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Recent Blog Posts
Is Sterigenics Responsible for Injuries Caused By Ethylene Oxide Exposure?
In 2018, people in the Chicago area became aware of the significant dangers posed by a toxic chemical. Sterigenics International, a company that sterilizes medical equipment, was found to be emitting ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, from its facility in Willowbrook. A variety of legal challenges have been raised against the Willowbrook plant, but due to its decades in operation, people in the surrounding communities, including Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, are at risk of serious personal injuries.
Changing Laws and Regulations Regarding Ethylene Oxide
While Sterigenics has claimed that its Willowbrook plant was operating within the emissions regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPA reported in 2018 that people in the surrounding areas were at an elevated risk of contracting cancer due to the presence of ethylene oxide in the atmosphere. As a response, a variety of legal complaints were lodged against Sterigenics, and in February 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an order to shut down the facility.
Are Drunk Driving Car Accidents More Common During the Holidays?
The holiday season can be a wonderful time to enjoy parties and gatherings with friends and family, and the festive atmosphere of joy and cheer is often enhanced by the consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, some people do not act responsibly during this season, and they may choose to violate the laws against driving under the influence. Drinking and driving can lead to dangerous or fatal car accidents, and victims in these cases may be left struggling to pick up the pieces after a tragedy.
The Dangers of Holiday Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous at any time of year, but it can be especially deadly during the holidays. During this time, there are often large numbers of vehicles on the roads because people are traveling to spend time with family or because they are taking shopping trips. This increased traffic, when combined with the trickier driving conditions that come with the colder winter weather, can result in very serious motor vehicle collisions.
How Serious Are Pressure Sores Resulting From Nursing Home Neglect?
As the elderly population in the United States continues to increase, more and more seniors are receiving care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Sadly, these facilities are often understaffed, and in many cases, employees are not properly trained or qualified to provide the care that residents need. Instances of nursing home abuse and neglect have become alarmingly common, and statistics show that around 10% of seniors have experienced some form of neglect or abuse. Pressure sores are one of the most serious effects of nursing home negligence, and family members of nursing home residents who experience these types of injuries should be sure to understand their legal options.
What Are Pressure Sores?
Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, can develop when a person stays in one position for too long. This can occur when a nursing home resident is bedridden or spends most of their time in a wheelchair. When constant pressure is placed on parts of the body such as the hips, buttocks, back, shoulder blades, heels, or ankles, this can cut off blood flow, and it can lead to sores on the skin, infections, and damage to muscles, joints, and bones.
Does E-Cigarette Use Lead to Injuries and Illnesses?
Over the past several years, the use of electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or vape pens) has grown by leaps and bounds. Manufacturers of these devices have marketed them as being safer than traditional cigarettes, and “vaping” has become especially popular among teens and young adults. However, a variety of concerns have arisen regarding the harm that these devices can cause to their users. In addition to a large number of reported injuries from exploding e-cigarettes, multiple health issues have begun to make themselves known. If you have experienced a personal injury after using a vaping device, you should speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible.
Lung Illness Related to Vaping
One of the most worrisome issues currently affecting e-cigarette users is the outbreak of vaping-related lung illness (known as “e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury,” or EVALI) that has occurred throughout the United States. People have reported serious respiratory symptoms, including chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, after using e-cigarettes. As of November 2019, more than 2,000 cases have been reported, and 39 people have died.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Slip and Fall Injury on Snow or Ice?
As the temperature drops in the Chicago area, people are beginning to prepare for winter conditions, including snow and ice that may be present on roads, sidewalks, and other walkways. These conditions can significantly increase the risk of a slip and fall accident, and when injuries occur, victims may be unsure about their legal options. In these cases, it is important to understand how Illinois’ premises liability laws apply to a situation, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine whether a property owner may be held liable.
Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
While losing one’s footing and falling down is often seen as a minor incident, these types of incidents can result in serious injuries that have long-term effects, especially when snow or ice are involved. During cold weather, surfaces are very unforgiving, and a fall can lead to injuries such as:
Can a Driver Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Winter Weather?
Every year, Chicagoans brace themselves for the bitter cold, strong winds, and snowy and icy conditions that they must deal with during the winter months. As the temperature begins to drop, and we start to experience inclement weather, one concern that is on many people’s minds is the increased possibility of car accidents. Drivers will want to take additional care to protect their safety during winter weather, and those who are injured in a collision should be sure to understand the forms of driver negligence that may have led to their auto accident.
Safety Measures When Driving in the Winter
It can be very easy to lose control of one’s vehicle during winter weather. To reduce the likelihood of a collision, drivers should do the following:
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Perform proper vehicle maintenance - Drivers should ensure that all of their car’s safety systems are in working order. If tires are worn or bald, this can reduce traction, causing a vehicle to slide out of control when stopping or turning. Burnt-out headlights can reduce a vehicle’s visibility, and if windshield wipers or defrosters are not working properly, a driver may be unable to fully see the road around them. Failure to keep a vehicle maintained may be considered a form of negligence on the part of a driver.
Is a Landlord Liable for Injuries Caused By an Apartment Fire?
In 2017, there were nearly 18.8 million residents living in apartment complexes across the United States. These living units are supposed to be overseen by capable management teams; however, instances of carelessness by landlords occur far too frequently, putting residents at risk of serious injuries. When a property is not adequately maintained, residents may be able to hold a landlord responsible for any personal injuries or wrongful deaths suffered. Some of the most serious injuries can occur in apartment fires, and victims of these incidents may be able to pursue compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. It is crucial for victims of an apartment fire to find out if all the safety regulations and building codes were followed correctly.
Types of Tenant Injuries
What Are Common Reasons for Boat Accident Injuries?
People in the Chicago area and throughout the state of Illinois often enjoy spending time on the water in boats or other types of watercraft. While this can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, it can also be dangerous, and boating accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. If you have been involved in a boat accident, you should work with a personal injury attorney to determine your options for recovering compensation from the parties who were responsible.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents and Injuries
According to the most recent data available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, there were 80 boating accidents throughout the state in 2017. These accidents resulted in 48 injuries and 12 fatalities. However, these numbers may not accurately reflect the actual injuries that occurred in boat accidents, since they do not include “non-reportable” accidents. For example, injuries or fatalities that occur when someone jumps or dives from an anchored or moored boat are not reportable.
How Do OSHA Regulations Protect Construction Workers From Fall Injuries?
It is no secret that construction work is a dangerous job. However, people may not realize just how dangerous it can be and how often construction accidents and injuries occur. In 2017, more than 20% of all work-related fatalities occurred in construction. That is, one out of every five people killed in workplace accidents were construction workers.
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities for construction workers, accounting for over one third of all deaths. Due to the risks of falls, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put regulations in place to provide protections for workers.
OSHA Fall Protection Standards
Employers are required to provide fall protection systems if a worker is working or walking at least six feet above a lower level. These systems may include:
What Is Popcorn Lung, and Who Is Responsible for This Type of Injury?
In 2000, a number of workers at a Missouri facility that manufactured microwave popcorn developed a lung condition called bronchitis obliterans. This illness, which has become known as “popcorn lung,” was caused by the inhalation of a chemical used in popcorn flavoring. Despite its name, popcorn lung can have a variety of causes. Those who experience this condition may be able to hold a negligent employer or product manufacturer responsible for their injuries.
What Causes Popcorn Lung?
A person may contract popcorn lung after being exposed to a number of different substances, including:
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Diacetyl - This chemical was responsible for injuring the workers at the aforementioned popcorn plant, and it is often used for flavoring in food products like candy, potato chips, and dairy products. It is also commonly found in the “e-juice” used in electronic cigarettes and vape pens. While its use has been banned in e-cigarettes in Europe, it is still regularly used in the U.S.
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