Springfield Illinois Personal Injury Law Blog

Was your construction safety training clear enough?

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

With so many fatal and severe accidents in construction, it is no wonder that the industry has numerous regulations surrounding safety and training. Following these regulations is imperative in eliminating hazards and preventing future injuries (such as diseases due to exposure to harmful substances).

Many construction companies choose to comply to avoid expensive workers' compensation claims and lawsuits. Perhaps your employer was one of them, and you received training before starting your job. But did your occupational safety program really do its job? The answer may be no.

How safe are distractions for teen drivers?

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Driving is a rite of passage for many teens in the Springfield area and across the nation. It is also a leading cause of accidental injuries and death for that age group. Their lack of experience is not the only reason for teenage car accidents. Some teens believe that they can operate their vehicles safely while being distracted by their phones, passenger conversations and more.

Most car accidents occur due to bad maneuvers and driving mistakes. Mistakes happen for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of “driver inattention, internal and external distractions, and inadequate surveillance,” states the Behavioral Scientist. Here are some key pointers to consider on teen car accidents and distractions:

Does workers' compensation cover all employees?

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.

There are many misconceptions regarding workers' compensation, a state benefit available to employees. Every state has slightly different laws governing workers' compensation and requirements for employers in terms of providing workers' compensation insurance.

While workers' compensation insurance is available in all 50 states, each state decides whether a particular employer must offer this insurance as a benefit to his or her employees. Therefore, not all employers cover their workers with this type of insurance, and you should inform yourself about whether your particular job includes this type of insurance as a benefit.

The fall season brings unique driving hazards

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Monday, September 10, 2018.

The fall season comes with beautiful leaves, warm sweaters and the beginning of the holidays. For motorists, autumn also comes with some unique safety concerns.

Weather changes, road conditions and shorter days can make driving unpredictable. Staying aware of fall driving hazards will help you avoid wrecks.

2 key safety considerations when seeking employment

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

When it comes to employment in the Springfield area, many people choose their careers based on the amount of income they will earn and the benefits they will receive. Very few think about workplace safety until there is an accident or they need to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

You should never overlook workplace safety. Even industries where there does not seem to be immediate danger from machinery and other extreme hazards, accidents can still happen that leave you so severely injured that you have to take time off from work, get medical treatment and focus on your recovery. Regardless of how safe you believe your work environment to be, take some time to consider the following pointers on workplace safety and workers’ compensation.

3 ways to prevent accidents from tire blowouts

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Monday, August 20, 2018.

When you think about car accidents in Illinois, a number of factors might come to mind. Distracted driving, reckless drivers and intoxication are all common culprits in motor vehicle accidents. You might not think about tires as a potential cause of a collision, but, in fact, they contribute to several crashes every year. This is especially true when something causes a tire to blow out in the middle of the road.

According to the Belleville News-Democrat, this was true for one Illinois driver whose tire blowout caused a fatal accident. If you want to stay safe on the road, pay attention to the following tips for avoiding tire blowouts and the accidents that can often result from such incidents:

Should you file a workers' comp claim or a lawsuit?

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

Every day, people from all walks of life and a range of different industries suffer injuries at work. There are many different circumstances that might lead to such an incident, but regardless of the situation's specifics, you need to report the injury and seek medical care immediately. When you report the injury to your employer, you should receive information to file a workers' compensation claim, too.

You may wonder whether your injury necessitates workers' comp, legal action or both. This is a complicated issue that you should consider carefully. The following are important factors to take into account when you are determining the best course of action after an on-the-job injury.

Whiplash after a car accident: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Friday, July 27, 2018.

You may experience neck problems after a car accident. According to the Mayo Clinic, auto collisions are one of the main causes of whiplash. The term "whiplash" occurs to a neck injury that happens when your neck forcefully and rapidly moves back and forth.

While you may hear about whiplash, you may not know about the exact symptoms, how to get a diagnosis or what recovery looks like. Here is a guide to understanding all these aspects of a whiplash injury.

Top workers' compensation mistakes to watch for

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.

If you were injured at work, you are probably working on submitting your workers' comp claim. Injured workers in Illinois often depend on workers' compensation benefits to get them through the times when their injury prevents them from earning. The last thing you want is to miss out on this crucial support due to a mistake.

There are several common errors workers' comp applicants commit that seriously complicate the process and even cost them their benefits.

A mild concussion may have long-term implications

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Injuries such as broken bones, concussions, neck pain and disfigurement are common issues that result from a car crash. While their severity depends on many factors, those that are mild at first or that appear mild can have long-term implications.

Take concussions for example.