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workers compensation, accident injuries, nursing home neglect and abuse,
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The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, P.C. provide wrongful death attorneys in Chicago to help you handle a wrongful death situation as easily as possible.
If you or your family have lost a loved one to wrongful death, it is important to know that The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates possess highly competent and skilled lawyers capable of helping victims of wrongful death. We have a team of attorneys who are experienced Chicago wrongful death attorneys dedicated in various legal issues. Malman Law is a premier law firm based in Chicago, IL founded in 1994 and headed by Steven J. Malman. Our team of attorneys focuses on providing exceptional legal representation and customer service. Our firm has a strong track record handling wrongful death cases, personal injury cases such as auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bite cases, medical malpractice and more.
Experiencing a death in the family is difficult and can be unnerving. If it was caused by negligence or foul play, it adds an additional level of stress and grief. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates fully understands and sympathizes with the family members of the victim. Our well- trained Chicago injury lawyers work hard to give our clients the best chance of receiving the maximum possible benefit. A wrongful death suit is generally brought to the court by close family members of the one who was lost. If the defending party has a stronger representation than the accusing party, it is possible for the accused to walk away without any type of punishment. At The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, our Chicago wrongful death attorneys are educated and know the law well enough to provide strong representation of the victim in court and make sure that justice is done.
At The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys will do everything to assist you in making your financial future secure. If they are unable to negotiate a compensation for you, their experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys team is bold enough to file a wrongful death suit and prove to a jury why you deserve to be compensated for your loved one's death. In addition to wrongful death cases the law offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates also provides workers compensation lawyer, slip and fall attorneys, railroad accident lawyers, etc.
If you, a loved one or friend have lost someone to wrongful death and are looking for a wrongful death attorney call now at 1-888-625-6265 for a free legal consultation or visit www.malmanlaw.com
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
The Chicago Tribune reports, "Kia Motors said it is recalling 145,755 Optima sedans and Rondo crossover vehicles in the United States because of potentially faulty driver airbags.
The model years affected are 2006-2008 Optimas and 2007-2008 Rondos, Kia Motors America said in a statement on Monday."
The company has indicated that while they are unaware of any injuries caused at this time, it is possible that over time the driver's side airbag may not deploy correctly in a car accident or collision. The recall will likely begin in the next couple of months.
The recall will affect 95,569 Optimas and 50,186 Rondos.
Chicago Car Accidents and Faulty Airbags
A person who is seriously injured in a Chicago car accident as a result of an airbag's failure to deploy may be entitled to sue the automaker for auto products liability. Airbags are intended to deploy during a crash to prevent drivers from sustaining serious head injuries, particularly in head on collisions. An airbag's failure to deploy can have disastrous consequences, including traumatic brain injury or even death. Airbags can fail to deploy for several reasons, including defective or faulty parts.
If you were injured in an Illinois auto accident involving a defective auto or a faulty auto part, is important that you retain the services of a Chicago injury lawyer that is experienced in successfully representing clients who were injured in auto accidents where products liability was a factor. They will help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering caused by a faulty or defective auto part.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Winter has clearly arrived in Chicagoland, and with it ice, snow, freezing rain and other hazardous conditions that often lead to car accidents. While you may not be able to control the weather, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of weather adversely effecting your daily commute.
According to Consumer Reports, you should "make sure any scheduled maintenance is handled on schedule. A new survey by Consumer Reports shows that many motorists are postponing maintenance or repairs. The only thing worse than being stuck at the side of the road is being there in freezing rain when a regular maintenance item was neglected. Keeping your car update to date with maintenance will help to make it is reliable and safe."
Beyond practicing good vehicle maintenance, you also need to drive carefully. You may be liable for Chicago personal injury or wrongful death if you are driving recklessly - regardless of whether you are driving in the snow or other inclement weather. Here are five tips for driving carefully in winter weather conditions:
1. Observe the speed limit, especially if it has been reduced due to inclement weather. 2. Allow adequate space from the car in front of you. Keep in mind that slippery conditions - particularly black ice - can make it difficult or impossible for you to stop short. 3. Pull over to use your cell phone. Do not talk, text or use your phone for anything while driving in winter weather conditions. 4. Do not ever drink or use drugs (even prescription drugs with side effects) while driving - regardless of weather conditions. 5. Clear all the ice and snow off your vehicle prior to driving away, especially your windows and mirrors.
Following the above winter driving tips may help you avoid an accident, but if you are involved in a Chicago car crash while driving in the snow, contact a Chicago car accident lawyer. They can help you determine what your next step should be.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Steven J. Malman understand how overwhelming it can be to look for a personal injury attorney - especially when you have just sustained an injury. Our team of qualified personal injury attorneys is uniquely qualified to support you in your time of need and work on your behalf to earn you the settlement you deserve so you can focus on recovering. From our No Fee Guarantee to our on-staff physician, we have the best interests of our clients in mind.
Don't take our word for it. We have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB); Malman Law has been a BBB Accredited Business since 09/01/2011. This means that "BBB has determined that Malman Law meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints."
Additionally, you can read what our clients have to say about working with Malman Law on our Malman Law review page and below:
• James S.: "Steve Malman and his staff take great care of their clients and are very trustworthy. I have referred my friends and family to Malman Law, I highly recommend the firm."
• Padgett, G.: "From start to finish Steve Malman and his entire staff were very understanding and informative. Steve would take all the time you needed to talk to you and explain things to you. They really value their clients. I just want to say, THANK YOU! Steve Malman and your staff.
• Ryan D.: "Professional, full of integrity, sound business ethics and sense of commitment is what I think of when dealing with Malman Law."
• Deborah E.: " I would recommend Malman Law to anyone I know who needs a great lawyer. I was very pleased with the outcome of my case."
• Donyell G.: "If anybody has a problem and is in need of help call Malman Law. At Malman Law you are more than just a client, you are part of the family."
Earlier this month, the Lake Forest City Council failed to pass a distracted driving ordinance. The lack of consensus resulted from concerned aldermen who "feared that banning other distractions would put an 'undue burden' on police officers who 'have enough to do' and questioned whether the city can 'legislate common sense.'
While none of the aldermen present expressed strong opposition to any distracted-driving law, some questioned whether educating the public, rather than issuing tickets, might be a better approach. Any ordinance that might be enacted would likely begin with a grace period during which officers would issue only warnings," reports the Chicago Tribune.
While the measure did not pass, it has not been shelved; officials have indicated that they will try again as early as next month. It is also noteworthy that the ban would go beyond hand-held cell phone use and include other "distracted driving" behaviors including, but not limited to, eating or playing with the radio.
The city of Chicago and many surrounding suburbs have already passed bans on handheld cell phones, distracted driving or a combination of both. In fact, late last year Oak Park was considering a distracted driving ban which brought up some of the same concerns about enforcement. Additionally, one of the trustees of the village indicated that it would be difficult to designating a handful of behaviors as "distracted driving"; where do you draw the line?
Distracted Driving | Chicago Car Accidents
Our Chicago car accident attorneys know that drivers are often busy or running late which causes them to engage in behaviors that qualify as "distracted driving" - even though they know better. For some drivers, a "close call" provides a necessary wake up call and prevents them from repeating the behavior in the future. Others may need a ban which carries a hefty fine before they realize they may cause an accident with "distracted driving."
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by another driver texting while driving or engaging in other "distracted driving" behaviors, contact a Chicago car accident attorney right away.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
"Note to road warriors who try to work during their commute: You may have to find another time for that conference call. Last week, the National Transportation and Safety Board recommended that states should ban all cell phone use by drivers -- including talking on speakerphone, using a hands-free device, and texting -- in order to minimize distractions. And it turns out that plenty of people agree with them.
According to a new poll by Sodahead.com, 58 percent of respondents would support such a ban," including "67 percent of about-to-be parents and 54 percent of respondents with kids," reports Yahoo! Shine.
Many Chicagoland cities and towns already have cell phone bans in place and are working to enact bans on all behaviors classified as "distracted driving." However, many people in Chicagoland as well as respondents to the Sodahead.com survey have questioned whether all "distracted driving" behaviors can effectively be banned.
Others feel that increased education and public service announcements about the hazards of distracted driving will be more practical and efficient than bans on distracted driving or cell phone use.
Unfortunately, sometimes the most effective way to prevent cell phone use and distracted driving is beyond legislation and PSA's - personal experience with a car accident or "near-miss" often provides a necessary wake up call to drivers, passengers, or those effected by car accident casualties.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys know that distracted driving is hazardous; it causes accidents. To avoid being involved in a Chicago car accident, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving or other negligence, contact a Chicago car accident attorney right away.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
The National Transportation Safety Board has advised that all 50 states ban drivers' cellphone use - including hands-free usage - in an effort to curb distracted driving accidents and fatalities. Unfortunately, even if a nationwide ban were enacted - which is unlikely - it probably would not prevent people from engaging in distracted driving behaviors.
The Chicago Tribune reports, "If you're not frightened by what's going on around you during your daily commute, you're not paying attention. Drivers are texting while flying down the expressways, sending emails in stop-and-go traffic on Lake Shore Drive, carrying on animated conversations while changing lanes with one hand on the phone and the other holding a Starbucks. All of that is already illegal in Chicago and beyond. Have you noticed fewer people doing it? Neither have we."
Many states, cities and towns already have bans on cell phone and smart phone usage while driving. Unfortunately, until the bans are enforced - and carry a hefty fine - most drivers will not voluntarily put down their cell phones in spite of staggering statistics supporting why they should.
Distracted Driving and Chicago Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reported via the Trib, 3,000 fatal accidents occurred in 2010 that were attributed (at least in part) to distracted driving. It is important to keep in mind that distracted driving does not just apply to talking or texting while driving. All of the following behaviors - and many more - are common "distracted driving" behaviors exhibited during a regular commute:
• Changing the radio or MP3 player • Eating and/or drinking • Reading • Applying makeup or engaging in other personal grooming • Reaching for an item out of reach - on the floor, in the back seat, etc. • Surfing the Internet, texting or talking via hand held cell phone. • Talking on a cell phone - even with a hands free device
Oftentimes, commuters can be the worst offenders of distracted driving because they are in the car for so much time that they are tempted to complete other tasks they did not have time for prior to leaving the house - like eating, drinking and even applying makeup. Additionally, many feel that it is okay to read or surf the internet because they are in traffic - barely moving.
Distracted driving is distracted driving, regardless of how fast one is traveling - and it causes accidents. To avoid being involved in a Chicago car accident, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident caused by distracted driving or other negligence, contact a Chicago car accident attorney right away.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Mr. Jones was admitted to the facility involuntarily by his girlfriend and teenaged son, who were concerned that he intended to harm himself. He was admitted at 8:39 pm on January 2 and hung himself using a sheet attached to the bathroom door in his room at 9:08 pm. His body hung there until 9:22 pm without notice from any of the hospital staff, in spite of the fact that his room was visible via video monitoring and staff were in front of the monitors for most of the time Mr. Jones was hanging.
According to the Chicago Tribune, "Illinois regulators had repeatedly cited the hospital for neglecting at-risk patients, records show. No matter how many times hospital administrators promised change, patients were placed in jeopardy, according to state records."
For their part, Jackson Park Hospital denies any wrongdoing but refuses to comment further due to pending litigation and confidentiality requirements.
Unfortunately, there have been several cases over the past two years where patients' lives have been in jeopardy because safety policies and procedures were not executed carefully. For example:
• Patients were found not to be receiving the one-on-one monitoring advised by their physicians. • An elderly patient who was admitted to the facility for a psychological evaluation returned to his assisted living facility with injuries that indicated he had sustained personal injury, likely from a fall - in spite of the fact that he was identified as at high risk for fall hazard at the time of admission. • Safety checks were not documented - likely were not completed. As a result, patients were at risk for escape, injury or death. • Locks on patient rooms allowed suicidal patients to lock themselves in and attempt suicide.
Subsequently, hospital administrators promised that additional training and monitoring measures would be implemented, and as a result regulators closed the case investigating Mr. Jones' death. The Chicago police likewise closed their investigation due to a refusal by hospital staff to provide names, contact information and video regarding the incident.
As a result, Mr. Jones' family has decided to hold the hospital accountable by filing an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit.
Illinois Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If you or a loved one did not receive appropriate medical care and suffered as a result, you should speak with an Illinois wrongful death attorney or Illinois personal injury attorney. They are the best resource for determining whether you have a case and if you may be able to receive compensation for pain, suffering and/or wrongful death. While there is no amount of money that can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death attorney can help your family ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Early in the morning on Monday, January 2 a jogger was brutally attacked by two pit bulls. Luckily for the man, 62-year-old Joseph Finley, a neighbor heard his cries for help and came to his rescue. The neighbor, Stanley Lee, beat the dogs off with a wooden baseball bat.
Finley was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for multiple dog bite injuries on his feet and legs. Lee did not sustain any dog bite injuries. When police arrived on the scene, one of the dogs charged; both dogs were shot as a result.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "police issued citations to the dogs’ owner, who lives near the scene of the attack, for not properly restraining the dogs and not having a license. Police do not plan to charge the owner criminally, police spokesman Ron Gaines said early Tuesday.
It appears the dogs escaped through an open gate, said Chicago Animal Care & Control Commissioner Cherie Travis, who spoke with the owner and a relative."
Illinois Dog Bite Law
The state of Illinois has strict laws about holding negligent owners liable for a dog biting, attacking, or mauling an individual. In addition to holding the owner liable for dog bite injuries, owners may also be held responsible for injuries suffered by a person who gets hurt while trying to escape from an aggressive animal; the injuries sustained are not limited to dog bite injuries.
Illinois is a “first bite” state, which means that the dog that inflicted the bite wounds does not need to have previously bitten another person for a dog bite victim to be able hold the owner liable. Regardless of what the law states it is imperative that you are represented by an experienced Chicago injury law firm that knows how to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your dog bite wounds.
Dog bite injuries go beyond the pain of the actual dog bite injury site. Dog bite attacks can cause serious internal injuries, permanent disfigurement, emotional trauma, and even death.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
"A former nurse accused of overmedicating patients in 2006 at a Woodstock nursing home was placed on probation Wednesday for two years and fined $5,000." The woman "pleaded guilty in October to a felony charge of neglect of a long-term patient in exchange for an agreement by prosecutors to drop five other felony counts against her," reports the Chicago Tribune.
As part of the plea deal, the former nurse - Marty Himebaugh - admitted that she gave a nursing home resident medicine that he had not been prescribed in an effort to calm him down and get him under control. Himebaugh dosed the man with .25 milligrams of Ativan and an "unspecified amount" of Risperdal. Afterward, the nursing home resident passed out, fell to the ground and sustained a cut on his head.
Himebaugh, along with her former nursing home supervisor Penny Whitlock, came under scrutiny and subsequent charges after a 2008 nursing home investigation. Ms. Whitlock was acquitted of charges that she turned the other cheek while Himebaugh allegedly overmedicated patients earlier this year.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Millions of families are faced with difficult decisions regarding the care of their elderly loved ones every day. Sometimes that decision results in entrusting the care of a loved one to a nursing home or long term care facility. When you make the difficult decision to move your family member into a nursing or long term care facility, you deserve the peace of mind of knowing they are safe and well cared for. In the event that you see warning signs that this is not the case, you need to act quickly to avoid Chicago nursing home abuse, neglect or even death. These signs may include:
- Unexplained injuries (bumps, bruises, broken bones, etc.)
- Noticeable physical changes (poor personal hygiene, rapid weight loss or gain)
- Mental health symptoms (depression, withdrawal)
- Infections or bedsores
If your loved one is exhibiting any of the above behaviors or is just acting "off" since they have entered a nursing home or care facility, immediate action is advisable. One of your best resources is a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney in Chicago or your area. They have extensive experience dealing with these types of situation and will work with you to ensure that your loved one is well taken care of and receives the care they are entitled to. They can also work with you to receive compensation on behalf of your loved one if they have sustained nursing home abuse or neglect.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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