Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.2024-03-28T17:00:05Zhttps://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1403732/2022/01/cropped-Site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=472472024-02-28T20:23:54Z2024-02-01T23:06:16Zrecent winter storm.
As a resident, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of pursuing a lawsuit if you get injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to frozen downspout drainage over a sidewalk or frozen runoff from snow piles in parking lots.
Frozen hazards in strip malls
Frozen downspout drainages are a common issue during severe winter weather. When downspouts are clogged with ice, melting snow from roofs cannot properly drain. This can lead to dangerous icy patches on sidewalks.
Suppose you get involved in a slip-and-fall accident because a property owner didn’t take proactive measures to help ensure proper drainage and prevent accidents. In that case, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit by demonstrating that the property owner failed to fulfil their duty of care. You can increase your odds of winning a slip-and-fall lawsuit when if you can prove that the property owner’s neglect created conditions that directly led to your fall and resulting injuries.
Snow piles in parking lots, if not managed effectively, can also become a hazard. As snow accumulates, it can freeze, creating slippery surfaces. Likewise, you can pursue compensation for your injuries by demonstrating that the property owner or contractors hired to clear the snow piles failed to clear the fluff promptly to prevent injuries.
Who is liable?
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. Negligence in addressing frozen downspout drainage or failing to clear snow piles can make them liable for injuries sustained on their property. To establish liability, the injured party must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous conditions. Additionally, contractors hired for snow and ice removal share the responsibility for ensuring safe premises. They can be held liable if a slip-and-fall occurs due to their negligence.
Pursuing a lawsuit
To build a strong case, victims of slip-and-fall accidents should have thorough documentation of the incident that caused their harm. This can include photographic evidence of icy conditions, pertinent witness statements and any warning signs or lack thereof. These details can strengthen a personal injury claim and establish liability.
Prompt medical attention is also crucial for both a victim’s well-being and their legal case. Medical records serve as vital evidence in connecting injuries to a slip-and-fall incident, potentially reinforcing the validity of the personal injury claim.
Pursuing justice after a slip-and-fall in winter conditions involves understanding the nuances of liability for both property owners and contractors. Consider consulting an experienced legal team who can assess the specifics of your case, guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=472442024-02-01T19:37:10Z2024-02-01T02:57:49ZTraffic accidents caused by black ice
The slippery nature of black ice contributes to a spike in traffic accidents, especially during winter storms. Vehicles may lose traction, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions, spin-outs and pile-ups on the icy roads. For this reason, navigating roads affected by black ice requires heightened caution. If you have to leave the comfort of your home this winter, reduce your usual driving speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden maneuvers to minimize the risk of accidents.
Who is responsible for winter weather accidents?
In cases where accidents result from poorly maintained roads, government entities and contractors responsible for road preparation may be held accountable. Failure to adequately address winter weather conditions can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Determining liability may involve proving that a government entity or contractor was negligent in preparing the roads for winter weather. This may include insufficient salt application, delayed snow removal or inadequate warning signs about hazardous conditions.
Your rights after a winter weather accident
You should promptly file an insurance claim if you've suffered damages due to a winter weather-related accident. Insurance policies may cover vehicle repairs, medical expenses and other related costs. For more complex cases involving government entities or contractors, seeking legal assistance is crucial. A legal practitioner can guide you through the process of determining liability and pursuing compensation for damages.
As winter's icy embrace continues to challenge Chicago residents on the road, awareness and caution are paramount. Suppose you get involved in an accident because of the dicey road conditions. In that case, seeking legal help as soon as possible can help establish who is liable for your damages.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=472332023-12-09T15:57:17Z2023-12-09T15:57:17ZSevere winter weather
Snow, sleet and ice accumulating on the roads can cause crashes. Black ice can be particularly dangerous, as drivers may lose control of their vehicles or even spin on the ice. Severe weather can also reduce visibility during times of precipitation. Drivers, therefore, need to be proactive about vehicle maintenance. They may want to change out their tires or install new wiper blades. Carrying winter safety gear, including blankets and a snow shovel, can help those who become stranded during severe weather.
Many drivers will also change their daily schedules so that they have more time for their morning commute if weather worsens overnight. Getting up a bit earlier can make it easier for someone to slow down during times of inclement weather and still reach their destination on time. Increasing following distances is also a crucial safety move when winter weather affects driving conditions.
Reduced daylight hours
Many of the worst crashes in Illinois occur after the sun sets. Pedestrian crashes, in particular, are more likely to be fatal when they occur after dark. Unfortunately, there will be less light during the winter months. The sun may rise after someone goes into work in the morning and may have already set when they get done in the afternoon. People will find themselves on the road during dark times more frequently during the winter months. That reduction in daylight can also affect animal activity and lead to incidents involving deer and other wildlife.
If a collision occurs
Those involved in winter-weather collisions often need help when responding to a crash. Particularly if an individual suffers injuries or must care for a loved one hurt in a crash, they would likely benefit from having a lawyer support them. An attorney can handle communications with insurance providers, educate people about their rights and hope those involved in major collisions obtain the best possible outcome given the circumstances.
Ultimately, reviewing the most pressing winter driving safety concerns may help people reduce their crash risk and better respond to a collision caused by another driver if one occurs.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=472312023-11-30T14:40:27Z2023-11-30T14:40:27ZManufacturers typically have primary liability
The good news for someone giving holiday gifts is that the company that manufactured the dangerous items could be liable for any damages the product may have caused. Consumers can bring defective product lawsuits against manufacturers when an item fails and causes injury or substantial property damage.
For example, in recent years, hoverboards have been popular gift requests. Unfortunately, some of these devices are not actually safe to use and could cause house fires when charging or in storage. Manufacturers that put out products with defective wiring or bad batteries would likely be responsible for damages generated when those products fail catastrophically.
Sometimes gift-givers may have some liability. If they registered the product and received notice of a recall, they would need to notify the gift recipient about the recall. Scenarios in which it appears that the gift giver was aware of the defect and did not disclose that matter to the recipient might lead to a degree of liability for the person who purchased the defective item.
As a general rule, it is usually a better option to let the recipient register the product to ensure that they receive notice about any recalls or updates regarding product safety. Gift givers may also want to check recently recalled products before shopping to ensure that they don't accidentally purchase an unsafe item for someone on their holiday gift list. They may also want to retain purchase information and receipts to better facilitate a claim by gift recipients if a product turns out to be defective.
Addressing the possibility of a gift-related injury can reduce some of the liability risks associated with holiday gift exchanges. In the wake of such injuries, seeking legal guidance is generally wise.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=472182023-09-06T09:17:09Z2023-09-06T09:16:04Zconsider the physics of various accidents. When two objects collide, the energy transferred between both is based on the mass and speed of those objects. While both vehicles may be traveling at the same speed, the semi has far greater mass that will be exerted on the smaller vehicle upon impact.
This means that the smaller vehicle is more likely to be pushed backward. This energy also transfers through the people within that vehicle, leading to more serious injuries. There can be cases in which a small passenger vehicle is completely destroyed and everyone inside is seriously injured, but the driver in a semi-truck isn’t hurt at all because they were protected by the height, weight and size of their vehicle.
The risk of underride accidents
Another reason that truck injuries tend to be so severe is that some of these crashes can involve underride accidents. This happens when a small vehicle goes underneath the frame of a large truck, often between the wheels on the trailer.
In pictures of these accidents, the risk becomes clear. The impact point is so high. The small vehicle is under the trailer, and the edge of the trailer can impact the front windshield in the passenger compartment. People in that smaller vehicle are therefore more likely to sustain neck or head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and fatalities are also common. Many safety systems, like the crumple zones built into modern cars, are only designed to work with other vehicles of a similar size. A semi-truck avoids them because it is just too tall to collide with those crumple zones at all.
Trucking accident injuries can be life-changing. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, or a loved one has sustained harm in this way, know that you can seek legal guidance at any time to determine whether you’re owed significant compensation and, if so, how to secure it.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=472152023-10-26T18:44:33Z2023-08-07T16:20:04ZPhysical impairments
Moderate to severe TBIs can affect almost any part of a victim’s body, depending on what parts of the brain are affected. It’s not uncommon for TBI patients to have mobility issues due to spasticity or weakness in their limbs, dizziness, fatigue or actual paralysis. Some may also have difficulty controlling their hands, trouble speaking distinctly (or at all), and sensory impairments that affect their sight, ability to taste things or sense of smell.
While physical and occupational therapy can help some TBI patients regain some of their abilities, many permanently need assistance handling even their basic needs and cannot live independently.
Emotional changes
Since the brain is what makes someone who they are, it’s not surprising that many TBI victims undergo drastic personality changes after their injuries. Some become socially withdrawn and many suffer from problems regulating their moods, which can make preserving their friendships and other relationships even harder. Some TBI victims even end up spiraling down into addiction in an effort to cope with their situation, and depression and anxiety are also common.
Cognitive deficits
Many TBI survivors struggle with memory issues, which can make it impossible for them to keep a schedule, remember appointments, or concentrate long enough to do everyday activities with any degree of reliability. Problem-solving, decision-making and organizational skills may also be drastically reduced. Since language and processing skills are also controlled in the brain, the TBI survivor may also have difficulty understanding others or expressing their thoughts, which often serves to deepen their sense of social isolation.
The problem with a traumatic brain injury is that it’s not over when cars all roll to a stop – or even when the victim is released from the hospital. Victims of a TBI may suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives, which is why it is so important for them to fully explore all possibilities for compensation.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=471992023-07-06T05:12:47Z2023-06-20T10:48:13ZThere has been a surge in pedestrian deaths
Better data analysis and improved safety systems in vehicles have helped reduce the severity of crashes when they occur and even led to a short-term drop in fatal crash rates after the turn of the millennium. However, vehicles have gotten larger on average in recent years, while speed limits have slowly crept up in many places.
The end result of those slow changes is that pedestrians are simply at more risk on the road now than they were a few years ago. Overall, not only have the number of pedestrian fatalities reported each year risen 54% between 2010 and 2020, but the percentage of traffic deaths made up by pedestrians has also risen noticeably. Illinois saw a 33% increase in the number of pedestrian deaths between 2019 and 2021, when 228 pedestrians died. While that may be a bit lower than the nationwide, that one-third increase in fatalities took place over just three years, which is quite fast.
How can pedestrians protect themselves?
Avoiding risk factors like distraction and alcohol intoxication while on busy roads could potentially save a pedestrian's life. So could carefully following traffic laws, being proactive about watching for oncoming vehicles and crossing where drivers are most likely to notice them.
If a pedestrian does get hit by a vehicle, they will need to know about and make use of their rights. Filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit is often necessary after a pedestrian crash, as the unprotected human body could suffer major injuries as a result of such collisions.
]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=471952023-07-06T05:21:42Z2023-06-09T14:18:54ZThe driver of the motor vehicle
In many cases, it will be obvious but the person in the motor vehicle was to blame for the crash that left someone on a scooter or a bicycle injured. Drivers typically have insurance that will pay for medical costs, lost wages and property damage expenses if they cause a crash. If the driver doesn't have insurance or has a bad policy, then the hurt cyclist or scooter rider could potentially file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
The bike or scooter company
Occasionally, there could be a defect with the bike or scooter that could make the crash at least partially the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other times, it could be a maintenance issue because someone rented a pay-per-use e-bike or scooter. It is sometimes possible to bring a claim against the businesses that manufacture or rent out these small vehicles if a defect or maintenance issue leads to someone getting hurt.
Occasionally, scooter riders and cyclists use their own insurance coverage to help pay for some of their expenses. Provided that they have a car, they may have a policy that applies when the other driver doesn't have insurance or has a very bad policy. Knowing who has financial responsibility is important for those involved in a cycling or scooting collision. Seeking legal guidance is usually a good place to start.
]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=471972023-07-06T05:12:30Z2023-06-05T13:21:04Zyears after the crash.
A neck injury can complicate your life
A common neck injury like whiplash can have long-term effects. This injury occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked by the impact of a crash, causing strain and damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. While some individuals may recover from whiplash relatively quickly, others may experience long-term consequences that disrupt their daily activities.
Chronic pain, limited mobility and recurring headaches can become unwelcome companions, making even the simplest tasks a challenge. A neck injury can interfere with everyday life and even the close relationships you hold dear, such as with your children or spouse.
Psychological effects
Neck injuries can also have a lasting impact on your psychological and emotional well-being. The pain and physical limitations, sudden change in your lifestyle, the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed and the constant discomfort can take a toll on your mental health.
Your career may also be on the line
The lasting impacts of neck injuries can also have far-reaching consequences in your professional life. If your occupation requires physical exertion or repetitive motions, such as lifting, bending or prolonged periods of sitting, a neck injury can significantly hinder your ability to perform your job effectively. This can result in lost wages, diminished career prospects and financial stress.
Seek necessary assistance
Seeking proper medical care and rehabilitation is vital in managing and mitigating the lasting impacts of neck injuries. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment and consistent therapy can help alleviate pain, restore mobility and improve your overall well-being.
Equally crucial is seeking qualified legal guidance to explore your options to pursue compensation, understand your rights and protect your interests.]]>On Behalf of Polansky & Cichon, Chtd.https://www.polanskycichonlaw.com/?p=471932023-07-06T05:12:15Z2023-06-01T14:14:42ZAn injury claim may soon follow
Some dog bite attacks only result in minor scratches, but any physical trauma caused by a dog may warrant medical attention. Even a single puncture wound from a dog bite could cause a severe infection. More damaging bites could lead to disfiguring scars, cause nerve damage or even lead to severe blood loss. When large dogs attack suddenly or when the person bitten is quite young or medically vulnerable, there is also a risk of the attack proving fatal.
Medical expenses, lost wages and even property damage costs add up very quickly after a dog attacks a human and can lead to thousands of dollars in losses. The person attacked or the parent of a minor bitten by an aggressive dog may need to pursue a personal injury claim to recoup some of those losses. Such claims typically result in an insurance payout.
Homeowner's insurance often covers dog bite attacks, provided that the company was aware of an animal's presence. Dog bite claims are quite common, with Illinois being one of the states that have the highest number of reported dog bite incidents annually. Indiana may not see quite as many, but they are still a concern for individuals across the state.
Someone who has been hurt by an aggressive animal – and who did not provoke the animal intentionally or break the law immediately prior to the incident – may have the right to seek compensation in court either through insurance or directly from the animal's owner. Knowing about those rights may help those who have been hurt by an aggressive animal assert themselves after an incident left them injured and possibly traumatized.]]>