Springfield Illinois Personal Injury Law Blog

Construction workers beware the dangers of asbestos exposure

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Monday, March 26, 2018.

If you are a construction worker in the Springfield area, it is important for you to understand the dangers you face on the job. Acute injuries are not the only type that happens at construction sites. The risk of developing chronic and life-threatening ailments, such as pleural effusions, mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural plaques from asbestos exposure is higher for workers in the construction industry than other work sectors.

Employers must inform their workers when there is a risk of exposure to asbestos and other toxic and hazardous chemicals and substances. They must also take measures such as implementing safety policies, practices and safety areas to minimize the risk and duration of exposure.

3 key safety tips for riding your motorcycle in the winter

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Monday, January 29, 2018.

Riding a motorcycle is always fun–except when snow and ice get in your way. When mother nature ruins your enjoyable rides, you may feel like it is too dangerous or uncomfortable to get on your motorcycle. Fortunately, you can still ride your motorcycle safely during the winter.

You do not need to keep your motorcycle in the garage all winter, but you do need to exercise extra caution. Read on for essential winter motorcycling tips to ensure you make it to spring shiny side up.

5 common causes of workplace injuries

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Monday, January 29, 2018.

A workplace injury may happen at any job. You do not need to have a physically demanding occupation to suffer an injury at work. No matter how conscientious and attentive you are about being safe and healthy at work, it is possible for you to sustain an injury.

An accident may occur at work when you least expect it. But what are the most common causes of injuries at the workplace? Here are a few causes that could put you at risk.

3 common causes of winter auto accidents

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.

When winter hits Illinois, it hits hard. Driving in the snow can be treacherous, especially when you cannot see well and the roads are icy. Inclement weather conditions such as rain, sleet and snow are common contributors to auto collisions. But did you know winter car accidents are deadlier than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods?

That is right. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, weather-related car accidents cause more fatalities than those natural disasters. These accidents kill approximately 5,900 people a year. So why are these crashes so deadly? Here are some of the most common ways that winter weather can contribute to serious car accidents.

3 common holiday shopping injuries

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Friday, November 10, 2017.

With the holidays coming up, it is time to start shopping. Whether you do it early, take part in the Black Friday madness or do it last minute, it can be a stressful experience. All the crowds and stores packed full of merchandise can not only stress you out, they can also result in injuries. This is often due to the fact that management and employees are so busy that they sometimes do not inspect the stores as diligently or clean up hazards.

The last thing you want to be dealing with this holiday season is recovering from an injury; you deserve to enjoy this season with family and friends. So what are the most common holiday shopping injuries you should avoid?

5 fall hazards for Illinois drivers

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Wednesday, October 11, 2017.

Although Illinois fall weather may not reflect what most people consider to be autumn, the temperatures will soon drop here as well. Either way, autumn comes with its own road hazards you should know about to prevent an auto accident.

While some of these are applicable to any driver in the nation, some are particular to the Midwest. Beware these dangers to have a safe trip.

Types of benefits for injured workers in Illinois

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Monday, August 14, 2017.

If you got hurt at work or developed a condition as a result of your job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

Unfortunately for many people, it is not enough to simply fill out all the right forms and hope for the best. Many times, workers and their attorneys have to engage in a protracted struggle to obtain necessary workers' compensation benefits. Depending on the circumstances, some cases may contain more complexity than others.

What to do if you get in a hit-and-run accident in Illinois

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Thursday, August 3, 2017.

When you get into a car crash, you have much to worry about and deal with afterward. Motor vehicle accidents are scary enough as it is without having the responsible driver flee the scene. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents happen in Illinois, so you need to be prepared for what to do.

First, however, you must know what constitutes a hit-and-run. It applies to more than just when the motorist who crashed into you drives away. It also includes motorists who are underinsured, uninsured, drunk or untruthful about personal information.

Independent Medical Examination

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Monday, June 19, 2017.

In the course of your Illinois workers' compensation case, you may learn that your employer or its insurer wants you to undergo an Independent Medical Examination. Understanding the basics of this process can help you navigate this part of your case.

Many people ask if they really need to appear for the IME. The answer is, yes. Section 12 of the Workers' Compensation Act entitles employers or their insurance companies to require claimants to submit to an IME. Failing to comply may result in suspension of benefits until you appear for the examination.

3 causes of semi-truck accidents

On behalf of Kanoski Bresney posted in blog on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

The best things you can do to ensure your safety on the road are to drive carefully and to follow all traffic laws. This is especially important when sharing the road with tractor trailers, as getting into an accident with one comes with high fatality and injury rates for those in passenger vehicles.

However, your driving is only half of the equation. The other half is knowing causes of semi-truck accidents so you can watch out for and avoid dangerous situations.