Plaintiffs involved in civil litigation, especially Chicago personal injury lawyers, may seek to voluntarily dismiss their case for a number of reasons. Because plaintiffs are required to keep the case moving forward, there are instances where it might make sense to dismiss the case and refile it at a later date. For instance, a plaintiff… Read More
No Punitive Damages in Illinois Wrongful Death or Survival Action
In a recent case that brought disappointment, but came as no surprise surprise to experienced Chicago wrongful death and personal injury lawyers, the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District reaffirmed the law in Illinois precluding punitive damages in wrongful death actions. Punitive damages are not permitted in Illinois wrongful death actions (brought by a decedent’s… Read More
Traumatic Brain Injury in Children
Any successful Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer representing a Child must develop a firm understanding of the medicine involved and impact a traumatic brain injury can have on children their family. What is Traumatic Brain Injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI), also called acquired brain injury or simply head injury, is caused by a sudden… Read More
Highest Jury Verdict Ever Reported in Illinois for Soft Tissue Damages to Elderly Plaintiff
Top Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers – Passen Powell Jenkins recently secured a jury verdict for its elderly clients, which set a new record as the largest verdict ever recorded in Illinois for “soft tissue” injuries to a plaintiff older than 60-years-old. On March 25, 2009, a Cook County, Illinois jury returned a verdict of $610,000 in favor… Read More
Doctor Owed No Duty to Warn Testing Volunteer of Abnormal Heart Test Results in Medical Malpractice Action
An Illinois appellate court recently affirmed a summary judgment dismissal of a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawsuit brought on behalf of the Estate of Victor Siwa (“Victor”), who died of heart condition. The medical malpractice and wrongful death complaint alleged that the defendant doctors and hospital failed to warn Victor of the seriousness of his abnormal… Read More
Top 10 Things To Do If You Are In A Car Accident: Advice From A Personal Injury Lawyer
This advice from Top Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers applies if you have been involved in an any type of motor vehicle accident. 10. Seek Medical Treatment Ok, you’ve just been in a car accident. Assuming you’re still conscious, the first thing to do is relax and assess your physical condition. If the accident is serious… Read More
Zero Damages for Disability and Loss of Normal Life Not Inconsistent With Positive Jury Award for Medical Expenses and Pain and Suffering
Proving damages sustained by injured plaintiffs and their family members is one of the most important skills required of experienced personal injury attorneys in Chicago and Illinois as a whole. Successful personal injury trial lawyers must be able to communicate persuasively to a jury support for each element of damages available under Illinois law in… Read More
Answering Requests To Admit Facts In Illinois
Qualified Chicago personal injury lawyers often engage in years of discovery before a case is settled or goes to trial. One of the most important tools of discovery available to personal injury attorneys in Illinois are requests for the admission of facts (“requests to admit”). Illinois Supreme Court Rule 216. This is especially true after… Read More
Re-Filed Willful and Wanton Claim Barred by Res Judicata After Dismissal of Negligence Claim
Chicago personal injury attorneys must become familiar with a recent Illinois Supreme Court decision, Hudson v. City of Chicago, 228 Ill. 2d 462 (Ill. 2008), before deciding to voluntarily dismiss an action pursuant to section 2-1009 of the Code of Civil Procedure (“Code”). On March 30, 1999, plaintiffs filed suit against the City of Chicago… Read More
Medical Malpractice Complaint Improperly Dismissed Based on Lack of Diligence in Obtaining Service
Attorneys in Illinois, notably Chicago medical malpractice lawyers, must exercise “reasonable diligence to obtain service on a defendant” after filing a lawsuit; otherwise, the case may be dismissed. Illinois Supreme Court Rule (“Rule”) 103(b). In Case v. Gallesburg Cottage Hosp., 227 Ill. 2d 207 (Ill. 2007), the Illinois Supreme Court held that a trial court… Read More
