing certain information or agreeing to certain actions with the insurance company, the injured party may unknowingly jeopardize their chance of obtaining a favorable settlement. Your attorney will help ensure that you are able to make educated and well-informed decisions that support your best interests.

Contact a Glenview, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

For attorneys who are dedicated to serving their clients, contact the North Shore personal injury attorneys with Gruzmark Law, Ltd.. Call 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, and head and brain injuries are among the most common and serious harm a motorcyclist can suffer besides death. Head and brain injuries can result in long-term physical and emotional damage that can affect a motorcyclist for years to come. As personal injury lawyers, it is our job to help sufferers of these accidents get the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. If you have suffered a head or brain injury related to a motorcycle accident or if you have injured another part of your body in an accident, contact an attorney to pursue compensation related to your injuries.

 Common Head and Brain Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

 Here are common injuries to look out for, including:

Distracted driving occurs when drivers divert their attention to the road to any activity that takes their attention away from driving. Traditionally, texting and driving are considered the most notorious form of distracted driving, as doing so has topped numerous lists of dangerous driving activities and has also received a plethora of negative press in recent years. However, it is essential to note that there are many other forms of distracted driving, considered by some to be just as dangerous as texting while driving. So remember, if you have been in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact a personal injury right away to understand your rights and what steps to take from here.

Here Are Common Types of Distracted Driving Activities

Other than texting, here are some dangerous distracted driving activities, including:

• Eating and drinking while driving – Snacking on the go has become a widespread behavior among drivers, causing many road accidents. Taking your hand off the wheel for even a few seconds is all it takes to lose control or hit another driver.
• Adjusting navigation devices – It is well established that navigation devices, regardless of whether they are on your phone or built-in to your car, can be a cause of distracted driving. Using navigation devices while driving exponentially contributes to the risk of getting into a car accident.
• Listening to music - Sorry, but frequently changing which song is playing or trying to adjust the volume of your stereo system can also lead to terrible car accidents.
• Applying makeup or grooming – While such activities may be harmless in virtually every other situation, doing them while driving is extremely dangerous. Aside from being distracted yourself, you may even distract other drivers who see you putting on makeup or trying to shave as you drive. This creates an even more dangerous driving environment.
• Driving with a pet – Many people love taking their pets with them on the road. As innocent as it may seem, it could potentially lead to significant hazards for the driver and those around them. Many dangerous situations could result from having your pet in the car, from you turning around to scratch their head in the backseat to them climbing onto the dashboard and blocking your view of the road; pets can be very distracting for those trying to drive.

Contact a Glenview, IL Personal Injury Attorney

 Contact the experienced Cook County personal injury lawyers with Gruzmark Law, Ltd. for assistance in your personal injury claim. Call 847-729-7660 for a free consultation.

 Personal injury claims are generally filed by individuals who suffered an injury caused by some other party’s negligence.  If you slipped and fell at a restaurant, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you must avoid making critical mistakes to file a successful personal injury claim. Contact a personal injury attorney to ensure that you understand your legal options at this time. 

Mistakes to Avoid During Your Slip and Fall Injury Claim 

In Illinois, here are the mistakes you do not want to make when dealing with a slip and fall accident claim including:

• Missing claim deadlines– One of the biggest mistakes that can ruin a personal injury claim is not filing in time. In Illinois, you have two years to file your claim. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence, difficulty recalling key events surrounding the accident, and other costly obstacles jeopardizing your claim. 

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 Personal injury cases involve harm caused to an individual due to someone else’s negligence or purposeful actions. These cases can be highly complex and involve a variety of legal issues. Therefore, it is essential to understand the elements of personal injury cases. If another person’s negligence has injured you, contact a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and legal options moving forward. 

Components of Personal Injury Cases

To recover financial compensation for damages caused by a personal injury, you and yoru attorney will need to demonstrate the following:

• Duty of care – The first element of a personal injury case is establishing that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. This means that the defendant had a legal obligation to act in a way that would not cause harm to the plaintiff. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive in a reasonably safe manner. 

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 Motorcycle accidents can occur at any speed, and even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries. Low-speed motorcycle accidents are often underestimated because they may not initially appear as severe as high-speed accidents. However, they can still result in life-altering injuries and long-lasting pain. Today, we will discuss several types of injuries commonly sustained in low-speed motorcycle accidents. Remember that if you ever experience injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are respected and that you understand your legal options.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft-tissue injuries are common in low-speed motorcycle accidents because the body absorbs the impact of the collision. This can lead to strains, sprains, and contusions in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. For example, whiplash is a common soft tissue injury that occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck.

Road Rash

Road rash is another common injury resulting from low-speed motorcycle accidents. When a motorcyclist falls off their bike and slides across the pavement, the friction between their skin and the road surface can cause abrasions and cuts. In severe cases, road rash can lead to infections, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.

As we age, our bodies become more fragile and susceptible to injury. Unfortunately, the elderly are often prone to accidents and injuries, severely affecting their quality of life and overall well-being. Today, we will not only discuss examples of some of the most common injuries suffered by the elderly, but we will also discuss how such injuries can be prevented from happening in the first place. If you or your loved one has suffered an injury, consider contacting an experienced personal injury to ensure your or your loved one’s rights are respected and advocated for. 

Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them

The following is a list of examples of common injuries suffered by the elderly and how such injuries can be avoided, including:

Driving is a complex activity that requires attention, skill, and experience. Unfortunately, new drivers are often more prone to making mistakes on the road, which can lead to deadly car accidents. Today, we will review some of the mistakes new drivers most often make while driving. Firstly, if you are ever involved in a car accident, strongly consider contacting an esteemed personal injury to ensure your rights remain protected and that you know your legal options.

Most Common Mistakes New Drivers Make and Ways to Avoid Making Them

Finally getting your license as a teenager is widely considered a right of passage for many young adults. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and making mistakes while driving can result in terrible consequences. Some of the most common mistakes young drivers make and that contribute to car accidents include the following: 

• Distracted driving – One of new drivers' most significant mistakes is distracted driving. This can include using a cell phone, eating, or engaging in other activities that take their eyes and attention off the road. New drivers should keep their phones out of reach, avoid eating while driving, and always focus on the road to prevent distracted driving.

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Car accidents can happen at any speed, and even low-speed car accidents have the potential to cause serious injury. While many believe that only high-speed crashes can result in significant injuries, this is not true. Today, we are going to review common injuries sustained during low-speed accidents. Consider contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney if you are ever involved in a car accident. Your attorney will work to ensure your rights remain protected and respected and that a positive outcome can be obtained in your favor.

Common Injuries Associated with Low-Speed Car Accidents

Low-speed accidents are generally defined as those that occur below 10 mph. While these accidents may not seem like a big deal, they can still result in serious injuries. In fact, low-speed accidents can be particularly dangerous because the lack of momentum can cause the body to absorb more of the impact.

Whiplash is a common injury that can occur in low-speed accidents. This injury is caused by sudden head and neck jerking motion that often occurs during a rear-end collision. Whiplash can cause significant pain and stiffness in the back and neck, leading to headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms.

Driving in wintery weather can present unique challenges while also being a highly stressful experience. Snow, ice, and sleet can make the roads treacherous by making them slippery and reducing visibility, increasing the risk of car accidents. Preparation is the name of the game when it comes to safe driving during the winter. By preparing your car before you head out onto the road, you are doing yourself and others a great service by demonstrating that you care not only about your well-being but the well-being of others as well.

Today, we will review steps you can take before you head out and drive in wintery conditions, as well as considerations to keep in mind while you are on the road. And as always, if you are ever involved in a car accident involving wintery weather or something else, contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests while also pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to.

Avoiding Car Wrecks During the Winter

Of course, it is most advisable to avoid driving in extreme weather conditions whenever possible. However, if you must drive, here are tips and considerations you need to be aware of:

Many of us have become so accustomed to driving that we forget to consider just how dangerous driving really is. Unfortunately, for various reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, and more, car accidents, ranging in severity, often occur on roadways across America. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may have incurred some minor bruising up to severe, life-altering injuries. As a result, you are likely interested in pursuing compensation relating to medical costs and damage to your vehicle.

For this blog, we will review common mistakes people make in the aftermath of a car accident, errors that, if you make them, can potentially jeopardize your pursuit of compensation. If you have been involved or injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an attorney who will ensure your rights remain protected throughout the process and that the compensation you may be entitled to can be pursued to the fullest extent possible.

Mistakes People Make After Car Accidents

The moments after a car accident can be highly stressful, confusing, and even frightening. However, always remember that making mistakes in these initial moments, the moments following, and the days and weeks after the accident will make it more challenging to receive the compensation you may be entitled to. These mistakes include the following:

If you ask someone who drives a motorcycle what they like most about the hobby, their face will likely light up as they talk to you about how relaxing and enjoyable the experience is. But unfortunately, while it may be an enjoyable hobby, it is undoubtedly dangerous and not without substantial risk to the rider. As a result, motorcycle accidents are all too common and can result in severe injuries and even wrongful death.

Something that makes motorcycle riding especially dangerous is that it really does not matter how skilled the rider is. In most situations, the greatest threat to someone on a motorcycle is the other motorists on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured or even killed while riding their motorcycle, contacting a highly knowledgeable attorney is a wise decision so that compensation may be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.

Injuries on Motorcycles

A beautiful day riding a motorcycle can turn tragic in the blink of an eye. When you think about cars and how much bigger they are compared to motorcycles, it is easy to understand how they do not have much chance when up against a car or truck. According to J.D. Power, motorcycle accidents carry a nearly 80 percent death rate. And even though motorcycles comprise a mere 3 percent of all registered vehicles, they still account for 5 percent of highway-related deaths.

CChristmas is right around the corner, and before we know it, family and friends will be coming over to celebrate the holiday. Unfortunately, while it may be the most wonderful time of the year for some, for others, the holidays can be when suffering personal injuries are all too common. Whether it be getting in a car accident while in a shopping center, getting injured while using a defective Christmas gift, or slipping and falling on ice at a Christmas tree farm or in the store, injuries can happen when we least expect them.

In any event, if you believe you experienced an injury due to the carelessness of another, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who will inform you of your rights and fight to get you compensation for the injuries that you may be entitled to.

Common Christmas Injuries

According to Consumer Reports, emergency room visits tend to peak between Christmas and New Year. With the exchanging of gifts, many people may be dismayed upon opening their gift that, for whatever reason, their gift is defective or simply poorly designed. While a defective or poorly designed gift may sound harmless, such gifts often cause injury. If the gift requires batteries to run, faulty connections and loose wires can also lead to suffering painful electric shocks.

Few things are more emotionally devastating than losing a loved one. While losing a loved one is always tragic, the situation becomes even more tragic when that person dies because of someone else’s negligence. In the aftermath of a loved one dying, so much must be figured out. While this is a time of mourning, it must also be a time of action if you have reason to believe your loved one died a wrongful death.

If your loved one died a wrongful death, it could be easy to feel alone and isolated. Your loved one is gone, and nothing will bring them back. However, it is essential to know that you are not alone in this time of unbearable sadness. If your loved one died wrongfully, contact a wrongful death attorney who will protect your rights and fight for the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

What is a Wrongful Death, and What Situations Do They Occur In?

Simply put, a wrongful death is a death that would not have happened had it not been for the unlawful act of someone else. Various behaviors may lead to a wrongful death, such as intentionally trying to cause harm or disregarding someone else’s safety. There are many different situations where a wrongful death may occur. These include the following:

Glenview police recently announced that they had arrested and were charging a 55-year-old woman with reckless homicide, speeding more than 35 mph over the speed limit, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving too fast for conditions, and following too closely nearly eight months after a March 19 six-vehicle accident that left one man dead. The woman was driving her vehicle southbound on Milwaukee Avenue too fast on wet pavement when her vehicle struck the car of the 73-year-old man, who was killed, and triggered the six-vehicle crash.

For people who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents, criminal charges against negligent parties are welcome news but in the end, they may not do much to help people suffering after crashes. A prosecutor handling a criminal case is more concerned with getting convictions than any kind of restitution for people affected by the crash, so civil personal injury cases are usually the best hope most people have.

Differences Between Civil and Criminal Cases Involving Personal Injury

When a car accident occurs, criminal charges are not often in order. Many people who are responsible for crashes simply exchange information with the driver they hit and go about their day without having to face arrest or traffic tickets.