Recent Blog Posts
When Serious Car Crashes Lead to Lifelong Injuries in Illinois
Every driver in Illinois knows that traffic accidents happen. But when a collision leads to catastrophic injuries, the impact goes far beyond the scene of the crash. Families may find themselves overwhelmed with emergency medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and the harsh reality that life may never return to normal. These cases are not about fender-benders or short-term discomfort. They are about life-altering harm that requires skilled legal action to remedy.
As of August 2025, Illinois courts continue to recognize personal injury claims for serious crash-related harm under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which governs comparative negligence. That law means an injured person may recover damages if they were less than 50 percent at fault for the crash. For victims with lifelong injuries, every dollar of compensation can make the difference between ongoing medical care and financial ruin.
Can I Get Workers’ Comp in Illinois for an Injury Caused by Faulty Equipment?
Faulty equipment in the workplace can be a lot more dangerous than many people realize. From malfunctioning machinery on a factory floor to defective tools on a construction site, equipment failures can cause severe injuries that leave employees unable to work.
If you were hurt in Illinois because of defective or poorly maintained work equipment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. A Springfield, IL workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process.
Workers’ Compensation and Faulty Equipment in Illinois
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, most employees who are injured on the job are eligible for benefits, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This includes injuries caused by faulty or defective equipment. You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent; you only need to show that the injury occurred while you were carrying out your work duties.
I Threw the First Punch. Can I Still Sue if I Got Hurt in a Fight?
Bar fights are often fueled by alcohol and adrenaline. But just because you are involved in one does not mean you are responsible for everything that happens during it. Even if you started a fight, you might not be liable for all the resulting damage. If you threw the first punch but were seriously injured by someone else’s response, you might assume you have no legal options. However, Illinois law does not automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation, especially if the other person used excessive force.
As of August 2025, Illinois courts continue to look closely at the degree of force used in self-defense. If the response to your initial punch went beyond what was necessary, speak with an experienced Champaign, IL personal injury lawyer to understand whether you have a valid claim.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Mental Health Injuries in Illinois?
Workplace injuries are not always visible. While broken bones, repetitive stress injuries, and other forms of physical harm are commonly accepted under workers’ compensation, mental health injuries may also qualify. If your job has caused severe emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), workers’ compensation benefits might be available to help you recover.
As of July 2025, Illinois workers’ compensation law continues to recognize certain psychological injuries, but qualifying for benefits is not always straightforward. A knowledgeable Decatur, IL workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Do Mental Health Conditions Qualify for Workers’ Comp in Illinois?
Illinois law allows mental health injuries to be covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, but qualifying often involves more scrutiny than a claim following a physical injury. You must show that the mental health condition was directly caused by your job and that it arose out of and in the course of your employment.
Who Is Responsible When a Train Hits a Pedestrian in Illinois?
Train-pedestrian accidents are often fatal and almost always involve severe injuries. In Illinois, where freight and passenger rail lines cross through cities like Springfield and Peoria, these incidents are tragically not unheard of. When someone is struck by a train, the aftermath raises difficult questions: How did this happen? Who is at fault? What legal options are available to the injured person or their family?
Determining responsibility for a train-pedestrian accident depends on several factors, including where the accident occurred and whether negligence was involved. If this happened to a loved one, speak with an experienced Peoria, IL personal injury lawyer to understand whether your family has legal options.
Can a Railroad Company Be Held Liable if a Pedestrian is Harmed?
The company that operates the railroad could be held legally responsible if it failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the accident. Illinois law requires railroads to exercise care in operating trains and maintaining crossing areas. The company could be liable if:
Can I Sue If Poor Road Conditions Caused My Accident in Illinois?
When driving through central Illinois, you might face everything from potholes to crumbling shoulders to unclear construction zones. Poor road conditions are more than just an inconvenience. Unfortunately, they can lead to serious crashes involving personal injuries, vehicle damage, or even fatalities.
If you were in a car accident that was caused by a dangerous road condition, you might have grounds to take legal action. In certain situations, you may be able to sue the party responsible for maintaining the road. A knowledgeable Decatur, IL personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you on how this might apply to your accident.
Who Is Responsible for Road Conditions in Illinois?
In Illinois, different government entities are responsible for maintaining roads, depending on where the road is located. City streets are usually maintained by the local municipality (such as the City of Champaign or Decatur). County roads are typically the responsibility of the county’s highway department. On the other hand, state highways like I-74 or U.S. Route 51 fall under the care of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Before filing a claim, it is important to know who is legally responsible for maintaining the road where your crash occurred.
Can I Get Workers' Compensation if I Was Injured on My Lunch Break?
If you were injured during your lunch break, you might assume that workers' compensation will not cover your injuries because you were not actually working at the time. However, the truth is more nuanced. In Illinois, there are situations where injuries sustained during a break may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If your accident happened in or around your workplace, a Peoria, IL personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and protect your rights.
Are Lunch Break Injuries Ever Covered by Workers’ Comp in Illinois?
Illinois law does not typically cover injuries that occur when an employee is on a personal break and not performing work duties. However, there are some important exceptions to consider. You may be eligible for benefits if your injury happened:
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In a company cafeteria or breakroom
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. One of the first questions injured victims have is how much their cases are worth. The answer is not always simple. A fair settlement amount depends on several case-specific factors. The assistance of our experienced Champaign, IL personal injury attorneys is invaluable if you hope to collect as much as you deserve.
With over 40 years of experience and more than half a billion recovered for our clients, we offer the guidance and advocacy needed to help you secure maximum compensation.
What Are Damages in Personal Injury Cases?
Damages in personal injury cases are specific losses you suffer from an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional conduct. Compensatory damages are divided into two categories. Economic damages reflect various accident-related expenses, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages or a reduction in your earning capacity. We will calculate both the amount you have already spent and the costs you are likely to incur in the future.
Baskin-Robbins Roof Collapsed After a Van Hit the Shop
Some accidents are more unusual than others. On June 17th, 2025, a minivan crashed into a Springfield, IL Baskin-Robbins. The ice cream shop’s roof collapsed due to the impact. The van’s driver and a young passenger were transported to a nearby hospital for a medical assessment for possible injuries. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle before plowing into the building.
Although incidents of this nature are not as common as other kinds of car accidents, this particular situation demonstrates how any kind of personal injury claim can become extremely complicated. No matter how complex your case, our skilled Springfield, IL personal injury attorneys can handle it competently.
What Could Make Drivers Lose Control of Their Vehicles?
Most motor vehicle collisions are caused by some kind of negligent driver error. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Sometimes, a medical emergency can cause a driver to lose consciousness.
Potential Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Claim
Preliminary data for 2024 shows there were 6,681 accidents in Illinois involving large trucks. Those collisions injured 3,190 people and killed 147 more. When a semi-truck causes a crash, many people assume the truck driver is the only one responsible. In some cases, that is true. However, many truck accidents involve more than just one mistake or one at-fault party. Other individuals or companies may also share legal liability for causing the crash and paying your damages, depending on the cause of the crash and how the truck was operated, maintained, or loaded.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a semi accident, identifying every liable party is important. It often takes a detailed investigation to find out who was involved and what mistakes were made. Our skilled Peoria, IL truck accident attorneys can investigate your crash, determine who is liable for paying your damages, and fight to help you secure the highest available amount.