In the past we’ve discussed distracted driving, in the context of texting bans and the use of iPads in cars. And, I think we can all agree that in an ideal world, when driving, people should focus only on the road. This proposition makes sense, both for purposes of our own safety and the safety […]

Be careful with that scalding hot cup of coffee or tea that you just bought. If you spill it and sustain third degree burns, you may be severely injured and out of luck. That’s the unfortunate lesson to be learned from a recent federal court decision. In Moltner v. Starbucks Coffee Co, No. 09-4943, the […]

Being pulled over for drinking and driving is not the same as it was 10 or 20 years ago; in the past you could go to court and it would cost you a few hundred dollars as a fine, court supervision, 30 days of AA meeting attendance and a commitment not to do it again.

Today the consequences are much more severe. The State of Illinois is not taking Drinking and Driving lightly. The State can revoke your driving privileges if you are pulled over and they ask you to take a breathalyzer test.

I notice many people are still using their hand held cell phones for calling and texting while driving in the city. As you may know, Illinois is one of six states that allow localities to determine their own laws regarding cellular phone use while driving. Chicago is one of the cities that have chosen to enact hands free legislation and make driving while using a cellular device illegal.

As the year comes to an end, I caution you to adhere to some of the “Vehicular Phone Laws” that went into effect in 2010. It’s about more than just getting a ticket; it is about getting into an accident. I bet you didn’t know that texting while driving is comparable to having 4 shots of tequila, and talking on the cell phone while driving is the same as having 2 shots, and, if you are in a heated conversation, you may as well have had a couple of beers with those shots because chances are you are not paying attention to your driving.

Text messaging is

A few weeks ago we discussed a number of recent recalls affecting children, including recalls involving Similac infant formula and cadmium tainted jewelry. Since then, there have been more recalls of products targeted toward children, some of the most vulnerable members of our society. First, just before Halloween, a number of candy products were recalled, […]

The United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit recently handed down an interesting decision regarding foreseeability stemming from an Illinois personal injury lawsuit. At issue in Reynolds v. CS Sports Bar Inc., No. 09-3753, was whether the plaintiff’s allegations regarding the foreseeability of her injuries were sufficient to survive a motion to dismiss. […]

Here’s what other personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers have been talking about over the past few weeks: “Cost of Auto Accidents” Day on Torts “Defendants Win Summary Judgment in Peanut Butter Salmonella Cases” Mass Tort Defense “Is The Workers’ Compensation Lien Really Bulletproof?” New York Personal Injury Law Blog “NJ Denies Occupational Workers Compensation […]

The workers’ compensation system was designed to provide certainty for injured workers in the event of a workplace injury. In exchange for certain benefits, the law does not allow a direct lawsuit against the employer at common law. The unfortunate truth about Workers’ Compensation cases is that employees often times find themselves pitted against the […]

The statue of which president is in Chicago’s Lincoln Park? President Grant. What Chicago street has addresses that can be North, South, East and/or West? Wacker Drive – you can also have upper and lower Wacker Drive. Between the Cubs and White Sox, which was the first team to appear in the World Series? Both […]

What is a Class Action law suit? This is when multiple parties have a common cause of action and they are collectively filing a lawsuit together. The reason for filing together or as in a Class Action is, in many instances, it is not economical to file individual claims, and the impact can be greater by submitting the claims together. Over the past few years changes have been made in the rules; now consumer organizations may bring claims on behalf of large groups of consumers.