The death of a human being as a result of the negligent acts of another person is referred to as wrongful death. Wrongful death can change the lives of surviving family members forever by leaving them with emotional challenges and a financial burden. Some of the most common accidents that may lead to wrongful death cases include:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common cause of wrongful death. They are often caused by speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, drunk driving, and road defects.

A driver's negligence is usually to blame in fatal car accidents. However, if a fatality occurred because of road defects, the city or country may be at fault.

Truck Accidents

Since trucks are heavier and larger than regular cars, accidents that involve them are more likely to lead to fatalities. Aggressive driving, drowsy driving, driving in inclement weather conditions, driving with an overweight load, and mechanical defects can all play a role in wrongful death caused by a truck accident. The truck driver and/or the truck company may be responsible.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often arise when drivers do not see motorcyclists because they are speeding, do not check before changing lanes, or engage in other negligent behavior. Road defects and other types of hazards may also lead to motorcycle accidents.

Pedestrian Accidents

Sadly, pedestrians do not have protection when they are struck by a motor vehicle. Therefore, their risk of getting killed is high. Reckless driving, a lack of walkways for pedestrians, and low visibility may all lead to fatal pedestrian accidents.

Medical Malpractice

The majority of medical professionals provide patients with the highest quality of care. Sometimes, however, medical professionals take the lives of patients because they cut corners or do not follow proper procedures. Misdiagnosis, delayed or improper treatment, surgical errors, and birth injuries are all examples of medical malpractice issues that may cause fatalities.

Workplace Accidents

Workers in mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation have higher instances of workplace deaths. Workplace deaths may also occur in an office setting or outside of work if an employer places an employee in a risky situation.

Defective Products

When products are sold to the public, they should be safe for users. When a product manufacturer or another party brings a hazardous product to market, wrongful death may occur. For example, if an automaker constructs a vehicle with a defective part, an individual who purchases and drives it may get killed.

Contact Our Will County Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you have lost someone you love because of someone else's negligence, reach out to our highly skilled Will County wrongful death lawyers.  Call the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. today at 815-666-1285 for a consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2059&ChapterID=57

After a motor vehicle accident, most victims decide to pursue compensation to cover their damages. By receiving compensation, they can move on with their life without any debt or financial hardship. If you hope to collect fair and full compensation after an accident that was not your fault, be sure to avoid the following common mistakes.

Not Calling the Police

Calling the police is one of the most important steps to take after a motor vehicle accident. A police officer can file a detailed police report, which can be used to support your case.

Waiting to Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe you are fine or your injury is minor, you should visit the doctor right after the crash. A doctor may identify an injury that you may have missed. Waiting to seek medical attention after an accident can devalue your claim.

Admitting Fault

Although it may be difficult, do not apologize or admit fault after the accident. By doing so, you can take responsibility for a crash that was actually caused by someone else's negligence. If you admit fault or say you are sorry, an insurance adjuster can use this information against you.

Failing to Keep Records

Following an accident, you should take the time to record what happened. Take pictures of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, and any injuries you have sustained. Also, keep track of your medical bills as well as any information you receive from the liable party's insurance company.

Accepting a Settlement Right Away

You should understand that insurance companies, just like other businesses, are dedicated to making money. Therefore, the responsible party's insurer will likely call you right after the accident and offer you a settlement.

While it may be tempting to accept this settlement and move on, doing so can lead to financial problems down the road because the settlement will likely be lower than you deserve.

Not Hiring an Attorney

To increase your chances of securing the maximum compensation you may deserve, you should seek legal representation. A motor vehicle accident lawyer can investigate your case and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. This way, you will not miss out on money and can focus on what matters most: recovering.

Contact Our Joliet Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers

If you have been hurt in a car accident that was caused by another party's negligence, reach out to our Joliet motor vehicle accident lawyers. Call the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., today at 815-666-1285 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.lextalk.com/b/lextalk_blog/archive/2015/10/27/common-mistakes-people-make-after-suffering-an-injury.aspx

If you sustained an injury in an accident, you likely have many questions. You may be unsure of your rights or how to proceed. By reading this handy list of common questions in personal injury cases, you can improve your understanding of what to do after you have been injured in any type of accident.

1.      Am I entitled to compensation?

If your injury was the result of another party's negligent actions, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. In the event the accident was your fault, you probably will not be compensated.

2.      What does negligence mean?

When someone engages in negligence, they fail to uphold a legal duty of care. For example, all drivers have the legal duty to be careful when behind the wheel. If they drive recklessly or disregard a law, they are considered negligent.

3.      Should I take the insurance company's offer?

Right after an accident that was not your fault, you may be tempted to accept any settlement you are offered. Since insurance companies are in the business to make money, they are likely to offer you a low amount in order to save money. It is important to refrain from accepting a settlement until you have consulted a lawyer.

4.      What is statute of limitations?

The time period you have to file a lawsuit is known as a statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you determine the statute of limitations for your particular case.

5.      How much money will I receive from my claim?

Personal injury claims significantly vary in value. For instance, one claim may be worth a few thousand dollars while another one is valued at millions of dollars. The specific details of your accident as well as your injury and damages will all play a role in how money you may receive.

6.      Is a lawyer necessary?

Although you can represent yourself in a personal injury claim, doing so can be stressful and hurt you down the road. Rather than trying to tackle your claim on your own, hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in personal injury law and can maximize the value of your claim.

Contact Our Joliet Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal injury accident, you should reach out to our highly skilled Joliet personal injury lawyers. We will answer all of your questions and ensure your rights are protected. Call the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., today at 815-666-1285 for a consultation.

Source: https://www.edmunds.com/auto-insurance/how-car-insurance-companies-handle-car-accident-claims.html

In order to support a victim's case, personal injury attorneys often depend on information from expert witnesses. Expert witnesses can provide testimony that is more comprehensive than an everyday individual who may have been involved in an accident may be able to offer. In some cases, an expert witness may be the only individual who can prove that an injury was the result of negligence and how it may impact the victim's life.

Regular Witnesses vs. Expert Witnesses

In most personal injury cases, witnesses may be contacted to clarify any uncertain issues. It is important to understand that not all witnesses are considered expert witnesses. For instance, someone on the street who saw an accident happen is a regular witness. They do not have certain knowledge about a subject that an expert witness may have.

Since expert witnesses are typically busy and expensive, personal injury lawyers only use them when there is a contested issue that must be clarified. The testimony of expert witnesses often determines the outcome of the case.

Types of Expert Witnesses

There are different types of expert witnesses including:

• Medical Experts: Medical experts are hired to testify about the victim's injuries, treatment options, and recovery. They may be asked to explain how an injury may affect a victim for a certain period of time or for the rest of their life.
•  Mental Health Experts: Mental health experts are asked to prove how an accident may have affected the mental and emotional well-being of the victim. This information may be used to calculate compensation for damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
•  Accident Reconstruction Experts: Accident reconstruction experts have the knowledge and experience to reconstruct exactly how an accident arose. They may use special computer programs or drawings to do so.
•  Economics Experts: The role of economics experts is to testify how an injury has and will impact the financial situation of a victim.
•  Engineering Experts: Engineering experts may describe how a road's design contributed to an accident. They may be used in motor vehicle or premises liability cases.
• Manufacturing Experts: When there is a belief that a certain product or part led to an injury, a manufacturing expert can help. For example, they may find that faulty brakes led to a car crash.

Contact Our Joliet Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a personal injury accident, you should reach out to our highly skilled Joliet personal injury lawyers. We will determine whether an expert witness is necessary to support your case. Call the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., today at 815-666-1285 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.academyofexperts.org/guidance/users-experts/what-an-expert-witness

When two people get married, they do not anticipate a divorce. Similarly, business partners do not embark on a business venture with the belief that it will fail. When spouses become business partners and go through a divorce, finances can become very complicated.

Illinois Property Division Law

Under the Illinois property division law, there is tangible and intangible property. Real estate is an example of tangible property while retirement funds, stocks, and business equity are considered intangible property. Both tangible and intangible property is viewed as either separate property or marital property. Anything that each spouse acquired before marriage is classified as separate property. Marital property, however, includes income, assets, debt, equity, and anything else a couple acquired during their marriage. It is important to understand that even if an asset is in one spouse's name, it is considered marital property because it was acquired when the couple was married and could benefit both individuals.

Business Valuation in Illinois

If one spouse received equity in a business while they were married, the other would still be entitled to a share of the business. In the event the spouses were business partners, determining who deserves the business as well as all the income, assets, and debts associated with it becomes tricky. Fortunately, many couples have buy-out clauses in their business documents or prenuptial agreements that make this decision far easier. If a couple does not have any of these in place, shareholders may allow one spouse to buy out the other. However, this is only a viable solution if one spouse is willing to leave the business.

If both spouses would like to continue to be involved in the business, the future and survival of the business will dictate what happens. Sometimes, ex-spouse will decide that their business is their top priority and will continue to manage it together.

To make the right decision for yourself and your business, you should get a business valuation that provides information regarding:

• What your business is currently worth;
• How much your business will earn in the future;
• Debt realization;
• Inventory; and
• The financial interest in the business of each spouse.

Contact Our Plainfield Divorce Lawyers

We understand how difficult it can be to end a marriage and potentially lose a business. If you and your soon to be ex-spouse are business partners, it is essential that you reach out to our experienced Plainfield divorce lawyers at 815-666-1285 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/protecting-your-business-from-divorce.html