People sometimes find the idea of taking legal action after a slip-and-fall incident relatively off-putting. They might believe that slip-and-falls are generally minor incidents that do not lead to serious injuries. However, that common misconception is actually quite inaccurate. Roughly a million people every year require evaluation and treatment in emergency rooms because of slip-and-falls. A fall does not need to occur at a significant elevation to cause major medical challenges and expenses for an individual. Those hurt in slip-and-fall scenarios sometimes need to take legal action against ..read more

Delaying estate planning is a very common mistake that otherwise responsible adults make. Some people don’t plan at all, while others put together a will or a trust but fail to draft living documents. Yet, thinking about incapacity can be just as important as addressing the inevitability of death. Although only a small percentage of people experience true incapacity, those who do are in a very vulnerable position. Powers of attorney can be very useful documents for those who experience some kind of medical emergency in Illinois. People may put together financial and/or medical powers of attorn ..read more

The determination of fault for a motor vehicle collision is key to the protection of everyone involved. The person who caused the crash provides the insurance coverage that pays to repair other people’s vehicles and for their health care needs following the collision. If the person who caused the crash broke the law or did something negligent, they could also be subject to a personal injury lawsuit when insurance coverage is not sufficient given the impact the crash has on others. Numerous mistakes might lead to someone causing a motor vehicle collision. People get behind the wheel after drink ..read more

When you have a child with your spouse, the two of you will share a relationship for the rest of your lives even if you end things with one another. Until your children reach adulthood, the two of you will need to cooperate to meet their needs and cover their cost-of-living expenses. You will likely see each other weekly, if not more frequently, to exchange custody. You will also need to communicate about what your children need and cooperate to meet those needs. Sometimes, a parent concerned about sharing custody with their ex will seek sole custody from the Illinois courts. That means that t ..read more

Some people get hurt at work because they drive and get into a car crash. Others get hurt because their job involves dangerous responsibilities, like washing windows on high-rise buildings. Many more people will develop medical issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome, not as the result of a single injury but rather the ongoing impact of job tasks. Workers sickened and injured on the job in Illinois can count on workers’ compensation insurance to help them handle the consequences of their medical conditions. When you know the different benefits available to you, you will have an easier time making ..read more

If you are like many Illinois drivers, you have been paying insurance on your car since you were a teenager and have never needed to make a big claim. You may have increased your coverage as you grew up and had more to lose if you caused a crash. You may also have invested in supplemental coverage like underinsured and uninsured motorist protection. That coverage could be important if you get into a crash caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Uninsured drivers put everyone at risk on the road, as they can cause damage to property or injuries to others that insurance should cover. Do y ..read more

Creating a last will and testament puts you in control of your property after you die. When you don’t create an estate plan prior to your passing, then Illinois state law dictates what happens with your property. Intestate succession laws clearly outline who should receive property from the estate of a person who dies without a will. For some people, those intestate succession laws align with the steps they would take when allocating their property in an estate plan. For others, intestate succession laws will not uphold their deepest wishes. Those who have a long-term romantic partner they hav ..read more

Divorce often means dramatic upheaval. You can basically say goodbye to the life and routine that you know, as everything from with whom you interact to where you live could soon change. One of the most difficult things about divorce is not knowing what property you will have at the end of the process. For couples in Illinois, preserving financial stability after a divorce is a common priority. Answering a few basic questions will give you a better idea about your financial situation after your divorce. Did you and your spouse sign a marital agreement? One of the fastest ways to figure out wha ..read more

In Illinois, most workers who are hurt on the job have the option of seeking workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation offers a variety of benefits to workers, not just a payment for their care. There are several benefits provided by workers’ compensation. These may include: Wage replacement Death benefits Permanent total disability Permanent partial disability Vocational rehabilitation Coverage for medical care Each of these benefits is there to help those who have been hurt and may also cover losses in the event of a worker’s death. Do employers have to carry workers’ compensation insuran ..read more

Slip-and-fall accidents are particularly likely in the winter months in Illinois. It’s normal to see sleet, freezing rain, snow and ice form in ways that make it dangerous to walk, bike and drive. The fortunate thing is that it is easy to prevent falls, even if you do have to walk on ice. Keep these prevention tips in mind, so you can help protect yourself. What should you do if you have to walk on ice? If you have to walk on ice, to prevent a fall, you should: Take short steps, using a kind of shuffling motion to keep your balance Bend to place your center of gravity over your feet Be prepare ..read more