Abels & Annes
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Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney

Diagnostic testing is a primary part of the job for many medical professionals. Knowing which tests to conduct and which questions to ask to make a correct diagnosis is critical to ensuring patients receive the treatment they need. When a patient is misdiagnosed or has a delayed diagnosis, injuries can occur from the lack of timely treatment.

For example, if a patient who has had a heart attack is misdiagnosed with acid reflux and sent home, they are at higher risk for another, more serious heart attack and will not receive the treatment they need to address any cardiovascular issues. In addition, cancer is often misdiagnosed, and the delay in treatment can ultimately necessitate more invasive treatment or allow the cancer to develop to the point where it is no longer treatable.

The above are only two of many examples of common misdiagnoses in the United States. If you were misdiagnosed and suffered unnecessary complications or injuries as a result, it is important to consider whether you have legal rights to financial recovery from your doctor.

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Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

Every commercial truck driver should be fully aware of the Illinois traffic laws and federal regulations with which they must comply to drive safely. However, in some cases, truck drivers are expected to use their judgment and make decisions about safe driving in order to prevent crashes and serious injuries. One such instance is when adverse weather conditions are present.

While a speed limit may officially be 60 miles per hour for trucks on a highway, there may be times when it is unsafe for a truck driver to travel at that speed. The following weather conditions can create higher risks at faster speeds:

  • Rain
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Chicago Brain Injury Attorney

A traumatic brain injury is diagnosed after damage occurs to brain tissue after the brain hits the inside of the skull, usually due to head trauma. Even relatively minor brain injuries can be serious and should always be treated as such, including seeking immediate medical attention. Over time, a brain-injury victim may incur substantial costs and losses as a direct result of the injury. The following are some examples of how high the cost of a traumatic brain injury can be:

Medical expenses – It’s no secret that any type of medical care can be costly in the United States, with or without help from insurance. While all brain-injury victims should seek medical treatment, some will require more extensive treatment than others. Some examples of medical expenses that may be faced include:

  • Emergency department or urgent care visits
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If your family is one of many in Chicago that will be packing up the car and heading out on a road trip, you should always realize the importance of safety before and during your trip. Here are some safety tips for your summer trip:

  • Plan – Road trips can take you into new territory, so it’s always helpful to familiarize yourself with the route ahead of time. You can also plan when you may stop and where you can stay along the way. Program a GPS or other navigational tools ahead of time so that you don’t have to do so while driving.
  • Inspect your car – Always have your vehicle inspected and tuned up before a road trip to prevent any unexpected problems. You want to ensure your brakes and tires are in good condition and will last for a long trip.
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Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In 2015, about 88,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in crashes, many of which involved a collision with another motor vehicle. Drivers of cars and trucks often crash into motorcyclists because they are not paying adequate attention to the road around them to notice the motorcyclist. Motorcycles are already difficult to see on the road, as they are smaller than most motor vehicles. When a driver adds in an extra distraction, the chances of a collision with a motorcyclist increase even more.

Common Distractions for Chicago Drivers

The following are some common causes of distracted-driving motorcycle accidents:

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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Under Illinois law, when a motorcycle accident is caused by the negligence of another person, the negligent party can be held liable for any losses that occur as a result of the wreck. In many cases, the cause of a motorcycle accident is clear and the at-fault party admits liability. When this is the case, the only issue that needs to be resolved is how much the party that caused the accident will pay the victim.

In some cases, however, liability is contested, which means that the victim will need to prove that the other party’s negligence caused the accident. Very generally speaking, negligence occurs when a person or a party fails to use the degree of care that would ordinarily be used by a reasonable person under similar circumstances. There are many types of negligent conduct that could potentially cause a serious motorcycle accident, including speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and poor motorcycle design or manufacture.

Establishing Negligence Often Requires Evidence

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Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago

As summer gets underway, many people in the Chicago area are making plans to celebrate the 4th of July. This is often a highlight of the season with parades, carnivals, barbecues, and concerts. Unfortunately, with these celebrations also comes the risk of injury in traffic accidents.

Drunk Drivers on July 4th

The 4th of July is already one of the most dangerous days of the year to be on the road. This is partly because the number of drivers increases, as many people have the day off work and may be traveling over the weekend. In addition, many people choose to celebrate our nation’s independence by drinking alcoholic beverages with family and friends. Statistics indicate that 47 percent of fatal traffic accidents on July 4th involved one or more drivers who were over the legal limit for alcohol.

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Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago

Now that summer is finally upon us, many people in the Chicagoland area are looking forward to spending time at the pool, soaking up the summer sun and relaxing with friends and family. While you may not think going to the pool is a high-risk activity, the reality is that thousands of people are seriously hurt each year in accidents caused by defective pool equipment.

Here are a few types of pool equipment that may be defective and capable of causing injury:

  • Diving Boards – Defective diving boards or ladders pose a significant injury risk, usually by causing people to fall unexpectedly. Many people injured by defective diving boards suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even spinal cord injuries.
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TBI Lawyers in Chicago

According to the CDC, about 1.7 million people receive treatment for some degree of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on an annual basis in the U.S. Thousands of these victims are diagnosed with a “severe” brain injury, which is the most serious category of TBI. Severe brain injuries are unique in that the effects and complications can last for years. They even may be permanent. The following are only some of the long-term complications that can accompany severe brain injuries.

Coma – One sign of a severe brain injury is the loss of consciousness for an extended period of time. Victims can be comatose for days or weeks and may require time in the intensive care unit (ICU). In some tragic cases, a victim of a severe TBI may never fully regain consciousness.

Surgery – Another common yet dangerous complication of a severe TBI is increased intracranial pressure due to swelling of the brain or fluid buildup inside the skull. In some situations, doctors may need to operate to remove part of the skull to relieve pressure. In addition, they may insert a pressure monitor in the brain to identify when additional complications may be occurring.

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Truck Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Large commercial trucks can cause severe damage and injuries when they crash. One particularly dangerous type of crash is called a “jackknife” accident. A jackknife occurs when the large trailer of the truck swings out into adjacent lanes, becoming perpendicular to the truck and folding like a knife does. If any vehicles or pedestrians are in the path of the trailer, they can be crushed, causing catastrophic damage and injuries. In addition, a jackknifed trailer often causes the driver to lose complete control of the truck, which can result in a rollover or chain-reaction crash.

Because of the serious results of a jackknife, it is important to know who can be held liable for your injuries. In order to identify the responsible party, you should be aware of the common causes of jackknife accidents, some of which are explained below.

Driver Error

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