Every workplace exposes its employees to potential hazards and injuries, just some more than others. Employers are legally required to make a workplace safe and free from accidents. In Illinois, there could even be consequences if an employer or company fails to uphold these standards. Almost everyone has had a job at one point of another in their life, and to keep safe, it’s important to learn more about what you need to be on the lookout for in case you find yourself in this situation. 1. Exposure to harmful substances or environments The people who are most in danger of this hazard are heal ..read more

In Illinois, the personal injury statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the injury to file most personal injury lawsuits. If you wait too long to file a personal injury lawsuit and miss this two-year deadline, you could lose your right to sue. However, there are several exceptions to this rule that can extend or shorten the filing window. Here are the key exceptions: Cases Involving Injured Minors If the injured person is under 18 when the injury occurs, Illinois law “pauses” the filing window so it begins running on their 18th birthday, not on the injury date. This means ..read more

Long-term care facilities like nursing homes are becoming an increasingly common option with our aging population. The National Institutes of Health states that 4.5% of older adults live in nursing homes. While these facilities are supposed to provide care, the reality is that nursing home abuse and neglect are a serious issue that affects thousands of people every year.  Abuse of elderly adults can cause severe injuries and long-term mental health issues. The legal team at The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C. is committed to helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve ..read more

In personal injury cases, the term “damages” refers to the compensation awarded to an individual who has suffered harm due to the wrongful actions of another party. This concept is a fundamental part of personal injury law. When someone gets hurt because of another party’s negligence or intentional act, the courts aim to “make them whole” again by awarding them damages.  Damages serve as a financial tool to address a variety of losses an individual has experienced. These losses can include medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional impact of the injury. The primary purpose of awarding d ..read more

Those sudden collisions from behind can be jarring and immensely stressful. They form around 29 percent of crashesoccurring every year in the US. Often, victims find themselves in a situation where there’s no way to anticipate or avoid such accidents. There is usually substantial vehicle damage and severe injuries.  After such an incident, you need an attorney, even if the liability issue isn’t contested. An attorney can help you navigate the situation and determine the most appropriate course. At Goldfine & Bowles, we have over 60 years of experience assisting car accident ..read more

You take on an immense responsibility when you get behind the wheel – and you also face considerable risk. While car accidents come in many different forms and can cause immense damage, you may be surprised to learn that most are the result of common dangerous driving practices that fall into several basic categories. If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence, protect your rights and your rightful compensation by working closely with an experienced Peoria car accident attorney from the start.  The Most Dangerous Practices on Our Roads Drunk Driving Drunk drivers  ..read more

Whether your serious workplace injury occurred in a construction accident or a repetitive stress injury sustained in a warehouse or office setting, the dedicated lawyers of The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles work hard to protect your rights to receive the workers’ compensation benefits you need to recover and get back to work. At The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C., we stay abreast of any change in Illinois workers’ comp law. For example, in the fall of 2011, Illinois workplace accident injury law was changed in pro-business, employer-leaning ways that lowered costs, restricte ..read more

As the weather gets warmer, the number of cyclists and pedestrians traveling Illinois’ roadways increases, and research shows that the number of Americans traveling in large trucks or SUVs is increasing, too. Yet, the larger a vehicle is, the more of a threat it is to cyclists and pedestrians. While the number of large cars on the nation’s roads increases, so, too, does the number of cyclist and pedestrian deaths taking place across the country. According to Slate, large trucks and SUVs first outsold traditional sedans back in 2002, and the number of motorists opting for these large, heavy veh ..read more

Working in construction can take its toll on your body. Sudden and catastrophic accidents can lead to severe injury when you work around heavy machinery, but repetitive stress injuries are just as much of a reality and potentially just as life-altering. Reducing the odds of repetitive stress injuries is often a matter of using tools properly and avoiding overexertion. It is also important to understand the most common types of repetitive stress injuries and to minimize aggravating factors when such an injury becomes likely. 1. Back injuries Injuries to the back, specifically the spine, can occ ..read more

In the moments following a collision between your vehicle and another, you may initially panic. Whether you are dealing with a frantic driver or a car that is blocking traffic, there are specific steps that can help you stay focused during this chaotic time. Talk to anyone involved According to the AARP, leaving the scene of the accident can lead to worse problems later on, so make sure to not drive away right after the crash. Instead, look at who is standing around near the area or exiting any vehicles and try to talk to them. Asking for their names, license place numbers and phone numbers is ..read more