Posted on March 13,2023 in Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect

If you believe that your loved one is experiencing malnutrition because of neglect in an Illinois nursing home, it can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. You may feel angry, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next.

Below are some steps you can take if you suspect malnutrition in your family member.

Observe Your Loved One’s Health and Eating Habits

The first step in addressing malnutrition in a nursing home is to monitor your loved one’s health and eating habits. Keep track of any changes you notice in their weight, appearance, or overall health. Take pictures of any signs of malnutrition, such as dry skin, hair loss, or visible bones. Record the dates and times when you notice these changes. Also, ask your loved one if they are receiving enough food and water.

Contact the Nursing Home Administration

The next step is to contact the nursing home administration. Start by bringing your concerns to the attention of the nursing home director or head nurse. Share your concerns in detail and ask for a meeting to discuss the issue. Make sure to bring your documentation of any signs of malnutrition, as well as any conversations you’ve had with your loved one about their eating habits.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 08,2023 in Personal Injury

Losing a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another is a traumatic experience. In such cases, the family of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. A wrongful death settlement is an agreement between the plaintiff and the defendant, where the defendant agrees to pay a sum of money to the plaintiff in exchange for the dismissal of the lawsuit. 

The amount of the settlement depends on various factors, and understanding them can help the family of the deceased make informed decisions during the legal process.

1. Liability

Liability is a crucial factor that affects the value of a wrongful death settlement. In Illinois, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was responsible for the death of their loved one. If liability can be established, it increases the chances of a higher settlement value.

2. Damages

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 22,2023 in Car Accidents

When it comes to car crash cases, gathering evidence is one of the most important steps. Evidence can be used to prove liability and help you recover compensation for damages. It is essential to collect evidence related to a car accident as soon as possible, including photographs, witness testimony, and official documents such as police reports.

Types of Evidence

The types of evidence that can be used in car accident cases include:

• Evidence from the scene of the accident - This includes photographs, skid marks, debris, and any other physical evidence that can help prove what happened at the scene.

• Witness testimony - Witnesses who saw or heard what happened during the incident can provide valuable information about how the accident occurred.

• Driver’s info - Information about the driver involved in the accident, such as their name, contact information, insurance details, etc., can be used to identify them and hold them accountable for their actions.

  Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 19,2023 in Medical Malpractice

Negligence is a critical element that must be established for any medical malpractice lawsuit. In the state of Illinois, negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to uphold their duty of care toward their patients. This means that they do not provide treatment according to accepted standards of care leading to harm or injury.

Duty of Care

For a plaintiff to succeed in a medical malpractice lawsuit, they must first establish that there was a duty of care owed by the defendant. Medical professionals have an obligation to treat their patients with reasonable care and according to standards within their field. As such, if it can be proven that this duty was breached, the patient may have grounds for a successful negligence claim.

For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose a condition that any medical professional of the same specialty would have noticed, then they may be found negligent in court.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 09,2023 in Wrongful Death

The death of a loved one is always a difficult time for family and friends. Unfortunately, when the death was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person, it can be even more devastating. In these cases, families may have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Claims Explained

Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits that allow surviving family members and dependents to recover compensation for their losses due to the death of their loved one. These claims are typically brought against individuals who knowingly or negligently caused the death of another person.

You may be able to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed due to:

• Careless or reckless driving
• Medical malpractice 
• Dangerous property conditions 
• Intentional criminal acts 
• Defective products 

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 03,2023 in Premises Liability

The Illinois Premises Liability Act protects visitors from harm caused by the carelessness or negligence of property owners and operators. The law holds people responsible for premises liability if their actions or negligence result in injury, ensuring that all parties take reasonable steps to keep licensees and invitees safe while on-site.

Who Is Considered a Licensee or Invitee?

Under Illinois law, visitors on a property are divided into two categories: licensees and invitees. A licensee is someone who enters another’s property with permission but without an implied or expressed invitation from the owner or occupier of the land. An invitee is someone who enters another’s property with an implied or expressed invitation from the owner or occupier of the land. Both of these are very different from a trespasser, who would far less standing to file a premises liability action following an injury.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 30,2023 in Car Accidents

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It can be difficult to know what steps to take in the aftermath of an accident, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system. In Illinois, some specific guidelines and procedures must be followed to file a claim for damages. Understanding the legal process can help you understand your case easier.

Gathering Evidence

After a car accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This evidence can be used to prove liability and establish the extent of the damages suffered.

Some common types of evidence to collect include:

• Police reports – The police report can provide important information about the accident, including the names of the parties involved and the cause of the accident.
• Eyewitness statements – Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony about how the accident occurred.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 24,2023 in Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect

Nursing home injury claims can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the legal process. In Illinois, nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide safe and appropriate care for their residents, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.

Proving Negligence in Nursing Home Injury Claim

When it comes to proving negligence, it is important to identify the specific actions or inactions that led to the injury. This requires gathering evidence such as medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a medical expert.

A medical expert can also assess the extent of the resident’s injuries and provide an opinion on whether the nursing home was negligent in providing the proper care. Additionally, a medical expert can help evaluate any long-term effects that may be associated with the injury, such as pain and suffering or financial losses.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 15,2023 in Medical Malpractice

Medical misdiagnosis is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for patients in Illinois. Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis can lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment, increased medical costs, and even permanent harm or death. Today, we will explore the topic of medical misdiagnosis, including what it is, its consequences, how you can spot signs of misdiagnosis, and what steps you can take to seek legal action.

What Is Medical Misdiagnosis?

When a doctor diagnoses a condition wrong carelessly or improperly handles a condition or illness, that is considered medical misdiagnosis. This can happen due to various factors. Some factors include a lack of information, failure to consider all possible diagnoses, or not following established protocols. Conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed include cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Every year, a staggering 7 million misdiagnoses are made in the United States’ emergency rooms. This number does not include incorrect diagnoses made in doctors’ offices and other clinical settings.  

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 12,2023 in Personal Injury

If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a car crash or other type of accident, you may be interested in filing a personal injury claim and pursuing damages. Most people know very little about personal injury law so it can be overwhelming to think about pursuing an injury claim. One question many people ask when considering legal action after an injury is, “How much compensation can I get?” While there is no way to predict in advance exactly how much an injury claim is worth, there are several factors that can help you estimate the potential value of your case.

Types of Compensatory Damages in an Illinois Personal Injury Claim

Slip-and-fall situations, dog attacks, car crashes, commercial truck accidents, and almost countless other injury-causing circumstances can lead an injured person to file a personal injury claim. According to Illinois law, a party may be liable for damages if the party causes someone injury or death through negligent or intentional actions.

Continue Reading ››