Personal Injury

Northwestern Hospital Sued for Injuries in a Premises Liability Lawsuit

Published on: December 11, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

When we visit a a restaurant, retail store, supermarket, drugstore, etc., we have a special legal status under tort law known as an “invitee.” Under this status, owners and operators of premises owe us a duty of care to prevent injury to visitors by maintaining the premises in a safe condition, not creating hazards, and timely remedying any known hazards. Failure to do so that results in injury can give rise to a victim bringing a premises liability lawsuit. In fact, a visitor to a business is owed this duty of care regardless of whether or not they make a purchase, but are owed this duty because they have the potential to make a purchase.

According to an article by the Cook County Record, a woman is suing Northwestern Hospital and Au Bon Pain in a premises liability lawsuit for injuries she sustained while in the Au Bon Pain restaurant located inside the hospital. The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff was hit by a woman’s motor scooter while visiting the hospital. The lawsuit alleged that a hospital staff member was negligent for guiding the woman’s scooter into her leg. She further alleges that the hospital and Au Bon Pain violated the safe capacity number of persons allowed inside the café at a time. The plaintiff filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court and seeks damages in excess of $50,000.
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Two Injured in Chicago Building Collapse

Published on: November 27, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

There are times we see news articles about local tragedies and wonder how in the world such an incident could have happened. The simple answer is that many of these incidents, tragedies, and accidents should never happen and they could be preventable. Many of these troubling situations would never occurred but for the negligence of someone who owes a legal duty to others to prevent the exact type of accident that occurred.

One type of accident commonly associated with preventable negligence falls under the umbrella of premises liability law. To elaborate, when a tenant or visitor is seriously injured in an accident on another person’s property, the owner can be held legally responsible if proven in a lawsuit that it was the owner’s negligence that led to the injury. For example, some common injuries occurring on property can include slip and fall accidents, dog bites, swimming pool drownings, and exposure to hazardous substances like lead or mold. In such lawsuits, the plaintiff must prove that the landowner knew the conditions on the land were unsafe and did not alert others to these dangers, failed to maintain the property and let it decline into a dangerous state, or created a hazard that caused injury.

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that two women were injured in a building collapse in Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood. The three-story condominium apartment building collapsed, entrapping the two women and a dog. One of the victims was on the third floor, and the other was on the second floor at the time of the collapse. Both victims were in serious to critical condition and transported to local hospitals. The building, built in 2005, received a citation for building code violations last year, but none were related to explosion hazards.
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Avoid Pumpkin-Carving Injuries With These Fall Safety Tips

Published on: October 31, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

All around Chicagoland neighborhoods, fall is in the air, as are the fall harvest-themed holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving. With these holidays comes the popularity of decorating gourds and pumpkins and cooking many pumpkin-flavored baked goods like pies, breads, and cakes. However, to decorate pumpkins or cut them open for baking can require significant skill and dexterity with knives of the larger and sharper variety. It is for this reason that we share these safety tips with our readers so that they can be aware of the dangers associated with pumpkin-carving and utilize this knowledge to prevent personal injury or injuries to others
Consumer Reports describes how every October, pumpkin carving accidents result in hand injuries at four to five times the normal rate. Hospitals commonly see cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations that have caused damage to nerves, tendons, and joints.

To prevent such injuries, Consumer Reports advises following some safety tips. First, never let young children carve a pumpkin. Children under the age of 14 should never be handling knives to carve the pumpkin. If they want to participate with this tradition, instead let them draw the pattern with a marker or clean out the inside of the pumpkin. Second, to prevent injury to all parties involved, make sure you are using the right tools. There are specialty tools available to purchase specifically meant for pumpkin-carving, including sawing, poking holes, and scooping. Using an instrument that is small helps for better control versus a large knife. Next, it’s always important to have a good working environment. Be sure to carve your pumpkin in a clean and well-lit area. Never carve in a rush either, and make sure you have plenty of time as this can be a time-consuming task. Lastly, do your decorative work before taking the top off of the pumpkin. In this way, you will be preventing yourself from putting your hand inside of the pumpkin while cutting it, thus reducing your vulnerability to injury.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents on the Rise Around the 4th of July

Published on: July 2, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

It is easy for Chicagoans to observe that the holidays are a popular time to get together and celebrate with family and friends, and with these celebrations we see an increase in traffic. With having so many plans and events during the holidays, Chicagoans are often on the roads to get to their destinations for summertime fun. The 4th of July is an especially busy time too, with festivals and celebrations going on in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. From the Taste of Chicago, to Naperville’s Rib Fest, to even crossing the border to Milwaukee’s Summerfest, citizens of Chicagoland are on the go for holiday fun.

However, the 4th of July is a holiday season in which we see motor vehicle accidents rise. According to recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there is a trend of crashes increasing during holidays in Illinois, including Independence Day. From 2006 through 2012, there were a total of 15,187 accidents during the 4th of July Holiday period in Illinois alone. From these accidents, 5,174 people suffered personal injuries, and 80 people died. Of the 74 fatal crashes, 40 were alcohol related.
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Before Independence Day Celebrations, Remember Fireworks Safety & Know the Dangers

Published on: June 20, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

It’s almost Independence Day, and if one thing is for sure, it’s that Chicagoans sure know how to celebrate. From backyard barbeques to parades to the Taste of Chicago and fireworks over Lake Michigan, there are celebrations, events, and festivals galore in the Windy City to celebrate our nation’s birthday. However, with celebrations also needs to come responsibility. Even though this time of year is enjoyable for people of all ages, caution needs to be taken and vigilance for safety should be high, particularly around fireworks.

While fireworks displays can be beautiful and an entertaining way to celebrate the holiday, it is important to remember that these are not toys but dangerous where not handled properly. Many times people may not remember that these are in fact are explosive devices and can cause serious personal injury if not handled properly, such as burns or facial injuries. These accidents can happen to people of all ages who do not exercise safety practices with fireworks, but particularly children who are not old enough or mentally mature to recognize and appreciate the dangers of these explosives or realize that they are not toys.

Injuries and accidents involving fireworks are not uncommon either. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, every year approximately 200 people go to the emergency room every day in the month of the Fourth of July. There are several parts of the body that are more prone to fireworks injuries than others. The most injured area of the body are the hands at fingers with 41% of injuries, with it being worthy to note that this is the part of the body that comes into contact with a firework when we light it. If we do not pull away from the firework soon enough when lighting, pick up a firework that is still lit, or use a faulty firework, this area of the body is easily prone to injury. The next most injured areas of the body are heads, faces, and ears at 19%, torsos at 15%, legs at 13%, eyes at 12%, and arms at 1%. It is also scary to think that the second most injured part of the body consists of some of our body’s most vital organs, such as our eyes and central nervous system of the brain.
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Bicyclist Sues City of Chicago For Endangerment and Injuries From Lakefront Trail Pothole

Published on: June 6, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

With summer weather ensuing, many Chicagoans are out and about enjoying the nice weather. During these months, many professionals opt to enjoy the sunshine and cool lakeside breeze by biking to work. However, the ongoing joke about Chicago’s two seasons – winter and construction – poses serious concerns for many Chicago bicyclists, particularly the epidemic of potholes that presents danger to many.

According to an article by the Cook County Record, a Chicago bicyclist is suing the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District to seek compensation for injuries he suffered after his bicycle tire became caught in a lakefront trail pothole. He was riding his bike on the Lakefront Trail near the Shedd Aquarim and South Lakeshore Drive, when his bike got caught on a pothole, and he fell to the ground. In the complaint, he asserts that the city and park district were aware of the dangers of the pothole and its presence on the trail but failed to warn of the danger or fix the pothole. He is seeking over $50,000 in damages in the Cook County Circuit Court.

Potholes can be a nightmare for many cyclists, and are often unavoidable. According to bicycling.com, a professional and Olympian cyclist describes how it is difficult, even for professionals, to avoid potholes. This is especially true when there is traffic or when riding in a large group. Unfortunately, due to harsh winter weather conditions and the chemicals we use to melt ice on our streets, sidewalks and trails, potholes are a common obstacle for Midwestern motorists and cyclists. Although bicyclists must do their part to remain aware of the conditions on the trails and streets on which they ride, it is important for cities and municipalities to maintain safe roadway conditions to protect the safety and wellbeing of all travelers.
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11 People Injured in Tour Bus Crash

Published on: May 16, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

What was supposed to be an enjoyable city tour for some visitors turned into a hospital stay instead of vacation sight-seeing. According to the Seattle Times, a charter bus and three cars collided on a bridge and the Department of Transportation reports that 11 people were injured in the accident. Nine of the people injured were passengers aboard the charter bus and fortunately, no one suffered any life-threatening injuries, according to the Seattle Pi.

Bus accidents are unfortunately common throughout the country. Illinois is a major hub for bus transportation, particularly in the Chicago area. Many people rely on buses, not just for leisure and tours, but as part of their daily commutes to work or school on public transportation and school buses. What is especially serious about these accidents is that unlike normal motor vehicles, buses transport a large number of people. When a bus collision occurs, this has the likely potential to seriously injure a larger number of people.

For instance, according to the National Highway Transportation Traffic Safety Administration, between 1998 to 2008 there were 414,399 fatal motor vehicle crashes, and 1,409 of these were school transportation vehicles, like school buses. In fact, an average of 19 school-age children die each year in school-transportation related crashes.

Woman Sues Chicago Hospital Following Surgical Error

Published on: May 12, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

As we know from hearing reports of preventable medical mistakes, medical malpractice is unfortunately all too common in our clinics, hospitals and doctors’ offices. It is a serious and important legal issue because patients put their trust in healthcare providers and leave themselves vulnerable to these medical experts so that they can get the care and assistance they need to continue living a healthy life. However, where healthcare providers act negligently or fail to act where necessary and cause injury or death to a patient, they have breached their legal duty as a healthcare provider to keep a patient safe and not be the source of harm. When this occurs, a patient or family member can file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

According to an article by the Cook County Record, one woman is suing a Chicago hospital after a surgeon severed her laryngeal nerves during thyroid surgery. Last month, she filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital claiming medical negligence and seeks damages over the jurisdictional limit.

Jurisdictional limits on damages that can be awarded in a lawsuit may be a new concept to some of our readers. Cook County has a limit of $100,000 but still hears cases in excess, according to the Cook County Clerk. However, according to the Illinois Hospital Association, the state of Illinois has no cap on medical malpractice cases after a landmark case from 2010, Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. Prior to this case, the state of Illinois placed a cap on damages of $500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals. However, as a result of this case, medical malpractice case are no longer subject to recovery limitations.

Pharmacy Malpractice Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago CVS

Published on: May 2, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

Frequently our blogs cover incidents of negligence committed by doctors, nurses and other direct care providers. However, medical malpractice applies to all types of healthcare providers, including pharmacists, who handle the preparation of our prescription medications. Where pharmacists do not use the care and diligence required, and cause injury to a patient as a result, they too can be held liable for medical malpractice.

According to a report by the Cook County Record, one woman is suing CVS Pharmacy for allegedly providing the incorrect dosage of her prescription. Her attorneys filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court claiming that she suffered a GI bleed that required emergency medical care after the pharmacy provided her with the wrong dosage and instructions of a medication following a laparoscopic procedure. Her lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000.

Every day, thousands of people in and around the Chicago area rely on local pharmacies to fill and dispense prescription medications. Pharmacy patrons trust that the medications they are diligently prepared in the correct dosage, and safe for their individual use. However, pharmaceutical medication errors occur when pharmacists or pharmacy technicians provide the wrong medications or incorrect dosages to the patient. When these mistakes occur, patients are at risk for serious injury or even death. In most cases, pharmacy customers put their full and complete trust in the pharmacist and assume that the medications they are given are safe to use. Therefore, people are often unaware of any error until after they have taken the medication.

Patient Awarded $14 Million in Lawsuit Against Yasmin Birth Control

Published on: April 21, 2014 | Levin & Perconti

Many of our readers take prescription medications for various conditions and ailments. When a physician recommends a medication, we trust that they will be effective for the condition being treated and also safe to use. Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to provide consumers with drugs and medications that are safe for use or to warn those whom should not be taking the medication and to provide instructions for proper use. They must also inform consumers of any known risks and side effects. When drug companies fail to do this and defective medications are put on the market, they can be held liable for such negligence in a product liability lawsuit.

Additionally, patients trust that their physicians will provide them with the correct medications based on their past medical history and lifestyle. This means that not only should doctors have knowledge surrounding the medications themselves, but also enough background information on their patients to make sure they are prescribing drugs that are safe to use given this information. Just as pharmaceutical companies must warn that not every drug is right for every individual; doctors must research the risks and know their patient’s health before providing a prescription. Where doctors fail to properly research and tailor a prescription to the patient’s individual health conditions, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.

According to a recent article by ABC, one Chicago suburban woman was awarded a $14 million verdict against her doctor after suffering a stroke from taking the birth control drug, Yasmin. The report notes that as a result of the stroke she is wheelchair bound, paralyzed on the left side of her body, and unable to completely communicate. She requires 24 hours per day, 7 days per week care from her husband, which has made it difficult for him to remain employed.