On Monday, the world was yet again shocked by the deaths of American miners in an underground mining accident. This time, the event was reportedly caused by an explosion resulting from the ignition of built-up methane gas. At least 25 miners lost their lives, making this the worst mining disaster in over two decades. Four… Read More
Symptoms and Permanent Consequences of TBI
Our Chicago brain injury lawyers continue this week’s discussion of traumatic brain injury (TBI), in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, with a discussion of the symptoms and effects of TBI. As discussed previously, traumatic brain injuries are caused by a blunt trauma to the head — often a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls,… Read More
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
March is national Brain Injury Awareness Month. This week, our Chicago brain injury lawyers will discuss various aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including causes, symptoms, statistics and prevention. Traumatic brain injuries are sudden, devastating and life-changing events. In the context of a catastrophic truck accident or several-story construction fall, the magnitude of the brain… Read More
Illinois Govt. Finds Cancer Cluster from Crestwood Water Well
Every once in a while our Chicago personal injury lawyers come across a story that epitomizes the need for civil accountability for practices which endanger our public health. Today’s Chicago Tribune reported that the Illinois Department of Public Health conducted a study of cancer rates in Crestwood between 1994 and 2006, after an April 2009… Read More
Chicago Worker Killed in Loop Gas Explosion Accident
Our Chicago construction accident attorneys are all too familiar with the potential hazards faced by Chicago construction and utility workers. Yesterday, tragedy struck two such workers and their families. According to several news reports, one worker is dead and another was critically injured following an explosion in a construction hole in the Chicago West Loop. … Read More
No ‘Relation Back’ in Personal Injury Complaint Adding Employer Defendant
People sometimes wonder why it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you suspect an injury was caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another. One important reason is to identify all possible defendants before the statute of limitations (the time in which a lawsuit must be filed)… Read More
Injured Hockey Trainer’s Negligence Lawsuit Not Barred by Contact Sports Exception
As a former competitive hockey player (and current men’s league player), any hockey-related legal opinions peak my interest. As a personal injury attorney in Chicago, I also make certain to stay abreast of personal injury-related legal news. Which is why I found the recent Illinois appellate court decision, Weisberg v. Chicago Steel, No. 2-08-0789 (Ill…. Read More
Court Reverses $12.5 Million Verdict Based on Lawyer’s Inflammatory Comments at Trial
A recent case decided by the Illinois appellate court stresses the importance of personal injury attorneys showing restraint in arguing a case to a jury, especially in cases where the defense has admitted fault. In Pleasance v. City of Chicago, No. 1-08-1510 (Ill. App. Ct 1st Dist. Dec. 14, 2009), the Illinois appellate court overturned… Read More
Wisconsin Ski Lift Accident Injures 14 People
A recent accident at the Devil’s Head ski resort in Wisconsin highlights an often-overlooked danger on ski slopes: defective ski lifts. For a Free Consultation with a top Chicago injury attorney, call Passen & Powell at (312) 527-4500. On December 17, 2009, a “massive” mechanical failure involving a ski lift’s gearbox and back-up systems resulted… Read More
BP Hit With Record Fines and Judgment Relating to Unsafe Refinery
At the end of October, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) levied a record-breaking $87.4 million fine against British Petroleum (BP) for failure to correct safety violations after a 2005 explosion at its Texas City, Texas refinery. Fifteen people were killed in the explosion, and 170 others were injured. To contact a top explosion… Read More