Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were initially marketed as a safe alternative to smoking. We are now learning that was a lie. While the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use (“vaping”) is unclear, there are an increasing number of cases to suggest that vaping causes a whole host of life-threatening conditions, including pulmonary and gastrointestinal problems, “popcorn… Read More
Preventable Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Some of the most catastrophic motor vehicle accidents we see are collisions between passenger vehicles and semi-trailers or big rigs. These trucks weigh much more than passenger cars, so when there is a crash, occupants of the smaller vehicle tend to suffer disproportionately. Indeed, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2017 fatality statistics,… Read More
Distractions Lead to Highest Pedestrian Death Rate in Three Decades
According to a recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, a national nonprofit highway safety organization, the number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roadways in 2018 was the largest annual number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990. Specifically, the data revealed 6,227 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents last year, a 4% increase from the… Read More
Legionnaire’s Disease at VA Prompts Increase in IL Court of Claims Damages Cap to $2 Million
Ever since the 1970’s, civil damage awards against the State of Illinois were limited by the Court of Claims Act to $100,000. See 705 ILCS 505/8 (2009). That $100,000 damage cap figure is tied for lowest in the country. Since July 2015, thirteen residents at the Quincy Veterans Home have died while under the care… Read More
Distracted Driving Accidents
It may only take a few seconds to check your phone for a text message or open an email. But looking away from the road even momentarily can lead to a catastrophic accident. And the research backs this up. Recent statistics show that approximately one-quarter of all car accidents involve cell phone use — that’s… Read More
Brain Shunt Failures and Negligence
A brain shunt is used to remove a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid on the brain. When excess fluid develops, it increases the pressure inside the skull and can damage the brain. Symptoms of increased fluid on the brain include a headache, vomiting, and seizures. Eventually, brain damage and death can occur. Thousands of people… Read More
$1.125 Million UIM Settlement
Passen Law Group represented the estate of a man who was a pedestrian struck and killed by a car driven by a woman with inadequate insurance. Fortunately, our client had substantial Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage on his auto insurance policy. UM/UIM coverage allows you — in the event you or your family… Read More
Should Bicyclists be Required to Stop at Red Lights and Stop Signs?
As people grapple with increased traffic, especially in urban areas like Chicago, there has been a growth in the number of people commuting to and from work via bicycle. The city has improved its infrastructure to allow for more bike lanes and an increasing number of “Divvy” bikes. One question becomes: should all of the rules… Read More
Study on Car Crashes Shows Every Hour of Sleep Matters
Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of catastrophic injury and death in the United States. Various studies — as well as plain common sense — tell us that driver fatigue or drowsiness can lead to motor vehicle crashes. A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has quantified the relationship between… Read More
Public Safety Questions in Aftermath of TN School Bus Crash
Earlier this month, a school bus crash in Chattanooga, TN claimed the lives of five elementary school children and seriously injured twenty-three others. The driver of the school bus was evidently speeding when he lost control of the bus and crashed. He was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. Passen & Powell’s commercial vehicle accident… Read More
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