Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Illinois bicycle collision attorney Gary Annes recently reached a $152,000 settlement at a mediation for a bicycle rider. This claim arises out of an incident which occurred on August 18, 2008 and could be considered both a Chicago premises liability case as well as a bicycle accident claim.

On the morning of the occurrence our client was riding her bicycle to work. The weather was sunny and dry. She was riding her bicycle southbound in Desplaines St. in the City of Chicago.

There was a construction site located at 370 N. Desplaines St. The main defendant in the case was the general contractor on the construction project. As the bicyclist was riding southbound on Desplaines the construction site was on the rider's right side. When she was about halfway past the construction site, green mesh fabric attached to the construction fence blew out into the road and directly into the rider. The netting caught onto the handlebars and/or brake for the bicycle and yanked it back out from under her. This resulted in the plaintiff being thrown forward off of her bicycle onto the pavement. She landed on her left arm, breaking her left wrist.

The City of Chicago Municipal Code requires that a general contractor on a construction site must affix fabric mesh to the construction site fence face. §13-32-125(c). The Code further requires that the general contractor immediately repair any damage to the fence fabric. §13-32-125(e).

A photograph taken shortly after the accident showed how the fence fabric had become ripped and unattached to the fence, flipped on the outside of the fence and loose at the bottom, able to blow up and out into the street with any breeze.

The defendant failed to properly affix, repair and maintain the fence fabric. As a result the fence fabric became unattached on the bottom of the fence, flipped over to the outside of the fence and was able to flap out into the roadway with any breeze.

Following the incident the bike rider had an immediate onset of excruciating left wrist pain. She was transferred from the scene of the occurrence by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department. Upon her arrival at the emergency department she complained of left wrist pain, left elbow pain, left ankle pain and left shoulder pain.

The plaintiff was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. X-rays and a CT of her wrist revealed a displaced intra-articular distal radius fracture with gapping at the lunate facet, a minimally displaced ulnar styloid fracture and a scaphoid waist fracture. An open reduction, internal fixation surgery was recommended. Initially, her left wrist, forearm and elbow were placed in a plaster cast for immobilization and she was prescribed pain medications until surgery could be performed.

Surgery was performed on August 22, 2008. The surgical procedures performed included an open repair of the left distal radial fracture with internal fixation of 2 fragments, open repair of the scaphoid fracture with internal fixation and tenotomy brachioradialis tendon of the left wrist. As part of the procedure, surgical metal was implanted into her wrist including a metal plate and five screws. Following the surgery her arm was put in a sling and she was given another prescription for pain medications.

After the surgery our client sought follow up treatment with her surgeon. She saw the doctor several times over the next few months. He ordered that a forearm-based thumb spica splint be made which the client wore. Additionally a course of physical therapy was prescribed. The client's father was a physical therapist and he provided her with therapy.

At the time of her last appointment with her surgeon, she continued to complain of left wrist stiffness, residual discomfort with point contact around the fractures.

Despite her treatment, our client continued to experience pain and discomfort in her left wrist. This was especially prevalent with changes in the weather or when pressure or weight was applied to the wrist. Additionally, due to the severity and location of the fractures, she is at an increased risk of developing traumatic arthritis in her left wrist.

For months after the accident the bicyclist could not do any activity that required the use of her left hand. Even after her cast was removed and she was able to begin to use her left hand and wrist, she continued to experience pain with almost all activities of daily living. For approximately three months she was unable to ride her bicycle.

Medical expenses incurred by our client for treatment of the injuries she suffered as a result of the negligence of the defendant totaled over $30,000. She also sustained a permanent surgical scar on her left wrist.

Continue reading "Chicago bike accident lawyer settles lawsuit for $152,000" »

An Illinois premises liability attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a settlement with the owners of a local restaurant in regards to a slip and fall that occurred back on February 13, 2010.

The plaintiff was at a restaurant located in the 12700 block of South Ashland in Calumet Park, Illinois. The defendant owned, operated, managed, maintained and controlled the premises and was further responsible for providing safe means of ingress and egress through the premises.

In the days before the occurrence, it snowed approximately 8 inches in Calumet Park. As a result, the restaurant undertook the duty to plow and/or shovel its parking lot. Unfortunately, they plowed its parking lot and negligently left large piles of plowed snow next to customer parking spaces. There were then several days of warmer weather where the snow melted and refroze, forming sheets of ice.

There were no signs or other warnings posted to notify customers of the dangerous condition that they insured created. Further, the parking lot was inadequately illuminated.

On the date of the occurrence, our client parked her car in a marked parking space in the restaurant parking lot. As she attempted to exit her vehicle, she slipped on a sheet of ice and/or snow left behind by the defendant during the plowing process of its parking lot.

We alleged to the defendant's liability insurance carrier that based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the occurrence at issue, it is clear that a proximate cause of the slip and fall occurrence was the negligent conduct of the restaurant owners.

Immediately after the fall, our client started to experience left wrist pain. Due to ongoing and increasing pain, she sought medical treatment with a medical doctor. There, she complained of left wrist pain. A history was taken, she was examined and diagnostic tests were ordered, including left hand and left wrist x-rays.

The plaintiff was diagnosed with a comminuted intraarticular fracture of the left distal radius with slight dorsal angulation as well as soft tissue swelling. The physician performed a hematoma block, closed reduction and long arm casting under fluoroscan control. He prescribed pain medication and instructed our client to follow up with him.

On February 23, 2010, she sought follow up medical treatment from her doctor. She again had x-rays taken of her left hand and wrist that showed a fracture of the distal radius. The physician examined her and instructed her to follow up with him in five (5) weeks for removal of her cast.

On March 30, 2010, she had x-rays taken of her left wrist which showed a healing fracture of the distal radius. The plaintiff's cast was removed and it was recommended that she begin physical therapy for her wrist. He discharged her from care on April 24, 2010.

Despite a short period of relief from her symptoms, her left wrist flared up requiring her to seek medical care from her doctor again, where she complained of pain in her left wrist. He noted that since she sustained an intraarticular fracture of the left wrist, it is possible that she will have some arthritis in the future. Her physician recommended that she begin occupational therapy.

On March 12, 2011, she went back to the doctor's office again. There, she complained of left wrist pain and stiffness. Pain medication was again prescribed and instructed her to continue her home exercise program. The physician discharged her from his care on April 9, 2011.

Per her physician's instructions, our client attended 11 sessions of physical therapy at Southwest Hand Rehabilitation starting on December 30, 2010 and ending on February 28, 2011, at which time she was discharged from treatment.

The case settled for just over $26,000. No lawsuit was filed, saving our client the cost of going to court.

Continue reading "Case resolved for $26,000 by Chicago slip and fall lawyer" »

Illinois injury lawyer David Abels has obtained a $100,000 insurance policy limits settlement on behalf of a client that was injured in a Kane County auto accident.

The collision which took place on June 20, 2011, at approximately 4:13 a.m. The plaintiff was injured when the automobile he was driving was hit head-on by a vehicle driven a driver insured by State Farm.

Our client was driving northbound on Farnsworth Avenue north of Reckinger Road in Aurora, Illinois. The defendant was driving his automobile southbound on Farnsworth north of Reckinger. The at fault motorist was distracted while driving and crossed the center turn lane of Farnsworth, entering the northbound lane that the victim was occupying. The negligent driver struck our client in a head-on collision while facing south in a northbound lane.

The Aurora Police Department responded to the scene of the collision. After speaking to both parties, the investigating officer placed the defendant at fault for the collision. The investigating officer cited the defendant for improper lane usage and also determined that he was distracted while driving. He also admitted to the responding officer that he consumed two mixed drinks earlier in the night. Based on that information, the investigating officer administered field sobriety tests which the defendant passed.

We argued to the insurance carrier that their insured failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, failed to pay proper attention to the road conditions, failed to stay within one lane of traffic, drove southbound in a northbound lane, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including our client.

Following the collision, the plaintiff had an immediate onset of severe chest and abdominal pain.

He was transported by ambulance to Provena Mercy Center’s Emergency Department. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, a history was taken, he was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed, including CT scans of his abdomen, pelvis, cervical spine, and head. He complained of severe pain in his chest and abdomen. His CT scans showed fluid within the right hemipelvis, soft tissue swelling and induration in the right flank, hepatic steatosis, and a right frontal subgaleal hematoma in his brain. Upon exam, he had peritonitis. Our client required an emergency exploratory laparotomy as a result of his injuries.

Continue reading "Chicago personal injury attorney settles car crash claim for $100,000" »

Illinois bus crash attorney David Abels has resolved an injury claim with the Chicago Transit Authority.

The claim arose out of a collision which took place on October 9, 2010 at approximately 5:30 p.m. Our client was injured when a CTA bus he was a passenger in lost control, veered off the road, and collided with several trees. As a bus passenger, the CTA, a common carrier, owed the plaintiff the highest duty of care.

He was a passenger on the No. 6: Jackson Park Express CTA bus, which was driven by a CTA employee. At the time of the collision, the bus was moving southbound on Lake Shore Drive near Interstate Highway 55.

Our client alleged the CTA driver failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or reduce his or her speed to avoid a collision, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.

Following the collision, the claimant had an immediate onset of knee pain and ankle pain. He was transported by ambulance from the scene of the accident to Saint Bernard Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, a history was taken, he was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed. He initially complained of right leg pain, right ankle pain, left knee pain, left ankle pain, and right foot pain. X-rays were taken and the client was diagnosed with a left knee abrasion, right ankle sprain, left knee sprain, and possible right tibial fracture. Based on the findings, his right knee was immobilized and he was given crutches. He was prescribed pain medication and instructed to seek follow up treatment.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, our client sought follow up medical care with a physician on October 12, 2010. There he complained of left knee pain, right ankle pain, and right foot pain. A history was taken and he was examined. A physical exam revealed left knee edema, pain on palpation of the medial aspect of the joint with some restriction of flexion and extension of the knee joint, right foot edema, and pain on palpation of the lateral aspect of the right ankle with limited range of motion. The doctor noted a possible left knee fracture or torn cartilage. He was diagnosed with a left knee contusion, right ankle sprain, and right wrist contusion. the physician ordered him off work pending a follow up visit. He also ordered a MRI of his left knee and x-rays of his right wrist, prescribed pain medication and recommended physical therapy.

On October 18, 2010, MRIs of his right wrist and left knee were taken. The MRI of the left knee found prominent marrow contusion within the medial femoral condyle, diffuse edema within the superficial soft tissues anterior to the knee, knee joint effusion, and fluid surrounding his MCL compatible with a grade I sprain.

On October 29, 2010, the plaintiff returned for follow up treatment with a medical doctor. At that time he complained of right wrist pain and left knee pain, as well as tenderness and swelling of the right ring finger. The physician noted a right wrist contusion and left knee contusion. At that time, he was allowed to return to work and discharged him as having reached maximum benefit.

Per his physician’s instructions, our client attended five sessions of physical therapy.

The case settled for $13,500 out of court, saving our client the time and expense of litigation.

Continue reading "Chicago bus accident attorney settles CTA case" »

Attorneys from Hilfman and Martin; Abels & Annes personal injury firms win major settlement in case tied to former Rev. Daniel McCormack.

Chicago -- Chicago plaintiff lawyers Hilfman & Martin P.C. and Abels & Annes P. C. have settled a claim against the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cardinal George, and the Catholic Bishop of Chicago involving sexual abuse of a minor boy by former Rev. Daniel McCormack in the amount of $3.2 million dollars, $300,000 of which is to be placed in escrow for services. The identity of the plaintiff and his family are confidential.

The victim sued the Archdiocese of Chicago and Cardinal Francis George in 2007. He alleged that they failed to remove their priest, Rev. Daniel McCormack, from access to children although they had knowledge that McCormack had sexually abused minors. McCormack was arrested in January 2006, charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual assault and subsequently pleaded guilty to those charges in 2007. The plaintiff in this case is one of the victims for which McCormack pled guilty.

The settling victim was sexually abused by McCormack between 5th and 7th grades.

“On behalf of the victim, who was between the ages of 10-12 years old when he was abused, we are pleased to have reached this settlement because it marks one more step toward bringing justice to him and his family,” said William Martin, a partner at Hilfman & Martin, a Chicago-based law firm that has represented other victims in child sex abuse cases involving the Archdiocese of Chicago and other entities.

Hilfman & Martin, P.C. and Abels & Annes, P.C. extensively litigated this case and settled it shortly before trial. They are the only firms in McCormack litigation that took the depositions of many senior Archdiocese officials, vicars, priests, seminary leaders and other key Archdiocese personnel.

“Representing child victims of sexual abuse in cases against religious institutions, school districts, day care centers and other organizations that interface with children implicates complex and sensitive issues and requires a unique approach given the ages of our clients,” said David Abels, a partner at Abels & Annes, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm. “ We are proud to work every day on their behalves to represent their interests and maximize rewards that, we feel, are deserved.”

Both firms have carved out a niche in Chicago, taking on challenging cases for the victims of sexual abuse. “Our understanding of the lifelong devastating injury that abusers cause their victims is what drives and motivates us,” said Louis Hilfman, a partner at Hilfman & Martin P.C.

The firms have clients who are plaintiffs in two pending civil cases against the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Cardinal. These cases are also related to those defendants’ failures to timely remove McCormack from access to children and to McCormack’s activities while an Archdiocese priest.

Illinois auto accident attorney Gary Annes has resolved a claim on behalf of a Will County resident for $59,000. The claim arose out of an Illinois auto accident which took place in the area of Weber Road and Grand Haven Circle in Romeoville, on June 15, 2010 at approximately 2:24 p.m. The plaintiff was injured when the automobile she was driving was involved in a multiple car chain reaction rear end collision caused by a vehicle driven by a negligent motorist.

Our client was driving southbound on Weber Road. Traffic in front of the plaintiff came to a stop and she stopped for the traffic in front of her. There were vehicles stopped in front of her and a vehicle stopped behind her.

The defendant failed to stop and/or reduce the speed of his vehicle and rear-ended the vehicle stopped behind our client. The force of the initial impact propelled that vehicle into the plaintiff's vehicle, and the force further pushed her car into the vehicle in front of her.

The Romeoville Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After speaking to all the parties involved in the collision, the investigating officer placed the defendant at fault for the collision. He admitted to the investigating officer that the collision was caused because he did not notice that traffic had stopped in front of him until it was too late. The investigating officer issued traffic citations based on the drivers admission for driving too fast for traffic conditions and failure to reduce the speed of his vehicle.

The at fault driver failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or reduce the speed of his vehicle to avoid a collision, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.

Based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the occurrence at issue, we argued to the defendant's insurance carrier that it was clear that the sole proximate cause of the collision was the negligent conduct of their insured.

Following the collision, the plaintiff had an immediate onset of neck pain, back pain and chest pain. That same day, she was seen at the Edward Hospital’s Emergency Department. There she complained of right sided neck pain, back pain, chest pain and pain in the iliac area. She was diagnosed with cervical strain, right iliac crest pain, and a chest wall contusion.

Over the next few days, her pain increased significantly. On June 21, 2010, she sought follow-up treatment at a chiropractic office. She was still having back pain and neck pain. She was also suffering from severe headaches, left leg pain and left ankle pain. She started therapy, which consisted of spinal adjustments, electric stimulation, and ultrasound. After three days of treatment, our cleint realized that her injuries were severe so she decided to get a second opinion from an orthopedic physician.

My client next treated with a medical doctor in Naperville in June 2010. At that time, she had complaints of neck pain, back pain, left leg pain, and left ankle pain. The physician ordered cervical and lumbar MRIs, as well as an MRI of her left ankle. The scans showed the plaintiff had sustained disc bulges at 2 cervical levels and one bulge at her lumbar level.

After receiving the MRI results, the client was next seen at a physical therapist's office in July, 2010. At that time, she was still having complaints of neck pain, back pain, headaches, left leg pain, and left ankle pain, which caused very limited and painful mobility. A physical exam found that the lower back pain caused radiating pain to her left lower extremities as well as her posterior right thigh. At that time, she started a course of physical therapy that consisted of manual therapy, electric stimulation, ultrasound therapy and therapeutic exercise. She completed ten (10) sessions of physical therapy.

On July 20, 2010 the plaintiff was seen by another medical doctor. She was diagnosed with low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, upper back pain, cervical radiculopathy and neck pain. The doctor recommended additional physical therapy and epidural injections.

She began an additional course of physical therapy. Her treatment consisted of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, ultrasound and electric stimulation. She attended twenty-one (21) sessions of therapy which ended on December 1, 2010. She also underwent several epidural steroid injections.

In addition to the $59,000 settlement, we were able to collect over $16,000 in medical payments from her own auto insurance policy, bringing her grand total to over $75,000.

Continue reading "Chicago accident lawyer obtains $59,000 car crash settlement" »

Illinois bicycle crash attorneys at Abels & Annes have negotiated a settlement on behalf of a cyclist and tri-athlete injured in a crash caused by a negligent motorist. The case settled for the insurance policy limits of the at fault driver, as well as additional compensation from her own under-insured motorist policy.

The accident took place on July 24, 2009, as the victim was traveling eastbound in a marked bicycle lane through the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Sangamon Street in Chicago, Illinois. A woman traveling westbound in a 2005 Nissan Ultima failed to properly yield to the cyclist, who had the right of way, causing her left hand and right knee to strike the car on impact. The victim’s momentum then took her up and over the hood before landing on her back, right shoulder, right head/helmet, and left hand. Following the collision, the victim had an immediate onset of right knee and left hand pain, swelling and bruising, head pain, and multiple lacerations and abrasion. She was then transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center by ambulance.

At the hospital, x-rays and CT scans were administered which came up negative for any fractures or brain/spine damage. After a night in the hospital, she was provided a pair of crutches, a prescription for pain medication, and instructions to follow-up with a doctor before being discharged.

Due to ongoing right knee pain, the woman went to see a doctor on August 14, 2009, who ordered an MRI scan for a possible meniscal tear. She also complained of low back pain that was radiating down into her right knee and lower leg. These injuries made it difficult for her to turn with a fixed foot, squat, or lie in bed at night, which was especially difficult for her as a tri-athlete. She described the pain in her left hand as constant. The August 19 MRI was luckily negative for serious injury. She was told to begin physical therapy and slowly increase her level of activity.

Over the next few months, the victim attended 21 physical therapy sessions between two locations and was still suffering from pain in her right knee and lower back. The pain was still persisting as of her latest evaluation on May 26, 2010, ten months after the accident, and still limiting her ability to compete in triathlons.

Our firm was able to settle with the at-fault driver for her entire policy limit of $25,000. In addition, the lawyers showed that the $25,000 was inadequate to fully compensate the victim for her injuries, and secured another $15,000 payment in under-insured motorist benefits from her own policy. The settlement allowed the victim to avoid litigation, and the court costs and stress that can come along with it.

Continue reading "Chicago bike accident lawyers secure $40,000 settlement" »

An Illinois pedestrian injury attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a $95,000 settlement on behalf of one of our clients.

The claim arises out of a truck vs. pedestrian collision which took place in Chicago on June 18, 2009 at approximately 6:54 a.m. There was plenty of light, the road was straight and flat and visibility was good.

The defendant was driving his truck northbound on Monticello approaching Leland in Chicago, Illinois. This is a quiet residential neighborhood. The trucker had a stop sign for northbound Monticello at Leland and stopped. The was walking eastbound across Monticello in the marked pedestrian crosswalk. He had crossed almost the entire street and had crossed in front of most of the defendant's truck when he suddenly accelerated and struck the pedestrian. The front end of the truck, on the passenger side, struck our client on his right side. The plaintiff was fully within the marked crosswalk when he was struck.

The force of the impact threw the pedestrian to the pavement. He had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. The truck driver was issued traffic tickets for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and for failing to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian. The at fault driver later pleaded guilty to his tickets in traffic court.

The trucker failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to remain stopped until it was safe to proceed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the Plaintiff.

Following the collision our client had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain. He was transported from the scene of the collision by ambulance to Swedish Covenant Hospital.

At the ER the plaintiff complained of back, neck and shoulder pain. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic testing was performed. X-rays showed some loss of disc height in the lumbar spine and straightening of the lordotic curve of the cervical spine. He was initially diagnosed with lumbar and cervical strain. He was instructed to stay off work for a couple of days, prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medication and instructed to seek follow up care after discharge.

Over the next couple days the plaintiff's condition worsened and his back pain started radiating into his right leg. Due to his increasing pain and discomfort he saw follow-up treatment with an orthopedic physician on June 22, 2009. The doctor prescribed pain medication and recommended therapy.

Our client started therapy in June, 2009. Initially his main complaints were of low back pain radiating into his entire right leg and neck pain. The pain was exacerbated with movement. His pain was especially bad with sitting and activities such as putting his shoes and socks on. A course of therapy was prescribed to address his injuries. He continued to treat with the therapist over the next several months. Despite this ongoing treatment he did not experience any significant relief of his injuries.

Continue reading "Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer settles case at mediation" »

Illinois motorcycle crash lawyer Gary Annes has reached a settlement on behalf of the client injured in a collision. This claim arises out of a cycle vs. automobile accident which took place at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Paulina Street in Chicago, Illinois, in August, 2010.

The plaintiff was hurt when the motorcycle he was riding was T-boned by a vehicle being driven by the defendant. Our client was northbound on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, approaching its intersection with Pauline Street.

The traffic light at the intersection showed a green light for north and southbound traffic on Milwaukee. As the plaintiff went to the intersection, the defendant turned left into his motorcycle, failing to yield the right-of-way. The front of the defendant's vehicle struck the motorcycle and our client's left leg. After getting hit, the motorcyclist was knocked off his bike, and he slid around 20 feet after landing on the pavement.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the accident. After speaking to both parties involved in the collision, the investigating officer placed the defendant at fault for the collision. The officer issued a traffic citation to the driver of the car for failure to yield when making a left turn, which he was found guilty of at trial in traffic court.

After the collision, our client has an immediate onset of left leg pain, left hip pain and pain in both shoulders. An ambulance was called to the scene. Paramedics noted multiple left leg abrasions in severe road rash on both arms. He was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Over the next few days the plaintiff's pain increased significantly. A week after the accident he returned to Northwestern for additional treatment. He was instructed to continue on pain medication and seek follow up treatment with a medical doctor.

A few days later our client started treatment with an orthopedic physician in Chicago. There he began a course of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment in September, 2010. His treatment consisted of chiropractic manipulative therapy, myofascial release, interferential therapy, traction, heat/cold therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercise to increase range of motion and decrease pain. He attended eleven (11) sessions of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment, which ended on November, 2010.

The case resolved for the defendant's auto insurance policy limits of $20,000. Further, our office was able to recover an additional $5,000 for the plaintiff by making an under-insured motorist claim against our client's own auto insurance policy.

If you've been hurt in a Chicago area motorcycle accident, contact the Illinois injury attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a lawyer now.

A Chicago work injury attorney at Abels & Annes has settled a claim on behalf of a DuPage County resident.

The claimant was employed as a truck driver for company in the Western suburbs. In December, 2009, he lifted up some heavy boxes and put them on his right shoulder to carry them to his truck. After doing this, he started to experience right shoulder pain.

Over the coming weeks the pain remained so the driver started undergoing treatment with a medical doctor. An MRI scan was eventually ordered which showed he had sustained a tear. The claimant underwent surgery to repair the shoulder.

The case settled for just over $17,300, plus the worker received an additional $14,000 in disability pay while he was off work. Further, the work comp insurance carrier is paying for any medical care related to the on the job accident.

This the case was handled by Nicole Sommerfeld, Of Counsel to our office. Nicole's law practice is focused on handling Illinois work injury claims.

If you have been injured on the job, contact our office at 312-924-7575 for free consultation. There is no fee unless you win.

Illinois truck crash attorney Gary Annes of Abels & Annes recently resolved a tractor-trailer vs. automobile accident claim on behalf of a Chicago resident for $825,000.

The claim arose out of a collision that took place in August, 2009 in the afternoon hours. Both the plaintiff and the defendant truck driver were headed northbound on Interstate 94. The tractor-trailer was in the center lane and our client was in the right lane. The semi truck change lanes, failing to observe the plaintiff, and struck the rear driver's side of her car with the front passenger side bumper of the truck.

The impact sent our clients car spinning across three lanes of traffic into the left retaining wall. The front end of her car struck the wall, causing the vehicle to bounce back while still spinning. As the vehicle spun, the passenger side sideswiped another vehicle, causing a third impact. Finally, the vehicle struck the right retaining wall with the rear driver side of her vehicle for a fourth impact before coming to a rest.

The plaintiff had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain chest pain, facial pain and right ankle pain following the collision. She was taken by ambulance to St. Margaret Hospital's emergency room. Upon arrival at the ER, a history was taken, she was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. Glass shards had to be removed from her face and eyelids. She was initially diagnosed with cervical strain, ankle sprain and multiple contusions and abrasions. She was prescribed pain medication and instructed to follow-up with a medical doctor.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, our client sought follow-up care two days later at Ingalls Memorial Hospital's emergency room. She complained of increasing neck, back, abdominal and rib pain from the collision. She was again given pain medication and told to follow-up with a physician.

A week later she had an appointment with a board-certified neurologist. At that time she was still having neck pain, back pain radiating into her left buttock, chest pain, right knee pain and right ankle pain. Additional diagnostic tests were ordered and physical therapy was prescribed.

In the coming months, a lumbar MRI was ordered which identified protrusions at L1-L2 and L3-L4 and a bulge at L4-L5. The physician prescribed additional pain medication.

Despite the pain meds, she continued to suffer from low back pain. The doctor soon prescribed a course of epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections. The client underwent injections and while she did obtain some temporary limited relief, the majority of her pain persisted. She then had bilateral medial branch nerve blocks. Again, her pain persisted. In response, the neurologist recommended fusion surgery and referred her to a board-certified neurosurgeon.

The plaintiff underwent lumbar fusion surgery in August, 2010. She then went for follow-up treatment and physical therapy over the coming months.

The claim settled without having to file a lawsuit, saving the client time and litigation costs.

If you have been injured in a Chicago truck crash, contact the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for free, no obligation consultation. Contact us online or call 312-924-7575.

Illinois workers' compensation lawyers at Abels & Annes, working with co-counsel, have reached a $24,000 settlement on behalf of a machine operator that sustained injuries while working in Chicago. The claimant's injuries took place in June, 2008 and February, 2009.

The machinery that the plaintiff worked with was extremely loud. This caused stereocilia of the inner ears (a form of hearing loss). The claimant also developed tinnitus from repetitive motion.

If you've been injured on the job in Illinois, contact a Chicago work comp lawyer at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to an attorney now.

Illinois car accident attorney Gary Annes of Abels & Annes obtained a $35,000 jury verdict this week in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The case stemmed from an automobile vs. motorscooter accident that occurred back on June 25, 2008 at around 5:45 PM on westbound Lawrence Avenue in Chicago.

At the time of the accident, the plaintiff was riding a motor scooter and a car in front of him stopped to make a left turn. Our client then stopped behind that car.

At that time the defendant, who was westbound on Lawrence Avenue driving a Buick Century, failed to stop and struck the plaintiff from behind. The impact caused our client to fall off the scooter, landing on his back.

After the collision, he had an immediate onset of head, neck, back and left foot pain. That night his condition got worse and he had difficulty sleeping.

The day after the accident he was still having significant pain and sought treatment at a trauma center. There, diagnostic tests were taken which were negative for any fractures.

Over the next week plaintiff's pain remained. On July 3, 2008 he sought further treatment from a board-certified neurologist. At that time his most significant pain was in his low back. The doctor ordered an MRI and prescribed course of physical therapy. The MRI was negative for herniated discs.

A lawsuit was recommended by our office because the defendant's insurance carrier would only offer $5,000 to settle during pre-suit negotiations. Here, the decision to go to court paid off many times over for our client.

If you have been injured in a Chicago auto accident, contact the Illinois car crash attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. There is no attorney's fee unless we recover for you.

Illinois premises liability attorneys at Abels & Annes have resolved a Cook County personal injury lawsuit for $72,500.

The case arises out of a trip and fall that occurred back on October 9, 2008 at an indoor soccer facility in Chicago. Our client was playing soccer when he tripped and fell over a ridge/bump in the playing surface that was similar to bunched up carpeting approximately 2 inches in height.

The lawsuit alleged that the playing surface should have been flat even and that precautions should have been taken to ensure the surface remained good condition, such as reasonable inspections and repair. Further there were no signs or other warnings posted to notify players of the condition.

Immediately after the Chicago trip and fall accident, the plaintiff developed left ankle pain. Other soccer players took our client to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment. X-rays at the ER revealed our client sustained a fractured ankle. Due to the severity of the fracture, our client had to undergo surgery to repair the ankle.

If you've been injured in a Chicago trip and fall accident or an Illinois slip and fall incident, contact the premises liability attorneys at Abels & Annes for free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to a Chicago personal injury lawyer now.

An Illinois workers' compensation attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a settlement on behalf of of an employee that was injured in January 2010. The claimant was working in an auto parts store in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago when he sustained back injuries while lifting heavy brake parts.

Shortly after the work injury was sustained, our client was seen at the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital emergency room for medical treatment.

Over the next several days, the claimant's pain increased. Soon he sought further medical care with an orthopedic physician in Chicago. After limited improvement in therapy, his doctor ordered an MRI scan which detected a protruding disc.

The case settled for just over $11,000, plus we recovered over $6,500 in disability pay for our client while he was off work. Further, the respondent paid for all of the claimant's medical care related to the work injury.

If you've been injured in an Illinois accident on the job, contact the Chicago work comp attorneys at Abels and Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to an injury lawyer now.

Church sex abuse lawyers in Delaware have obtained a $30 million verdict for a victim after a jury found that St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic parish was grossly negligent in failing to properly supervise former priest Francis Deluca, according to delawareonline.com. The victim, when a teenager in the 1960s, was repeatedly abused by the priest.

The parish is responsible for 3 million of the $30 million in damages awarded to the plaintiff, but they could owe more money soon. The jury has not yet ruled on potential punitive damages in case. The presiding judge has ordered the jury to return to court next week to hear further testimony before determining a possible punitive damage award. Often punitive damages are worth much more than the initial compensatory verdict.

On the witness stand, the 58-year-old victim reportedly told the jury in this case was not about money and just wanted to get the truth out and to be compensated for losing his childhood.

Note: Illinois sex abuse lawyers at our firm currently have several cases pending against the Chicago Archdiocese, one of which is expected to go to trial in 2011.

Click here to read the story as reported by the New York Times.

Illinois auto accident attorneys at Abels and Annes have reached a settlement in a Chicago area semi truck versus car crash case on behalf of two plaintiff's. The lawsuit stems from a collision that occurred on October 19, 2009 just after 9 AM in Bellwood, Illinois.

The claimants, who are brother and sister, were traveling in their 2002 Buick northbound on 25th Street. At that time they stopped for red light at 25th and Madison Street. While they were waiting for the light to change their vehicle was rear-ended by a semi truck.

The Bellwood Police Department responded to the accident. After an investigation they cited the truck driver for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Immediately after the accident, our client that was riding as a passenger developed severe low back pain. She sought treatment with an orthopedic physician in Chicago area. Due to her significant low back complaints the doctor ordered an MRI. The scan revealed my client sustained herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1 in the crash. She had to have lumbar epidural steroid injections at L4-L5 and L5-S1 on three occasions to relieve her pain.

Her portion of the lawsuit settled for $61,000.

The other plaintiff had back and neck pain after the accident. He was treated shortly after the accident at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.

Over the next several days the plaintiff's pain only worsened. He then treated with an orthopedic in Chicago. An MRI taken at a later date was negative for more serious injuries.

His portion of the claim settled for $19,000. The lawsuit was pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

If you have been injured in an Illinois truck accident, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. There is no fee unless a recovery is made on your behalf. Call 312-399-8988.

Un abogado de herida en Illinois de Abels & Annes ha alcanzado un arreglo para un peatón de Chicago que fue golpeado y fue herido por un autobús de CTA. El autobús de Illinois contra el accidente pedestre sucedió el 25 de febrero de 2010 en la intersección de State Street y Lake Street en el Loop.

Nuestro cliente estaba cruzando la calle en un cruce peatonal en el momento del accidente. El acusado, un conductor de autobús de CTA, se movía en dirección norte por la calle State y entonces giró a la derecha en dirección este en la calle Lake. El conductor del autobús hizo la vuelta y falló de observar que nuestro cliente estaba en el cruce peatonal y golpeó al peatón.

El Departamento de Policía de Chicago investigó el accidente. El conductor de CTA fue multado por el fracaso por no ceder el paso a un peatón en un cruce peatonal. Luego se declare culpable en la corte de trafico y fue puesta en la supervisión del tribunal.

Inmediatamente después del accidente el demandante empezó a tener dolor en la pierna izquierda. A la mañana siguiente ella fue a la sala de emergencia de Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Radiografías fueron tomadas, Ella fue diagnosticada con una fractura del peroné izquierdo. La fractura fue confirmada luego con una resonancia magnética en marzo de 2010 que fue ordenado por un médico en Northwestern Centro de la Ortopedia.

En el momento de la última cita de nuestro cliente el 28 de marzo de 2010, su dolor y el malestar han mejorado mucho y su fractura fue platuda.

El reclamo se resolvio sin tener que presentar una demanda , Le ahorramos a nuestro cliente el gasto de litigos.

Si usted ha sido herido en un accidente pedestre o accidente de autobús, contacte a los abogados de heridas en Chicago de Abels & Annes para una evaluación de su caso gratís. Contáctenos en línea o al 312-924-7575 para hablar con un abogado ahora.

An Illinois injury attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a settlement for a Chicago pedestrian that was struck and injured by a CTA bus. The Illinois bus versus pedestrian accident happened back on February 25, 2010 at the intersection of State Street and Lake Street in the Loop.

Our client was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at the time of the accident. The defendant, a CTA bus driver, was moving northbound on State Street and then took a right turn to headed eastbound on Lake. As the bus driver made the turn she failed to observe our client in the crosswalk and struck the pedestrian.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident. The CTA driver was ticketed for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. She later pled guilty in traffic court was placed on court supervision.

Immediately after the accident the plaintiff started experiencing left leg pain. The next morning she went to the emergency room at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. X-rays were taken she was diagnosed with a fracture of her left fibula. The fracture was later confirmed with an MRI scan in March of 2010 that was ordered by a physician at Northwestern Center for Orthopedics.

At the time of our client's last appointment on March 28, 2010, her pain and discomfort has greatly improved and her fracture was well-heeled.

The claim settled without filing a lawsuit, saving our client the expense of litigation.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident or bus crash, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free case evaluation. Contact us online or call 312-924-7575 to speak to a lawyer now.

The Daily Herald is reporting that a woman injured in a Cary, Illinois porch collapse will receive a $1 million settlement to compensate her for her injuries. The woman suffered a serious ankle fracture and multiple abrasions when her backyard deck collapsed. Surgery was required to repair the fracture, and another surgery will be needed in the future. A homebuilder from Lombard has agreed to pay on the claim.

The plaintiff filed a premises liability lawsuit in 2009 against the homebuilder for negligent work that did not comply with the village's building code, which required the defendant to use lag bolts on unattached decks. The attorney for the plaintiff stated the deck had been put together with only nails.

The victim's Illinois premises liability attorney, Francis Murphy of Corboy & Demetrio, stated that the deck tore away from the back of the home, which is located in the 300 block of Oakmont Drive, as the plaintiff stepped onto it from her kitchen.

The settlement was just approved by a Judge in McHenry County, Illinois.

Last month there were two separate Chicago area porch collapses that occurred on the same weekend, sending many to area hospitals. One accident occurred in the City Chicago, and the other in suburban Tinley Park.

Click here to read more about Illinois premises liability cases.

Illinois train crash attorneys have reportedly reached a $1.45 million settlement in regards to a 2005 Metra accident, according to the Chicago Tribune. The settlement is on behalf of a Joliet woman who was severely injured when a train derailed due to high speed. The victim sustained a fractured leg that will require knee replacement surgery.

The passenger was on a Rock Island line train that was headed to downtown Chicago from Joliet, Illinois. The train traveled through a 10 mile an hour crossing while going 69 mph, causing a derailment near 47th St.

Two passengers died in the crash and another 117 were injured. It is reportedly the only derailment in Metra history to cause fatalities.

The families of the victims that were killed in the accident, ages 22 and 38, settled back in November of 2008 for $11 million. Another victim that was seriously injured in the crash obtained a $29.5 million jury verdict in February of 2009 (the high verdict value was due in part to the cost of future medical treatment and round-the-clock care).

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation found that the cause of the accident was due to the engineer's failure to obey signals and slow the train. The NTSB also stated Metra that should have had some type of automatic system in place to override human error. The engineer that caused the accident was later fired by Metra.

The victim of the $1.45 million settlement was represented by attorney Dan Kotin, a partner at Corboy & Demetrio in Chicago.

An Illinois pedestrian accident attorney at Abels & Annes has settled a lawsuit pertaining to an accident that occurred in Chicago Illinois on January 24, 2008. The Chicago pedestrian vs. auto accident took place at the intersection of Broadway and Cornelia just after 1 PM in the afternoon.

Our client was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk with a green crosswalk light when the defendant ran a red light and struck the pedestrian with the front of her vehicle. The defendant contended that she had a green light, however, luckily for our client, there was an independent witness to the accident. The witness verified our client's version of events.

The lawsuit filed on our clients behalf alleged that the defendant failed to keep proper lookout for pedestrians, failed to stop for red light, was driving too fast for conditions, and failed to yield for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

Due to the severity of the pedestrian's injuries, he was transported by ambulance to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. At the hospital, our client complained of right wrist pain, right shoulder pain, left side pain and left leg pain, and he had a large laceration on his forehead. The forehead laceration was close with nine stitches and diagnostic tests were performed at the ER.

X-rays revealed our client had sustained a right distal radius fracture in the accident. His right wrist and forearm were placed in a cast and sling. Upon discharge our client instructed to follow-up treatment with an orthopedic surgeon.

The plaintiff saw an orthopedic surgeon a few days later. Since the accident he had developed pain in his left shoulder. The doctor ordered an MRI which revealed a torn rotator cuff. Surgery was recommended for his shoulder, which was performed on March 8, 2008. The surgery was performed at Swedish Covenant Hospital. By the time our client was done with his medical treatment, he had incurred over $40,000 in medical bills.

The case settled just weeks before trial. The defendant was insured by State Farm and was represented in court by Bruce Farrel Dorn and Associates of Chicago.

If you've been injured in an Illinois pedestrian accident, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575 to speak directly to an injury attorney.

An Illinois workers' compensation attorney at Abels & Annes has reached a $130,000 settlement on behalf of a South Side resident that was injured on the job. The accident occurred on May 9, 2006 in the City of Chicago. Our client was on the job Chicago Transit Authority. He was hit by a car while crossing the street. He had just exited a CTA bus and was walking in a marked crosswalk.

After the accident or client was rushed to Christ Medical Center by ambulance. There he was diagnosed with multiple pelvic fractures and had to undergo surgery. After spending several days in the hospital he was transferred to Manor Care in Chicago to undergo rehabilitation.

In addition to the $130,000 settlement, our client received disability pay while he was off of work due to his injuries, and all of his medical bills were paid for.

If you have been injured on the job, contact a Chicago work injury lawyer in our office for a free consultation. Call 312-924-7575.

Chicago injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a personal injury settlement for a bicycle rider that was injured earlier this year on the North Side. The bike vs. car accident happened at the intersection of Clark and Cornelia back on February 6, 2010 in the afternoon. Our client was riding his bicycle southbound on Clark Street when the driver of a 2005 Ford Escape that was northbound turned left and hit him. The driver was attempting to turn to go westbound on Cornelia and failed to look for bike riders.

The Chicago Police Department investigated the accident and ticketed the driver for failing to yield when turning left.

The bicycle rider suffered left shoulder and right knee injuries in the accident. He went to the emergency room at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. There x-rays were taken that were negative for fractures.

Over the next week our client's pain did not go away. He went for further treatment with an orthopaedic physician. The physician in turn ordered physical therapy for the client.

After several weeks the bicyclists shoulder pain remained so the doctor ordered an MRI. The scan showed our client had a mild AC joint separation in his shoulder.

Our client continued with physical therapy and the pain eventually dissipated.

The case settled for just over $31,000 and no lawsuit needed to be filed. Nationwide Insurance paid on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago bicycle accident lawyers settle injury claim for North Side resident" »

Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have received a good award for one of their clients by way of binding arbitration.

The case stems from an auto accident where the plaintiff was stopped for a red light on southbound River Rd. at Devon in the City of Rosemont, Illinois. As she was sitting stopped at the light she was struck from behind by a vehicle that was driving too fast for conditions.

Our client was seen in Lutheran General Hospital’s Emergency Room on the date of the collision with complaints of back and neck pain. She had no prior history of back or neck problems. She was diagnosed with sprain/strain and instructed to seek follow up care.

She initially sought follow up treatment with a medical doctor later that week. Because of her complaints, the doctor ordered a Lumbar MRI which was performed on March 31, 2008 which identified disk herniations at L5-S1, T12-L1 and T11-T12.

Based upon her condition the plaintiff was prescribed and underwent a lengthy course of physical therapy. Due to her ongoing pain and limitations as a result of her injuries she was referred to a pain specialist who performed bilateral L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 intraarticular facet joint injections on June 12, 2008.

Based upon her good response to the injections and physical therapy, her doctor determined that she reached maximum medical improvement on June 27, 2008.

We recovered $20,000 insurance policy limits from the defendant's insurance carrier, and then moved forward on an under-insured motorist claim against our client's own insurance carrier, State Farm.

Because we were unable to reach a fair settlement, we proceeded to a binding arbitration hearing at ADR Systems. The Judge awarded the plaintiff $49,500.

Chicago workers' compensation lawyers at Abels & Annes have recently settled several claims for our clients.

One client, an employee at Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital in LaGrange, Illinois required arthroscopic surgery on her left shoulder after she slipped and fell in a bathroom while at work. The employer made no financial offers to the claimant until she retained our firm.

The hospital has since paid the claimant disability for her time off work and they also paid her medical bills. Additionally, the worker received an $18,000 settlement.

In another case, an employee for Miller Products, Inc. suffered a lacerated pinky finger while at work in University Park, Illinois. His employer initially offered him no money for his injury. He has since received disability pay for his time off work and case settled for $7,322.96.

In a third settlement, our client injured his right thumb while changing a gear on a machine while working in Bensenville. His medical bills have been paid for and he just received a $5,300 settlement. He was employed by Grove Industries in Wheaton, Illinois. The employer was insured by Travelers.

This article was coauthored by Katie Manifold, a third year law student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Chicago car crash lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a policy limits $100,000 settlement for a woman that sustained injuries in an Illinois hit-and-run accident. The automobile collision which took place on October 4, 2009 at approximately 2:40 a.m. The plaintiff riding as a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a friend.

The vehicle had been heading northbound on Wood Street near its intersection with 31st Street in Chicago, Illinois. When they reached the intersection the driver stopped for the stop sign. He then began to make a left turn to proceed westbound on 31st St. Another vehicle heading westbound on 31st St. failed to stop for his stop sign and struck the passenger side of Jason’s vehicle, right where our client was sitting. After the other vehicle came to a rest the hit-and-run driver exited his vehicle and fled the scene of the collision on foot.

The hit-and-run driver failed to stop for a stop sign, failed to keep a proper lookout, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the claimant.

The plaintiff had an immediate onset of left ear pain and neck pain along with abrasions and bleeding to her left ear. She was transported from the scene of the collision by ambulance to the emergency department at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.

Continue reading "Chicago injury attorneys settle hit-and-run car accident claim for $100,000" »

Illinois car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached an insurance policy limits settlement for a Chicago pedestrian that was hit by a car on the South Side in December, 2009. The accident took place at 1750 W. 119th Street where our client was crossing and was was hit by an 83 year old woman driving a 2006 Honda Accord.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the accident scene, along with an ambulance. After investigating the accident they ticketed the elderly driver with failing to yield to a pedestrian.

The plaintiff was rushed to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. There he was diagnosed with several fractures, included a broken left leg which required surgery to repair. He remained hospitalized for several days.

The defendant was insured by State Farm Insurance. The case was resolved without having to file a lawsuit.

With severe winter weather in the Chicago area, drivers are urged to keep a vigilant lookout for pedestrians crossing the street. With so much snow on the ground, it takes drivers longer to stop and pedestrians longer to get out of the way.

Continue reading "Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer reaches $100,000 insurance policy limits settlement" »

Chicago premises liability lawyers from Abels & Annes have settled a claim for a Lake County, Illinois resident that arose from a slip & fall on ice that occurred on February 12, 2009 at Citgo gas station and car wash.

Our client went there for a car wash and afterwords he pulled his car out and away from the wash. He put his car in park and exited the car to fix an exterior mirror that had been pushed in by the car wash.

As he exited his vehicle, he slipped on a sheet of ice with his first step out of his car. Once outside his vehicle he could see that water leaking from the car wash had resulted in a sheet of ice that caused him to fall. There were no barricades or warnings of any kind to alert customers of the dangerous condition created by your insured.

Immediately upon falling the plaintiff had an onset of severe hip pain. He was unable to get up on his own and was assisted by another patron. An ambulance was called and he was transported to Lake Forest Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Upon arrival at the Emergency Department he complained of excruciating right hip pain. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. He was diagnosed with a comminuted displaced right intertrochanteric hip fracture requiring surgery.

The client was admitted to the hospital and surgery was scheduled for the next day. The surgical procedure was a closed reduction of the right intertrochanteric/subtrochanteric femur fracture with open internal fixation using synthes trochanteric fixation nail system. This resulted in the implantation of substantial surgical metal, including guide pins, fixation nail and screws.

Following his surgery he was evaluated for physical therapy and begun on a course of therapy to work towards healing. Upon discharge he was transferred to Manor Care nursing facility for continuing physical therapy and pain control.

After his discharge from Manor Care he received physical therapy at home and continued to follow up with his surgeon. Additionally, due to his injuries he was unable to drive following the incident. He was only release to drive after April 27, 2009.

Indiana Insurance insured the gas station and paid on the claim. The case settled pre-litigation and the client was saved the expense of a lawsuit.

Chicago injury lawyers from Abels & Annes, working with Illinois work accident attorney Chris Johnson, have reached a $50,000 settlement for an Illinois resident who was injured on the job.

Our client was injured on November 11, 2007 while use a hoe to mix concrete. She was employed at Tyson Fresh Meats in Western Illinois.

After the accident she had severe neck pain. Our client starting treating with orthopaedic physicians in Moline, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa. Due to her complaints, doctors ordered an MRI which revealed the petitioner sustained herniated discs in her cervical spine. She had to undergo surgery to relieve the pain.

The settlement agreement calls for the employer to pay for all of our client's medical bills that were incurred due to the injury. Further, our client also received disability pay while she was off of work due to the accident.

To learn more about work accident cases, please visit our Illinois Work Comp webpage, or contact our office for a free consultation. Call (866) 99-ABELS.

Chicago injury attorneys from Abels & Annes have reached a workers' compensation settlement for a South Side woman who was injured at work in May of 2007. She is employed with the Anixster Center, a company that works with people with disabilities.

She was hurt while trying to help staff control an upset patient who has learning disabilities. After the incident she had pain in her neck and low back for several days. She sought treatment after the accident at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond, Indiana.

After the ER, her pain did not resolve and she treated at the Orthopaedic & Occupational Rehabilitation Center and with a local orthopaedic medical doctor. An MRI was taken that showed she sustained injuries to both her cervical and lumbar spine. Our client underwent a regiment of physical therapy and her pain resolved over time. She did not undergo surgery.

The case has settled for $23,490.81, plus we recovered an additional $8,120 in disability pay while she was off work due to her injuries.

Amtrust insures the employer and is paying on the claim.

If you have been injured on the job in Illinois, contact our office for a free consultation. Call 312-399-8988 24/7 to speak to a lawyer directly.

The Chicago bicycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have successfully recovered $27,500 in damages from State Farm insurance on behalf of a client who suffered a leg laceration and hand injury in a Chicago bicycle accident.

The case also included $2,445.98 in negotiated reductions of medical bills at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and a $142.40 reduction in medical bills from Wellington Radiology. After reductions, clients medical bills totaled just under $6,500.

The accident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Nov. 29,2007 when 21-year-old client was riding his bike southbound in the bike lane on Clybourn Avenue; a 30-year-old Chicago woman in a 2007 Ford Escape opened her car door into his path.

The force of the impact caused the client to flip over the bike and land on the pavement. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

It is the second settlement Abels & Annes has made for a Chicago bicycle accident victim in the last month where our client was injured by an opening car door; the firm recovered $50,000 in October on behalf of another client in the same type situation.

Illinois was ranked sixth-deadliest for bicycle accidents in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Last year, 27 people were killed in bicycle accidents in Illinois. Nationwide, 716 people lost their lives and more than 52,000 were injured in bicycle accidents.

For more information about the work of Chicago bicycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, visit the Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog or the firm's summer safe cyclist blog.

Chicago personal injury lawyers from Abels & Annes, working with Illinois workers' compensation lawyer Chris Johnson, have reached a $195,000 settlement for a local resident who was injured on the job.

Our client was injured on May 27, 2008 while trying to stop a refrigerator from falling at work. He was employed as a semi-truck driver at a Chicago area company.

After the accident he have severe back pain with tingling in his right leg. Our client starting treating with an orthopaedic physician in Chicago. Due to his complaints, the doctor ordered an MRI which revealed the petitioner sustained a herniated disc in his lumbar spine with radiculopathy. He had to undergo 2 epidural injections to try to relieve the pain.

The settlement agreement calls for the employer's work comp insurance carrier to pay for all of our client's medical bills that were incurred due to the injury. Further, in addition to the $195,000, we also collected $25,800 in disability pay for him while he was off of work due to the accident.

Accident Fund Insurance is paying on the claim. The contract is expected to be approved shortly at the Illinois workers' Compensation Commission.

To learn more about work injury claims, please visit our Illinois Workers' Compensation webpage, or contact our office for a free consultation. Call (866) 99-ABELS.

Chicago personal injury lawyers from Abels & Annes resolved a case for a North Side resident who was injured in a single vehicle auto accident in Wisconsin. The plaintiff was riding as a passenger in the back seat of an automobile being driven by the defendant on the evening of November 1, 2007.

They were traveling in a 1995 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban from Madison, Wisconsin to Minnesota. The defendant was driving westbound on Interstate 90 with three passengers. At approximately 8:15 p.m. defendant lost control of her vehicle, veered to the left off the roadway into a ditch, struck a cement culvert and embankment and crashed her vehicle into to cement pylon of an overpass.

Following the collision defendant admitted to the investigating police officers that she had lost control of her vehicle because she was eating food while driving, reached down to grab a napkin and was not looking where she was driving. As a result she lost control of her vehicle and drove off the roadway. She was issued a traffic citation as a result of her actions on the evening of the collision and she later pleaded guilty to inattentive driving.

Our client was taken from the scene of the crash by ambulance and transported to Hess Memorial Hospital. At the time of her arrival in the Emergency Room she complained of head pain, a head laceration, first metatarsal pain in her left foot, left wrist pain and right elbow pain. The head laceration was closed with a number of staples. She had bruising and swelling around her left eye as well as numerous lacerations around her nose and cheeks due to glass. An initial CT in the ER showed a contusion of the right temporal lobe and she was therefore admitted for further observation.

At the time of her discharge she was instructed to seek follow up care for her injuries, including having the staples in her scalp removed, and was further recommended to seek counseling services as she was already beginning to exhibit signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder due to the traumatic nature of the event.

Following her discharge from the hospital the plaintiff sought follow up treatment with her primary care physician in Chicago on November 5, 2007 for her ongoing complaints. X-rays of her left wrist performed at this time identified an ulnar fracture. Her wrist was placed in a splint and she was referred to a hand specialist at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute for her fracture. She was instructed to wear a wrist splint for one month. She also treated for neck and back at Illinois Bone & Joint.

Following the collision the plaintiff also began to experience psychiatric symptoms including agitation, difficulty sleeping, physical exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, flashbacks to the accident, depersonalization and dissociation. She sought psychiatric treatment and was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The case settled at a non-binding mediation for $74,500, with the defendant's insurance carrier receiving a $14,500 credit for payment of our client's medical bills.

Illinois auto accident lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a $250,000 policy limits settlement in an uninsured motorist case. The claim stems from an auto accident that occurred October 9, 2008 at approximately 8:00 a.m. The plaintiff had been driving northbound on Fairview in Downers Grove, Illinois. Traffic in front of him came to a stop and he came to a complete stop for traffic. As our client was sitting at a stop he was hit in the rear end with great force by a vehicle being driven by an uninsured driver.

The defendant stated to the investigating police officers that he had looked away from the roadway before the collision and could not react in time to stop before hitting the plaintiff. The uninsured driver was issued tickets for driving too fast for conditions and for driving without insurance.

Following the collision our client began to experience pain and discomfort in his neck as well as numbness and tingling in his left arm. Over the next couple of days his pain worsened and the numbness and tingling in his left arm increased. As a result of his symptoms he sought treatment from an orthopedic specialist.

An MRI was performed on November 13, 2008 which revealed a disc herniation at C4-C5, posterior disk ridge complex at C4-C5 with central stenosis and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyer Settles Uninsured Motorist Claim For $250,000" »

Chicago Workers' Compensation Lawyers from Abels & Annes have resolved an on the job injury claim for a Waukegan resident. She was injured during the summer of 2007 at the Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, Illinois. She was employed there as a pastry chef.

The petitioner was diagnosed with epicondylitis in her right arm due to repetitive motion at work. She treated with several orthopaedic physicians, including Illinois Bone & Joint Institute in Gurnee, Illinois. In 2008, she underwent a surgical release to help her condition.

Our client received disability pay of just under $10,000 while she was off work, her medical bills have been paid, and our office obtained her a bodily injury settlement of just over $28,000. Travelers Insurance paid on the claim.

The client is using her settlement proceeds to open a bakery & cafe on the North Shore of Chicago.

If you have been injured on the job in Illinois, contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Illinois Car Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes have settled an uninsured motorist claim for a Chicago woman. The case arose out of an automobile accident that occurred on November 4, 2007. The plaintiff was traveling eastbound as a passenger on Cermak Road at it’s intersection with Rockwell. As the vehicle went through a green light an uninsured driver failed to yield while turning left and struck the car my client was riding in.

At the scene of the accident, our client had back and neck pain. She was taken by ambulance to Saint Anthony Hospital.

At the St. Anthony ER the plaintiff reported persistent and constant back and neck pain. The doctor noted she appeared to be in pain, and she had tenderness at C3-C4, and tenderness in the lumbar area and left chest area. X-rays were taken which were negative for fracture. She was diagnosed with neck strain, low back pain and muscle contusions. She was prescribed Tylenol with codeine for pain.

That evening her pain increased and she had difficulty sleeping. Her pain did not resolve over the next few days.

On 11/8/07 our client followed up at Rush University Medical Group. At that time she complained of pain on the left side of her neck, left chest / breast, and left breast bruising from the seat belt. Her medical doctor noted muscle spasms in the neck, and that the chest wall as tender and swollen. She was diagnosed with cervical strain and chest wall contusions. The doctor prescribed physical therapy.

On 11/21/07 sternum and rib x-rays were taken at Rush that were negative for fracture, and she was evaluated for physical therapy. The client went to therapy on 12/5/07, 12/12/07, 12/14/07, and 12/21/07. After physical therapy the client had improved, but she continued to have neck and chest pain over the next few weeks.

Because the at fault driver had no auto insurance, we made an uninsured motorist claim against her own policy with State Farm Insurance.

If you have been injured by an uninsured motorist, contact Abels & Annes to discuss your legal options.

Auto Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved an injury case for one of our clients involved in a car accident. On August 31, 2008, the plaintiff was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Chicago Road and 33rd Street in Steger, Illinois waiting to make a right turn. At that time, another car was stopped at the same intersection in the left lane. The other driver then decided to make a right turn from the left lane and struck our client’s vehicle. As a result of the auto accident, our client had sustained pain and discomfort in her back and neck. In addition, she also felt tingling and numbness in her right arm. That evening the severity of her pain increased and she had difficulty sleeping.

The next day our client sought medical care at Saint Margaret Mercy Medical Center, where she complained of back and neck pain, with right arm tingling and numbness. Her history was taken and she was examined. Hospital physicians also ordered x-rays and prescribed her pain medication. She was diagnosed with acute cervical, thoracic, and lumbar strain.

On September 4, 2008, our client followed up with a medical doctor. The physician diagnosed her with lower back and neck pain with muscle spasms. He also prescribed more pain medication and ordered an MRI. The MRI was taken the next day on her lumbar spine. The MRI results discovered a slight disc bulge at L5-S1. A cervical X-ray was also taken, which was normal.

Over the next several weeks the client’s pain continued, and on October 9, 2008 she followed up another doctor. At that time, she complained of pain in her back, neck, arm, and leg. Furthermore, she told the doctor that the back pain was a throbbing ache, the pain was worse when sitting, and she rated the pain an 8 out of 10. However, she said that her neck pain was worse with activity. The doctor prescribed physical therapy.

On October 15, 2008 our client began physical therapy. Her treatment consisted of electric stimulation, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, hot/cold packs, and neuromuscular re-education. Over a period of one month she completed ten physical therapy sessions, and she reported improved neck and back pain. After her completion of the ten sessions our client was discharged from physical therapy.

The car crash case settled for just under $12,000. State Farm insured the defendant.

This type of case can be worth more in court and we recommended a lawsuit to our client. However, she did not want to litigate and instructed us to settle.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, contact attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. to speak to a lawyer.

Chicago accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a settlement for a traffic flagger who was hit by a car on a road construction site. Our client was working in the 1400 block of Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview, Illinois on June 17, 2008 when she was hit. She was standing in a lane that had been blocked by construction horses.

The plaintiff was flagging drivers to slow down in the construction zone when a driver entered the blocked lane, drove over several construction horses, and struck our client. The driver then fled the scene. Police were unable to locate the hit and run driver.

Our client was transported by ambulance to Glenbrook Hospital. She complained of head pain, left hand and forearm numbness and tingling, and she had soreness in her thighs and legs. The treating physicians ordered a series of diagnostic tests including head, cervical, abdominal and pelvic CT’s, x-rays, and labs. Our client was prescribed pain medication, told to follow up with a physician, and discharged from the hospital.

On July 3, 2008, our client followed up with her physician. She complained of increasing abdominal pain and bilateral knee pain. Her doctor ordered an abdominal ultrasound, and due to our client’s continued complaints of pain and discomfort, he also ordered gallbladder, liver, and pancreas ultrasounds. The tests were negative.

As a result of her injuries sustained in the accident, our client incurred over $14,000.00 in medical expenses. Workers' compensation insurance paid her bills.

Because the at fault driver fled the scene, attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. filed an uninsured, hit-and-run motorist claim against our client’s insurance policy. She received an additional $15,000 for her injuries.

Chicago Injury Lawyers from our firm often handle and resolve accident cases for pedestrians. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Illinois workers' compensation attorneys from Abels & Annes have resolved an injury case for a client who was hurt during the course of his employment as a meter reader for Com Ed. His work responsibilities require him to walk about 15 miles per shift and due to the excessive walking he developed severe bunions on both of his feet.

His employer referred him to the health clinic at a Holy Family Hospital in Des Plaines, Illinois where he was diagnosed with a bunion deformity and left plantar fascitis. Our client followed up with a doctor at Foot First in Schaumburg, Illinois. He was diagnosed again with bunion deformity.

After several attempts to heal his feet with cortisone injections and therapy, the claimant underwent surgery to fix the bunion deformities on both feet. He missed over four months of work as a result of several surgeries that were performed on our client to repair both feet. Work comp paid for our client's medical bills, he received disability pay for his time off work, and we obtained a $27,680.25 bodily injury settlement for him.

Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act calls for an employee who misses work due to an injury sustained during the course of employment to receive two-thirds of his or her salary. Further, an employee will have his or her medical bills paid that were incurred as a result of the work related injury. An employee can also receive a settlement for bodily injuries sustained at work.

Chicago worker’s compensation lawyers from our firm handle all kinds of work related injury cases. If you have sustained an injury in the course of your employment, please contact Abels & Annes, P.C. for a free consultation.

Illinois accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled a motor vehicle vs. bicycle collision for one of our clients. The traffic accident occurred on August 21, 2008, at approximately 5:00 p.m. as the plaintiff was riding her bike southbound on California Avenue approaching its intersection with Grace Street in Chicago, Illinois. When she reached the intersection, she stopped at a stop sign and then proceeded into the intersection.

As she rode southbound she saw a car eastbound on Grace Street stop at the stop sign. The car failed to see our client and accelerated into the intersection, striking the bike. The front of the car hit the rear tire and rear portion of the bicycle frame. The impact caused our client to be thrown forward off her bicycle, hitting the pavement with her face and both of her knees. When Chicago police officers arrived at the scene, the driver admitted to them that he had been distracted when he began to enter the intersection.

Our client was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at Swedish Covenant Hospital where her history was taken, she was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed. She complained of mouth pain, left elbow pain, right leg pain, and bilateral knee pain. She had a lip laceration and her two front teeth were loose, one was noticeably cracked. In addition, she had abrasions to both of her knees, her right calf, and her left elbow. She was prescribed pain medication and upon discharge instructed to seek follow up care.

The next day our client sought follow up care from her dentist. Upon examination, the dentist discovered that she had fractured several teeth. Due to the severe nature of the damage sustained, it was necessary for her to obtain more specialized care from an oral and cosmetic surgeon.

Our client also sought follow up treatment with an Orthopaedic physician for ongoing and persistent pain in her knees that she suffered from the collision. The pain made walking, or riding a bike, or walking up or down stairs extremely difficult. Her examination revealed swelling in both knees and the doctor diagnosed her with post traumatic synovitis of both knees. Our client was prescribed medication and instructed to return for a follow up evaluation. She returned for follow up treatment and continued to have peripatellar pain in her right knee and occasional aches and pain in her left knee. The doctor ordered her to continue with her medication.

As a result of injuries sustained to her teeth in the collision, our client’s diet was restricted to only soft foods for three months and she was forced to go several weeks with her front teeth missing while she awaited temporary implants. Also, her knees continued to cause her pain and limit her mobility and activities. The case settled for $20,000.00, which is the defendant's insurance policy limits. There was no other insurance coverage available to pay a greater amount on the claim.

Chicago bike accident attorneys from our firm represent many clients who have suffered injuries resulting from bike v. car accidents. If you have been injured in a Chicago area bicycle accident, please contact Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Chicago accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled a trip and fall claim against a Jewel Food Store in Highland Park, Illinois for a fall down injury that occurred on June 22, 2008. Our client had just parked her car and was about to walk into the store when her foot got caught in a broken and/or significantly uneven portion of the sidewalk that lead into the grocery store, causing her to fall forward onto her left hand and sustain injuries.

Our client did not see the uneven sidewalk because it was obscured in the shadow of a pillar holding up the overhang in front of the store. She was also looking forward towards the entrance doors of the store, and was distracted by the heavy congestion of scattered shopping carts in the area and other patrons entering and exiting the store. After her fall, a store manager came outside to talk to her. The manager admitted that this was not the first time someone had tripped on this area of the uneven sidewalk.

Our client went to a local hospital for left hand, wrist, and shoulder pain. After history and examination diagnostics tests were ordered, x-rays were conducted, which indicated a displaced fracture at the base of the proximal phalanx of the small finger on her left hand (fracture at the base of her left pinky finger). She was placed in a splint, her arm was placed in a sling, and she was prescribed pain medications and instructed to seek follow up care.

A couple days later, our client continued to suffer from severe pain in her left hand and sought follow up care. During her follow up, another x-ray was performed which again identified a displaced left pinky finger fracture. She was then placed in a cast over her left hand, wrist, and forearm. As the fracture began to heal, our client was eventually taken out of the cast, placed in a splint and began a course of physical therapy. Our client incurred over $4,000.00 in medical bills. The case settled for $15,500.

Often, premises liability cases can be complicated and difficult to prevail in. The fact that our client fell and was injured was not enough to have a claim. Liability was created here because the property owner had actual notice of the uneven or broken sidewalk and failed to act to fix it.

Chicago slip and fall lawyers from our firm handle all kinds of injuries resulting from Illinois premises liability cases, including broken bones and back and neck injuries. If you have sustained a slip & fall injury, please contact Abels & Annes, P.C. for a free consultation.

Abogados de Accidente de trafico en Chicago de Abels & Annes, P.C., han alcanzado un arreglo para un joven monopatinador que fue golpeado en un paso de peaton por un vehículo que fallo de rendir el derecho de vía. El accidente sucedió el 17 de Abril de 2008 en 117 y la Avenida J en el sur de Chicago. El conductor tuvo un stop y no noto al peatón cuando élla salio. La Policía de Chicago cargó al acusado con fracaso para rendir.

Nuestro cliente sufrió dos dientes rotos, una nariz quebrada, contusiones faciales, y abrasiones al brazo a consecuencia del accidente. El fue llevado a St. Margaret’s Hospital en Hammond, Indiana, y él también trató con un dentista local. Nuestro cliente incurrió varios mil dólares en cuentas médicas.

El conductor del acusado en este caso sólo fue asegurado para $25,000. Reunimos exitosamente esa cantidad para nuestro cliente, y entonces nosotros seguimos un reclamo de automovilista bajo-asegurado contra el seguro de la madre de nuestro cliente. (Este tipo de reclamo es presentado cuando la póliza de seguro del acusado no es suficiente para cubrir la pérdida).

Pudimos reunir un adicional $30,000 para nuestro cliente en el reclamo bajo-asegurado, trayendo el arreglo total a $55,000.

Si usted es un peatón que ha sido golpeado por un coche, o si usted ha sido herido por un conductor sin seguro médico o bajo-asegurado, llame a Abels & Annes, P.C. para una consulta gratis.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyers at Abels & Annes have reached a settlement for a teen skateboarder who was hit in a crosswalk by a vehicle that failed to yield the right of way. The pedestrian accident happened on April 17, 2008 at 117th and Avenue J on the South Side of Chicago. The driver had a stop sign and failed to notice the plaintiff when she pulled out. The Chicago Police Department charged the defendant with failure to yield.

Our client suffered two broken teeth, a broken nose, facial contusions, and abrasions to his arm as a result of the accident. He was taken to St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond, Indiana, and he also treated with a local dentist. Our client incurred several thousand dollars in medical bills.

The defendant driver in this case was only insured for $25,000. We successfully collected that amount for our teen client, and then we pursued an under-insured motorist claim against our client's mother's auto insurance policy. (This type of claim is presented when the defendant's insurance policy is not sufficient to cover the loss).

We were able to collect an additional $30,000 for our client on the under-insured claim, bringing the total settlement to $55,000.

If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, or if you have been injured by an uninsured or under-insured driver, call Abels & Annes for a free consultation.

Injury attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved a premises liability case against a Chicago, Illinois building management company for a slip and fall injury. The accident is a little different than most premises liability cases we handle, in that the plaintiff was injured in her own residence, and she knew of the defective condition.

Our client slipped and fell on broken and loose tiles on the bathroom floor of her rental apartment as she was getting out of her shower. It was a longstanding condition and she had notified the landlord of the problem several months before the accident. The building manager came out and inspected the floor, but never got around to making repairs. (Even after my client was hurt, the defendant did not make repairs for another 3 months). While our client knew of the condition, it was a one bathroom unit and she had no choice but to use the shower.

Our client fell and injured her leg and shoulder. She went to a local emergency room after the accident. X-rays were negative for fractures. She underwent physical therapy on a couple occasions at the same hospital and her pain resolved a couple months later. She incurred over $3,000 in medical bills. The case settled pre-litigation for $12,000.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall injury, please contact Abels & Annes to speak to a lawyer. Premises liability cases can get complicated fast and they can be difficult to win. Many people that contact our office assume that if you fall on someone's property and get hurt, you automatically have a case. This is not true. There has to be negligence on the part of the landowner for you to recover.

For example, in the shower case settlement, that fact that my client fell and was injured was not enough to have a case. What created liability on the part of the property owner was the fact that he had actual notice of the condition and failed to act.

Auto Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled a case for a Chicago resident stemming from an August 2008 car crash. The plaintiff was driving southbound on Luna near its intersection with Bryn Mawr. When our client was most of the way through the intersection she saw the defendant's car traveling at a very fast rate of speed (over 50 mph) eastbound on Bryn Mawr. That is twice the speed limit in this residential neighborhood.

The front end of the defendant's vehicle hit the rear passenger side of the plaintiff's vehicle. The force of the impact was so great that it caused our client's Jeep Cherokee to flip over on its side and skid on its side across the roadway. The driver’s side window was open and her arm got caught between the door and the street and was dragged along the pavement as the vehicle slid. After her car came to a rest the defendant exited his vehicle and fled the scene of the collision on foot.

The defendant was negligent, in that he failed to keep a proper lookout, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.

Immediately after the collision our client had severe arm pain and back pain. Her arm was bleeding profusely and obviously injured.

The plaintiff was taken by ambulance from the scene of the collision to Resurrection Medical Center’s Emergency Department. A history was taken, she was examined and diagnostic testing was performed. She complained of excruciating left arm pain and back pain. She had significant abrasions to her left arm. X-rays identified numerous foreign bodies in her wrist and forearm, specifically in the ulnar aspect of the wrist and the radial aspect of the forearm, which were required to be extracted before the wound could be cleaned and dressed. She was prescribed pain medication and at the time of discharge instructed to seek follow up medical care.

Continue reading "Car Accident Case Settles For Policy Limits -- Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer" »

Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved an automobile vs. bike accident case for Aaron Eiger, a former classmate of Dave Abels from Evanston Township High School. The collision took place on October 17, 2007 on the North Side of Chicago.

Aaron was riding his bicycle northbound on Southport in a marked bicycle lane. The defendant was driving her SUV southbound on Southport and began to make a left turn to turn into an alley. The driver failed to look to ensure that it was safe to make this maneuver and struck Aaron on his bicycle. The force of the SUV hitting Aaron on his bicycle threw him on through the air into a parked car.

Following the collision Aaron had an immediate onset of pain and discomfort. Aaron was taken from the scene of the collision by ambulance to Illinois Masonic Hospital. At the time of his arrival he complained of left knee pain and shoulder pain. A history was taken, Aaron was examined and diagnostic tests, including x-rays were preformed. Aaron was prescribed pain medications. Upon discharge he was diagnosed with a left knee contusion and multiple abrasions. Aaron was instructed to follow up with a physician.

Two days later Aaron sought follow up treatment from Dr. Steven Sclamberg, M.D. He sought treatment for his complaints of left knee and right shoulder pain. Aaron continued to treat with Dr. Sclamberg through August 7, 2008.

Aaron also underwent physical therapy at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers for two months. During the course of physical therapy he reported pain with activities such as lifting and carrying his young children.

Aaron incurred over $8,000 in medical bills and his case settled for $35,000.

Chicago Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved a case for a bike rider that collided with an open car door on California Avenue on August 21, 2008. The plaintiff was riding his bicycle in a northbound direction on California and the defendant was parked on the side of California facing northbound. The at fault driver suddenly and without warning opened her door into traffic.

The defendant was negligent in that she failed to look back and ensure that it was clear and safe to open her door before doing so. The door opened so suddenly in front of our client that he did not have any time to avoid it and collided with the open door.

The law in Illinois on the issue of opening a car door into traffic is as follows: Opening and closing vehicle doors. No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

Pursuant to this statute the defendant was negligent in opening her door when it was not reasonably safe to do so and when it would interfere with the movement of other traffic. Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all of the rights of a driver of a motorized vehicle. 625 ILCS 5/110-1502.

The defendant tried to claim that she had left her door open for an extended period of time prior to the accident and that her door did not just swing open. However, even under this possible scenario the driver was still negligent and is still at fault as under the law it is improper to leave a car door open for any period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

The defendant was issued a citation from the Chicago Police Department for violation of § 5/11-1407 of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyer Reaches Settlement In Bike vs. Car Accident Case" »

Car Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled an injury claim for a Chicago resident who was injured after being hit by a car while standing in front of his house when a car crash occurred.

On the evening of the occurrence our client was standing in his front yard when the defendant was driving westbound on 71st Street approaching its intersection with Lafayette. The intersection of 71st Street and Lafayette was controlled by a traffic light. There was a red light for westbound traffic. The defendant ran his red light and crashed into a southbound vehicle. The force of the impact knocked the other vehicle into a fence and yard on Lafayette and into the plaintiff, who fell to the ground.

Our client was seen at St. Bernard Hospital’s emergency room right after the accident complaining of shoulder, back, hip and knee pain. He was diagnosed with a fracture to his left clavicle, acute low back sprain and left knee contusion. Pain medications and physical therapy were prescribed. Despite this treatment he continued to suffer from pain and discomfort in his left shoulder, left hip, low back and left knee. However, our client sought no follow up treatment.

The case settled against State Farm Insurance for $15,000. The claim was resolved without having to file a lawsuit.

Pedestrians getting hit while in the area of auto accidents is not common, but it does happen on occasion. This is the second case we have resolved this year where a pedestrian was collateral damage to a car crash. Our other client was injured while waiting at a CTA bus stop. A car accident took place in front of him, a wheel flew off one of the cars and hit him, and he sustained injuries.

Car Accident Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have recovered insurance policy limits for a Chicago pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle in a September, 2006 accident. The claim was initially denied by the insurance company until our law firm got involved earlier this year.

The car vs. pedestrian accident happened when the defendant was driving northbound on Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago, Illinois as our client was planning to cross King Dr. from the east side to the west side. There was a parking lane for northbound traffic, on the east side of the street. The plaintiff was standing in front of, and to the north of, cars parked in this parking lane. As he was standing in the parking lane waiting for traffic to clear the defendant swerved into the parking lane and struck our client.

The defendant was issued several traffic citations by the Chicago Police Department and plead guilty to failing to exercise due care and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

The plaintiff was transported by ambulance from the scene of the crash to Advocate Christ Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital emergency room his most significant complaints were of right leg pain as well as injuries to his head, right wrist and right hand. He was diagnosed with displaced right tibia and fibula fractures. The fibula fracture was comminuted, segmental, with multiple components.

Continue reading "Injured Chicago Pedestrian Collects Policy Limits From Driver's Insurance Company" »

Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved a DuPage County injury claim for a Bellwood resident. On April 8, 2008 our client was injured when her vehicle was rear-ended by the defendant. Shortly after the accident the plaintiff developed back, neck, shoulder, pelvic, and right hand pain.

On 4/11/08 she sought treatment with a chiropractic physician in Lombard, Illinois. He noted muscle spasms and tenderness at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels on our client's first visit. She underwent a course of physical therapy. She went for treatment on nine occasions over the next month. The treatment consisted of electrical stimulation, hot/cold packs, neuromuscular re-education, and chiropractic manipulation therapy.

The case was settled without having to file a lawsuit. Hertz Claim Management paid on the claim.

Chicago Car Accident Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled an injury claim for a Bellwood, Illinois resident. On April 8, 2008 our client was injured when her vehicle was hit from behind by another car. The accident took place on Interstate 290 just south of York Road in DuPage County, Illinois

Shortly after the accident the plaintiff developed back, neck, shoulder, pelvic, and right hand pain. On 4/11/08 she sought treatment with a chiropractic physician in Lombard, Illinois. The doctor noted muscle spasms and tenderness at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels on her first visit. My client underwent a course of physical therapy. She went for treatment on nine occasions over the next month. The treatment consisted of electrical stimulation, hot/cold packs, neuromuscular re-education, and chiropractic manipulation therapy.

The case settled without having to file a lawsuit. Hertz Rental Car is paying on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Settle DuPage County Auto Accident Claim" »

Illinois Injury Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have settled an uninsured motorist claim that arose out of an automobile accident which occurred on February 14, 2008. Our client was driving his vehicle eastbound on 167th St. in Orland Park, Illinois. Two of his family members were passengers in his car.

As our clients approached 167th and Wolf Road they had a green light for eastbound traffic and they entered the intersection. At that time an uninsured driver ran a red light for northbound traffic and hit the passenger side of the the plaintiffs' vehicle with the front end of his car.

Our clients were taken from the scene of the crash to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet by ambulance. Our clients suffered multiple soft tissue injuries, including back and neck injuries. All three clients sought follow up treatment with local doctors in the Chicago Area.

Each of the three clients received several thousand dollars for their injuries from their own auto insurance company under the uninsured motorist claim we set up for them.

Accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a settlement from a claim that arose out of an automobile collision which took place on October 21, 2006. Our client was driving eastbound on Route 60, stopped in traffic at it’s intersection with Peterson Road in Round Lake Park, Illinois. At that time the defendant rear-ended the plaintiff. The impact was hard enough to push our client's car into a vehicle in front of her.

At the time of collision, our client struck her head on the seat cushion behind her. Following the collision she had head pain, and she believes she had a loss of consciousness. That evening she seemed confused and disoriented. She also had neck pain.

The following day she went to the ER at Good Shepard Hospital. There she complained of a severe headache and left sided neck pain. A CT scan was taken, which was negative. She was diagnosed with a closed head injury and a check wall contusion. She was also instructed to follow up with a doctor.

Our client did not follow up with a doctor, however over the next 2-3 weeks her headaches remained, and her neck pain lasted several weeks as well.

Even though she did not seek follow up treatment, we were able to obtain a good car accident settlement for her. After attorney's fees and costs are paid, she will receive several thousand dollars for her injuries.

The case was settled without having to file a lawsuit.

On May 15, 2008 on Interstate 290 in Cook County, a client of Abels & Annes, P.C. was injured when a semi truck struck the rear of her vehicle. Our client was traveling westbound on Interstate 290 in the left center lane just north of Illinois 72. The semi was traveling on the same road directly behind my client.

The plaintiff client slowed for traffic in front of her, and as she was about to come to a complete stop the truck, struck her from behind at a high rate of speed. The impact was strong enough to knock my client into the car that was in front of her. Her car was totaled. The truck driver received tickets from the investigating Illinois State Trooper for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for following too close.

Our client suffered several injuries. She sustained cervical and lumbar strain/sprain, a concussion, chest pain, and severe headaches. Initial medical treatment was sought later the same day at Christ Medical Center. There she had complaints of neck and shoulder pain, chest pain, and left sided headaches.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Reach Semi Truck vs. Car Crash Settlement" »

Chicago Bike Injury Attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have resolved a car vs. motorcycle crash case that arises out of an accident that occurred on October 9, 2007. Our client was traveling southbound on Greenbay Road approaching Chatfield Road, in Winnetka, Illinois. The defendant was traveling eastbound on Chatfield approaching Greenbay. The defendant had a stop sign and our driver had the right-of-way.

The at fault driver proceeded to attempt to turn left onto northbound Greenbay Road without waiting for a safe interval. As a result if the defendant's negligence, our client was forced to lay his motorcycle down on the roadway to avoid a collision. The defendant was issued a traffic citation for failure to yield when making a left turn pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-902. A finding of guilt was entered in the traffic court on the offense.

The plaintiff sustained cuts and abrasions on his left ankle as well as over his back. Initial medical treatment was administered on scene by paramedics who cleaned his wounds. The client sought follow up treatment with a medical doctor and a plastic surgeon, as he sustained scars on his back and ankle from the accident.

The case was resolved without having to go to court and Progressive Insurance is paying on the claim.

In Chicago personal injury attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C.have reached a premises liability settlement with a Calumet Park, Illinois grocery store stemming from a August, 2007 trip and fall injury. The plaintiff was walking down a grocery store aisle when her foot got caught in a rope protruding from an onion bag that was left on the floor by a stock person employed by the store.

Our client fell hard, sustaining neck injuries and fracturing her front tooth. She went to the emergency room at Ingalls Urgent Care, and she later had follow up treatment with a dentist in Olympia Fields and a chiropractor in Park Forest, Illinois. The case settled without having to file a lawsuit, and Travelers Insurance is paying on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago, Illinois Injury Lawyers Reach Premises Liability Settlement With Local Store" »

In Chicago, Illinois bicycle accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached an insurance policy limits settlement for a local resident stemming from a March 2008 crash. Our client was riding to work southbound on Halsted Street near Division in a bicycle lane. He was hit by a car that was turning left / westbound. That is the last thing our client remembers until he woke up at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The plaintiff sustained brain hemorrhaging and a sinus fracture as a result of the Chicago bike vs. car accident. He was inpatient at the hospital for several days. The defendant's insurance company tendered their policy limits of $20,000 and our firm is pursuing an under-insured motorist claim against our client's own insurance carrier for an additional $80,000.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Reach Insurance Policy Limits Bike Accident Settlement" »

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has reportedly agreed to pay $12,675,000 to settle 16 sexual abuse claims for the conduct of 11 different priests, according to the Chicago Tribune and several other news sources. The settlements include two victims of Father Daniel McCormack, a former priest who is currently incarcerated for abusing five boys. McCormack plead guilty last year and he is serving a 5 year prison sentence.

Four out of five of McCormack's known victims have now settled with the Archdiocese of Chicago. Abels & Annes, P.C. represents the final known McCormack victim, acting as co-counsel with the firm of Hilfman, Martin & Barr P.C. in a lawsuit against the Archdiosese of Chicago. The case is pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Case No. 07 L 001504.

Former priests involved in today's settlement have been identified as McCormack, Joseph Bennett, Norbert Maday, Robert Mayer, James Hagan, Robert Craig, Robert Becker, Thomas Kelly, James Steel, Joseph Owens and Kenneth Ruge. The cases involve abuse from as far back as the 1960s and as recent as 2006. All the priests have been removed from their church positions.

Chicago Injury Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached an settlement for a local resident that was injured in a pedestrian vs. car accident in September of 2007. Our client was crossing Harrison Street in a crosswalk on a green light at LaSalle Street. At that time the defendant, who was driving southbound on LaSalle Street, turned right on a red light and hit our client.

The plaintiff was treated at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Illinois for back and neck injuries. He later followed up at Roseland Community Hospital for further treatment. The pedestrian accident case settled prior to litigation. The Hartford is paying on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Attorneys Resolve Pedestrian Crosswalk Accident Case" »

In Chicago, Illinois auto accident attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached an insurance policy limits settlement for a Berwyn resident stemming from a February 17, 2008 collision. Our client was northbound on Interstate 94 on the South Side of Chicago at the Stoney Island exit. A car in front of the plaintiff missed the exit at Stoney and instead of going to the next exit, the defendant tried to stop and back up on the highway. Our client could not react in time and slammed into the defendant.

She was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Illinois with a badly broken leg. She had to have surgery the next day to repair the fracture. The car accident case settled without having to file a lawsuit. The defendant's insurance company initially denied the claim, arguing that our client failed to stop in time and should have avoided the accident. The insurance company changed it's position after our law firm got involved in the case.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyer Reaches Policy Limits Car Accident Settlement" »

Chicago Injury Lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a settlement for a client stemming from a February, 2008 car accident that occurred on Interstate 294. It was snowing at the time of the accident and our client had lost control of her car and spun out onto the shoulder of the highway. As she was waiting for help to arrive, there was a second car crash and one of the vehicles in the second crash rear ended the plaintiff. The accident occurred in the Southbound lanes somewhere between 95th and 127th Streets.

Our client was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois for abdominal and neck pain. She had no follow up treatment after the initial ER visit. The case settled for just over $20,000. Farmers Insurance paid on the claim.

In Chicago, Illinois car crash attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a settlement for a South Side resident. She was a passenger in a car that was rear ended at the 79th Street entrance ramp to Interstate 94 in Chicago. The car she was riding in and the vehicle behind her slowed for traffic, and the third vehicle in line struck the 2nd vehicle, who in turn hit our client's car.

She was taken by ambulance to Saint Bernard Hospital in Chicago, Illinois for neck and back injuries. She also followed up with a medical doctor and a physical therapist for her injuries. The car accident case settled for $30,000. AAA Insurance is paying on the claim.

DuPage County, Illinois car accident lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with Geico Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred on Ogden Road in Naperville, Illinois in January of 2008. Our client was traveling westbound and was hit by a car that failed to yield while pulling out of a parking lot.

Our client was taken to Edwards Hospital in Naperville with back and neck injuries. He also had follow up treatment with an orthopaedic physician and chiropractor in Chicago. The DuPage County accident case was resolved without having to file a lawsuit against the the at fault driver.

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Chicago, Illinois car crash lawyers from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with 1st Acceptance Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred on Central Avenue at 19th Street in Cicero, Illinois in January of 2008. Our client was traveling southbound on Central when the defendant failed to yield when coming out of a stop sign for northbound traffic on 19th Street.

Our client was taken to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn with back injuries. She also had follow up treatment with a Chiropractor in Chicago. The Cook County accident case was resolved without having to file a lawsuit against the the at fault driver.

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In Joliet, Illinois work injury attorneys from Abels & Annes, P.C. have reached a settlement for a client who was injured on the job in December, 2006. She slipped and fell on a bathroom floor and fractured her right tibia. The client recovered well and did not undergo surgery. The bodily injury portion of our client's work injury case settled for just over $14,000. Our client also received disability pay of $8,000 and her medical bills have been paid for by the employer's insurance carrier. GAB Robins North America, Inc. paid on the claim for the employer.

On January 3, 2008 in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago a client of Abels & Annes, P.C. was injured when a semi truck lost control and rolled over shortly after it entered the Southbound lanes of the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) at LaGrange Road. The plaintiff was driving in the far left lane and her vehicle was struck by a Ford Taurus that had been forced into her lane by the semi truck. The truck driver reportedly was not sure was caused him to lose control of the vehicle, but thought that he may have hit a patch of black ice. The Cook County truck crash blocked all South lanes of the highway.

Our client was taken to Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital by ambulance for back and neck injuries. She also had follow up treatment with a chiropractor in Chicago.

The truck driver was insured by Indiana Insurance. The injury case settled for $13,300.

Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached an uninsured motorist claim settlement with Erie Insurance for a client who was injured in August, 2007. The accident took place at Grand Avenue and Dileys Road in Waukegan, Illinois. The plaintiff was stopped at a red light for Eastbound traffic on Grand when the defendant hit her on the passenger side.

The defendant fled the scene after the impact, but then pulled into a nearby gas station. Our client followed the driver to the gas station where there happened to be a Lake County Sheriff's Deputy. The plaintiff approached the Deputy, and when the defendant observed this he fled the gas station at a high rate of speed. The Sheriff's Deputy jumped into his squad car, chased the defendant and caught him. The defendant was ticketed with no insurance and several other moving violations.

Our client sustained back, neck and shoulder injuries. She was treated that day at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois. She later had follow up treatment with a chiropractor in Riverwoods, Illinois.

Because the at fault had no insurance, we pursued an uninsured motorist claim against the plaintiff's own auto insurance carrier. The Lake County accident case settled for $15,000.

Chicago, Illinois car crash lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with Northland Insurance Companies as a result of a car vs. truck accident that occurred at 120th and Halsted in Chicago, Illinois in February of 2007. Our client was southbound on Halsted when a commercial truck headed northbound lost control and hit the plaintiff.

Our client was taken by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island, Illinois with back and neck pain, muscle spasms and headaches. He later had follow up treatment with a chiropractic physician in Chicago. The truck accident case was settled without filing a lawsuit against the the at fault truck driver.

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Abogados pedestres de accidente en Chicago de David Abels & Associates, P.C. han alcanzado un arreglo de limites de poliza de seguro en un reclamo de automovilista sin seguro para uno de nuestros clientes. El accidente sucedió en Mayo de 2006 cuando el demandante fue golpeado por un Cadillac en el Sur de Chicago en 1908 W. 74th Street después de que él salió de un autobús de CTA.

El demandante fue llevado a Holy Cross Hospital con una fractura pélvica. El permaneció en el hospital sobre una semana y entonces fue transferido a una facilidad de rehabilitación para varias semanas. El contrajo más de $50,000 en cuentas médicas.

El conductor culpable no tuvo seguro para el Cadillac tan nosotros seguimos un reclamo de automovilista sin seguro en la póliza de seguro de automóvil de nuestro cliente. El portador del seguro ofreció los límites de la póliza de seguros en el reclamo.

Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached an insurance policy limits settlement in an uninsured motorist claim for one of our clients. The accident happened in May of 2006 when the plaintiff was hit by a Cadillac on the South Side of Chicago at 1908 W. 74th Street just after he exited a CTA bus.

The plaintiff was taken to Holy Cross Hospital with a pelvic fracture. He stayed at the hospital for over a week and was then transferred to a rehab facility for several weeks. He incurred over $50,000 in medical bills.

The at fault driver did not have insurance for the Cadillac so we pursued an uninsured motorist claim on our client's own auto insurance policy. The insurance carrier tendered the limits of the insurance policy on the claim.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Make Policy Limits Uninsured Motorist Settlement In Pedestrian Accident" »

In Chicago, Illinois workers' compensation attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have settled a case for a worker who injured himself on the job in April of 2006. He injured his low back carrying heavy buckets of chemicals up a flight of stairs. He had a herniated disc in his lumbar spine and had to undergo surgical intervention. AIG Insurance paid on the claim.

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Abogados de choque de camion en Chicago, Illinois de David Abels & Associate, P.C. han alcanzado un arreglo corporal con USA Truck, Inc. viniendo de un accidente de coche vs. camion que ocurrio en Julio de 2007. Nuestro clienteestaba en el Interestatal 294 en el Condado de Cook cuando ella fue golpeada por un medio camión que cambió de carril y golpeó a nuestro cliente.

El demandante fue llevada a Hinsdale Hospital con heridas de espalda. Ella también tuvo tratamiento con medico en Oak Lawn, Illinois. El caso fue asentado sin tener un pleito.

Continue reading "Abogados de Herida en Chicago Alcanzan un arreglo para un Accidente de Trafico de Camion vs. Coche" »

Chicago, Illinois car crash lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with Victoria Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred at 95th and Stoney Island in Chicago, Illinois in December of 2007. Our client was hit from the rear by a car being driven too fast for conditions. The force of the impact knocked the plaintiff's car into the vehicle in front of him.

Our client was taken to Trinity Hospital in Chicago back and neck injuries. He also had follow up treatment with an osteopathic physician in Chicago. The Cook County accident case was resolved without having to file a lawsuit against the the at fault driver.

Continue reading " Chicago Injury Lawyers Settle Car Accident Case" »

In Chicago, Illinois work comp attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a settlement for a client who was injured at work in June, 2006. He knelt down on a floor at a job site and lacerated his knee on glass. The wound later became infected. The bodily injury portion of our client's work injury case settled for just over $13,300. Our client also received disability pay while off work and his medical bills have been paid for by the employer's insurance carrier. Allied Insurance Company paid on the claim for the employer.

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Chicago, Illinois truck crash attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with USA Truck, Inc. stemming from a car vs. truck accident that occurred in July of 2007. Our client was Northbound on Interstate 294 in Cook County when she was hit by a semi truck that changed lanes and struck our client.

The plaintiff was taken to Hinsdale Hospital with low back injuries. She also had follow up treatment with a medical doctor in Oak Lawn, Illinois. The case was settled without having to file a lawsuit.

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Chicago, Illinois car crash attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with the United States Post Office. Our client was injured in a collision that occurred at 86th and Racine, Chicago, Illinois in February of 2007. Our client was Northbound on Racine when she was hit by a postal truck that failed to yield when pulling out from a stop sign at 86th Street.

Our client was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park with wrist and back injuries. She also had follow up treatment with an osteopathic physician in Chicago. The case was settled for $10,718.

Continue reading "Chicago Injury Lawyers Reach Auto Accident Settlement With U.S. Post Office" »

Chicago, Illinois auto accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with a taxicab company as a result of a car crash that occurred on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois in January of 2008. Our client was hit by a cab driver that failed to yield when pulling out of an alley.

Our client was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston with soft tissue back and neck injuries. She also had follow up treatment with an orthopaedic physician and a physical therapist in Chicago. The case was resolved without having to file a lawsuit against the taxi driver.

Continue reading " Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys Reach Car Accident Settlement" »

En Chicago, abogados de la compensación de trabajadores de David Abels & Associates, P.C. han alcanzado un arreglo para un empleado del Chicago Trbune quien fue herida en el trabajo en Junio, 2004. Ella trabajaba como un operario de prensa y se golpeo cuando ella caminó en una caja con orillas agudas. Ella contrajo síndrome traumático de compartimiento con cirugías a la pierna izquierda, y otras heridas de pierna también. La porción corporal de la herida del trabajo se asentó para $105,000

In Chicago, Illinois workers' compensation attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a settlement for an employee of the Chicago Tribune who was injured on the job in June, 2004. She was working as a press operator and hurt herself when she walked into a box with sharp edges. She incurred traumatic compartment syndrome with surgeries to her left leg, and other leg injuries as well. The bodily injury portion of her work injury case settled for $105,000.

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Chicago, Illinois motor vehicle accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C., working in conjuction with the firm of Elman & Elman, have reached a bodily injury settlement with Laidlaw Transit, Inc. as a result of a school bus accident that occurred on Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago, Illinois in May of 2005. Our clients are an adult and two minor passengers that were riding on a Laidlaw bus that was rear ended by another Laidlaw bus on the North Side.

Our clients were taken to local area hospitals in Chicago with soft tissue back and neck injuries. They also had follow up treatment with their own doctors as well. The case was resolved against the the bus company for a combined total of $46,000 after a lawsuit was filed and the case was proceeding through discovery in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

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Chicago, Illinois car accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C., working with the firm of Elman & Elman, have reached a partial bodily injury settlement with Geico Insurance as a result of a pedestrian accident that occurred in Chicago, Illinois. Our client was injured while his was standing on a sidewalk waiting to catch a CTA bus. As he waited for the bus, an auto accident occurred right in front of him and a tire flew off one of the cars and hit him, knocking him to the ground.

Our client was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in Chicago with back and neck injuries. The case was resolved against the Geico driver during the discovery phase in Court, and the case will continue against the other driver in the car accident who is insured by Allstate.

Continue reading "Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Reach Pedestrian Auto Accident Settlement" »

Abogados de accidente de auto de Chicago, Illinois de David Abels & Associates, P.C. trabajando juntos con Elman & Elman, han alcanzado un arreglo de $9,000.00 con el seguro Unique a resultado de un accidente de auto que ocurrió en la 74 y State Street en Bedford Park, Illinois. El choque de auto del área de Chicago sucedió cuando el acusado cliente trasero nuestro cliente, que fue empujado en cambio en un vehículo delante de él. El acusado fue etiquetado con DUI.

Nuestro cliente fue llevado a Christ Hospital en Oak Lawn, con dolor lumbar y heridas de dolor de cuello. El caso fue resuelto después de que el demandante recibió un premio de $9,000.00 no-obligatorio arbitraje obligatorio en el Tribunal superior de Cook County.

Continue reading "Los Abogados de la Herida de Chicago Alcanzan un Arreglo de Accidente de Auto" »

In Chicago, Illinois personal injury lawyers were recently awarded a nice verdict in a premises liability wrongful death case, according to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The fatality happened as a result of a fire in an apartment building owned by the defendants. The deceased, a tenant in the building, died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Cook County lawsuit alleged that the defendant failed to have smoke detectors in common areas of the building. The defense argued that the decedent was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol at the time of the fire.

Prior to trial the Estate demanded $910,000 to settle the case, and the defendants made no offer. The jury awared $1,353,249 (10% off 1,503,610 for comparative fault). The trial was in front of the Honorable Susan Ruscitti Grussel, Cook County Case No. 03 L 11032.

The plaintiff was represented by Kirk A. Moyer of Chicago. The defendants were represented by Alton Haynes and Brian O'Neill, and John F. Brennan.

Continue reading " Chicago, Illinois Premises Liability Attorneys Receive Good Verdict" »

Chicago, Illinois auto accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C., working in conjunction with Elman & Elman, have reached a $9,000 bodily injury settlement with Unique Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred at 74th and State Street in Bedford Park, Illinois. The Chicago area car crash happened when the defendant rear ended our client, who in turn was pushed into a vehicle in front of him. The defendant was ticketed with DUI.

Our client was taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn with back and neck pain injuries. The case was resolved after the plaintiff received a $9,000 non-binding mandatory arbitration award in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

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Chicago car accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a $21,000 bodily injury settlement with Geico Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred less than 2 months ago on January 19, 2008. The car crash happened on Interstate 90/94 near California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois when the defendant sideswiped our client's vehicle.

Our client was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago with low back pain, shoulder pain and headaches. He also followed up for additional treatment with a Board Certified Neurologist and underwent physical therapy as well.

Cook County car accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a $40,000 bodily injury settlement with USAA Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred in July of 2006. The car crash happened on the Southbound Edens Expressway near Willow Road, Northfield, Illinois when the defendant rear ended a car that was then knocked into our vehicle. The defendant fled the scene of the Interstate 94 auto accident.

The impact was not heavy and only caused about $300 in property damage, but our client sustained a shoulder injury when he was knocked into the steering wheel. Our client, who is actively serving in the military, was treated at the North Chicago VA Hospital and followed up for additional treatment at the Great Lakes Naval Base and Health South for physical therapy.

Kendall County car accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with State Farm Insurance as a result of an auto accident that occurred in May of 2007. The car crash happened on westbound Route 34 near Route 47 in Yorkville, Illinois when the defendant exited a McDonald's and failed to yield to our client.

Our client was taken to Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora by ambulance with headaches and neck injuries. The plaintiff had follow up treatment with a Castle Orthopaedics and Atlas Physical Therapy, both in Yorkville, Illinois. The car accident case settled for $9,100.

David Abels & Associates, P.C. reached another settlement with State Farm this week in a minor back and neck injury case for $3,600.

Auto accident lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a bodily injury settlement with the City of Naperville as a result of an auto accident that occurred in May of 2007. The car crash happened in the 1600 block of Aurora Road, Naperville, Illinois. Our client was behind a Naperville service truck waiting to exit a shopping mall parking lot when the driver accelerated in reverse and hit her car.

Our client was taken to Edwards Hospital in Naperville by ambulance with back and neck injuries. The plaintiff had follow up treatment at Lakeside Family Practice and physical therapy at Accelerated Rehab. The car accident case settled with Naperville for $12,500.

Chicago, Illinois premises liability, accident injury lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C., working with the firm of Trobe & Babowice of Waukegan, Illinois have been awarded $86,000 ($172,000, reduced to $86,000 for 50% comparative fault) in a premises liability arbitration. The arbitration had low of $5,000 and a high of $100,000 (meaning the most the plaintiff could be awarded was $100,000 and the least the plaintiff could be awarded was $5,000).

The case stems from an accident that happened in the defendant's home where the plaintiff was helping work on a kitchen. The plaintiff was using an electric saw to cut a board and the defendant was holding the board still. The defendant lost his grip and dropped the board, causing the saw to slice off the end of two of the plantiff's fingers. The defendant denied he was anywhere near the plaintiff when the accident occurred.

The defense also retained an expert to testify that the plaintiff was using the saw improperly as a grinder, and that the improper use was the cause of the injury. The plaintiff argued that improper use was irrelevent and that the accident only occurred because the defendant dropped the board.

The arbtration took place at ADR Systems of America in Chicago, Illinois. To learn more about personal injury arbitrations and mediations, please click here to visit our website.

In Winnebago County, Illinois a woman stepping on a toothpick has resulted in a $250,000 medical malpractice settlement, according to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The woman reportedly stepped on a used toothpick at home and then sought out medical treatment from a doctor. The defendant doctor failed to identify and treat a developing infection which subsequently resulted in nerve damage. The case was settled without having to file a lawsuit.

The settled case was captioned Pam Shult v. Jerome Randall. The plaintiff was represented by Devon C. Bruce of Chicago.

David Abels & Associates, P.C. is currently working on a similar medical malpractice issue that happened in Chicago, Illinois where a seemingly minor injury led to serious medical complications. Our client's big toenail on his left foot was rubbing up against his 2nd toe and an infection developed. The infection was not properly diagnosed by a Chicago area emergency room, the infection spread, and our client's leg was partially amputated below the knee.

En Chicago, Illinois abogados de accidente de trafico, de David Abels & Associates, P.C. ha alcanzado un arreglo para un residente de la zona. El fue implicado en un choque de trasero en la rampa de acceso de la calle 79 a Interestatal 94 en Chicago. El y el vehículo detrás de él aflojaron para el tráfico, y el tercer vehículo en la línea golpeó el segundo vehículo, quién alternadamente fue golpeado hacia adelante en nuestro cliente.

El fue llevado al St. Bernard Hospital para heridas de cuello. El trató luego con un medico y un fisioterapeuta para sus heridas. El caso se asentó para $17,000. El acusado fue asegurado por AAA.

Nuestra pasajera del cliente más fue herida gravemente y su caso está todavía pendiente.

Estos comentarios fueron anunciados por David Abels & Associates, P.C., un bufete de abogados personal de la herida que representa a clientes a través del área de Chicago y el Estado entero de Illinois. Muchos de nuestros clients vienen del Condado de Cook, Condado de Lake, Condado de DuPage, Condado de McHenry, Condado de Kane, Condado de Will, bien como los pueblos y los vecindarios tales como Hyde Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, Joliet, Wheaton, Elgin, Saint Charles, Aurora, Skokie, Evanston, North Chicago y Waukegan.

Los abogados del accidente de nuestra firma manejan todas clases de las heridas que resultan de choques de coche, inclusive fracturas (algún que requiere la reparación quirúrgica) desgarros, las heridas de espalda y cuello, y las quemaduras severas. Ellos manejan también los casos injustos de la muerte para las familias que han perdido los adorados porque otra persona fue negligente y causó un accidente fatal de automóvil.

A personal injury auto accident lawyer from Waukegan, Illinois has made a nice pre-litigation settlement, according to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The case stems from an auto accident that happened in Gurnee, Illinois. The defendant allegedly ran a red light and struck an elderly plaintiff's vehicle which then flipped over. The Lake County driver sustained multiple injuries, including spinal fractures. The Gurnee passenger sustained a torn rotator cuff and multiple fractures. The Lake County car crash case settled for a combined $1,100,000. The driver received $700,000 and the passenger received $400,000.

What makes this settlement nice is it happened without having to file a lawsuit. Typically, the average insurance company is not going to offer this kind of money unless a lawsuit is filed and a significant amount of discovery has been completed (interrogatories, depositions). This type of pre-litigation is great for clients, as they save the cost of litigation which can run thousands of dollars. Further, most plaintiff attorneys work on a one third fee before litigation, but most have the contractual right to take a 40% fee after a lawsuit is filed. Here, the lawyer most likely took a one third fee, saving the plaintiffs over $75,000.

The plaintiff lawyer in this case was Matthew Williams. Williams graduated from DePaul University Law School just 10 years ago (1998) and already has a million dollar plus settlement. Nice work.

Continue reading "Lake County, Illinois Injury Lawyer Makes Good Settlement" »

In Chicago, Illinois car accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a settlement for a local resident. He was involved in a rear end collision at the 79th Street entrance ramp to Interstate 94 in Chicago. He and the vehicle behind him slowed for traffic, and the third vehicle in line struck the 2nd vehicle, who in turn was knocked forward into our client.

He was taken to Saint Bernard Hospital in Chicago, Illinois for neck and back injuries. He later treated with a medical doctor and a physical therapist for his injuries. The case settled for $17,000. The defendant was insured by AAA.

Our client's passenger was more seriously injured and her case is still pending.

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En Chicago, Illinois abogados de accidente de auto de David Abels & Associates, P.C. han alcanzado un arreglo de accidente pedestre para un residente de la zona. Ella fue implicada en un golpe pedestre hacia abajo en el cruce de Pulaski y Fernando en Chicago. Ella fue golpeada por un coche cuando ella cruzaba la calle en el paso de peatón por un conductor que daba vuelta a la izquierda y no la vio.

Ella fue llevada a.Mount Sinai para heridas de cuello. Ella trató luego con un médico y un médico osteopático (D.O.) para sus heridas. El caso se asentó para $8.000. El acusado fue asegurado por Avis Budget Group.

Continue reading "Abogado de choque de coche de Chicago Alcanza un Arreglo de Accidente pedestre" »

In Chicago, Illinois auto accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a pedestrian accident settlement for a Cook County resident. She was involved in a pedestrian knock down in Chicago at the intersection of Pulaski and Ferdinand. She was struck by a car as she was crossing the street in the crosswalk by a driver who was turning left and did not see her.

She was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago for neck and back injuries. She later treated with a medical doctor and an osteopathic doctor (D.O.) for her injuries. The case settled for $8,000. The defendant was insured by the Avis Budget Group.

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En Chicago, Illinois abogados de accidente de auto de David Abels & Associates, P.C. han alcanzado un arreglo del choque de coche para un residente de la zona. El fue implicado en un accidente en el cruce de la North Avenue & Central en Melrose Park y fue llevado a Gottlieb Memorial Hospital para heridas de espalda y cuello. El trató luego en el May Clinic y el Midtown Clinic. El caso se asentó para $20,500. El acusado fue asegurado por State Farm.

Estos comentarios fueron anunciados por David Abels & Associates, P.C., un bufete de abogados de herida personal que representa a clientes a través del área de Chicago y el estado entero de Illinois. Muchos de nuestros clientes vienen del Condado de Cook, Condado de Lake, Condado de DuPage, Condado de McHenry, Condado de Kane y Condado de Will, así como los pueblos y los vecindarios cercanos tales como Oak Park, River Forest, Maywood, Elmhurst, Berwyn, Cicero, Downers Grove, Naperville, Wheaton y Aurora.

Los abogados de accidente de nuestra firma manejan todas clases de heridas que resultan del choque de coche, incluyendo los huesos quebrados (algún que requiere la reparación quirúrgica), los desgarros, las heridas espinales, y las quemaduras severas. Ellos manejan también los casos injustos de la muerte para las familias que han perdido los adorados porque otra persona fue negligente y causó un accidente fatal de automóvil.

In Chicago, Illinois auto accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a car crash settlement for a local resident. He was involved in an accident at the intersection of North Avenue and Central in Melrose Park and was taken to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital for back and neck injuries. He later treated at the May Clinic and the Midtown Clinic. The case settled for $20,500. The defendant was insured by State Farm.

Continue reading " Chicago Injury Lawyers Reach Car Accident Settlement" »

Los abogados personales de herida de David Abels & Associates, P.C. alcanzaron un arreglo para un residente de Chicago que esforzo su hombro derecho al llevar un objeto arriba una escalera en el trabajo. El trató en Alexian Brothers Medical Center y siguió en la Ortopedia de Westgate en Oak Park. Su caso se asentó para $6,000 y sus cuentas fueron pagadas. El acusado fue asegurado por Frankenmuth Insurance Company.

Los abogados de la Compensación de trabajadores de nuestra firma alcanzaron también un arreglo para otro residente de Chicago que fue herido en el trabajo cuando él tropezó y cayó en el trabajo. El sostuvo espalda suave de tejido y heridas de cuello. El trató en el Hospital de Westlake y Chicago los Socios Ortopédicos. Nuestro cliente recibió la paga de la incapacidad mientras él estuvo fuera de trabajo para más de 11 semanas, sus cuentas médicas fueron pagadas, y negociamos un $5,200 en arreglo de herida para él también. El acusado fue asegurado por AIG.

Personal injury lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a settlement for a Chicago resident who strained his right shoulder while carrying an object up a latter at work. He treated at Alexian Brothers Medical Center and followed up at Westgate Orthopaedics in Oak Park. His case settled for $6,000 and his bills were paid for. The defendant was insured by Frankenmuth Insurance Company.

Work comp lawyers from our firm also reached a settlement for another Chicago resident who was injured at work when he tripped and fell at work. He sustained soft tissue back and neck injuries. He treated at Westlake Hospital and Chicago Orthopaedic Associates. Our client received disability pay while he was off work for over 11 weeks, his medical bills were paid, and we negotiated a $5,200 bodily injury settlement for him as well. The defendant was insured by AIG.

The two cases listed above are not big cases and do not involve the most serious of injuries, but we like to list results from big and small cases as all of our clients are important to us.

Chicago injury attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a premises liability settlement in DuPage County, Illinois. Our client was injured when she tripped and fell on a pothole in the parking lot at the Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook, Illinois. She sustained a mild wrist fracture in the fall. She was taken to Adventist Bolingbrook Medical Center and followed up with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. She incurred around $5,000 in medical bills. The DuPage County trip and fall case settled for $15,000. The defendant was insured by the Hartford.

The photo below shows the condition of the parking lot. The pothole was not that wide, but it was over eight inches in depth. If you look closely at the photo, the pothole is filled with water. That made it hard for my client to see the dangerous condition.

Continue reading "DuPage County, Illinois Premises Liability Settlement Reached by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers" »

In Chicago, Illinois, auto accident attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C. have reached a car crash settlement for a local resident. He was involved in an accident at the intersection of Central and Augusta in Chicago and went to UIC Medical Center for back injuries. Liability was very contested in the case. It was a "he said, she said" red light case. Both parties claimed they had a green light. To further complicate the case, the Chicago Police Department interviewed 2 witnesses at the accident scene. One witness sided with the plaintiff, while the other sided with the defendant. The case settled for $10,000 the day before trial. The defendant was insured by United Automobile Insurance Company.

Workers' compensation lawyers from our firm had previously settled a work injury case for the plaintiff based on the same accident. Our client was on the job at the time of the crash. We were able to convince the work comp insurance carrier to reduce their lien by approximately 80% to enable the settlement. (We were only entitled to a 25% comp lien reduction by law).

Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers from David Abels & Associates, P.C. just settled a work injury case for an Oak Park resident who was injured while unloading a truck at work. He injured his right shoulder and received a settlement value for 30% of an arm. He has fully recovered and the case has been settled for just under $14,000. The settlement has already been approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Wausau Insurance insured the defendant.

David Abels & Associates, P.C. is a personal injury law firm that represents injured workers from throughout the Chicago area and the entire State of Illinois. Many of his clients come from Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, McHenry County, Kane County, and Will County, as well as nearby neighborhoods and towns such as Garfield Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, Oak Park, Cicero, Maywood, Broadview, Westchester, Stone Park and Oakbrook.

Workers' compensation lawyers from his firm handle all types of job related injuries, including fractures, back and neck injuries, lacerations, and severe shoulder injuries.

A Cook County, Illinois Accident Attorney has received a good jury verdict in a negligence case, according to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The plaintiff was injured when he was leaving the Chromium nightclub located at 817 W. Lake Street, in the River West Neighborhood. Someone threw a bottle into the club, striking a bouncer employed by Chromium.

After getting hit, the bouncer threw the bottle back in the direction from which it came. The bottle hit a pillar and it shattered, and pieces of glass struck the plaintiff in his eye. He sustained permanant eye injuries. The defendant denied the plaintiff's version of events.

Prior to trial, the plaintiff demanded $500,000 to settle and the defendant would only offer $300,000. The jury awarded $881,238.

The verdict was in Freddie Stinson v. 817 West Lake Street, Inc. and Chromium Club Inc., Cook County Case No. 04 L 010416. The plaintiff was represented by the Chicago firm of Cogan & McNabola, P.C., and it looks like they did a great job at trial.

Continue reading "Chicago, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Gets Good Premises Liability Verdict " »

A Wheaton, Illinois Accident Attorney has received a good jury verdict in a premises liability case, according to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. The plaintiff fell and was hurt while bowling. It was alleged that the oil used to condition the bowling lane was too close to the foul line and the warning signs were not adequate. The plaintiff sustained a right broken leg. The defendant argued that the accident probably occurred because the plaintiff went over the foul line and then slipped.

Prior to trial, the plaintiff demanded $36,000 to settle and the defendant offered $24,000. The jury awarded $99,600 (after 40% off of $166,000 for comparative fault).

Taking this case to trial took a little "chutzpah" on the part of the plaintiff's attorney. Slip and fall, premises liability cases are often difficult to win at trial. Further, this verdict was in DuPage County where verdicts tend to be a little conservative compared to Cook or Will County. A lot of lawyers would have taken this case, but not many would have been thrilled about taking it to trial.

The verdict was in Shirley Mills v. Manfred's Bierstube Inc., d/b/a Wood Dale Bowl, DuPage County Case No. 05 L 172. The plaintiff was represented by George L. Acosta of Wheaton, and the defendant was represented by Matthew Burke of Heineke & Burke in Chicago. (I should add that the result is also impressive because Matthew Burke is a very good defense lawyer.)

Continue reading "DuPage County, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Gets Good Verdict in Slip And Fall Case" »

In DuPage County, Illinois, accident attorneys from Abels & Assoc. have reached a car crash settlement for a local resident. He was involved in an accident in Darien, Illinois and taken to Hinsdale Hospital by ambulance for back injuries. He later followed up with Hindsdale Orthopaedics and Athletico for physical therapy. The case settled for $11,300. The defendant driver was insured by State Farm. He sustained "soft tissue" injuries to his lumbar spine in the accident, meaning sprains and strains, and he had no disc bulges or herniations.

Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers from Abels & Assoc. just settled a workers' compensation case for a Chicago resident who was injured when a forklift rolled over and lacerated his right foot in the course of his employment. He has fully recovered and the case has been settled for just over $18,000. The settlement has already been approved by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

In Chicago, Illinois personal injury attorneys from David Abels & Associates, P.C., working with the Lake County firm of Trobe & Babowice reached a premises liability settlement for $275,000 with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). The plaintiff, a minor, was riding in a stroller and was pushed by another child into a negligently designed lock box that was on the door of a vacant CHA apartment. The actual lock box at issure is pictured below. The child sustained severe eye injuries. The building was being managed by an agent of the CHA, William Green Homes at the time of the occurrence. The lock box was defective in design in that it was a large metal box that protruded approximately 8 inches from the door into the hall. Most lock boxes are much smaller and flush against a door. The lock was especially dangerous in a CHA building where kids play in the hallways.

In Chicago, Illinois personal injury attorneys from Abels & Assoc. reached a premises liability settlement for $20,000 with Jewel-Osco. The case involved a Chicago resident who cut his hand on glass that was protruding from the handle of a grocery cart. The glass was dirty and appeared to have been there for a long time. The store is liable for the injuries because they had constructive notice of the danger, meaning with reasonable inspection they should have discovered and removed the glass from the cart before the plaintiff was inured.

The plaintiff bandaged his hand, but several days later the wound became infected, and he had to seek medical treatment at a Chicago area hospital.

A recent Cook County verdict in a wrongful death auto accident case may send a strong message to insurance companies. On September 28, 2007 a jury at the Daley Center in Chicago awarded the Estate of Rosetta Frazier, deceased $250,000 in a personal injury lawsuit. The deceased was a passenger in her own car when the defendant driver of the vehicle lost control and rolled over. The plaintiff was ejected from the car and died from her injuries.

Prior to trial at the Daley Center in Chicago, counsel for plaintiff demanded $20,000 to settle, and there was no offer from the defendant. You may be asking yourself why the plaintiff's demand was only $20,000 on a death case. In Illinois, the minimum coverage for an auto insurance policy is $20,000 per person, and $40,000 per occurrence. The insurance company normally would only be responsible for the first $20,000 of the verdict. However, here the attorney for the plaintiff, Debra Crystal of Harvey L. Walner & Assoc. has indicated she will attempt to collect the entire amount against the insurance company on a bad faith claim. She is alleging the insurance company acted in bad faith by not paying out the $20,000 policy and failing to protect the defendant from a verdict far in excess of the insurance policy. She will attempt to punish the insurance company for not paying on the claim prior to trial.

Continue reading "Illinois Auto Accident Verdict Should Send Message to Insurance Carriers" »

Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers from Abels & Assoc. just settled a workers' compensation case for the Chicago Area lineman pictured below. When he is out and about in Chicago he is often approached by football fans who think he is either Chicago Bear Cedric Bensen, or former Chicago Bear Tank Johnson.

While he certainly looks like a pro football player (6'6" and 250+ lbs), he is actually Kankakee, Illinois resident Andrew Bradley, and he is not a lineman for the Bears, but rather a lineman for AT&T. He is one of the brave guys up on the telephone poles making needed repairs.

He injured his shoulder while lifting a heavy object at work. He suffered a small tear to his supraspinatus tendon that will not require surgery. His work comp. case just settled for $25,000.