Empty courthouse

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reform Not Yet Enacted

As we recently reported, reform of the Illinois workers’ compensation system is on the horizon and there has been a strong push by some legislators to amend the Workers’ Compensation Act (the “Act”) in ways that will reduce benefits for injured Illinois workers. Although reform still appears to be inevitable, Illinois workers dodged a bullet […]

Product Recall

New Consumer Product Safety Complaint Website

On March 11, 2011, the federal government launched a new website designed to keep consumers informed about dangerous products on the market. The website, a consumer products safety database, can be found here: www.saferproducts.gov. This site was created by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) pursuant to congressional mandate. The site allows consumers to submit […]

Gavel and stethoscope

Illinois House and Senate Approve Bill Banning Workers’ Comp For Employees Who Cause Accidents

The Illinois House and Senate recently voted on a bill that would result in the automatic denial of workers’ compensation claims for workers guilty of reckless homicide. This legislation was drafted in response to a recent claim by an Illinois State Trooper, Matt Mitchell, who filed a claim seeking benefits for injuries that he sustained […]

Man holding stethoscope bubble

Illinois Supreme Court Changes Rules Regarding Medical Liens

At the end of March, the Illinois Supreme Court handed down an important decision that dramatically changed the way that health care liens are handled in personal injury cases. Before Wendling v. Southern Illinois Hospital Services, Docket Nos. 110199, 110200 cons., the “common fund doctrine” applied to medical providers. Under this doctrine, medical providers were […]

Gavel and stethoscope

Proposed Illinois Legislation Would Decimate Workers’ Compensation

Last week, Illinois Representative John Bradley introduced House Bill 1032. This proposed legislation would effectively repeal the Workers’ Compensation Act, leaving injured workers to fend for themselves in Illinois circuit courts. The legislation was spurred, in part, by the threat of Caterpillar, Inc., a company that is one of the largest manufacturers in the state. […]

High school football players

NFL Players Prevail in Workers’ Comp Dispute

It’s safe to say that being a professional football player in the National Football League isn’t exactly an injury-free way to make a living. And, a serious injury can quickly put an end to what was once a very profitable career. It’s understandable then, that being justly compensated for on-the-job injuries is an issue of […]

Different beers

Graduation Parties And Supplying Alcohol To Minors

With spring approaching so is graduation season and with it graduation parties. Many people wonder about their responsibility and liability when they serve alcohol in their homes for a graduation party where minors and young adults are attending. The State of Illinois considers a host of the party to be a Social Host or those who supply alcohol gratuitously or out of courtesy or politeness.

Woman giving patience diagnostic

Reading The Fine Print at Your Doctor’s Office

When you go to the doctor you often have to sign forms including a consent for treatment. These forms usually include some fine print at the bottom that people do not always read. These forms can be considered to be “documents of adhesion”. This means that the services rendered are on their terms, in essence it is a “take-it or leave-it” basis with no opportunity to negotiate.

Gavel and stethoscope on a table

Towers Automotive: Illinois Court On Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Excess Hours Worked

The Appellate Court of Illinois, First District recently addressed the issue of whether Workers’ Compensation benefits can include hours worked in excess of a traditional work week. In other words, can benefits include compensation for overtime pay? In Tower Automotive v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, 2011 WL 341234, the claimant alleged that during the course […]

Flat screen TV

Legal TV Shows Make The Law Look Romantic

Several years ago the American Bar Association Journal ran a contest to name the 25 Greatest Legal TV Shows. Recently television show creator David E. Kelley talked about the public’s love affair with legal shows including his recently launched show Harry’s Law as well as his other law inspired shows Boston Legal and Ally McBeal.