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You’ve likely heard of PFAS – a term that’s been buzzing around in news outlets and even attorney advertisements. This acronym stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, a group of chemicals notorious for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. But what exactly does PFAS mean for veterans, especially those exposed to it during military service? This blog aims to demystify PFAS exposure and guide veterans through the complex process of filing a PFAS-related VA disability claim.
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Understanding PFAS and Its Uses
PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in various products
Continue Reading PFAS Exposure and VA Disability Claims: A Comprehensive Guide for Veterans

The most common reason that landlords in DuPage and Cook Counties go to eviction court is because of non-paying tenants. When a tenant falls behind on his or her rent and has no way of catching up, the balance of back rent can become significant. Unfortunately, the longer a landlord waits, the harder it may become to legally evict tenants. The average landlord waits until a tenant is at least three months behind and owes approximately $5,000 in back rent.
Since the timeline for a court hearing can be six months or more, a landlord can conceivably end up with
Continue Reading Advice for Landlords Regarding Tenant Evictions in 2025

When filing for VA disability compensation, the “effective date” of a claim is one of the most critical factors veterans should understand. The effective date marks the starting point from which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay benefits for a granted claim. In most situations, this date corresponds to the day the VA receives the claim or the day the veteran becomes entitled to the benefit. However, there are several essential exceptions to the standard effective date rules, and knowing these can make a significant difference in the amount of back pay received. This article outlines the main
Continue Reading Understanding VA Claim Effective Dates: Three Key Exceptions Every Veteran Should Know

Custody issues – known as the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois – are often the most difficult aspect of a divorce. Couples going through a divorce are usually required to try mediation, and if a mediated agreement cannot be reached, the Court could appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL), who is often another lawyer. The GAL will conduct an independent investigation into the child’s home situation before making a recommendation to the courts.
If there are still disagreements regarding parenting time or the allocation of parental responsibilities, the Court may choose to appoint a psychologist or psychiatrist who will
Continue Reading How to Approach a 604(b) Custody Evaluation in Illinois

Riding on the back of a motorcycle can be exhilarating — but it also comes with serious risks. When a crash happens, motorcycle passengers are often the most vulnerable people on the road. If you were injured while riding as a passenger, you may be wondering whether you can take legal action — and who should be held responsible.
The short answer is: Yes, sometimes motorcycle crash victims in Illinois can sue for their injuries. In fact, they often have a stronger legal case than the driver. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you determine whether you want to
Continue Reading Can a Motorcycle Passenger Sue for Injuries?

Although Illinois banned life sentences for juvenile offenders under the age of 21 in 2023 (Public Law 102-1128), the law was not made retroactive. A bill to ensure that juvenile offenders who are already serving life sentences receive the same consideration stalled last session. While lawmakers tried again this year, the bill failed on a 49-51 vote on April 11.   
A young man who was with his cousin in 1998 when the cousin robbed a store and killed two people – and who has consistently claimed he had no idea what his cousin planned – is currently serving
Continue Reading Lawmakers Attempt to Make Youth Sentencing Reforms Retroactive

Aggravated assault and attempted murder are among the most violent crimes. Both are serious charges that carry severe penalties if convicted. If you have been charged with either of these crimes, you should contact an experienced Cook County, IL violent crimes attorney to learn more about the specific charges against you and what defense strategy would work best in your case.
Definitions of Aggravated Assault and Attempted Murder
According to Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/12-2, aggravated assault is a form of assault that is escalated by specific factors. Typically, if you use a dangerous weapon or behave in a
Continue Reading The Difference Between Aggravated Assault and Attempted Murder

The VA PACT Act was designed to support veterans who have been exposed to toxic materials during their military service, offering a layer of assistance in identifying potential health impacts from such exposures. However, as beneficial as this initiative sounds, the implementation, particularly concerning the toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) exams, has unfortunately presented a series of challenges for veterans seeking timely and fair processing of their disability claims.
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The Role of TERA Exams in VA Claims
The essence of TERA exams lies in evaluating claims related to non-presumptive conditions—that is, conditions that aren’t automatically presumed to
Continue Reading Understanding the Impact of the VA PACT Act's TERA Exams on Veterans' Claims

Most people assume the rear driver is at fault for a rear-end collision, but this is not always the case. Certain things a front driver does may also contribute to a rear-end collision. Illinois is a comparative negligence state. This means that fault can be divided between parties, even in cases where fault may seem relatively straightforward.
If you have been hurt in a rear-end car crash, retain a skilled Illinois accident attorney to represent your interests. Our car accident lawyers at Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers have 25 years of experience, and will determine the cause of the
Continue Reading Who Is Liable In An Illinois Rear-End Crash? 

Unemployability is a vital benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), designed to assist veterans whose service-connected disabilities hinder their ability to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment. This benefit is crucial for veterans receiving less than a 100% disability rating but are incapable of working due to these disabilities. Understanding the nuances of an unemployability claim can be daunting, but gaining insights into this process can significantly aid veterans in successfully navigating their claims.
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The Fundamental Criteria for Unemployability Claims
Unemployability, often referred to as Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), allows veterans to
Continue Reading 4 Keys to a Successful VA Unemployability Claim | Veteran Legal Guide

Understanding VA Denial of Increased Rating for PTSD and Mental Health Claims Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions are significant challenges faced by many veterans. Securing adequate disability compensation is vital for those affected, yet it’s not uncommon to encounter denials when seeking an increased rating for these conditions. Understanding the reasons for these denials and how to address them effectively is crucial in strengthening your case before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

  • Misunderstanding the Rating Criteria: The VA rates mental health conditions using specific diagnostic codes, each with defined criteria and symptoms necessary for a

  • Continue Reading Four Reasons Your PTSD Rating Increase is Getting Denied

    Perhaps you have been to an after-work party to celebrate the retirement of one of your co-workers. You have an enjoyable time and leave the party to drive home, confident that you are not impaired because you only had a couple of beers. Then, on your way home, you realize that there is a DUI checkpoint up ahead.
    You weigh your options – the slightest chance that you might test above the 0.08 percent BAC, against looking for a place to turn around and finding a different way home. Or, perhaps you do not even realize there is a DUI
    Continue Reading Can I Legally Turn Around at an Illinois DUI Checkpoint?

    The consequences of a violent domestic battery conviction extend beyond the immediate penalties. The legal aftermath can be life-changing, affecting everything from your personal relationships to your financial situation. If you have been charged with battery after a domestic altercation, a Chicago, IL domestic battery defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and what they could mean for your future.
    Employment With a Criminal Record
    One of the most damaging effects of a battery conviction is that it will appear on your criminal record indefinitely. In 1991, Illinois passed the Uniform Conviction Information Act, requiring the
    Continue Reading the Long-Term Impact of a Domestic Battery Conviction

    Workers’ compensation insurance exists to ensure that people who are injured on the job do not have to suffer financially during recovery. However, not all cases are black and white, and unfortunately, employers sometimes take advantage of their employees to diminish their responsibility. This is why knowing your rights is key. If you have questions about your ability to receive or continue receiving workers’ comp insurance payments after a workplace injury, an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the legal options available to you.
    Does Every Workers’ Compensation Case Require an Attorney?
    Not every
    Continue Reading When Do I Need an Attorney in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

    For veterans seeking VA disability compensation, establishing a service connection for their disabilities is pivotal. However, navigating the complexities of the VA claims process can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the necessary components that establish this connection. This blog aims to clarify the three essential elements required to prove a service connection for VA disability claims, providing veterans with critical insights to bolster their claims.
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    Element 1: Confirming a Current Disability
    The cornerstone of any VA disability claim is the existence of a current disability. VA guidelines stipulate that veterans must present evidence of a current
    Continue Reading Establishing a Service Connection for Veterans: Understanding the Three Critical Elements

    In 2022, it was determined that at least 5 percent of all traffic accidents were directly caused by reckless driving. You may be under the impression that reckless driving charges are not all that serious. After all, it is simply a traffic offense, right? In fact, reckless driving is much more than a traffic violation; it is a criminal offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. If you are facing charges of reckless driving, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Naperville, IL reckless driving lawyer.
    What Is Reckless Driving?
    Continue Reading How Serious Are Charges of Reckless Driving in Illinois?