The holiday season is upon us, and many of us our caught up in all those fun holiday tasks - decorating the house, baking, shopping and many more things that are well outside of our normal everyday routines. And for that reason, it doesn't hurt to make a checklist of how to complete these holiday tasks safely to avoid personal injury. (Thanks for the tips, Yahoo! Shine!)

Exterior Decorating

If you are a person who decorates the outside of the house, here are some precautions you should take to avoid holiday accidents:

• Plan Ahead: Before you are up on a ladder trying to untangle lights, have a game plan. Make sure you have the things you need and know where they will be plugged in. Otherwise, you may create a fire by overloading electrical sockets or runnning too many extension cords.

"A Crystal Lake man who was driving a car that went airborne on a hilly road in Hampshire and struck a tree, killing his four passengers, was sentenced today to seven years in prison. Muhammad H. Jaffrie, 29, pleaded guilty last year to reckless homicide in the Sept. 8, 2007, accident on Dietrich Road. The victims of the crash were brothers Kumail Husain, 20, and Zohair Husain, 18, of Huntley; Ayush Joshi, 20, of Hoffman Estates; and Henry Onwualu, 19, of Huntley. The friends were on their way to a Hampshire truck stop for food around 3:30 a.m. when the accident happened," reports the Chicago Tribune. 

Chicago Car Accidents

Sustaining a serious injury during a Chicago car crash can be tough physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Recovery can take months or, in some severe cases, a victim is left permanently disabled or even killed. The bills for hospital stays, 24-hour care, rehabilitation services, doctor visits, medications, surgeries, tests, as well as the loss of income, benefits, and future earnings can take a toll.

There may be more than one party who should be held liable for your Cook County car crash injuries. We know how devastating it is to lose someone you love because other people were reckless or careless or negligent. Taking care of legal issues is not something you likely want to be thinking about so soon after your loss. However, the sooner your explore your legal options, the better you will increase the chances of getting the maximum Chicago car accident compensation from the responsible parties.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Steven J. Malman have extensive experience in dealing with the victims of Chicago car accidents and their families. Contact our team right away for a free case evaluation. We offer a no-fee guarantee, meaning that we do not collect legal fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries or your loved one's. 

We all know about Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving (or, more recently, Thanksgiving night) when retailers offer their "best deals of the season" in an attempt to kick off the holiday season "in the black." Many people leave their Thanksgiving holidays early to stand in long lines, sometimes in inclement weather, hoping to score great deals on everything from TV's to kitchen appliances to limited quantity toys.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys and many others noticed a disturbing trend this Black Friday. Yahoo! News notes that "as reports of shopping-related violence rolled in this week from Los Angeles to New York, experts say a volatile mix of desperate retailers and cutthroat marketing has hyped the traditional post-Thanksgiving sales to increasingly frenzied levels. With stores opening earlier, bargain-obsessed shoppers often are sleep-deprived and short-tempered. Arriving in darkness, they also find themselves vulnerable to savvy parking-lot muggers." 

This is a sinister twist for the day that many people consider the kick-off to the holiday season. Chicago personal injury attorneys are familiar with "mob mentality" and how personal injury accidents - and even wrongful death - can result. In years past, shoppers have actually been trampled to death when doors to certain discount retailers are opened, admitting the masses of people who have often spent hours in line.

As we put this particular Black Friday behind us, our Chicago personal injury attorneys would like to encourage shoppers to keep a few common sense tips in mind for avoiding personal injury during the shopping rushes yet to come:

Shop Smart: Before you head out in the late evening or early morning hours, make sure you have researched the products you are interested in buying and their prices. Can you find them cheaper (or for a few dollars more) online? Remember, waking up in the middle of the night and driving to a retail location have a cost.

Be Aware: If you are taking advantage of extended hours, shopping in the early morning or late evening when parking lots are dark, be cautious. There may be muggers waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Do not hesitate to ask a store employee to accompany you to your vehicle if you feel unsafe.

Rest Up: Sleep deprivation poses all types of risks during the holiday season. If you are planning an off-hour shopping trip, make sure you get enough sleep in advance to avoid falling asleep at the wheel on your way to or from the mall. Staying well rested will also help you avoid impulse buys, ugly altercations with other customers and many other unpleasant experiences.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Malman Law hope you all have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

Last August, seven individuals attending a Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair were tragically killed when the venue's outdoor stage toppled over onto them due to inclement weather. Over 45 additional people were injured in the accident.

In the wake of the accident, the country duo Sugarland expressed their condolences and returned to Indianapolis last month to perform at a benefit concert. However, the victims and/or their families have now decided to pursue legal action, suing the band and others for negligence.

According to E! News, "The complaint, filed in Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis...accuses Sugarland, concert promoter Live Nation, ESG Security, the stagehands' union, and other companies of failing to ensure a safe environment for concertgoers that contributed to the tragedy. Among the plaintiffs in today's legal action are the estates representing four of the people who died as well as dozens more who were injured. 

According to court papers, both the band and producers failed to pay close attention to weather reports and pull the plug on the show before things turned hazardous. Sugarland was named in the suit because their contract included a clause giving the pair final say on whether to scrap a gig due to inclement weather."

The personal injury attorneys representing the plaintiffs have indicated that their clients believe the tragedy was totally preventable. Additionally, the victims' personal injury lawyers noted that the victims have significant medical bills and additional financial expenses as a result of the accident that they are looking to be compensated for. The amount of damages they are seeking was not disclosed.

Negligence and Wrongful Death

It is unknown whether the families of the 4 deceased victims will be pursuing a wrongful death claim as well.. A Chicago personal injury attorney would advise you that to pursue a wrongful death claim in Illinois, it must proven that the liable party did cause the death and if the victim had lived that he or she would have been able to file a personal injury claim for the injuries sustained from the accident.

If you or a family member has been hurt or killed as a result of another person's negligence, speak with a Chicago personal injury attorney right away. No amount of money can ever undo the damage caused but it is possible to be awarded compensation to help your loved one and your family cope with the subsequent financial hardships.

Most of us look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday as a time to spend with family and friends, fill up on delicious food and reflect on the things we are grateful for in life. Some of us - specifically medical professionals - know that it could possibly be one of the busiest work days of the year. For example, "the emergency room can be a pretty busy place, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Sandy Schneider, immediate past president of the group, took a few minutes out from her shift at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., this morning to offer some tips on avoiding her and her colleagues this holiday," reports NPR.

Dr. Schneider's tips for avoiding personal injury and ER trips this holiday include:

• Don't Leave Your Kitchen Comfort Zone: We all want to help the host or hostess with preparations in the kitchen if we can. But if cooking is not your strong suit - say so. Otherwise, you may end up in the ER with a sliced finger from a sharp kitchen knife, a burn from the stove or numerous other kitchen-related personal injuries. 

• Beware of Contaminates: Make sure you calculate the appropriate cook time for your turkey's size to avoid under cooking. Additionally, remember to always wash your hands after you touch the bird - or any other raw meat, for that matter - to avoid spreading salmonella or other bacteria. Otherwise, your guests may leave the party early - and head straight for the ER with food poisoning.

• Hold the Salt: Even if you do not have a medical condition that is exacerbated by sodium, your guests might. So go easy on the sodium or check with your guests beforehand to avoid a possible complication like fluid retention.

• Play Nice: Families do not always get along, particularly when too many alcoholic beverages have been consumed. Try to keep your head and avoid disagreements that may escalate to physical confrontations. Limiting the alcohol if your family has a history of alcohol-fueled anger issues is probably a good choice as well.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys encourage everyone to heed the wise advice outlined above to ensure a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday.

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. 

In recent years, a new birthing trend has emerged across the United States - elective cesarean sections (c-sections). Simply put, this is when a doctor agrees to deliver a baby via cesarean even if it is not medically necessary. Why? A few reasons for the practice include:

• Mother's Discomfort: Any woman with children can tell you that the ninth month (and beyond) is incredibly uncomfortable. Some women opt for an elective c-section because they feel they can no longer deal with the discomfort.

• Convenience: Some people are planners - and want to know exactly when their child will arrive. With an elective c-section, they are able to plan their maternity leave more accurately, invite friends and family from out of town to arrive on the appropriate day and more. 

• Fear of Labor: Many women are afraid to go into labor - whether they are first time mothers afraid of the unknown or mothers who have "been-there-done-that" and had a traumatic experience. An elective c-section may alleviate some or all of those labor fears.

That said, "hospitals across the country are intent on reversing that birth-on-demand trend. The top hospitals in Massachusetts are now refusing to offer elective C-sections and inductions before 39 weeks gestation, and many medical centers in New York, Arizona, Oregon, New York, California, Texas, and Illinois have banned them as well," according to Shine.

Medical malpractice attorneys know that surgery - even elective surgery - has risks of complications and may lead to medical malpractice. So it makes sense that decreasing the number of elective surgeries performed may have a positive effect on incidence of medical malpractice as well.

Additionally, it appears to have health benefits for the baby to avoid elective c-sections, at least before a certain week of gestation. "Cesarean sections account for 32 percent of all births in the United States, and is the most common operation performed in U.S. hospitals. According to the National Institutes of Health, a "normal" pregnancy can last from 38 to 42 weeks, but recent studies confirm that babies born before 39 weeks gestation haves an increased risk for a host of medical problems, including breathing issues, hypoglycemia, infection, developmental delays, feeding complications, and jaundice," reports Shine.

Chicago Medical Malpractice

Rather than trying to avoid becoming the defendant of a Chicago medical malpractice lawsuit, it is the medical provider’s job to provide each patient with the proper medical care. Medical mistakes are not errors that a doctor, nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist, or any other type of medical professional can afford to make. The injuries and health complications that can result from Cook County medical malpractice can prove fatal.

The Institute of Medicine reports that about 98,000 people are killed in US hospitals annually as a result of medical mistakes. Granted, in most cases, the medical professional never intended to harm the patient, but that does not mean that the healthcare provider should not be held liable.

The parents of an infant who suffocated while in a baby sling carrier have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Eddie Bauer, the item's manufacturer.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "The suit claims the sling caused her body to curl forward and forced her chin to her chest, which causes asphyxia. The material of the sling had the potential to enclose an infant and obstruct her mouth and nose, causing a high risk of suffocation, according to the suit.

The suit also claims the sling does not have a safety mechanism to prevent suffocation. The sling’s design allegedly prevents the person wearing it from noticing that an infant is suffocating."

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys know that over the past few years, there have been many suffocation deaths and subsequent wrongful death lawsuits in Chicago and nationwide similar to this case.

As a result, in March 2010 the consumer product safety commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding infant slings, advising consumers that

"Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate." 

The CPSC and our Chicago personal injury attorneys recommend the following practices to ensure your child's safety while using a sling:

• Make sure that your infant's face is not covered and that you can see your baby's face at all times.
• You should constantly check your baby to ensure that he or she is breathing while they are in the sling or infant carrier.
• Read all instructions included with the sling or infant carrier to ensure proper use and positioning of your infant.

A parent should never have to outlive their child. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys know that nothing can bring back your child or assuage your grief and pain over the loss. However, negligent product manufacturers should be held liable for the death of your baby and the harm that you have suffered. Also, by making the public aware of the product defect, other lives can hopefully be saved.

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. 

There are many people who find themselves in situations every day which could benefit from the expertise of a Chicago personal injury attorney. But many do not take the next step to contact a qualified legal professional. Why? Many people have preconceived notions regarding personal injury attorneys. For example:

I Cannot Afford to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
In reality, reputable personal injury attorneys in Chicago and nationwide offer free initial consultations at the very least. Most even go beyond the initial complimentary consultation and offer something similar to Malman Law's "No Fee Guarantee" - meaning you do not pay legal fees unless you receive compensation. The truth is, many people can't afford not to hire a personal injury attorney.

I Do Not Need a Personal Injury Attorney to Receive Compensation
While it is true that you do not need to contact a legal professional to receive compensation, chances are good that not hiring an attorney will effect the amount of your compensation and the time in which you receive it. Remember, insurance companies are responsible for acting in their own best interest - not yours. They may be focused on settling your claim for the least amount of money possible, often dragging out the process in hopes that you will accept less money. Chicago personal injury attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies, and know how to avoid unnecessary delays while ensuring that you - the client - receive the maximum possible reward.

My Current Attorney Should Assist Me With My Personal Injury Case
Unless your attorney has extensive experience with personal injury, they are not the best choice to file a personal injury claim; however, they are a fantastic resource for referring you to the right person. Personal injury cases are unlike other types of cases and can be very tedious, time consuming and complicated. Dealing with an attorney who has personal injury experience will save time and likely increase the amount of compensation you receive as a result of their expertise. 

If you or a loved one have sustained a personal injury, you should speak with a qualified personal injury attorney right away. The Law Offices of Stephen J. Malman have extensive personal injury experience - including car, truck and motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, nursing home abuse and neglect, wrongful death and many more - and are available to discuss your case at any time. Contact our team today for a free consultation.

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.

"Two northwest suburban residents were charged with financially exploitating a 96-year-old after they allegedly t[ook] approximately $140,000 from the victim’s bank account," reports the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Timothy Zink and Rosemary Zink have been charged with unlawful financial exploitation of an elderly person and were transported to the McHenry County Jail after it was discovered that they unlawfully and without permission removed approximately $140,000 from an elderly person's account over the past year. The article did not release the name of the victim, only stating that he or she is 96 years old.

Unfortunately, this incident serves as a reminder that the elderly are a particularly vulnerable segment of our population. Our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys know that not all elder abuse is physical or emotional abuse - it can also include financial exploitation.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren, who is investigating the case, "reminds residents that elder abuse does not always involve physical harm. It can also involve the person’s finances including their personal property, investments, cash, and real estate. Quite often the offenders in these investigations turn out to be complete strangers, newly developed 'friends' who take a sudden interest in the elderly subject, caretakers, and even relatives."

In order to protect your loved ones from exploitation, our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys recommend the following:

• Reviewing financial statements monthly. This will ensure that you catch any changes in accounts including but not limited to large or unexplained withdrawals, changes in account information, and unfamiliar signatures on checks.

• Checking credit reports or using credit monitoring services. This will help alert you if new accounts are opened using your loved one's information and social security number.

• Arranging for a stipulation in power-of-attorney documents for a neutral third party to review an appointed person's actions to prevent abuse of their position.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of elder abuse of any kind - nursing home abuse, elder abuse, financial exploitation - you should speak with a legal professional. Our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys have extensive experience dealing with elder abuse of all kinds. We can advise you on how best to proceed and protect your loved one from further exploitation while recovering damages for their pain and suffering.

Additionally, you should officially report elder abuse by contacting the Illinois Department on Aging at (866)-800-1409 or www.state.il.us/aging.

According to the Chicago Tribune, "A 52-year-old woman struck by a vehicle as she crossed a Washington Park neighborhood street Tuesday has died, officials said today...Geno Green, 25, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence charge in the accident that injured Poole at about 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, according to Chicago police."

Immediately following the incident the woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later passed away as a result of her injuries.

The driver of the vehicle will now face charges in conjunction with the Chicago car accident, including:

• Marijuana possession
• Failure to carry a driver's license
• Failure to reduce speed
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian

This is not the first time the driver of the vehicle has been brought up on drug charges. In 2010, he was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance analog (a substance with chemical similarities to an illegal drug). Those charges were later dropped. Earlier this year, he was again charged with possession of a controlled substance in conjunction with a traffic case. When the case was prosecuted, the possession charge was dropped and he received a fine in the traffic case.

Chicago DUI Car Accidents

Every year, lives are lost and families are destroyed as a result of people operating a vehicle while under the influence. Although people operating under the influence are not fully in control of their faculties and are known to make poor decisions, this does not exempt them from responsibility or liability for their actions—especially if serious Chicago injuries or wrongful death result. Also, filing a Chicago car accident case or wrongful death lawsuit can allow you to recover the costs incurred from medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other damages suffered.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a Chicago DUI car accident - especially one that resulted in wrongful death - you need to speak with a qualified Chicago car accident attorney right away.