According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 150 pedestrians were killed in 2015. This is the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities since 2007 when 171 pedestrians died. The State of Illinois has several laws governing what a crosswalk is, who has right of way, and what parties are responsible for different types of crosswalks. Defining a Crosswalk Illinois recognizes pedestrian crosswalks as designated areas between roads that may or may not be marked by the lines or signs. If a sidewalk is intersected by a street, it is understood that this is a crosswalk, even if there are no other […]
Without workplace safe zone protection, Illinois roadway workers are at high risk of injury and death from car accidents. Every year, hundreds of roadway workers suffer serious workplace injuries and file injury claims with a workers’ compensation attorney. Roadway Workplace Accidents Each year over 20,000 workers are injured nationwide in roadway workplace zones. The leading cause of roadside-related injuries and fatalities is objects and vehicles striking workers. Crushing accidents, specifically being pinned by a vehicle, are the third leading cause of roadway accidents and injuries, followed by runover and backover accidents and collisions between vehicles. In 2011, there were 590 […]
Some SSDI applicants in Illinois may be able to recover retroactive benefits that date back to the date that they were first disabled even if that date was earlier than when they first applied for SSDI benefits. Retroactive disability benefits differ from SSDI backpay because they may go back in time beyond the application date. These benefits may help the recipients to pay for their expenses so that they can have some financial stability. A Social Security disability attorney might help eligible applicants with requesting retroactive benefits that date back to the dates that they became disabled. Understanding Retroactive Benefits When […]
Advances in sensor technologies could significantly reduce deaths from vehicular heatstroke. The tragedy often happens to responsible, loving parents in a flash of human error when a child is unknowingly left in a vehicle or somehow gains access to it. Even at moderate temperatures as low as 55 degrees, heat in the interior of a car can rise to above 107, hot enough to kill a child. Despite initiatives like Safe Kids, program support from automakers, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 30 children die from heatstroke each year across the United States. Who Is Responsible Conventional […]
Proposed changes to the Illinois Workers Compensation Act include restrictions to medical services, prescriptions drug, and other benefits. If approved, these changes will result in more workers’ compensation denials, an overall reduction in benefits, longer wait times, and unfortunately increasing denials. All sound reasons to keep a workers’ compensation attorney on-side. The Grand Compromise Governor Rauner has been putting pressure on lawmakers by not agreeing to any budget unless certain state laws are changed. In response, a 13-bill package called the “grand compromise,” was put together to resolve the budget impasse between the Illinois Republicans and Democrats. Senate Republican Leader […]
The mental residual functional capacity report explains how a person’s mental illness or mental health condition impacts his or her ability to work. Just as a residual functional capacity report demonstrates the limitations regarding a claimant’s ability to lift a certain amount of weight, how long a person can stand and other physical assessments, the mental residual functional capacity report assesses how a claimant’s psychological, emotional, psychiatric and cognitive impairments affect a claimant’s ability to work. Mental RFC Reports The Social Security Administration uses the mental RFC report to determine whether a claimant can perform his or her previous job […]
Defective and poorly designed products can endanger consumers. It is vital for people to understand what product recalls are and how they affect the products they use. Recalls are issued to reduce the risk of victims suffering injuries from dangerous products and to lessen the likelihood of legal action being taken against manufacturers and distributors. A manufacturer may issue a voluntary recall of one or more of its products after discovering safety issues or defects. Government agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) can […]
Recent changes in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act have created potential new challenges for injured workers. The stated intention of the changes is to make the program more efficient and flexible. However, the changes are significant enough that the average worker will not be aware of their new options and specific requirements for compliance. These new elements of the law make it more important than ever to contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. For example, the amendments that are included in the new compensation establish Preferred Provider Programs. This change affects the manner in which employees select their own […]
There are many types of impairments that qualify individuals for Social Security disability, based on the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s impairment listing manual. These physical and mental impairments can allow workers to file a Social Security disability claim with a Social Security disability attorney. Impairments Listed in the Blue Book The SSA‘s listing manual, also referred to as the blue book, has been updated as of 2017 and includes the following: cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease or heart failure respiratory illnesses including asthma and COPD speech and sense issues such as hearing and vision loss musculoskeletal issues […]
OSHA records more than 50,000 incidents of workers being struck by falling objects each year. However, not all incidents are reported and investigated. Nationwide, the agency estimates that there are approximately 143 incidents per day. These objects include everything from hand tools and fasteners to steel beams and wooden trusses. When dropped from heights, even light objects have the potential to cause serious personal injuries to the person they strike. Injuries Caused by Falling Objects Falling objects can cause concussions, contusions, lacerations, and broken bones. They can also cause more serious injuries including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), paralysis, eye/vision loss, […]
