Zach’s Law, which was passed by the Illinois legislature this summer, protects children on soccer fields. In 2003, 6 year old Zach Tran became the 36th victim in the United States to die as the result of unsafe soccer goals; many more have been injured. The sad reality is that most of the goals that are in existence have been designed and manufactured using metal for the top and sidebars. This design makes these movable goals top-heavy and easy to tip over. Players of all ages, from grade school to adults, have been injured or killed when an unanchored goal fell on them.

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, (33 U.S.C.S. § 901 et seq,. is a federal law that protects and provides benefits for those injured while working on “navigable waters” and those engaged in a “traditional maritime activity.”

During the past decade gluten-free has become a $2.6 billion dollar industry. The problem is that many of the products that are labeled gluten-free vary greatly with the amount of gluten actually present. The 2004 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act mandated that the agency designate a federal standard for the term by 2008. […]

Illinois law already requires all front seat passengers and “children” under age 19 to wear seat belts. The new law requires any person, child or adult, riding in the backseat to buckle up.

The Amber Alert has become the gold standard in how police provide broadcasters with timely information about abductions—including photos and descriptions so word can be spread immediately to the entire community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of an abducted child. The decision to declare an AMBER Alert is made by each police organization, which investigates the abduction. Today, all 50 states and hundreds of cities have Amber Alert plans.

With the warm weather and summer approaching, there will be many seasonal jobs springing up. The question that can arise is can you be compensated by Workers’ Compensation if you are injured on the job as a seasonal worker whose average weekly wage is different from full-time workers who are not considered seasonal employees?

The comedian/actor Milton Berle Uncle Miltie once said If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” The comedian made a good point about the many demanding roles that stay-at-home mothers fulfill. Stay-at-home moms, also known as full-time mothers, work in roles ranging from caregiver for their children as well as elderly parents, to taxi driver, housekeeper and chef, to name just a few. Stay-at-home moms typically do not receive direct monetary compensation or a salary though their work benefits the entire family.

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. […]

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.

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.