Latest from Schwartz Injury Law Blog

The CDC estimates that Listeria infection is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness across the United States. Each year in the U.S., at least 1,600 will be infected with Listeria, while 260 will die from the illness. It is known as a foodborne disease outbreak when two or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink. Foodborne illnesses can trigger personal injury and wrongful death claims when people are harmed by the illnesses.
These outbreaks are investigated by public health officials so they can be controlled, preventing more people from getting sick and
Continue Reading What Should I Do if I Think I Got Listeria from Food?

Motorcyclists who practice safe driving may believe they are fully protecting themselves on the road. But even the safest riders can suffer catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of other drivers. In fact, even for the safest riders, motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive and ongoing medical treatment. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can help injured riders hold negligent drivers accountable, especially when the motorcyclist was not at fault.
Why Do Safe Motorcycle Riders Still Suffer Catastrophic Injuries?
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road. Even when they drive cautiously, wear helmets, and follow
Continue Reading Does the Safe Operation of a Motorcycle Prevent Accidents?

When we think of a home, we often envision a safe haven where we are free from harm. However, it is crucial to recognize that catastrophic injuries can occur even within the confines of our own homes. These accidents can have life-altering consequences, and when they occur, consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer is essential to understanding your rights and potential legal avenues.
The Complexity of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are severe, permanent injuries that may require lifelong care. They often result in a significant loss of quality of life and can include damage to the brain, spinal cord, and other
Continue Reading Catastrophic Injuries That Can Occur at Home

After experiencing a personal injury, it might be tempting to decline medical attention, especially if the injuries you sustained seem minor. However, seeking medical assistance is one of the most important things you can do after being injured for your health and any future legal proceedings. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Illinois will tell you that immediate medical care can be a decisive factor in your claim. Here is why getting medical attention is essential and not just recommended.  
Medical Evaluations Can Find Hidden Injuries
Some injuries may not be immediately obvious. For example, what feels like a
Continue Reading Why is Medical Assistance Important Even for Minor Injuries?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you might be wondering about the value of your case and how much compensation you can expect to receive. A motor vehicle accident lawyer can provide important insights into this process, helping you navigate the difficulties of the situation. Knowing how to maximize your compensation is key to receiving the money you deserve.
Understanding the Factors that Affect Compensation
Not all car accident claims are worth the same. The worth of your case can depend on many factors, such as:

  • Medical costs – The cost of treatment for your injuries


Continue Reading How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Truck accidents are often traumatic and overwhelming experiences, especially with the complexities surrounding liability and insurance claims. If you find yourself in this situation in Illinois, a knowledgeable lawyer will be instrumental in guiding you through the process. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate a truck accident claim effectively.
Step #1 – Ensure Safety and Health First
Before diving into the claims process, you must:

  • Prioritize the safety and health of yourself and others.
  • Ensure that you and any passengers receive prompt medical attention for injuries. Even if you and others feel your injuries are minor,


Continue Reading How to Handle a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois

Motorcycle riding offers riders a profound sense of freedom, but poor weather conditions can turn that thrill into a full-blown nightmare. If you experience a motorcycle accident due to inclement weather, it is important to understand the connection between bad weather and the various ways it can lead to motorcycle accidents. Contact a personal injury attorney if you suffered injuries while riding your motorcycle.
Understanding How Bad Weather Can Translate to Motorcycle Crashes
Slippery Surfaces and Loss of Control
One of the most immediate effects of bad weather, especially rain and snow, is the drastic reduction in road traction.
Continue Reading Three Ways Bad Weather Can Result in Motorcycle Accidents

Long-distance trucking is vital for our economy, ensuring goods are transported across vast distances. However, it comes with significant risks, with driver fatigue being one of the most dangerous. This phenomenon not only endangers the trucker but also poses a serious hazard to other road users. Understanding the impact of fatigue and knowing when to seek help from a lawyer can make a difference in the wake of a truck accident.
Understanding Driver Fatigue
Fatigue in long-distance trucking is often the result of long hours on the road, inconsistent sleep patterns, and the general pressure to meet tight delivery
Continue Reading Risks Involved with Long-Distance Truck Driving

Following too closely, commonly referred to as “tailgating,” is more than just an annoying driving habit; it is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious car accidents. The feeling of impatience seems to dominate the roads, especially during rush hour or in crowded parking lots. If you have found yourself injured in an accident caused by someone tailgating you, you are not alone. Understanding how tailgating contributes to accidents can empower you to take legal action after suffering an injury. Contact a lawyer if you have been injured as a result of tailgating.
Here is Why Tailgating
Continue Reading Three Ways Tailgating Can Lead to Car Accidents

Experiencing a severe injury can lead to debilitating pain, significantly impacting one’s quality of life. Fortunately, various pain management techniques can help alleviate discomfort and support recovery. Understanding these techniques is vital for patients seeking relief from their pain while also navigating the landscape of rehabilitation.
If you suffered a catastrophic injury caused by another person’s negligence, contact an attorney to not only protect your rights, but also to collaborate on ways to manage your pain and recovery most effectively.
Medications Can Help Ease Severe Pain
Medications are a common approach to managing pain from severe injuries. Over-the-counter options
Continue Reading Pain Management Techniques for Severe Injuries | IL

Motorcycling is an exhilarating way to enjoy the open road, but it comes with serious risks, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles. Among the most significant threats to motorcyclists are drunk drivers. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it a dangerous substance for anyone behind the wheel – especially for those operating motorcycles. As a result, when vehicle operators drink and drive, motorcyclists are at risk of suffering serious, potentially fatal injuries.
 If you were injured by a drunk driver while riding your motorcycle, contact a lawyer immediately.
Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain
Alcohol
Continue Reading The Risks Drunk Drivers Pose to Motorcyclists

Wrongful death occurs when a person loses his or her life due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. Beyond the immense grief experienced by families, wrongful death can also have devastating economic consequences. If you have been impacted by the wrongful death of a loved one, contact a lawyer at your earliest convenience. You may be entitled to compensation for your loved one’s death.
Loss of Income and Financial Support
One of the most immediate economic impacts of wrongful death is the loss of income that the deceased would have provided had he or she not been killed. Families
Continue Reading The Economic Impact of Wrongful Death

Motorcycle riding offers a thrilling experience, but it comes with inherent risks. Riders often turn to protective gear as a vital safeguard against injuries. While this gear is essential for enhancing safety, the reality is that injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can still occur, regardless of the level of protection worn.
If you are a motorcyclist who suffered injuries in an accident, an Illinois personal injury lawyer is ready to help you pursue any compensation that may be available to you.
The Limits of Protective Motorcycle Gear
Protective motorcycle gear – such as helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots – plays
Continue Reading Does Wearing Protective Motorcycle Gear Prevent Injuries?

Pedestrian accidents are an alarming and all-too-common occurrence in today’s busy world. Despite advances in vehicle safety technology and increasing awareness of pedestrian rights, these accidents continue to happen with alarming frequency, leading to serious, potentially fatal personal injuries.
Understanding the primary causes can help communities, lawmakers, and drivers implement strategies to reduce these accidents. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a lawyer for assistance in pursuing compensation.
Speeding is a Major Factor in Pedestrian Accidents
Speeding is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents, and its dangers cannot be overstated. Here is
Continue Reading Three Reasons Why Pedestrian Accidents Occur

When it comes to road safety, the phrase “less is more” appropriately applies to the weight cargo trucks carry. Excess truck cargo poses numerous dangers, significantly increasing the risks of various types of accidents involving trucks. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by an overloaded truck, an Orland Park personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
The Explosive Consequences of Excess Truck Weight
One of the immediate dangers of overloaded trucks is tire blowouts. When a truck carries more weight than its tires are designed to handle, the tires can become severely strained. This stress
Continue Reading Dangers of Excess Truck Cargo

Lane-splitting, the practice where motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is a maneuver that aims to save time and reduce traffic congestion. However, suppose you have been injured while lane-splitting in Illinois. In that case, it is important to understand what this entails, its legal standing, and the steps you should take afterward, including contacting an Illinois personal injury attorney.
What is Lane-Splitting?
Sometimes referred to as white-lining, lane-splitting involves riding a motorcycle between lanes of vehicles that are either moving slowly or stopped. While this technique can mitigate traffic congestion and potentially enhance commute times
Continue Reading What is Lane-Splitting on a Motorcycle?