Posted on March 31, 2023 in Construction Accidents

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Construction workers are required to work with massive machinery, atop dizzyingly high structures, and in very unstable environments. They are prone to a variety of serious injuries that can lead to disability or death.

Equipment or machine malfunctions, struck-by accidents, severe falls, and structural collapses are just some of the ways that construction workers may suffer catastrophic injuries. Amputations are one of the most damaging injuries construction works can sustain on the job.

Severe Injuries Leading to Amputation of a Limb

When a hand, foot, arm, or leg is severely injured in a construction accident, there may be nothing that doctors can do to save the injured body part. The only option may be amputation of the injured limb. This surgery can have a huge impact on a worker’s life, as they may no longer be able to do their job or even perform basic everyday tasks. The worker may suffer from excruciating pain, numbness, or even "phantom limb syndrome," a condition in which the patient feels as if their amputated limb is still there.

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 Posted on March 16, 2023 in Truck Accidents

Few would argue that driving a semi-truck across the country is not a physically and emotionally taxing job. However, commercial truck drivers still have an ethical responsibility and a legal obligation to drive safely. Car accidents involving large commercial trucks often lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

One of the most concerning issues involving commercial truck accidents is the prevalence of drug and alcohol use use behind the wheel. If you or a loved one were involved in a commercial truck accident and you suspect that the truck driver may have been intoxicated, consult with a truck accident injury lawyer right away. You may be entitled to restitution.

Studies Suggest Truck Drivers May Use Drugs and Alcohol to Cope with Work Stress

One of the hardest parts about being a commercial truck driver is the unusual work schedule. Drivers often drive for long hours and must find time to sleep whenever they can. Their work schedules may change significantly from week to week, making it difficult to maintain a regular sleep-wake rhythm. Unfortunately, some drivers cope with this issue by using drugs or alcohol.

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 Posted on February 23, 2023 in Car Accidents

While there are many injuries that a victim could suffer in a car accident, some are more severe than others. Life-altering and life-threatening injuries can result in extreme financial losses and may even cause financial devastation for the victim and their family, not to mention the severe physical and mental effects. If you have suffered a traumatic injury, a qualified personal injury attorney can help you pursue the most compensation possible.

Severe Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common injuries in car crashes, and they can be deadly because they are easy to overlook. Victims may not have an open wound, bruise, or bump. In fact, a victim might not have even hit his or her head since a traumatic brain injury can be caused by a sudden jarring of the brain, not necessarily a blow to the head. If you notice symptoms of confusion, loss of consciousness, persistent headaches, or other strange symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately. A victim could also sustain a skull fracture or a penetrating head wound, both of which could be fatal, especially when not promptly treated.

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 Posted on February 10, 2023 in Personal Injury

A car accident can have serious consequences, especially when the person who caused the accident was driving while drunk. Physical injury, emotional trauma, vehicle damage, and long-term medical care are all too common after a bad drunk driving incident. Although the drunk driver is often the person facing a lawsuit, the bar at which the driver got drunk may, under certain circumstances, also be held responsible for the accident. If you have suffered personal injury in a car crash caused by someone driving under the influence, an experienced Chicago personal injury can help you take legal action. 

What Is Illinois’ Dram Shop Law? 

All states have laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors, or so-called “dram shop” laws. Most states, including Illinois, combine these laws with statutes that allow bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve and sell alcohol to an intoxicated person to be held liable for injuries caused by that person’s actions when they leave the premises. 

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 Posted on February 07, 2023 in Car Accidents

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists often have to share the same roads. When motorists fail to obey traffic laws and pay attention to their surroundings, they may hit pedestrians or cyclists, causing catastrophic accidents. A human body is no match for a motor vehicle, and pedestrian accident victims are often left with severe, life-changing injuries. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, it is important to understand your legal options fully.

Pedestrian Crashes Caused by Negligent Drivers

Part of being a responsible driver is remaining cautious of other people on the roads. Many pedestrian crashes are caused by distracted driving. Pedestrian accidents may occur because a driver is absorbed in their smartphone, looking down at the car’s GPS system, distracted by passengers, or simply daydreaming. Drivers intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications may also present dangers to pedestrians. Speeding, running a red light, or other traffic violations can result in devastating pedestrian injuries as well. If you or a loved one were involved in a pedestrian crash caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

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 Posted on January 23, 2023 in Personal Injury

In 2018, the news broke that a company in the Chicago suburbs had been releasing ethylene oxide, a toxic gas, into the community, potentially putting residents at risk. Sterigenics, which operated a medical device sterilization facility located in Willowbrook, was accused of failing to take the proper measures to protect public safety, and it has faced a large number of personal injury lawsuits by people who claimed that they contracted cancer or other conditions after living or working near the facility. Recently, Sotera Health, the parent company of Sterigenics, reached a settlement agreement that would allow it to resolve nearly all of these lawsuits.

What Is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas that has been used for decades as a sterilizing and fumigation agent in a variety of industries. It is used in the medical device industry to sterilize single-use instruments, surgical gowns and drapes, endoscopes, and other medical items. While ethylene oxide can be an effective sterilization agent, it is also highly toxic. Some studies have found that ethylene oxide can cause cancer and other serious health conditions if people are exposed to it over long periods of time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared that ethylene oxide is a hazardous air pollutant.

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 Posted on January 12, 2023 in Personal Injury

In the 1980s and 90s, the primary safety messages for drivers were aimed at lowering the number of people killed by drunk drivers. In today’s world, drinking and driving is still something we educate drivers about, but another danger that may not be as obvious lurks in the shadows: distracted driving. According to federal estimates, more than 3,000 motorists and passengers are killed in distracted driving accidents in average year in the United States. If you have been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, understanding what caused the accident may help you obtain compensation.

Common Types of Driving Distractions

When you think of a driving distraction, your mind likely jumps to a cell phone or other electronic device. While these are some of the most common distractions for drivers, there are many different types of distractions that a variety of things can cause. For example, things both inside and outside of the vehicle can pose as distractions.

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 Posted on January 06, 2023 in Personal Injury

Construction workers have incredibly important and incredibly dangerous jobs. Building and repairing structures and roads often requires workers to use dangerous equipment, climb to great heights, or work in deep trenches. Safety precautions can prevent most accidents, but construction site injuries and deaths can still occur. In fact, about 20 percent of worker fatalities in the United States occur in the construction industry.  

If you were injured while working in construction, it is important to understand your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your lost income and medical bills. Depending on the circumstances of the injury, you may also be able to pursue a third-party claim and seek further damages.

Injuries From Construction Accidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established strict safety regulations for the construction industry. Unfortunately, these standards are not always followed. Mistakes and carelessness can lead to preventable accidents in which workers and bystanders are severely injured.

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 Posted on December 23, 2022 in Personal Injury

More than five million people in the United States have some form of paralysis. People’s lives are forever changed when they lose the ability to move part or all of their body. A car crash is one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis which can be physically difficult. Adapting to your new way of life can also be challenging psychologically. If you or a loved one was paralyzed due to a car crash, and the injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the responsible driver.

Recognizing Paralysis

Paralysis occurs when someone is unable to make voluntary muscle movements. The ability to control your body after a spinal cord injury hinges on the severity of the injury and what part of the spinal cord sustains the injury. The impact of a car crash often injures the spinal cord and although you may not feel the pain right away you should see a doctor right away. These are some signs and symptoms that something is not right:

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 Posted on December 22, 2022 in Personal Injury

If you have an abnormal heart rhythm you may need a pacemaker to maintain a consistent heart rate. You trust that the device implanted into your body is safe and efficient. However, if a pacemaker is not properly manufactured or tested, it can cause serious injuries or even death. At Schwartz Injury Law we represent the interests of our clients who have suffered injuries due to a defective medical device.

Defective Medical Products Can Cause Irreparable Damage

Doctors will implant pacemakers near the heart so that they deliver electrical shocks and impulses. This is designed to maintain a normal heart rate. Despite strict regulations by the Food and Drug Administration, time pressures and tight budgets can force a manufacturer to rush a device to market before it is thoroughly tested.

Unfortunately, it usually takes several reports of injuries or harmful effects before a recall is issued. That can lead a defective medical product to injure hundreds or thousands of people before something is done to address the problem.

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