Recent Blog Posts
Can a Motorcycle Passenger Sue for Injuries?
Riding on the back of a motorcycle can be exhilarating — but it also comes with serious risks. When a crash happens, motorcycle passengers are often the most vulnerable people on the road. If you were injured while riding as a passenger, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action — and who should be held responsible.
The short answer is: Yes, sometimes motorcycle crash victims in Illinois can sue for their injuries. In fact, they often have a stronger legal case than the driver. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you determine whether you want to take action.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Passenger’s Injuries?
Under Illinois law, injured passengers can file personal injury claims against any party whose negligence caused the crash. This may include:
- The driver of another vehicle who collided with the motorcycle
When Do I Need an Attorney in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
Workers’ compensation insurance exists to ensure that people who are injured on the job do not have to suffer financially during recovery. However, not all cases are black and white, and unfortunately, employers sometimes take advantage of their employees to diminish their responsibility. This is why knowing your rights is key. If you have questions about your ability to receive or continue receiving workers’ comp insurance payments after a workplace injury, an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the legal options available to you.
Does Every Workers’ Compensation Case Require an Attorney?
Not every work injury requires assistance from a legal representative. Sometimes, you can apply for and receive workers’ comp benefits without struggle. That may be true if your injury was minor, your employer is cooperative and admits that the injury occurred at work, or you missed very few work days because of the injury. Even if your situation is seemingly open and shut, it never hurts to reach out to a lawyer for a free consultation.
The Most Dangerous Motor Vehicle Accidents
Personal injury claims often deal with serious, sometimes life-changing accidents. Of these claims, motor vehicle accidents are some of the most common – and some of the most dangerous. If you or somebody you love has been injured in an auto collision, an Illinois personal injury attorney can help you hold the party at fault liable for damages.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have the skills and resources to help our clients through the process of filing a personal injury claim. Our lawyers will fight for full compensation for your injuries after an auto accident, refusing to accept low settlements from insurance companies and other liable parties.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents carry a higher rate of injury compared to most other vehicle accidents due to the forces involved in a crash. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries to the neck and back, which can result in permanent paralysis. Severe fractures may also result from rollover accidents, where a car is sent into a spin from a collision with a truck.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Illinois?
If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Most employers in Illinois are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation for workplace injuries, regardless of who was at fault. An Illinois workers’ comp attorney can walk you through the process of applying for workers’ comp, advocating for the payment you rightfully deserve.
Knowing what damages you can be paid for in a workers’ comp claim is important. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we will take the time to determine what benefits you qualify for so that you can get maximum compensation. As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, we have secured millions of dollars in hard-fought settlements and rulings for our clients.
Medical Expenses
A workers’ compensation claim can cover the cost of your injuries, including surgeries, physical therapy, and a visit to an urgent care center. In general, workers’ compensation will cover all treatment that is deemed "medically necessary" for your health and well-being. For instance, your employer might cover the cost of surgery for a broken back, plus the cost of pain medication and rehabilitation after the surgery.
Are You Getting The Most Out of Your Personal Injury Claim?
Whether you are dealing with the fallout of a car wreck, a slip-and-fall accident, or a medical malpractice case, recovering from your injuries can be expensive. If you have grounds to file a personal injury claim, getting an accurate estimate for the value of your claim is critical. An Illinois personal injury attorney can give you a full appraisal of your damages to push for maximum compensation.
As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC has the resources and experience to fight for your rights in a personal injury claim. Our attorneys will take the time to learn about your circumstances and investigate your case so that we can effectively advocate for you.
A full personal injury claim should factor in the totality of your damages. When you work with our firm, we will look at every affected area of your life to make sure you are getting the most out of your claim.
My Workers’ Comp Claim Got Denied. What Can I Do?
Workers’ comp is intended as a safety net for injuries on the job. In fact, it is estimated that at least 91 percent of Illinois employees are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. However, there are cases where claims get denied, leaving injured employees out in the cold. If your claim for compensation has been denied, an Illinois workers’ comp attorney can help you take legal action.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our lawyers are ready to assist you after a denied claim. As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, we have the resources to pursue a fair remedy for your damages.
Why Do Claims Get Denied?
What separates personal injury claims from workers’ comp claims is fault. In a workers’ compensation claim, you do not have to prove that anybody else caused your injury to get paid. This means that there are limited grounds on which workers’ comp can be denied.
Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Claims
Getting paid out for an injury caused by another person’s negligence can be a headache. Most people are not familiar with the legal processes that go into filing a personal injury claim, which leaves them open to shady tactics by insurance companies. A skilled Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you overcome the hurdles in your way, providing sound guidance as you file a claim.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have the experience and resources to help you get the compensation you deserve. When you work with our firm, we will devote our full attention to your case, compiling key evidence for your claim.
Waiting Too Long to File
In Illinois, all personal injury claims are bound by a time limit known as the statute of limitations. If you have been hurt due to another person’s careless or reckless actions, you only have two years to take legal action against the liable party. This deadline will come up faster than you may expect, so it is crucial that you file a claim early on before the statute expires.
How Can I Get Survivor Benefits After a Fatal Workplace Accident?
When your loved one never comes home from work after a deadly accident, the resulting grief can be crushing. Alongside your anguish, you may also be dealing with newfound financial woes due to the loss of income to your household. A supportive Joliet, IL workers’ compensation attorney can help you get compensation through survivor benefits, affording you financial security for years to come.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we have extensive experience securing workers’ compensation on behalf of injured employees and their families. In past cases, we have secured millions in verdicts for our clients through intense negotiation. As the largest and most diverse firm in Will County, we have the resources to handle any case that comes to our office, and we provide all of our clients with individual attention.
Eligibility
Before you apply for survivor benefits, you should make sure that you are eligible to collect compensation. In Illinois, only the spouse and minor children of the deceased worker are able to receive survivor benefits. An exception may be made for children up to age 22 provided that they are full-time students. Moreover, you have a three-year deadline to submit an application for survivor benefits.
Common Premises Liability Cases in Illinois
If you are hurt due to a property owner’s negligence, you may have strong grounds for a premises liability case, a type of personal injury claim. To file a successful premises liability claim, you must generally prove that you were legally allowed on the property, that the owner failed to reasonably address a known hazard, and that you were injured by said hazard.
You may not be aware of what does and does not constitute a case of premises liability. A Naperville, IL personal injury lawyer can inform you of your rights and help you get compensation if you have grounds for a claim. The attorneys at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC have secured millions of dollars in verdicts for clients in past cases, as we refuse to back down in negotiations with businesses, insurance companies, and other liable parties.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents serve as the classic example of premises liability. This is common with restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, where the risk of a liquid spill is higher. A property owner has a responsibility to clear the hazard or at least issue a clear warning – often observed in the form of ‘wet floor’ signs. Broken floor tiles, faulty steps, and poor lighting can also create a slip and fall hazard.
Dealing With Catastrophic Injury in Factory Accidents
Factory work often entails hard labor with a high risk of injury. In the worst-case scenario, you could end up permanently disabled after a factory accident, forcing you out of work and depriving you of an income. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury at your job, an attorney can hold your employer accountable and fight for your right to financial aid.
At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, our DuPage County, IL workers’ compensation lawyers are committed to helping injured factory workers recover the compensation they are owed. In one stand-out case result, we successfully secured $2.4 million for a client who was critically injured on a scissor lift.
Types of Catastrophic Injury
"Catastrophic injury" is a general term that describes life-altering injuries with long-term or permanent effects. Not all catastrophic injuries are sustained in a single dramatic accident. Sometimes, harsh conditions in the workplace can lead to the body breaking down over time. Common examples of catastrophic injuries in a factory setting include:
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
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