Answer:Trial is where all of the moving pieces of a case come together. The progress of a case may wax and wane slowly, particularly from a client’s perspective. However, a client’s level of involvement in the case cranks up considerably leading up to and during trial. So let’s talk about what trial looks like from a client’s perspective. Preparing to TestifyA common refrain in our office as we move through litigation is that we don’t ‘win’ a case at any isolated stage. Before a deposition, clients are often advised that they should not be thinking about trying to ‘win’ their case…
Continue Reading Question: What should a client expect during a trial?

Answer:When something bad happens and it’s not your fault, you want to be made whole yesterday. If only the legal process worked so quickly. A better way to think about this question is a series of questions: What amount of money will provide fair compensation for the damages sustained? How likely is it that we are going to prevail at trial? How much would the defense have to offer such that accepting the certainty of that offer is more favorable than the delay and risk of moving forward with the case? What can yet happen during the course of litigation that might persuade a defendant…
Continue Reading Question: When are we going to settle?

Illinois Wrongful Death Claims and ProbateWhat is a Wrongful Death Claim?If you have a close friend or family member who has recently passed away due to the wrongful actions of another, a wrongful death claim may be brought against the negligent party to recover an award of damages. The State of Illinois has instituted the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/1, which permits a cause of action against negligent or intentional acts that result in a person’s death. So, for instance, if a healthcare provider neglects the care of a person in their charge, they can be held…
Continue Reading Wrongful Death – Getting Justice for a Lost Loved One

An IntroductionThink about the last time you bought a car. Cars don’t tickle me the way that they do some people, so my last car purchase was a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that I paid $10,000 for. The transaction went something like this: I started researching cars. I saved up some money for a car. I test-drove numerous cars. I visited a handful of dealerships. I made some offers. I received some counteroffers. I left. I came back. We eventually agreed on a price, I wrote a check and in exchange, received the keys and title to the car. Though it…
Continue Reading The Absurd Way We Pay For Medical Care: A Series

Boo! Halloween is upon us and as you pick out your costumes and carve your pumpkins, remember to keep safety in mind this Halloween season. If you have young children you’ve probably already realized that many Halloween costumes are cheaply made. While good for the pocketbook, these cheap costumes can be more likely to catch fire when exposed to an open flame. Add in a couple of glowing jack-o-lanterns and eager children running through yards and it’s easy to come in contact with flames. When shopping for costumes it’d be helpful to look for “flame-retardant” material, which means they hinder…
Continue Reading Boo! Stay Safe this Halloween Season

Today we tend to recognize Labor Day as the end of summer and when public pools are closed for the season; however, Labor Day has a much more significant purpose. In the 1800s workers had little to no power. In response, labor organizers in New York City planned a one-day strike on the first Monday in September, the day which is now traditionally recognized as Labor Day. On this day all workers were expected to march in a parade then attend a picnic afterwards.In the 1830s some workers spent as much as 70-hours a week on the job. Activists were organizing…
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When most people think of burns they think of fire. While extremely dangerous, fire is a stark and obvious source of danger. There are other more subtle ways that someone can be burned that not all people may be aware of:Hot water heatersIf your water is scalding it can cause severe burns. If you can access water pipes, they too, can be hot enough to cause burns or sever damage to your skin. Many times landlords are responsible for the hot water heater temperature at their buildings. If you own your home be sure to set yours under 120 degrees…
Continue Reading Burns You Can't See or Smell