Chicago Personal Injury Blog

How Can I Find a Qualified Injury Lawyer for Rivergrove, Illinois

2012-01-06T11:39:00.005-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is in the neighborhood. Actually, though, this may not be the best option. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Rivergrove?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Rivergrove, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Rivergrove and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at http://www.stotisandbaird.com/. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Finding a Great Personal Injury Lawyer for Chicago Heights, Illinois

2012-01-06T11:29:00.006-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Chicago Heights?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Chicago Heights, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Chicago Heights, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at http://www.stotisandbaird.com/. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Find a Great Personal Injury Lawyer for Justice, Illinois

2011-12-12T13:04:00.007-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Justice?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Justice, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Justice, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Hiring a Great Personal Injury Lawyer in Rosemont, Illinois

2011-12-12T12:29:00.006-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is in the neighborhood. Actually, though, this may not be the best option. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Rosemont?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Rosemont, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Rosemont and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Your Car Accident Was in Stickney -Your Lawyer Doesn’t Have to Be

2011-12-12T11:56:00.009-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Stickney?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Stickney, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Stickney, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Where Schiller Park Residents Can Find a Great Personal Injury Lawyer

2011-12-12T11:36:00.006-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is in the neighborhood. Actually, though, this may not be the best option. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Schiller Park?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Schiller Park, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Schiller Park and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Why Would a Hanover Park Resident Hire a Chicago Lawyer?

2011-12-12T11:21:00.007-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Hanover Park?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be practical for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Hanover Park, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Hanover Park and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at http://www.stotisandbaird.com/. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com

How Can I Find a Qualified Injury Lawyer for Calumet City, Illinois

2011-12-12T11:12:00.005-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Calumet City?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Calumet City, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Calumet City, and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Finding a Great Personal Injury Lawyer for Dixmoor, Illinois

2011-12-12T10:49:00.006-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Dixmoor?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Dixmoor, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Dixmoor, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Your Car Accident Was in Dolton -Your Lawyer Doesn’t Have to Be

2011-11-23T16:02:00.003-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Dolton?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Dolton, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Dolton, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer for Berkeley, Illinois

2011-11-23T15:48:00.006-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is in the neighborhood. Actually, though, this may not be the best option. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Berkeley?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Berkeley, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Berkeley and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at http://www.stotisandbaird.com/. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Your Car Accident Was in Park Forest -Your Lawyer Doesn’t Have to Be

2011-11-11T11:56:00.003-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Park Forest?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Park Forest, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Park Forest, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Where Bensenville Residents Can Find a Great Personal Injury Lawyer

2011-11-11T11:35:00.003-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is in the neighborhood. Actually, though, this may not be the best option. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Bensenville?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Bensenville, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Bensenville and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Hiring a Great Personal Injury Lawyer in Cicero, Illinois

2011-11-10T13:59:00.004-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is in the neighborhood. Actually, though, this may not be the best option. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Cicero?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Cicero, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Cicero and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

How Can I Find a Qualified Injury Lawyer for Melrose Park, Illinois

2011-11-10T13:42:00.003-06:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Melrose Park?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Melrose Park, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Melrose Park, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Finding a Great Personal Injury Lawyer for Posen, Illinois

2011-11-03T13:44:00.003-05:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Posen?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Posen, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.
For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Posen, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer for Prospect Heights, Illinois

2011-11-03T10:41:00.002-05:00

Many people think that it makes sense to hire a lawyer whose office is nearby. Actually, though, this may not be true. Let’s say that you are involved in a car accident in Cook County, Illinois. You are injured and you need a lawyer. Why not just hire someone in Prospect Heights?

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Prospect Heights, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.
For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Prospect Heights, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Campaign Zero - Families for Patient Safety

2011-09-20T17:23:00.003-05:00

We recently came across a great web site which provides information about reducing deadly medical errors. Campaign Zero's mission is to reduce preventable medical errors by educating patients on common problems. The site includes advocacy tips and recommendations about common medical errors including falls, infection, bed sores, medication errors and many others. Best of all, it includes checklists that patients can use to review their care and be aware of possible issues. You can learn more at http://www.campaignzero.org/.

Stotis & Baird also maintains a links page for resources that may be helfpul to our clients. Feel free to check it out.

How Can I Find a Qualified Injury Lawyer for Midlothian, Illinois

2011-09-19T17:27:00.009-05:00

• Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

• The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located. You should not need to pay more than 1/3 in most cases.

• You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

• Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

• Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Midlothian, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

If you have been involved in a car accident, check out our the Midlothian Car Accident Resource Guide on our main web page. The article includes links and information specifically for Midlothian, Illinois.

For other tips and suggestions to get the best legal representation, check out the article Pick a Personal Injury Lawyer on our web site.

Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers have an excellent record of successful verdicts and settlements for clients in Midlothian, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area. Visit our web site to get more information about coping with a personal injury, and information about our firm at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird Chartered handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including trucking collisions, nursing home neglect, car accidents, medical malpractice cases and products liability matters.

Medication Errors - How to Avoid Being a Victim

2011-09-14T11:43:00.003-05:00

Stotis & Baird attorney Eric Parker recently wrote an article title Medication Errors - How You Can Avoid Being a Victim for the Chicago Brige Blog. The Chicago Bridge is a group of young professionals in the field of aging. Eric is a regular contributor to the blog. Your can view the article by clicking the link below.

Medication Errors Article

Find a Car Accident Lawyer for Robbins, Illinois

2011-09-07T17:44:00.004-05:00

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. It may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. Our practice specializes in representing people who have sustained serious injuries. It would be unfair for us to expect our clients to come to always come to us.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Robbins, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

Check out our Car Accident Resource Guide with specific information and links for accidents in Robbins, Illinois.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Robbins, Markham, Midlothian, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Family Recovers 2.8 Million from Markham Car Accident

2011-08-09T17:04:00.006-05:00

Stotis & Baird was recently able to reach a settlement of over $2.8 million on behalf of a south suburban family whose son was badly injured in a car accident. The accident happened, when a drunk driver, traveling the wrong way on I-57 crashed into the car in Markham, Illinois. To make matters worse, paramedics failed to recognize that there were any survivors in the crash. Only later, did they find the victim who was suffering from a brain injury. The delay made a bad situation even worse. Identifying the mistakes and proving them was a long a highly contested battle. If you would like to read the details, you can read the full story on our main website.

For more information about finding a great personal injury lawyer for accidents in Markham, Illinois, click here. To view our Markham, Illinois Car Accident Recource Guide, click here.

Hiring a Great Personal Injury Lawyer in Markham, Illinois

2011-08-08T17:23:00.003-05:00

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Markham, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

Check out our Markham, Illinois Car Accident Resource Guide.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Markham, the South Suburbs and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Alsip Car Accident Resource Guide

2011-08-02T17:40:00.003-05:00

As a busy metropolitan area, Alsip, Illinois has a number of dangerous intersections, including 123^rd and Pulaski and 123^rd and Cicero. Use caution when you drive and be safe. Unfortunately, that isn’t always enough. Sometimes another driver is not so careful. People often ask their lawyer what they should do if they are involved in a car accident. The general answers are the same throughout the state of Illinois, but it can help to have information that is specific to your community. Here is some information about what to do when you are in an accident. We are also including links to links to resources in Alsip that may be of assistance.

Call the Police

Any time you are involved in a car accident, you need to call the police. Which police you call depends on where the accident occurs. Interstates 294 and 57 pass through the Alsip area. If your accident occurs on the interstate, you should contact the Illinois State Police. If the collision happens anywhere else, you should contact the Alsip Police Department at 1-708-385-6902. You can get more information on the Alsip Police Department web site, Obviously, if there are serious injuries, you should call 911.

If You Are Injured

If you are injured, that is the first priority. Tell the police officer that you are injured and alert them if you need an ambulance. If you are unsure of the extent of the injuries, it is best to get checked out by the paramedics and, possibly the hospital. In an emergency situation, you may not have much choice about where you will be taken. After the emergency has passed, however, take time to get the best medical care possible.

Pick and Excellent Doctor or Hospital

In the South Suburbs, there are a lot of good hospitals and doctors. When you are injured in a collision, the most important thing is to get excellent medical care. Don’t assume that the best care is the closest to you. Be willing to travel a bit to get the best qualified doctors. Here is a link to hospitals near Alsip and some information about their quality ratings from U.S. News and World Report. The Illinois Department of Public Health also publishes a list of licensed trauma centers, many of which are near Alsip, Illinois. If you are not obtaining treatment because you can’t afford it – you should seek guidance from a lawyer as soon as possible. There may be insurance coverage or public benefits that can help you.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Whether or not the accident was your fault, you should notify your insurance company of the accident. Many insurance policies will exclude coverage for the collision if you do not report it within 30 days. Even though the other driver was at fault, you may need to use one or more benefits from your insurance policy – such as rental car coverage or medical payments coverage. If you are going to have a personal injury claim, it is best not to talk to the insurance company for the other driver until you have consulted with a lawyer.

Get Your Car Fixed

Insurance companies will sometimes try to steer you toward a shop that they prefer. If you like their shop, that’s fine – but generally speaking, you have the right to go to any repair shop of your choice. Take a moment to make sure you are going to a reputable shop. Here is a link to Auto Body Shops listed with the Better Business Bureau for Alsip, Illinois.

Get an Attorney If You Need One

Not all car accidents require an attorney. If your car is damaged and the company works with you to fix it, you should be able to manage this on your own. If you have a serious personal injury from the accident, it is likely that you will legal need help to get fair compensation. Picking a good personal injury lawyer is very important. As with doctors, keep in mind that the best lawyer may not be in your neighborhood. Be willing to travel a little to find an experienced lawyer. Some lawyers (including Stotis and Baird) will agree to come out to Alsip to meet with you.

Understand Attorney’s Fees

Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee – meaning that you do not pay unless you make a recovery. The typical fee is 1/3 and you should not need to pay a higher fee than that. Understanding how contingency fees work is important.

If you have additional questions about what to do after a car accident – please feel free to call us: Stotis & Baird Chartered – 312-461-1000. Serving Blue Island and the rest of the Chicagoland area – 200 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 1050, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or visit us on the web at www.stotisandbaird.com. Aritcle by Eric Parker, injury attorney with Stotis & Baird Chartered.

Finding a Great Personal Injury Lawyer for Alsip, Illinois

2011-08-01T17:45:00.005-05:00

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

The most important factor in hiring a lawyer is to find an experienced lawyer with a proven track record for getting results.

Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

You will rarely need to come downtown. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true even if find a lawyer in Alsip. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city – regardless of where your lawyer’s office is located.

Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be possible for you to get to the city.

Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Alsip, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Alsip and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Your Car Accident Was in Harvey – Your Lawyer Doesn’t Have to Be

2011-07-21T17:26:00.004-05:00

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· You won’t have to come downtown often. it may be necessary for you to come downtown for a deposition and possibly for a trial. This is true regardless of where your lawyer has his or her office. Generally, though, those will be the only two times you will need to come to the city.

Initial Consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. That means, a history of successful trials and settlements. If you can find that lawyer in Harvey, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Riverdale, and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

Riverdale Car Accident Resource Guide

2011-07-19T09:20:00.003-05:00

As a busy metropolitan area, Riverdale has a number of dangerous intersections, like 144^th and Halsted. Use caution when you drive and be safe. Unfortunately, that isn’t always enough. Sometimes another driver is not so careful. People often ask their lawyer what they should do if they are involved in a car accident. The general answers are the same throughout the state of Illinois, but it can help to have information that is specific to your community. Here is some information about what to do when you are in an accident. We are also including links to resources in Riverdale that may be of assistance.

Call the Police

Any time you are involved in a car accident, you need to call the police. Which police you call depends on where the accident occurs. Interstates 57, 94 and 294 are each pass near Riverdale. If your accident occurs on the interstate, you should contact the Illinois State Police. If the collision happens anywhere else, you should contact the Riverdale Police Department at 708-841-2203. You can get more information on their web site. Obviously, if there are serious injuries, you should call 911.

If You Are Injured

Pick and Excellent Doctor or Hospital

As a part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Riverdale residents have a lot of choices for medical care. When you are injured in a collision, the most important thing is to get excellent medical care. Don’t assume that the best care is the closest to you. Be willing to travel a bit to get the best qualified doctors. U.S. News and World Report provides some information about hospitals near Riverdale and information about their quality ratings. . The Illinois Department of Public Health also publishes a list of licensed trauma centers, many of which are near Riverdale. If you are not obtaining treatment because you can’t afford it – you should seek guidance from an attorney or another professional as soon as possible. There may be insurance coverage or public benefits that can help you.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Whether or not the accident was your fault, you should notify your insurance company of the accident. May insurance policies will exclude coverage for the collision if you do not report it within 30 days. Even though the other driver was at fault, you may need to use one or more benefits from your insurance policy – such as rental car coverage or medical payments coverage. If you are going to need a lawyer, it is best not to talk to the insurance company for the other driver until you have consulted with an attorney.

Get Your Car Fixed

Get an Attorney If You Need One

Not all car accidents require an attorney. If your car is damaged and the company works with you to fix it, you should be able to manage this on your own. If you have a serious injury from the accident, it is likely that you will need legal help to get fair compensation. Picking a good personal injury lawyer is very important. As with doctors, keep in mind that the best lawyer may not be in your neighborhood. Be willing to travel a little to find an experienced lawyer. Some lawyers will agree to come out to Riverdale and meet with you there if you are injured and unable to come downtown.

Understand Attorney’s Fees

If you have additional questions about what to do after a car accident – please feel free to call us: Stotis & Baird Chartered – 312-461-1000. Serving Riverdale and the rest of the Chicagoland area – 200 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 1050, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or visit us on the web at www.stotisandbaird.com. Aritcle by Eric Parker, injury attorney with Stotis & Baird Chartered. www.stotis-baird.com/eric_parker.html

Where Riverdale Residents Can Find a Great Personal Injury Lawyer

2011-07-19T09:16:00.003-05:00

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Riverdale, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

Blue Island Car Accident Resource Guide

2011-07-07T16:57:00.005-05:00

As a busy metropolitan area, Blue Island has a number of dangerous intersections, including 119^th & Western, 127^th & Gregory and 127^th & Kedzie. Use caution when you drive and be safe. Unfortunately, that isn’t always enough. Sometimes another driver is not so careful. People often ask their lawyer what they should do if they are involved in a car accident. The general answers are the same throughout the state of Illinois, but it can help to have information that is specific to your community. Here is some information about what to do when you are in an accident. We are also including links to links to resources in Blue Island that may be of assistance.

Call the Police

Any time you are involved in a car accident, you need to call the police. Which police you call depends on where the accident occurs. Two interstates pass through the Blue Island area: 294 and 57. If your accident occurs on the interstate, you should contact the Illinois State Police. If the collision happens anywhere else, you should contact the Blue Island Police Department at 708-597-8601. Obviously, if there are serious injuries, you should call 911.

If You Are Injured

Pick and Excellent Doctor or Hospital

As a part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Blue Island residents have a lot of choices for medical care. When you are injured in a collision, the most important thing is to get excellent medical care. Don’t assume that the best care is the closest to you. Be willing to travel a bit to get the best qualified doctors. U.S. News and World Report publishes a list of hospitals near Blue Island along with some quality ratings information. The Illinois Department of Public Health also publishes a list of licensed trauma centers, many of which are near Blue Island. If you are not obtaining treatment because you can’t afford it – you should seek guidance from an attorney or another professional as soon as possible. There may be insurance coverage or public benefits that can help you.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Get Your Car Fixed

Insurance companies will sometimes try to steer you toward a shop that they prefer. If you like their shop, that’s fine – but generally speaking, you have the right to go to any repair shop of your choice. Take a moment to make sure you are going to a reputable shop, such as a Blue Island repair shop recommended by the Better Business Bureau.

Get an Attorney If You Need One

Not all car accidents require an attorney. If your car is damaged and the company works with you to fix it, you should be able to manage this on your own. If you have a serious injury from the accident, it is likely that you will legal need help to get fair compensation. Picking a good personal injury lawyer is very important. As with doctors, keep in mind that the best lawyer may not be in your neighborhood. Be willing to travel a little to find an experienced lawyer. Some lawyers will agree to come out to Blue Island and meet with you there if you are injured and unable to come downtown.

Understand Attorney’s Fees

What Costs Can You Get If You Win a Lawsuit?

2011-07-06T11:09:00.002-05:00

After you win a lawsuit, the defendant is supposed to pay some of your costs associated with the lawsuit, like the filing fees. There are some other costs that are allowed, and others that have been rejected by the courts. Brion Doherty wrote an article about it for the Chicago Bar Association's "Tort Reporter."

http://www.chicagobar.org/AM/CommitteePages/tortreporter/10_costs.asp

Good Legal Writing Tips

2011-07-05T13:19:00.003-05:00

Lawyers have been re-examining the way they write for some time now. The old way is too hard to understand. Why not just write like a normal person? An article on some "legalese" that is common, but unnecessary:

http://abovethelaw.com/2011/06/small-firms-big-lawyers-20-ways-to-write-like-a-tool/

Why Would a Blue Island Resident Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer?

2011-06-21T09:06:00.007-05:00

You might find a qualified lawyer in the neighborhood. On the other hand, you might consider the following:

· Most experienced trial lawyers find that they need to have their offices near the courthouse in order to be available for daily court appearances.

· The cost of a personal injury lawyer is likely to be same. Personal injury lawyers generally charge a contingency fee of 1/3 of your recovery. This is true wherever they are located. (Learn more about contingency fees)

· Your lawyer can come to you. Some law firms (including Stotis & Baird Chartered) are willing to come out to you for the initial consultation. We understand that If you have had a serious injury, it simply may not be practical for you to get to the city.

· Initial consultations are free. It pays to ask questions. If you are unsure who to hire, you should set up a meeting and find out more.

In short – you should hire a great lawyer with a proven track record. If you can find that lawyer in Blue Island, then, by all means, hire them. If you’re not sure – keep looking. And consider that the best lawyer for the job may be a little farther than your neighborhood.

For information and resources related to car accidents in Blue Island, Illinois, check out the article "Resources for Car Accidents in Blue Island" on our main web site. For more information about Stotis & Baird Chartered, Illinois personal injury lawyers serving Blue Island and the rest of the Chicagoland area, visit us at www.stotisandbaird.com. Stotis and Baird handles serious personal injury lawsuits, including, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, automobile collision, trucking accidents, motorcycles accidents and nursing home neglect. You may also contact us via e-mail at eparker@stotis-baird.com.

2010-09-15T10:40:00.002-05:00

An article on Forbes.com discusses the experiences of a Yale cardiologist, Harlan Krumholz, who works to help doctors and hospitals to reduce errors and improve patient outcomes:

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0927/opinions-harlan-krumholz-yale-medicine-ideas-opinions.html

It discusses many of the interesting results of his research. For example, it discusses how, in 2004, Dr. Krumholz found that on one-third of hospitals were failing to treat heart-attack patients in a timely manner. Based on his research and subsequent work with hospitals and the American Heart Association, nearly 90% of patients are now being treated in a timely manner today.

The doctor's research is primarily based on his examination of data provided to him by government or health organizations. The article quotes him as saying that "[e]very day millions of patients are being treated, and the lessons from their experiences are lost because there is no systematic effort to learn from them."

The work that Dr. Krumholz does is applaudable. Hopefully, as more of our health care data ends up in computer systems, similar work--work that can help us understand how to protect patients--will flourish.

A World Without Lawyers

2010-08-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j6_S9lJ73o

Stotis & Baird Settles Products Liability Claim for $585,000

2010-07-08T18:16:00.004-05:00

Attorneys Michael Baird and Brion Doherty at Stotis & Baird recently finalized a settlement totaling $585,000 on behalf of their client in a products liability case involving an industrial paper baling machine. Their client had turned a switch designed to de-energize the machine before he changed a fuse. The machine remained energized, causing an electrical explosion. The client received burns on his arms and inhalation injuries.

The case was complicated by the fact the machine, which had been purchased and used by his employer, was discarded shortly after the incident before any testing had been done. Stotis & Baird filed suit against the company that manufactured the machine, as well as the companies that had refurbished and performed maintenance on it prior to the explosion. They claimed that the cut-off switch was defective in that it failed to de-energize the electrical system, and that it lacked sufficient warnings to let its users know that the machine should have been de-energized at a different location. The defendants claimed that there was no clear evidence as to why the switch did not work, and that the client was using inappropriate tools and testing equipment. The case was further complicated by a coverage dispute between two insurance companies and a battle over which entity actually employed the plaintiff, resulting in the filing of two declaratory judgment actions.

Stotis & Baird worked out a settlement that resolved both declaratory actions and settled the case against all but one of the defendants by early 2010. The final defendant, who claimed to have no responsibility for the incident, had moved for summary judgment. After the motion was resolved in favor of the plaintiff, the remaining defendant agreed to pay a significant portion of the total settlement.

Stotis & Baird Wins $1.3 Million at Trial for Slip and Fall Victim

2010-05-06T10:31:00.004-05:00

Michael Baird and Brion Doherty won a jury trial against a service station for injuries their client received when he slipped and fell on a patch of ice that had formed near the door of the station. The client badly injured his spine and needed a vertebral fusion in order stabilize it.

The service station denied any liability for the incident, claimed the client was negligent, and also claimed that the client was not injured to the extent he said he was. Because the client passed away before the trial, Mike and Brion needed to prove liability through the testimony of store employees and a police officer that arrived on the scene after the fall, and prove his injuries through the testimony of his family members and the doctors that treated him. The jury awarded our client just under $1.35 million for the injuries he sustained, concluding that he was not at all negligent and that the service station should be responsible for the full extent of his injuries.

Diabetes Drug Avandia Linked to Fatal Heart Damage

2010-03-11T12:48:00.006-06:00

An interesting article was recently printed by the New York Times about the diabetes drug Avandia, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The article notes that Avandia was linked to 304 deaths during the third quarter of 2009, and reports indicate that 300-500 deaths per month could be avoided if a similar drug were taken instead of Avandia (the other drug is called Actos). According to the article, Avandia can and does cause heart damage, which can sometimes be fatal.

Several people within the United States Food and Drug Administration believe the drug should be removed from the market. Avandia had sales of $3.2 billion in 2006 and it was once one of the biggest selling drugs in the world until the drug’s heart-risks were disclosed in 2007.

Many lawsuits will surely be filed over Avandia’s failure to warn drug users about the potential for heart complications that are potentially caused by Avandia. In Illinois, the law requires that drug manufacturers create and distribute a drug that is not unreasonably dangerous and also to inform physicians about a drug’s potential effects, so that this information can be passed on to patients.

GlaxoSmithKline is conducting new clinical trial on Avandia after receiving harsh criticism from the United States Senate for GSK’s failure to disclose the dangers of Avandia. It is expected to completed in 2020. That’s a long time to wait to figure out if a drug you’re taking can hurt your heart in a potentially fatal manner. If you’re taking Avandia to control your diabetes, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking Actos, another drug the NY Times article says lowers blood sugar in a way similar to Avandia, but comes without the heart-injuring effects.

The entire NYT article can be found here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/20/health/policy/20avandia.html

Medical Malpractice Crisis? A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

2010-03-10T16:28:00.008-06:00

The image above is a graph representing the premiums collected by ISMIE, the largest medical malpractice insurer in Illinois, from Illinois doctors (in grey). Next to the premiums collected is their payouts on medical malpractice claims, including defense costs (in red). A quick look at the graph shows what doesn't seem to reach the consciousness of the public-at-large: that medical malpractice payouts really aren't changing, even though a "crisis" is constantly touted. But insurance premiums skyrocketed in the last five years in response to the "crisis" nonetheless. The graph shows that in 2004 ISMIE collected just over $400 million in premiums while paying out just over $200. That's incredible. And this was during the "crisis." What's more is that claims had gone down overall:

See: http://www.iltla.com/pdf/WhitePaper_TheWholeTruth_Feb2010.pdf

Illinois medical malpractice caps were recently declared unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court (again). Unfortunately, the caps were just a small part of legislation that helped to begin bringing down medical malpractice premiums (such as the required financial disclosures represented in the graph above, which showed other insurance companies just how lucrative medical malpractice insurance can be, which increased competition in the state and brought down premium prices). And now the entire law is void.

Hopefully the peek inside insurers' books that increased competition in the medical malpractice market will continue to have a lasting effect. The Illinois Department of Insurance has asked the insurers to voluntarily keep their books open:

http://www.insurance.illinois.gov/newsrls/2010/02202010_a.asp

Time will tell...

Are Doctors Being Driven Out of Practice by Lawsuits? Hardly.

2009-04-28T17:02:00.002-05:00

For years, malpractice insurance companies have argued that lawsuits are driving doctors out of business or out of the state. They argue that unless we limit damage awards to victims of malpractice – doctors will flee to states with caps on malpractice damages. Or, they argue, the doctors will not specialize in fields like Obstetrics. It’s a powerful argument – but is it true?

New research demonstrates that it is not true. The American Association for Justice, recently studied statistics assembled by the American Medical Association to find the real story. What they found is that doctors are not fleeing from the profession. Rather, the number of doctors continues to rise in every state. In fact, there are now twice as many doctors as when the AMA began tracking physician numbers in the 1960’s. In addition, there were substantial increases in the number of doctors specializing in neurosurgery, ob-gyn and emergency medicine.

They also found that in states which did not have caps on malpractice damages, there were actually 13% more physicians per capita than in states with caps.. In other words, doctors are not fleeing to states without caps.

Separate research by the Commonwealth Fund and the American College of Emergency Physicians demonstrates that health care quality and patient safety are far worse in states that have enacted so-called “tort reform.”

So if doctors are not being run out of town by lawsuits – who keeps raising this argument? The answer is insurance companies. The companies that insure doctors would like to limit what they have to pay to victims of malpractice. Maybe we should figure out a way to run them out of town.

Helpful Information About Nursing Home Neglect

2009-04-27T17:25:00.005-05:00

Nursing homes can be a tremendous help in caring for family members, or they can be a nightmare. Separating out the good homes from the bad is a daunting task. Stotis & Baird provides some information that can help you in this process. Visit our Elder Law Blog at http://www.chicagoelderlaw.blogspot.com/ for recent safety violations by Chicago area nursing homes. The blog also includes articles on general elder law topics. Our website, www.stotis-baird.com also includes a library of articles on elder law, along with a page with links to other resources.

What Jurors Don't Know Can Hurt You

2009-04-27T17:02:00.003-05:00

Written by Michael S. Baird

Illinois law requires that everyone who drives a car must have insurance. I know that and you know that, but some jurors don’t seem to know that. Most judges don’t allow the lawyers to even say the word “insurance” during a trial. The fear is that if the jurors knew that the defendant’s insurance will have to pay the verdict, they might award more money. So the judge pretends that the lawyer sitting at the defense table was hired by the guy who ran the red light. The defense lawyer pretends that any money awarded to the injured person will come out of the other driver’s pocket. In reality, the defense lawyer is an employee of the insurance company, and the driver will not have to pay anything.

At the end of a recent trial, I had a juror ask me “Why didn’t you just sue the insurance company?” The answer is that in Illinois, an injured person has to sue the person who caused the injury. If the person who is sued has insurance, the insurance company takes over and defends the case. The defendant has to cooperate with the insurance company, or can risk losing insurance coverage for the accident. If the person sued has no insurance, most lawyers who represent injured people will probably recommend that the suit be dropped. In such a case, the injured person has a better remedy under their own insurance policy for uninsured motorist coverage.

So, if there is a jury trial with an injured party seeking monetary damages, the insurance company is sitting at the defense table. But they are hiding. The jury will never hear about it. In my experience, when information is withheld from a jury, they will fill in the blanks. They will conclude that since no one has said anything about insurance, there must not be any insurance. They will think that the person sitting at the defense table will lose his house if they award damages. Insurance companies build big buildings with the money they save when information is withheld from a jury.

Jurors also have a problem with medical bills and medical insurance. The injured party ends up with $25,000 in medical bills. The lawyer for the injured party asks the jury to award $25,000 for these bills. The jurors suspect that the injured person did not have to pay $25,000 out of his pocket, and that most, if not all of the bills were paid by his health insurance company. Some jurors wonder where the money goes if they award $25,000. I have heard jurors say that they calculated the award for medical bills based on what they suspect the injured party’s deductible was.

In reality, the lawyer for the injured party asks the jury to award the total amount of the medical bills. If any part of the medical bills was paid by insurance, the insurance company paying the bills will get their money back out of any money awarded. The injured party only gets what is left after the health insurance company gets reimbursed.

It is common for facts to be kept from the jury. There are subjects considered too hot for the jurors to handle. Sometimes, it is true. But there is a price to be paid. If jurors are not given all of the facts, they will supply the missing pieces themselves. Sometimes, they will guess wrong. I don’t want to think that somebody’s case may come down to a juror’s bad guess. But it happens.

An Explosion of Personal Injury Lawsuits? What Explosion? (written by Michael Baird)

2009-04-03T12:29:00.003-05:00

Most of the failures of the Bush administration can be traced to a single repeated mistake. He made up his mind, not based on information, but based on what he wanted the facts to be. Once his mind was made up, he refused to accept it when the facts showed that he was wrong. It would be like someone deciding to drive to an island without looking at a map. After leaving home, his wife pulls out a map and shows him that there is no bridge and you can't get there by car. Most husbands would swallow hard and go back home. George Bush kept driving.

While he was in the White House, Bush publicly blamed personal injury cases and the lawyers who file them for causing an explosion of lawsuits. His administration investigated the effect of personal injury suits on the court system, and prepared a report of the findings. The report was not released to the public until after Bush left office. It is no surprise, since the report found that each of Bush's claims was wrong.

In a pattern that repeated itself during his administration, Bush made up his mind first, then had some one investigate to see if he was right. When the report concluded that he was wrong, Bush ignored the report.

The study ordered by Bush found that there was no explosion of personal injury cases. Instead, the number of personal injury cases filed actually went down 21% from 1997 to 2006. Bush claimed that the important work of the courts was delayed by all of the injury cases. In fact, judges had plenty of time to get to the other cases, since only 1% of the federal court cases and only 6% of the state court cases involved injury claims.

Manufacturers were not motivated by fear of litigation, as claimed by Bush.
The report polled manufacturers to see where they ranked "fear of litigation" as a concern. "Fear of litigation" came in dead last on manufacturer's list of worries, well behind material costs, energy prices, foreign competition and taxes. And the average award for personal injury cases? Researchers found that the average award was $24,000, or about $976,000 less than was suggested by Bush.

The mess we are in now was not all Bush's fault. However, it should not be a surprise that his "shoot first - ask questions later" approach didn't help. First, we need to find out what the facts are. Then, we need to plan a course of action based on the true facts. At least now we have someone in charge that is willing to look at a map.

Understanding Contingency Fees

2009-03-06T11:36:00.003-06:00

When hiring a lawyer, it is always important to understand what their services will cost. A traditional attorney’s fee is billed at an hourly rate and paid monthly by the client. That’s fine if you are a corporation or a successful business owner, but many people cannot afford to pay a monthly bill. Nevertheless, they may need legal services. For these people, a contingency fee can be a good option.

A contingency fee is based upon the amount of money the lawyer recovers for you. If they recover nothing, you pay no attorneys fees. A typical contingency fee is one third of the total recovery, plus costs. The fee is payable at the time the case is concluded. The contingency fee allows you to protect your legal rights even if you cannot pay for representation up front. .
It is important to understand the basic bargain that makes up a contingency fee. The lawyer is taking a risk that they may lose the case and receive nothing for their work. The client is taking a risk that the lawyer may recover a substantial amount without spending a great deal of time. Some cases are resolved easily with a substantial fee. Other cases may involve a great deal of work with no compensation. It is important for everyone to understand the agreement at the outset.

Here are some common questions about contingency fees:

Are there things that are not covered by the contingency fee?

Your attorney should provide you with a written fee agreement. That agreement should answer this question. In a typical agreement, the attorney’s fees will not exceeed the percentage shown in the agreement. You will, however, need to repay any litigation costs.

What are “Costs?”

Costs are out-of-pocket expenses that the attorney pays to get the case to trial. Although attorneys typically advance these costs rather than asking the client to pay them, they are entitled to repayment at the end of the case. An example is the cost of hiring a court reporter to attend depositions or the cost of ordering medical records. Costs can be a small amount early in the case, but they may become more substantial if the case progresses to trial.

When is a contingency fee a bad idea?

If you have a very strong case and you can afford to pay hourly for legal services, then a contingency fee may not be the best option. If you have a strong breach of contract claim for $60,000, it may cost you $5000 to litigate the case on an hourly basis and recover the money. If you can afford to pay the $5000, this would be a better option than paying a $20,000 contingency fee. When you do this, you are taking the risk of advancing the money, and you are taking the risk that you might pay for legal fees and still lose the case. If the case, is strong, that me be a worthwhile risk to save money on attorney’s fees

Will I get my attorneys fees back in the lawsuit?

Generally No. In the American legal system, the winning party does not normally receive attorney’s fees from the losing party. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but generally, your opponent will not be required to pay your attorney’s fees.

What else comes out of my settlement or verdict?

The answer to this depends on the type of case. The most common type of contingency fee case is a personal injury lawsuit. In injury cases, you will typically be required to pay 1) the contingency fee, 2) the litigation costs and 3) your medical bills. Many people do not realize that they are required to repay medical bills. Even if your medical bills were paid by somebody else (such as an insurance company), you will usually be required to repay the bills. Most health insurance contracts require policy holders to repay medical bills if they win a lawsuit or settlement against another person.

In a typical car collision lawsuit that goes to trial, the ultimate breakdown might look something like this:
Total Jury Verdict $ 45,000
Attorney’s Fees -$ 15,000
Litigation costs -$ 1,500
Repayment of Medical Bills -$ 13,500
_____________________
Net to Client $15,000

Is it Worth the Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

The answer to this question really depends on your case. If you have a serious injury, it is almost always necessary to get a lawyer. Most clients call a lawyer because the insurance company has offered them nothing or refused to respond at all. In that case, a lawyer may be the only option. If you have a minor dispute and the insurance company has made you a reasonable offer to resolve it – then it may make sense to resolve the case yourself. If you have some question about whether an offer is fair, consult with a lawyer and ask them. A good lawyer will tell you when you don’t need them.

If you have more questions about contingency fees or lawsuits generally – feel free to contact a lawyer at Stotis & Baird Chartered via the web or on the phone at 312-461-1000.

Anderson Cooper Investigates Hardball Insurance Tactics

2008-12-30T11:11:00.002-06:00

Here is a YouTube clip featuring an Anderson Cooper 360 investigation into the insurance industry's hardball tactics it uses to "deny, delay and defend" claims in order to avoid paying legitimate claims:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvPW087RiJ8

Oversize Morphine Tablets May Be Deadly

2008-12-29T15:18:00.002-06:00

In November of 2008, the Ethex Corporation issued a recall of five types of medications, including morphine, distributed between March 2006 and May of 2008. According to the FDA the drugs were recalled because of a concern that oversized tablets could have been released. The tablets may contain as much as two times the normal active ingredient.

The problem is particularly dangerous because Morphine is a powerful drug. Overdoses can depress breathing and cause death. Many consumers received their first notification of the problem when pharmacies began sending notices in November and December of 2008. Because the drugs in question were produced as far back as March of 2006, the notices may have come too late.

The specific drugs recalled are as follows:

Morphine Sulfate ER Tablets, 15 mg
Morphine Sulfate IR tablets, 15 mg and 30 mg
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, 10 mg
Isosorbide ER Tablets, 30 mg and 60 mg
Propafenone HCI Tablets 150 mg, 225 mg and 300 mg

Earlier this year, Ethex recalled Morphine Sulfate ER 30mg and 60 mg tablets for the same reason.

If you believe that you filled a prescription for any of these drugs, contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

Newspaper Highlights Hospital Shortcomings

2008-12-15T16:07:00.004-06:00

The New York Times recently ran an article discussing how some of the worst hospitals can stay open, even when the evidence would seem to show they should not. It was a fairly disturbing article highlighting how job security and bad oversight often overshadows patient safety at some hospitals.

The Times article concentrated on University Hospital in New York. The evidence against the hospital is damning: patients staying at the hospital were three times as likely to develop a hospital related infection as patients staying at the average hospital in New York during 2006. Patients were more likely to contract pneumonia. University Hospital was ranked as one of least safe hospitals in the nation by a company called HeathGrades. A commission had voted to close the hospital down and consolidate it with another. Nevertheless, the hospital stayed open.

One thing that keeps a hospital open in the face of such troubling performance is worries about employment. University Hospital, for instance, is a major employer in the Syracuse area, and the local community was against shutting down or downsizing the institution. Another factor is oversight. The United States, the Times article points out, lacks a federal agency charged with hospital oversight. It relies instead on state health departments and a group called the Joint Commission that sets basic quality standards for the nation. Failure to adhere to such standards does not come with stiff penalties, the article states.

Although the states and the federal government are making efforts to improve the framework for oversight, it cannot come soon enough for some people like Sharon Yacketta, who went through 20 operations over the course of four years after her doctor at University Hospital botched her initial operation. Ms. Yacketta is but one of the tens of thousands of people (98,000 across the nation) that suffer from hospital errors each year.

To make an error is human, but when aggregated data shows that such errors are concentrated in one hospital or a group of hospitals, we learn that the error is preventable, and it is below the standard of care we expect to receive when we go to a hospital. This is medical malpractice. Public attention and pressure against dangerous hospitals will help make them safer and better places for the nation as a whole.

The article in its entirety can be found here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/business/08hospital.html?scp=1&sq=weak%20oversight%20lets%20bad%20hospitals%20stay%20open&st=cse

HealthGrades website can be found here:

http://www.healthgrades.com/

The Institute of Medicine's website can be found here:

http://www.iom.edu/

Court Finds Unum Acted in Bad Faith, Affirms $36 Million Award

2008-12-04T15:12:00.006-06:00

The Chicago Law Bulletin recently had an article in it discussing a decision by a federal court judge in Nevada regarding a bad faith case (a case in which an insurance company, in bad faith, fails to pay an insurance claim) against Paul Revere Life and its parent company, UnumProvident. In the case, a jury returned a verdict against Unum in the amount of $36,000,000 (the case is Merrick v. Paul Revere Life Ins. Co., No. CV-S-00-0731-JCM-RJJ (D.Nev.)) for denying one of its insured's claims.

The judge's written decision that went along with the case highlighted the way in which Unum systematically, and in bad-faith, denied its insureds' claims. For example, one of Unum's strategies for not paying claims involved denying claims that could not be proved subjectively (even though internal documents from Unum would show that they knew such ailments existed and were real). Another strategy involved setting targets for "claim terminations" or, in other words, denials of coverage. If the claim-termination targets were not being met, Unum would pressure its workers to increase the denials. To Unum, it did not matter what the reality of its claimant's condition was. The bottom line was to, well, increase Unum's bottom line, regardless of the effect on its insureds.

Paul Merrick was one of the unfortunate victims of Unum's claims' practices. Mr. Merrick had purchased a disability policy from Unum that would guarantee a monthly income to him and his family in the event he was disabled. In 1994, Mr. Merrick was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (which is not objectively verifiable) by doctors at the Mayo Clinic. It prevented him from working. Even Unum's independent doctors agreed with this. Unum initially paid benefits but eventually cut him off after several attempts to get him to agree to stop receiving benefits or take a “low ball” lump sum payment (one of Unum’s attempts included a veiled threat that Mr. Merrick would be sued for benefits he had already received if he continued to pursue his claim). After his coverage was cut off and several attempts to get his benefits reinstated, Mr. Merrick retained a lawyer that helped him acheive the result discussed in the trial judge's decision.

Mr. Merrick's case is but one of an unknown number of claims that were denied by Unum over the course of its business. The judge's decision noted that Unum's "termination of benefits" resulted in savings of over $130 million dollars per quarter for Unum in 1996 alone (that's $520 million over the course of the year). Not suprisingly, Unum was recently rated as the second worst insurance company in America by the American Association of Justice (see the post about "10 Worst Insurance Companies" below or go here to see the report: http://www.justice.org/AAJ_Report_TenWorstInsuranceCompanies_FINAL.pdf)

Insurance Company Tricks of the Trade

2008-12-04T11:21:00.004-06:00

A recent report produced by the American Association of Justice outlines shady practices used by insurance companies to deny legitimate claims. Lawyers familiar with insurance claims are well aware of these practices. Unfortunately, for many policyholders, it can come as a surprise. The report also points out that these practices are not just utilized by small unknown insurance companies. The report includes examples of unfair practices by companies like Farmer’s Insurance, State Farm, Nationwide, AIG, Health Net, Anthem Blue Cross and Conseco.

The report describes one situation in which a woman was involved in a catastrophic accident. The insurance policy had an exclusion that denied coverage for “intentional acts.” Using tortured logic, Farmer’s claimed that the collision was not an “accident” and denied responsibility for the injuries. Worse, Farmer’s has even run incentive programs including gift certificates and pizza parties for adjusters who met low payment goals.

Also described in the report are some unethical practices used by insurance companies to improve profits. For example, some insurance companies deliberately delay payment of claims until the claimant dies. Others have a track record for providing health insurance and then rescinding the policies when the patients really need it. Still other companies are increasing premiums on customers with poor credit – regardless of their driving record or payment history with that insurance company.

So, here are six recommendations offered by the AAJ to make sure you don’t get ripped off by an insurance company:

Read Your Policy Carefully

You should know exactly what is covered and how to appeal a denial by your insurance company.

Be Very Careful Filling Out Forms

Even if you make an honest mistake, your insurance company may seize on that as a reason to retroactively deny your coverage.

Do Not Cash a Premium Refund Check

If your insurance company rescinds your insurance, they may send you a refund for the premiums you paid. Cashing it may be interpreted as accepting their decision.

Put Everything in Writing

Calling your insurance company is likely to be a frustrating experience, and you will not be able to prove anything that a company representative tells you over the phone. Keep records of all bills and correspondence.

Contact Your State Insurance Department

They may be able to help you. But they will not represent you in a private matter, so if all else fails, you may need to consult with an attorney.

Do Not Give Up

Insurance companies count on you giving up. Fight for your rights.

To read a complete copy of “Tricks of the Trade: How Insurance Companies Deny, Delay, Confuse and Refuse” follow the link below:

http://magnetmail.net/images/clients/ATLA/attach/InsuranceTactics.pdf

Obstetrical Malpractice - Disasters Are Often Caused by Complacency (written by Michael S. Baird)

2008-11-25T14:57:00.005-06:00

Complacency – a feeling of security due to familiarity that can mask potential danger. I see a pedestrian on a cell phone stand inches away from the edge of the curb while a bus approaches trying to make it through the intersection on a yellow light. The pedestrian has crossed the crowded streets in Chicago every day for years, and nothing has ever gone wrong. The bus driver has gone for years without an accident. I see both of them being complacent, and think about how close they are to disaster.

Complacency is behind many of the obstetrical disasters I have seen over the years. Childbirth almost always goes well. People were having babies long before there were hospitals and obstetricians. The medical staff is needed mainly for those rare times when there is trouble. However, labor room staffs work day after day on cases where nothing goes wrong. The doctors and nurses can become complacent. The monitors show the baby’s heart beat dropping. Nothing to worry about – that happens all of the time. It almost always goes right back up. The contractions are getting too strong. Nothing to worry about – that happens all of the time. Just a few more good contractions and the cervix should be fully dilated. Where is the doctor? Nothing to worry about – the doctor will be here soon.

An airline crash investigator told me that it is never just one thing going wrong that causes an airline disaster. It is not unusual for one thing to go wrong. Several things must go wrong, and usually someone must miss a clear warning sign. The same is true in the labor and delivery disasters.

The doctor arrives, and asks the nurse if there has been anything out of the ordinary in the first six hours of labor. The last time she told the doctor about what she thought was a troubling pattern on the monitor (late variable decelerations), she was scolded for overreacting. So this time, she just says “no, everything looks fine”. The doctor should have looked at the monitor strips himself, but this time he gets complacent – the nurse would tell me if there was anything troubling. Everyone is surprised when the baby is born with low Apgar scores.

The laboring mom is in a lot of pain, but her cervix has not dilated enough for her to get an epidural injection. The doctor orders a pain medication to hold her over. The nurse gives the first dose, but is called away to care for another patient before she can write in the chart that she gave the pain meds. The mom is still pretty miserable, and a second nurse sees that the doctor ordered pain meds. She checks the chart, and it looks like the mom hasn’t gotten any pain medication yet. She could track down the first nurse, but she thinks that the mom wouldn’t be this miserable if she had gotten the meds. So she gives dose number two. After two more doses, the baby is delivered. Everyone is surprised that the baby is limp and gives no decent respiratory effort.

The mom is at term, but she is not having contractions. Contractions cause the cervix to open enough for the baby to be able to come out. She is put on Pitocin, a drug used to help the muscles of the uterus contract. The amount of Pitocin needed to produce good contractions is unpredictable, so the medical staff is supposed to start slowly and increase the dose until the contractions are strong enough. The mom says that the contractions are really hurting, but her cervix is still a long way from being open. The label for Pitocin warns that it could cause contractions strong enough to rupture the uterus. The nurses think that the mom’s complaints just mean that she has a low pain tolerance. So, the staff keeps turning up the Pitocin drip. Everyone is surprised when the mom’s uterus ruptures.

In each case, the baby suffered an avoidable brain injury known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Permanent damage is done to the baby’s brain during labor due to lack of oxygen. HIE often causes a baby to have no control over its arms and legs (spastic quadriplegia) and to suffer from some form of cerebral palsy.

The baby was just hours away from a normal healthy life. The parents looked forward to the birth of their child with excitement and joy. Due to the complacency of the medical staff, the baby’s life will be a great challenge. Malpractice lawsuits can help the parents pay for the life-long care that their child will need. A lawsuit can also improve the chance that the medical staff will not be complacent the next time.

Truck Crashes are Deadly

2008-11-20T10:53:00.003-06:00

Truck crashes are not terribly common, but they are deadly. Because of their size and weight, any crash involving a truck is going to be more serious. In 2004, for example, truck crashes made up 6.5 percent of all vehicle collisions. These crashes, however, accounted for 11.4% of the traffic fatalities.[1] In another study, it was found that trucks made up only 3-4% of registered vehicles, but accounted for 12-13% of traffic fatalities.[2]

The relative size of the trucks also ensures that a car is always going to come out on the wrong end of a collision with a truck. As a result, it is the occupants of the car who are more likely to be injured. In the 2004, for example, 85% of the deaths and 76% of the injuries were to occupants of the car, and not the truck.[3]

Trucking companies know these statistics when they send their drivers out on the road each day. Many such companies take this responsibility seriously and enforce rules to avoid accidents. Unfortunately, other companies are not so careful. Some encourage drivers to work long hours and risk falling asleep at the wheel. Some ignore evidence that the drivers are violating the rules by driving longer hours. Others allow drivers to speed, by ignoring proof that the runs are completed far in advance of schedule.

Mechanisms exist to improve truck safety. On board monitoring systems can tell the trucking companies how many hours their drivers are on the road. Simply recording departure and arrival times can show that a truck has been speeding. Screening of truck drivers can easily reveal drivers with a history of collisions or other problems.

Yet, the industry has fought many safety improvements. Unfortunately, the government has not always taken steps to reduce violations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is charged with the job of reducing needless truck and bus deaths nationwide. According to a recent report by Public Citizen, however, the agency often “shortchanges safety for the productivity and economic health of the trucking industry.”[4]

Among other things, the FMCSA has failed to issue regulations requiring basic knowledge and skills training for drivers; tried to increase the number of hours drivers can operate; and excluded requirements for monitoring systems that would monitor total hours of service. [5]

When a truck collision occurs, there are often a number of things that have gone wrong. Driver error is certainly one, but frequently there are others. Finding evidence that the trucking company allowed or even encouraged its drivers to operate unsafely can be difficult. It is this evidence, however, that can make the difference. With it, the victims can get the compensation they need. And too, trucking companies can be forced to pay for their mistakes. In the end, this is what will cause them to improve safety.

[1] According to a 2004 study by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
[2] According to Joan Claybrook, President of Public Citizen and former NHTSA Administrator, 3/12/07
[3] According to a 2004 study by the Illinois Department of Transportation
[4] According to Joan Claybrook, President of Public Citizen and former NHTSA Administrator, 3/12/07
[5] According to Joan Claybrook, President of Public Citizen and former NHTSA Administrator, 3/12/07

Ten Worst Insurance Companies

2008-11-19T16:55:00.003-06:00

All insurance companies have different policies and procedures when it comes to handling claims for personal injuries. Some have a simple and reasonable human-based approach. Others employ complex computer programs and hardball tactics in order to make resoving a claim as difficult as possible.

So what does this mean to the average consumer? Well, if you are the insured, it may mean that you become a defendant in a lawsuit because your company refuses to negotiate fairly and in good faith with an injured person. And that means time and stress you wouldn't have to expend if your insurance company operated differently. If you are an injured person, it may make it next to impossible to get fair treatment from an insurance company without a legal representative.

As a revealing study published by the American Association of Justice shows, not all insurance companies are created equally, and you shouldn't be fooled by a great advertising campaign. In the study, the American Association of Justice lists the ten worst insurance companies, which it states are:

1. Allstate
2. Unum
3. AIG
4. State Farm
5. Conseco
6. Wellpoint
7. Farmers
8. United Health
9. Torchmark
10. Liberty Mutual

Here is a link to the study:

http://www.justice.org/AAJ_Report_TenWorstInsuranceCompanies_FINAL.pdf