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How Traffic Congestion in Chicago Affects Car Accident Rates

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 19, 2025

Chicago wins a bronze medal in the Traffic Olympics. Motorists on  I-90, Lake Shore Drive, and the Loop all experience world-class traffic congestion. The question then is “Does congestion increase or decrease accident rates, and if so, how?” It seems obvious that congestion would lower car accident rates, but the reality is more nuanced. Current…

The Role of Dashcam Footage in Chicago Car Accident Cases

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 14, 2025

Car accidents are common on the chaotic streets of Chicago, especially near busy intersections. When a car accident occurs, a personal injury claim probably isn’t far behind. One consistent problem is that car accidents often devolve into a “he said, she said” situation where there is no unbiased witness to sort through the confusion. A…

Tragedy in South Austin: Two Killed, One Critically Injured in Devastating Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 21, 2025

A tragic accident took two lives over the weekend, just after 2 a.m. on April 20th in South Austin, Chicago. The crash occurred at the intersection of West Augusta Boulevard and North Central Avenue. The deceased victims include a 36-year-old man, who was declared dead at Mount Sinai Hospital, and a 22-year-old man who was…

The Challenges of Seeking Compensation for Rideshare Accidents Involving Hit-and-Run Drivers in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 7, 2025

The Lyft driver accelerated away from the scene, leaving the injured pedestrian sprawled on the pavement of Devon Avenue in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. No stopping. No calling for help. Just… gone. This scenario has become increasingly common on Chicago streets. Two recent high-profile cases – one in Chicago and another in Tampa – highlight…

How to Handle Construction Accidents Involving Multiple Parties in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 1, 2025

The morning started like any other at the Chicago high-rise construction project. Then came the crash. Construction sites are dangerous. We all know this. But when accidents happen on construction sites, there’s rarely just one cause or one party at fault. What’s left behind is often a messy, tangled web of shared responsibility that leaves…

Are Non-Standard Auto Insurance Companies Lowballing Crash Victims?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 25, 2025

Here in Illinois, all drivers are required to have auto insurance. Some drivers – especially those who are considered high-risk or have poor credit history – often turn to non-standard insurance companies for coverage. However, people involved in accidents with drivers insured by these non-standard insurance companies often report challenges in receiving the compensation they…

Common Myths About Car Accident Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 24, 2025

If you were injured in an Illinois car accident, it’s essential that you’re able to discern between fact and fiction when it comes to your rights. Believing the wrong information could result in you settling your case for less than it’s worth or even missing out entirely on the compensation you deserve. Myth 1: You…

Safety Tips for Riding a Bike in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 17, 2025

Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to get around Chicago. It helps you avoid traffic headaches, lowers your carbon footprint, and helps build strength and endurance while letting you explore the city. However, bicycling through Chicago also has risks, like inattentive or careless motorists. There are ways you can enjoy all Chicago has to…

Car Drives into Home in Fatal Woodridge Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 10, 2025

A Tesla drove into a home in Woodridge on March 2, 2025, killing the two occupants of the vehicle. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but it raises concerns over the rise in so-called “autonomous” vehicles, as well as age-old causes of vehicle collisions, such as speeding. For the families involved in…

What are Federal Inspection Regulations for Trucking Companies?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 3, 2025

The American supply chain moves at highway speeds. This supply chain is powered by a highly regulated network of commercial trucks that transport everything from commercial goods to consumer products. These massive vehicles demand rigorous oversight to prevent mechanical failures that can transform an ordinary delivery run into a catastrophic accident. Luckily, there exists a…

What Is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 24, 2025

Brain injuries can change one’s life in a second. From mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), brain injuries affect everything from cognitive function to motor skills and overall quality of life. The severe consequences of brain injuries require medical professionals to be able to quickly and accurately diagnose the severity of injuries to…

DUI Suspect Arrested in Tragic Crash that Killed Glenview Officer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 19, 2025

A Glenview police officer tragically lost his life on Sunday, February 16, in a Barrington car crash. The 43-year-old officer had served with the Glenview Police for 18 years and was recently recognized for his heroic efforts to save one of his fellow officers. Reports indicate that the deadly collision involved another motorist who was…

The Role of Black Box Data in Car Accident Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 17, 2025

When you think of a black box, you probably picture airplanes. But did you know that most modern vehicles have their own version? These black boxes, or event data recorders (EDRs), quietly collect important data about what happens during a crash. That data can make all the difference in proving fault and getting the compensation…

The Importance of Documenting Evidence in Personal Injury Cases

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 10, 2025

When you’re injured in an accident, it’s easy to focus on the pain, the disruption to your life, and the mountain of medical bills. But if you’re considering a personal injury claim, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: evidence related to the accident. The right documentation can mean the difference between a successful…

Treating a Road Rash Injury: What Riders Need to Know

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 3, 2025

Riding a motorcycle through Chicago’s streets comes with risks. One of the most common injuries motorcyclists face is road rash, a deceptively simple term for what can be a painful, dangerous condition. Knowing how to treat road rash properly can mean the difference between a quick recovery and long-term complications. Not sure what road rash…

Accidents on a Chicago Transit Authority Bus: What You Need to Know

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 30, 2025

Riding a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus is one of the easiest ways to get around the city. But what happens when something goes wrong? A bump in the road can turn into a life-altering experience if you’re involved in an accident. Knowing what causes these accidents, how often they happen, and what your rights…

How Insurance Companies Handle Wrongful Death Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 30, 2024

If you have lost a close family member or loved one, your world may have been turned completely upside down. Fatal accidents are usually traumatic, devastating, and even earth-shattering. While you may never be able to bring your family member or loved one back, it is important to know that you may be able to…

How Seasonal Changes Affect Road Safety: Tips for Motorcyclists and Drivers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 23, 2024

No matter what, the seasons will change, bringing cold, ice, rain, and even dangerous heat. This is part of nature’s fascinating annual transformation. However, these changes can severely impact road safety. Whether you are a motorist or a motorcyclist, your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident is much higher when serious weather events…

Two Women Killed in Irving Woods Crash in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 16, 2024

A multi-vehicle crash took the lives of two people, with two others injured, in a car crash over the weekend in the 8700 block of West Irving Park Road early Sunday morning. ABC Eyewitness News reports that the collision involved three vehicles – a red sedan, a black SUV, and a gray sedan. Chicago police…

Driving Safely on the Road During the Holidays

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 16, 2024

Millions of people travel on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Therefore, there is a good chance that you’ll be one of those traveling this holiday season. Whether you are going around the corner, heading to another city, or taking off for a holiday vacation, it is essential to be…

Staying Safe Around Your Home This Holiday Season

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 9, 2024

With Christmas around the corner, everyone is getting excited and jumping into the holiday spirit. Whether you are ready to begin decorating, thinking about your holiday meals, or even planning to brace for the cold and snowy days that lie ahead, you must prioritize your and your guest’s safety and well-being at all times. If…

Pothole Damage and Car Insurance – Who’s Responsible?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 2, 2024

Pothole season is around the corner. The pattern of freezing and thawing of roads between December and April creates aggravating and dangerous cracks and potholes that are causing car accidents, injuries, and property damage. Although potholes can happen in any climate, they tend to increase when snow and ice melt and seep into cracks in…

What Are Electrical Burns?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 25, 2024

Anytime a person works near or comes into contact with exposed or defective electrical wires, they are at risk of an electrical burn. These types of burns are a little different from regular burns, and the damage they cause is often very serious. In fact, it is not uncommon for victims of electrical burns to…

Charges Pending After Tragic Crash Kills One in Chicago’s Gresham Neighborhood

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 19, 2024

Reports indicate that one person died in the early hours of Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, in Gresham. The one-vehicle collision took place at 2:12 a.m. when a white Chrysler 300 collided with a pole while traveling southbound on the 7700 block of S. Vincennes Avenue. A passenger in the backseat of the vehicle died at…

The Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 18, 2024

Even though semi-trucks are typically the only vehicles that jackknife, passenger vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and other road users can become directly caught in these accidents, leading to catastrophic and devastating injuries. These accidents are extremely dangerous because as the truck driver loses control of the truck, the wheels lock up, and a tractor-trailer weighing up…

Insurance Policies and Dog Bites

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 11, 2024

After being bitten or attacked by a dog, you may have medical bills piling up, and you might even be out of work recovering, which means you are losing out on much-needed income to help you pay for your expenses. Unfortunately, this is a common scenario for many people across Chicago as adults and children…

Halloween Safety Tips

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 14, 2024

As parents and children head into local neighborhoods in Chicago on Halloween, it is important to know and understand the potential dangers they could face. While it is an exciting and fun time for everyone to show off their costumes, trick-or-treat, and see all the unique and scary Halloween decorations, it can quickly become a…

What Are the Symptoms of an Undiagnosed Brain Injury?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 7, 2024

Whether you were involved in a car crash, sports accident, boating accident, slip and fall, or any other type of accident, you may be at risk of a brain injury. While the accident itself may have been intense, frightening, and even overwhelming, it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms of a traumatic…

Injuries on School Buses

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 30, 2024

With the new school year starting, it is normal to worry about accidents and injuries that could occur on school buses. You meet the school bus driver at the bus stop, watch your child get on and wave back at you, and the bus pulls off with the most precious cargo on board. Even though…

Rubbernecking Is a Form of Distracted Driving

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 24, 2024

Something interesting or distracting is always happening on the sides of the roads across Chicago. Whether it is a person being pulled over or arrested or a severe accident that caused a vehicle to flip, drivers are often tempted to watch these scenes unfold. While you may think that this is completely harmless, it is…

Niles Woman Killed in Suspected Road Rage Collision in South Loop

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 17, 2024

On Saturday, September 14, Giselle Chavez, a 21-year-old Nile resident, lost her life in a road rage accident on the South Loop.   Per the Chicago Sun-Times:  “Police Monday were looking for two motorists, including the driver of a red pickup truck equipped with a tow-conversion kit that allegedly “rammed” the woman’s SUV, apparently mistaking her…

The Role of Red Light and Speed Cameras in Chicago Accident Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 9, 2024

It’s common to notice red light and speed cameras at different roads and intersections throughout Chicago. The goal of these cameras is to ensure that drivers stop at red lights and drive within the posted speed limits when navigating the roadways. If a driver does not obey the speed limit or runs a red light,…

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 3, 2024

When a person experiences a concussion from a motor vehicle accident, construction accident, slip and fall accident, boating accident, or any other type of accident, they may develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome is a complex brain injury that may be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose due to its similarity to other medical…

Inadequate Training for Truck Drivers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 26, 2024

Truck drivers need experience, education, and training to successfully operate 18-wheelers. Trucks are heavy, tall, wide, and powerful machines that pose severe risks to everyone else on the road. If a truck driver lacks the proper training, they could put themselves and other individuals in severe danger. When a driver without proper training or credentials…

When Accidents Happen at Amusement Parks

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 19, 2024

Residents of Chicago are in close proximity to several amusement parks, such as Six Flags Great America, Pirates’ Cove, Santa’s Village, Safari Land, and many others. Parents frequently take advantage of spending time with their families at these amusement parks, especially during the warmer months. However, when a day of food, rides, and thrill turns…

All Drugs – Even the Legal Ones – Can Create Dangerous Drivers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 12, 2024

Most people think of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, or ecstasy as the types of drugs that impair your driving capabilities and cause dangerous crashes. However, even the legal drugs that your doctor prescribes or that you buy over the counter can have serious effects on your driving. Most of the time, these drugs will provide…

Hit-and-Run Leaves Jogger Severely Injured in Greektown

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 9, 2024

A hit-and-run crash left a Greektown jogger with severe injuries and needing surgical intervention this past Sunday. Forty-four-year-old Kelly Mahan was crossing the street at Madison and Halston when a car turning right struck her and kept going. Mahan’s sister told ABC 7, “My sister has been in surgery for six hours. She has three…

Does Chicago Have a Distracted Driver Problem?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 5, 2024

Even though Chicago has taken certain steps and measures to prevent and combat distracted driving, it continues to be a major issue throughout the city and the state. Distracted driving can come in various forms and can affect a driver’s vision, cognitive thinking, and physical or manual performance. It is important to know that any…

Does Fault Affect a Wrongful Death Claim in Chicago?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 29, 2024

When your family member or loved one passes away in a tragic accident, you may decide to file a wrongful death claim against the party who caused their death. You can seek compensation to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, loss of benefits, loss of income, and more. In order for a wrongful…

Do Common Carriers Owe Their Customers Healthy Drivers?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 22, 2024

Common carriers, such as bus drivers, subway operators, and train drivers, do owe their customers healthy drivers. If common carriers allow unhealthy drivers with serious medical conditions to drive customers around, there will be more accidents and injuries. While it is true that you cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities and health conditions, you cannot…

Hospitals Are in the Money Business, Not the Healthcare Business

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 19, 2024

Hospitals across Chicago and the rest of Illinois keep consolidating and becoming part of bigger profit-generating corporations, which is severely affecting Medicaid patients in our area. A lot of people in Chicago and Illinois are on Medicaid due to their low incomes. While that should not matter when it comes to receiving proper medical treatment,…

A Deadly Crash in Little Village Took Out a Concrete Bollard

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 19, 2024

A horrific crash near West 26th Street and South California Boulevard in the Little Village area led to two deaths and two serious injuries. One of the vehicles rolled on its side and the other went careening into a dumpster. According to ABC 7, the cause of the deadly crash is still under investigation, but…

You Can Seek Damages for Facial Scarring and Disfigurement

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 17, 2024

Facial scarring and disfigurement can result from several accidents and injuries. Treating your scars and disfigurement may require several doctor appointments, medical procedures, or reconstructive surgeries. While the physical pain may eventually go away, coming to terms with the change in your appearance can be a challenge. We understand that for some folks, this is…

South Side CTA Bus Crash May Have Been Caused by a Medical Episode

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 11, 2024

Yesterday was like a scene out of the 90s movie Speed: an out-of-control CTA bus in the South Side caused a multi-vehicle accident that sent at least five people to hospitals throughout the city. According to ABC 7, it took several hours for the streets to be cleaned up and for the reroutes for local…

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Chicago?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 10, 2024

Whether a lifelong resident or a recent transplant to the Chicago area, you most likely know that the city sees a lot of car accidents every week; this is most often due to congestion, speeding, distracted driving, and more. Whether driving for pleasure or commuting to and from work, it’s important to know which dangerous…

What Are the Most Common Ways Motorcycle Riders Get Hurt?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 3, 2024

Many Chicagoans enjoy riding their motorcycles during the warmer months. This is a thrilling way to get around The Windy City. However, if the motorcycle rider isn’t prepared or other drivers fail to notice them, their ride can quickly turn into a dangerous accident. While motorcyclists aren’t immune to their own errors, most motorcycle accidents…

Mother of Five Killed in Elk Grove Village Motor Vehicle Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 30, 2024

Andrea Garcia, a 45-year-old mother of five, was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday. The crash also left several people, including three juveniles, with non-life-threatening injuries. According to ABC 7: Authorities were dispatched to the intersection of Biesterfield and Meacham roads at about 11:22 p.m. Tuesday for a crash involving two vehicles, Elk Grove…

The Act of Driving Can Be Distracting, Too

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 28, 2024

While most people think of cell phones as the main culprit for distraction behind the wheel, the act of driving can actually be a distraction in itself. There are multiple instruments and factors alike to pay attention to, to ensure a safe driving experience. Some drivers can lose focus and forget to keep their eyes…

Deadly Downers Grove Hit-and-Run Crash Involved an Elderly Driver in an SUV

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 20, 2024

Last week there was a deadly hit-and-run collision in Downers Grove. The fatal collision was caught on surveillance camera, and police were able to do a sweep of a two-mile radius of the crash to find the driver. Per multiple local news outlets, that driver is cooperating with the police. Police told CBS News that…

Speeding Driver in Glenview Kills Teen Driver in Catastrophic Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 13, 2024

An absolutely devastating collision caused three injuries and one death in Glenview last night. No official report has been made, but it appears that a speeding driver struck another car: the impact was significant enough that one of the vehicles literally cleaved in half. From ABC News 7: One light colored car was split in…

Meet Chicago’s SAFE Ambassadors

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 10, 2024

Chicago’s SAFE (Streets Are For Everybody) Ambassadors program is taking on the responsibility of teaching Chicagoans how to bike, walk, take public transportation, ride scooters, and drive in a safe manner. This is an excellent program, which is part of the safety education and engagement team at the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). The overall…

Cyclist Killed in Melrose Park Hit-and-Run Identified

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 2, 2024

Jerome Ford, a Chicago resident, has been identified as the bicyclist tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in Melrose Park. According to Melrose Park police, Ford was struck and fatally injured near Gottlieb Hospital on Tuesday morning by a vehicle that fled the scene. The victim was dragged approximately 400 feet by the vehicle before…

Who Is Liable If a Teen Driver Hits You?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 29, 2024

Many teenagers are thrilled and excited to get their driver’s license and hit the roads, giving the rest of us drivers no choice but to share the roadways with them. Individuals this young usually do not have much experience or driving skills, which causes the rate of accidents involving teen drivers to be very high.…

How Do I Choose the Best Chicago Boat Accident Lawyer?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 22, 2024

Boating can be a fun, adventurous, and enjoyable experience. However, within minutes, it can become traumatic, dangerous, and devastating. Boating accidents may occur at any time for any reason, which can result in severe and life-threatening injuries, significant boat damage, and fatalities. When this happens, you need a Chicago boat accident attorney by your side,…

The Family of the Woman Killed by a Drunk Driving Cop Filed a Lawsuit

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 16, 2024

This past December, a woman named Maria Schwab was struck and killed by an impaired driver. Given how many drunk driving accidents there are in Chicago each year, this particular tragedy may not have struck a chord – except the drunk driver was a cop. That cop was arrested and charged, and now she’s facing…

Can You Sue Your Mechanic for a Car Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 15, 2024

Drivers are involved in car accidents around the clock in Chicago. There are many reasons for these accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk or intoxicated driving, visibility problems, and road defects. However, sometimes, car accidents can occur because a mechanic made a mistake or failed to properly repair a person’s vehicle. When this happens,…

Can You Sue Someone Personally for a Truck Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 8, 2024

Sharing the busy Chicago roadways with truck drivers can increase your chances of being involved in a truck accident. When this happens, you might be able to file a lawsuit against someone personally, such as the truck driver or the owner of the truck company that the driver works for. However, there are certain facts…

We Should Be Calling Hit-and-Run Accidents What They Are: Homicides

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 4, 2024

“I would tell his family that I feel their pain. I didn’t know him, but I felt awful seeing him bloody on the ground.” This is what Yésica González told the Chicago Sun Times about finding Charles “Charlie” Mills, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Sunday. She was driving on Pulaski when a…

Can Motorcycle Wrecks Cause Nerve Damage?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 3, 2024

Motorcycle wrecks can be devastating and life-altering. Many motorcycle riders experience broken arms, legs, fingers, and other painful injuries after an accident. However, one of the most common types of injuries that riders sustain is nerve damage. Those who have it experience extreme pain, weakness, numbness, and discomfort, which is difficult to adjust to. You…

Deadly South Side Crash Involved Four Cars, and Happened in Broad Daylight

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 25, 2024

A four-vehicle crash in the South Side has left one family in mourning, as a passenger in one of the vehicles succumbed to her injuries. According to ABC 7, the collision happened close to the intersection of 87th Street and Western Avenue, right by the bus stop. Per the news, “A 36-year-old woman was driving…

How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take in Chicago?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 11, 2024

If you’re in a car accident in Chicago, how quickly your case gets resolved can depend on a variety of issues. Some factors, like clear evidence and everyone agreeing on what happened, can speed things up. On the other hand, if there are arguments about who’s at fault or if injuries are serious and need…

What Are Economic Damages, Exactly?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 4, 2024

When you’re hurt because of someone else’s actions, you can see compensation for your losses. In Illinois, this is called compensatory, or actual, damages. There are two types of compensatory damages: economic, and non-economic. Under the law, “‘Economic loss’ or ‘economic damages’ means all damages which are tangible, such as damages for past and future…

Two People Are Alive After a Car Fire Because of an IDOT Minuteman

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 1, 2024

We don’t get to talk about “good stuff” the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) does all that often. To be fair, most folks don’t. But today, we want to share the best story we’ve heard in a very long time. Per ABC News: An IDOT worker helped save two people after their car crashed and…

Stress Levels Are High, and It’s Making Roads Dangerous

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 28, 2024

Our roads have become increasingly treacherous, if local news reports are to be believed. Every morning, we see and hear anchors and reporters talking about car crashes all over Chicago. We’ve witnessed a few ourselves. Turns out, Chicago isn’t an outlier; the whole country has been affected. The recent surge in car accidents in the…

Traveling Outside Chicago? Be Careful of Farmland Terrain

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 19, 2024

During a winter storm in DeKalb County, approximately 65 miles from Chicago, a car slid off the slippery roadway at the junction of Somonauk and Gurler roads. The vehicle ended up upside-down in a flooded ditch, near a culvert with snow covering the ground. Despite the challenging circumstances, the driver managed to call for help,…

Deadly Hit-and-Run in Archer Heights Involved a White, Boxy Pick-Up Truck

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 13, 2024

There was another fatal hit-and-run on Friday afternoon. ABC 7 News reports that Jiekun Xu was killed when a white pickup truck struck her while she crossed the street at Pulaski and 44th. According to Alderperson Jeylú Gutiérrez, this particular stretch of Pulaski – notably, between 42nd and 47th – is one of the more…

An Alderman Wants to Install Bollards. We Couldn’t Agree More.

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 12, 2024

Bollards are posts, usually made of concrete or metal, that provide visual cues for drivers and pedestrians. Sometimes they’re used in front of parking garages to ensure that you can’t get out without paying the ticket; sometimes they pop up between bike lanes and the roadway to separate drivers from cyclists. But sometimes, they’re strategically…

Samantha Gutierrez Selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2024!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 5, 2024

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is excited to announce that attorney Samantha Gutierrez was selected for Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2024! This is the second consecutive year that Samantha has been named to Rising Stars, and we are thrilled that she was recognized again for the work that she does. Super Lawyers was founded…

Barrington High School Student Hit and Killed at Train Crossing

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 29, 2024

Last Friday, friends and family of 17-year-old Marin Lacson held a vigil after the student was struck and killed by a Metra train at Route 59 and Main Street. Friends, students, and family all got together to remember Marin, talking about what made her such a special person. Metra and Barrington police are investigating the…

Winter Weather May Be the Cause of a Fatal Lake Shore Drive Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 23, 2024

In the early hours of the morning last Thursday, Raphael Schaeffer was traveling home from a jam session; his younger brother, also a musician, was in the SUV with him. Just after 3:00am, Schaeffer’s car hit the shoulder on N Lake Shore Drive. He was ejected from the vehicle, and succumbed to his injuries as…

Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 22, 2024

When you’re in a car accident, your brain can suffer different types of injuries, like concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, skull fractures, and more. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. These injuries can have serious consequences, and early medical attention can make a big difference in how…

More Cars With High Front Ends Means More Pedestrian Deaths

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 15, 2024

Choosing a big car with a high front might make drivers feel safe, but it turns out that this design can be extremely dangerous for people walking around, especially small children. Whether the driver chose the large vehicle for its intimidating profile, its spacious interior, or simply because it was the one on the lot…

I Feel OK After a Chicago Car Accident. Do I Really Need a Doctor?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 8, 2024

Seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is crucial, even if immediate injuries aren’t apparent. Delayed symptoms may manifest days or weeks later, indicating underlying issues that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Conditions like internal bleeding, spinal injuries, or concussions may not present immediate signs, which is why getting immediate medical…

New Year, New Batteries: Home Safety Tips to Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 2, 2024

As we approach the new year, it’s a good time to make sure the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. These little devices are like your home’s superheroes, alerting you early if there’s a fire or dangerous carbon monoxide in the air. Fires can start without much warning (like when a…

Robots Are Helping in Nursing Homes; But It’s Good to Be Wary

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 26, 2023

Nursing homes in the United States are facing a boiling point marked by understaffing issues, neglectful care, and lax enforcement of federal guidelines. This dire situation emphasizes the pressing need for innovative solutions. Robotic technology has emerged as a promising ally in addressing staffing shortages and enhancing care experiences for residents. While the positive impact…

Chicago Car Accidents Can Cause Disc Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 18, 2023

One of the most common injuries that victims of car accidents frequently notice within hours or days of their accident is herniated disc injuries. These injuries can be extremely painful and require several months or years of physical therapy and exercises, ongoing medical treatment, and even countless surgeries to repair. Discs are soft cushions located…

How Experienced Is That Truck Driver, Anyway?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 11, 2023

Imagine that you are on the road with a large semi- or commercial box truck that is transporting several thousands of pounds of heavy metals. You are sharing the road with this truck, and right when you are making your way around the truck, you notice that it begins to swerve and experience driving issues.…

Bittersweet Justice for the Family of Ravenswood Cyclist Killed by a Drunk Driver

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 5, 2023

Last month, a drunk driver hit and killed a cyclist in Ravenswood. Though the driver took off after the crash, police did catch her (thanks to the help of witnesses in the area). Given how often hit-and-run drivers go free, this is good news. ABC News reports that the driver blew a .20 BAC during…

What Parents Should Know About Absence Seizures

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 4, 2023

While absence seizures are usually genetic, they can happen in people who have other conditions, such as PTSD, lack of sleep/ insomnia, severe stress, traumatic brain injuries, and more. To make things even more terrifying, absence seizures are most commonly found in children. If your child recently hit their head on an object or you…

Should You Register Your Private Camera with the Chicago PD?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 27, 2023

Many residents and visitors know that Chicago has a high level of crime and unresolved hit-and-run traffic accidents. To help combat the crime and find those who commit hit-and-runs, law enforcement officers are asking and encouraging people who live or own businesses around the city to register their private cameras with the Chicago Police Department.…

Illinois’ Senior Drivers Get a Bad Rap – And Terrible Insurance Rates

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 20, 2023

Even though elderly drivers are involved in less accidents than drivers who are younger, they are typically charged higher insurance rates. The reason for this is because elderly drivers are more likely to get hurt or pass away from their injuries if they are in an accident. However, many elderly drivers will make the argument…

The CTA Yellow Line Collision Sent 23 People to the Hospital

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 17, 2023

The silver lining of yesterday’s high-speed crash for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Yellow Line at the Howard rail yard is that so far, everyone has survived. So, we wanted to start with the good news. The bad news of course, is that 38 people were injured, including the 37 on board who were injured;…

My Neck Really Hurts. Could It Be Broken?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 6, 2023

Neck fractures and injuries are very complex. In fact, the symptoms from these types of injuries can vary from person to person. Therefore, some people may not realize that they have a severe neck injury and go about their normal activities, while others experience excruciating pain from the neck to the lower back. Regardless of…

Fatal Accident on DuSable Lake Shore Drive Claims Two Lives

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 31, 2023

ABC 7 Eyewitness News reports a crash early Halloween morning on DuSable Lake Shore Drive that took the lives of two people and injured four others. Per the news organization: A man and woman were killed in a crash on DuSable Lake Shore Drive on the South Side Monday night, Chicago police said. The victims…

Why We Should Care About Inadequate Truck Parking

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 30, 2023

When it is time for truckers to take a break or end their shift, they must find parking as quickly as possible. Automobile drivers may think this is an easy task. However, the truth is that finding parking spaces that can fit large trucks is extremely challenging. Many people are unaware of this, but the…

Why Drinking Makes Driving So Dangerous

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 23, 2023

Even though drinking and driving comes with severe and deadly consequences, people still choose to get behind the wheel after having too many drinks. Many individuals lack the knowledge of what alcohol can do to the brain. Therefore, they put themselves and others at risk of serious harm and danger by deciding to drive under…

Congratulations, Viviana Barragan: You’re Our 2023 Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Recipient!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 18, 2023

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is proud to introduce Viviana Barragan, our 2023 recipient of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship! Viviana is a 1L student attending Santa Clara University School of Law, and we expect big things from her. As an undergraduate, Viviana interned in the legal department of both the Mexican…

The People’s CDOT Is Helping – Just Not the Way You Think

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 16, 2023

There is a group of people taking the initiative to fix and repair certain things around Chicago. This group of individuals, which is called The People’s CDOT, is making their way throughout the city, using their own hands and tools to try to make the roads a safer place. They seem to be helping, but…

What Are These “Guardian Caps” the Bears Are Getting?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 13, 2023

With football season back in full effect, it is time to talk about how the Chicago Bears are undertaking an initiative to ensure that their players are safe and protected during the games and practices. One of the new equipment pieces that was recently introduced is the guardian caps. These caps are a strategy to…

The Teutopolis Tanker Crash Shows Us Why Spills Are Deadly

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 3, 2023

It’s common knowledge, we think, that truck accidents can have devastating effects. It’s also common knowledge that there’s a lot of hazardous cargo being shipped around the country. The East Palestine train derailment really highlighted that. But Friday’s tanker crash on US 40 in Teutopolis has brought that lesson home to Illinois, and everything about…

How Do I Get Surveillance Video of My Hit-and-Run Car Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 26, 2023

Another hit-and-run on September 22 took the life of a woman in the Washington Park neighborhood. The driver of the car is still at large. Per ABC 7, “Some neighbors said the stretch of King Drive is notorious for speeding cars and they hope police are able to use neighborhood surveillance cameras to track down…

We Need to Do Something About Underride Crashes – Now

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 25, 2023

Chicago roads already host a variety of accident risks and many of us already know to avoid trucks, but not every danger is as well-known as it should be. At least, not until it’s too late and someone loses a loved one in a tragic and entirely preventable accident. As drivers with families on the…

Hit-and-Runs Have Life-Altering Consequences

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 18, 2023

Just because accidents are typically unintentional by nature doesn’t mean those responsible for causing them get to shirk accountability, especially if someone is severely injured or killed. While most of us understand this, there are still cruel people with just no regard for those around them who try to do just that. After causing an…

Chicago Needs to Address Its Speeding Problem

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 11, 2023

Chicago is no stranger to dangerous roads. In a city so populated, you have to expect accidents. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take measures to avoid accidents. Speeding is a common occurrence on our streets, and it is one of the biggest factors behind catastrophic injuries from car accidents. When there is a fatal…

Why Are Bartlett, IL’s Roads So Dangerous?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 6, 2023

School started last week, and for the students at South Elgin High School, it started with a tragic loss. Two teenage girls were killed in a collision with a semi-truck at the intersection of Rte. 25 and Kenyon Drive. According to ABC 7, there’s some conflicting information about the fatal crash. The police report says…

As the Climate Changes, Our Driving Habits Must, Too

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 5, 2023

Being prepared to drive in all seasons and various weather conditions is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. In different seasons, the environment throws different challenges at drivers. But if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll have noticed that our “weather” is far from normal. The water off the southern coast hit 100 degrees this…

Wicker Park Hit-and-Run Leaves Us All Wondering: Where’s the Driver?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 1, 2023

Regular readers of our blog know that we discuss hit-and-run accidents in Chicago and its suburbs quite a bit. Every car accident that leads to injuries is serious, but there’s something about hit-and-runs that gets our hackles up. Maybe it’s because the perpetrators so rarely get caught, and that can delay justice for the people…

City of Chicago Sues Kia and Hyundai Over Vulnerability to Theft

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 25, 2023

The city of Chicago is suing automakers Kia and Hyundai, alleging the carmakers failed to equip cars sold in the US with “vital anti-theft technology” that comes standard in almost all other car manufacturers. This failure has led to a dramatic surge in Kia and Hyundai thefts throughout the city. The lawsuit, announced by the…

Samantha Gutierrez Invited to Join The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 22, 2023

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is excited to announce that attorney Samantha Gutierrez was invited to join The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. This invitation-only organization is comprised exclusively of practicing trial lawyers (civil and criminal) across the country. The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 “is extended solely to a select…

Nerve Damage Can Be a Life-Altering Injury

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 21, 2023

Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, can have severe and long-lasting consequences on a victim’s life, whether caused by accidents, medical conditions, or other factors. Serious nerve damage can lead to a range of complications that significantly impact a person’s mobility and overall well-being. What are the complications related to nerve injuries? Complications of nerve…

What We Can Learn from Bella Notte’s Closing

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 7, 2023

Bella Notte, a beloved family-owned Italian restaurant in Chicago, recently bid farewell to its patrons after a nearly three-decade legacy. The restaurant had become a hotspot, attracting both upper class suburban diners and celebrities, but ultimately saw their clientele dwindle and liability issues mount. Established in 1995 by Ramon Aguirre’s father, Bella Notte had become…

It’s Time for America to Address Its Drowning Crisis

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 4, 2023

This summer has been hot – freakishly hot. We saw record-breaking temperatures across the country throughout July. Chicago may not have had it as bad as some other places (the ocean off the coast of Miami hit 100 degrees!) but it’s still been a sweltering summer. For many, the only relief from the heat has…

How Fault Works in a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 24, 2023

Multi-car accidents can be complex, leaving victims wondering if they will be held liable in spite of their adherence to the law leading up to the incident. It is understandable that victims would worry about being held wrongfully liable in these complex situations. In a multi-car crash, an experienced car, truck and motorcycle accident attorney…

A 14-Year-Old Was Injured in a Building Strike Accident at Fontano’s in Hinsdale

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 18, 2023

The Hinsdale community is sending its prayers to multiple families today after a Jeep crashed through Fontano Subs & Deli on Lincoln Street. The incident is under investigation, but it appears that the Jeep had been going through Fuller’s Carwash across the street, and then just kept going. Ultimately, the vehicle crashed into the sub…

How Does “Accident Reconstruction” Work?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 17, 2023

Accident reconstruction is a scientific breakdown of the events surrounding a collision, using verified facts to draw further conclusions about the cause of the event. In order to understand the circumstances surrounding a traffic accident, accident reconstruction experts utilize scientific methods and specialized tools to reconstruct the events leading up to an accident. Their analysis…

Should I Settle My Chicago Car Accident Claim?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 10, 2023

Being involved in a car accident can be a distressing experience, often leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma and financial burdens. A big question Chicago residents often have after being involved in a car accident is whether or not they should seek an insurance settlement or go to trial. First let’s consider the term…

Can a Burning Truck Really Take Down an Interstate Overpass?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 7, 2023

Based on a recent incident we now know that, yes, it is possible for a burning truck to bring down a bridge. There are a few special circumstances that made this incident as catastrophic as it was. CBS News reported, on June 11th 2023, that a section of Interstate 95 (I-95) in Philadelphia collapsed due…

Parents of Four Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on I-55

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 30, 2023

On Tuesday night, a couple died and three of their children were injured in a wrong-way crash on I-55 in Wilmington. ABC 7 Chicago reports the “crash occurred at about 10:36 p.m. near milepost 238 as police said a Ford F-150 was driving north in the southbound lanes near milepost 238 and struck a GMC…

Hit-and-Run Accidents Can Cause a Lot of Emotional Trauma

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 26, 2023

When people hear of a person being involved in a hit-and-run accident, they may automatically think about the person’s possible broken bones, bruises, cuts, and other physical injuries. While a lot of hit-and-run victims do experience these painful physical injuries, they also suffer from emotional and psychological trauma, which is less talked about. The memories…

Pedestrians Face Injury Risks from More Than Just Cars

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 19, 2023

When many people think about pedestrian accidents, they often imagine the individual being hit by a car, motorcycle, or truck. However, the truth is that pedestrians walking around the bustling city of Chicago face many risks that do not involve motor vehicles. Instead, some of these accidents happen due to various factors, such as construction…

Hoffman Estates Community Mourning High School Sweethearts Killed in Drunk Driving Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 12, 2023

An Elgin man is expected in court today after being charged in a crash that took the lives of two recent high school graduates and sweethearts over the weekend. Per ABC 7 Chicago, “D’Shaun Tudela and his partner, Amelia Mazeikis, both 18, died in the Hoffman Estates crash near Barrington and Higgins roads Saturday morning.”…

Visualizing a Car Accident: How We Use Demonstrative Evidence in Your Case

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 5, 2023

If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and sustained traumatic injuries, demonstrative evidence will likely be one of the first things you and your attorney discuss when it comes to your trial. In fact, this type of evidence is a requirement to prove that the defendant directly caused your car accident and injuries.…

How to Prove a Trucking Company Is Falsifying Driving Logs

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 29, 2023

According to the National Safety Council, almost 6,000 people in the United States were killed in truck accidents in 2021. One of the top reasons for these accidents is fatigued driving. Therefore, in order to prevent truck drivers from driving while tired or drowsy, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) continues to update their…

Illinois Residents, Lawmakers, and Drivers Are Fed Up with Uber and Lyft

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 24, 2023

If you think about companies that have revolutionized modern life, you’d do worse than to think of Uber and Lyft. Ridesharing services have become so ubiquitous, such a part of modern travel that it’s hard to remember a time without them. Think about it: when’s the last time you traveled somewhere and realized you couldn’t…

Community Mourning for Buffalo Grove High Students Killed in Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 19, 2023

Four Buffalo Grove High School students were killed in a crash at an intersection on May 16 that has left the community reeling. Three of the teens were residents of Wheeling, and the fourth was from Arlington Heights. Per Chicago’s Daily Herald, the victims were Richard De Ita, 18; Kevin R. Hernandez-Teran, 17; Jesus Rodriguez,…

Pros and Cons of Spinal Cord Stimulators

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 8, 2023

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an FDA approved medical treatment for chronic back and neck pain. Chronic pain can occur as a result of an auto accident, a slip and fall, the failure of a product to work properly, or for myriad other reasons. Spinal cord stimulation is normally suggested after chiropractic care and other…

Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-55 Shows Just How Deadly Dust Storms Can Be

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 2, 2023

The dust storm that blew through Illinois yesterday covered 20-30 miles and caused a 72-vehicle pileup on I-55. At least six people have died and 30 more were injured in chain reaction crash. ABC 7 News reports that there is a risk of HAZMAT spills (two semi-trucks caught fire). One Chicago resident told the news…

What You Need to Know About Chicago’s Smart Street Pilots Ordinance

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 1, 2023

Chicago is taking big steps to prioritize street safety for its residents. Recent legislation has been passed to improve street infrastructure with a focus on protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation. This includes proper street design with visible markings, adequate space for pedestrians and cyclists and physical barriers to shield them from motor vehicles. By…

An Asphalt Tank Exploded in Lemont, Leaving a Community Grieving

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 26, 2023

A deadly explosion and fire at a Seneca Petroleum plant in Lemont has left us shaken. Dru A. Worker, a contractor with M&J Industrial Services, was a beloved high school wrestling coach, and his death is such a loss for the community. Another worker was injured but survived. ABC 7 Chicago reports that OSHA and…

Why You Need an Attorney If You Want to Sue a Government Agency

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 24, 2023

When it comes to suing a government agency, such as the city of Chicago, it is important to understand the legal landscape in which you are operating. Government agencies, including cities, states, and the federal government, have various forms of immunity that protect them from lawsuits. This immunity can make it difficult for individuals to…

Taking the “Nurse” Out of Nursing Homes: Under-Staffing and Neglectful Care in Chicago Nursing Homes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 17, 2023

Nursing homes in the US are in a staffing crisis, and it’s hitting Chicago hard. Chicago nursing home workers and city lawmakers have been fighting for a law to regulate nursing homes, claiming that the dangerously low staffing levels put residents at risk of “neglectful care.” According to WGN9 News, the Service Employees International Union…

Multi-Car Accidents Are Complex Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 14, 2023

WGN9 News recently reported on a fatal car crash involving four vehicles that occurred on Wednesday March 29, 2023 on Chicago’s South Side, resulting in one death and four injuries. According to the news, a Nissan traveling northbound on Columbus Avenue collided with a Mazda at the intersection of 83rd Street. The driver of the…

Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Increase the Risk of Suicide in Women?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 3, 2023

A recent report potentially links the suicides of young women to traumatic brain injuries. While reports like this are very alarming, it is important to know and be aware of the symptoms of these injuries as well as ensure that your family members and loved ones receive the proper help they need and deserve after…

Speeding Driver Blows Through Red Light, Leading to Deadly Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 29, 2023

There was a deadly crash at Glenlake and Kimball avenues last Thursday. A driver ran a red light and hit an SUV carrying seven people – three of them small children. Zainab Suboh, who was visiting her children before Ramadan begins, was killed. Her husband suffered multiple serious injuries. Thankfully, her children and grandchildren survived.…

Is the CPSC’s Bizarre Twitter Campaign Against Product Defects Working?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 27, 2023

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) focuses on warning Americans about specific unsafe products that they should no longer use. Over the last couple years, the agency has been using Twitter to post bizarre and entertaining tweets to let us know about the latest product defects and safety tips, which is a modern and…

Why Do Truck Fatalities Keep Increasing Each Year?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 20, 2023

Truck driving, a once stable cornerstone profession, has seen a dark trend emerging in recent years. Despite the advancements in technology and safety regulations, fatal truck accidents are on the rise in a big way. There are more than 3.5 million people in America working as truckers ranging from long-haul drivers, who ship items from…

Deadly Hit-and-Run on Lake Street Proves Suburbs Are Dangerous, Too

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 15, 2023

On Saturday night at around 7:00pm, a man named Benjamin A. Jorgenson was fatally struck by two vehicles while he tried to cross Lake Street in Bartlett. Both drivers left the scene. An investigation is ongoing, but ABC 7 reports that some debris from the deadly collision may indicate what types of vehicles they were:…

Which Neck Injuries May Require Surgery?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 13, 2023

Being local to the Chicago area, we understand the difficulties that come with driving in “The Windy City.” While there are always new and exciting things to discover, such as stunning architecture, diverse culture, and exceptional cuisine, driving Chicago’s roads can be hazardous. Potholes, roadwork and extreme weather are major obstacles that even the most…

Chicago’s Road Designs Are Deadly

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 27, 2023

The New Year started out on a somber note with yet another tragedy. On January 2nd, another person was killed at the Red Line station intersection at 79th Street. The unnamed pedestrian was attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk as a driver hastily blew through a red light and struck the pedestrian. The…

There Was a Deadly Drag Racing Accident in Chicago’s Far South Side

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 20, 2023

On Saturday night, drag racing on the 10000 block of South Halsted Street turned deadly. According to news reports, one of the vehicles hit a wall and burst into flames, and three people died on the scene. Because the incident is still under investigation, details are scant. In August of last year, we talked about…

Is the Popularity of Electric Cars Causing More Dangerous Roads?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 13, 2023

Tesla and more traditional brands like Chevrolet, BMW, and Ford have started manufacturing electric-powered engines in recent years. Many believe that turning from gas to electric is better for the environment, offers a smoother ride, and will ultimately save on costs. Newer models may also include additional safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure…

Tips to Prevent Kids’ Sledding-Related Tragedies

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 6, 2023

The recent snowfall in Chicago left only a few inches on the ground, which is unusual for this time of year. By the end of January, we typically see at least 10 inches more than that overall. However, this does not necessarily mean that residents are saved from experiencing their typical Chicago winter-it may just…

Another Hit-and-Run Marks Chicago’s 4th Fatality This Year

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 3, 2023

On Tuesday, January 10th, a black sedan was traveling westbound in East Garfield Park around 10:45 p.m. when they hit a pedestrian attempting to cross the street. This area of West Lake Street is known for their “L” shaped pillars. However, those famous pillars are also known to cause decreased visibility for both drivers and…

A Baby’s Life Is on the Line After Last Night’s Hit-and-Run in River North

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 25, 2023

On Wednesday night, a Chevy sedan hit a Toyota Prius while traveling down Ontario. It careened off the Prius and hit four pedestrians standing on the corner of Ontario and Wabash. All four pedestrians, and the driver and passenger in the Prius, were injured, and the three people in the Chevy – a driver and…

Why Women’s Medical Concerns Are Often Ignored

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 23, 2023

Since 500 years before the beginning of the Common Era, women and their medical issues have often been waved off as dramatic whining over nothing. In reality, just like men, women know when something is wrong with their bodies, and their concerns should be taken seriously. Even today, women are still doubted when they say…

It’s Winter in Chicago; Watch Out for Black Ice

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 16, 2023

We’re no stranger to slippery roads here in Chicago. With ice, snow, and rain all falling in the winter season, the streets can become treacherous. While we may consider ourselves to be experts at navigating the different types of blizzards, ice storms, and slush piles, one type of road and sidewalk condition that should always…

Research Shows That Burn Injuries Are More Like a Chronic Disease

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 9, 2023

There are many ways in which you can sustain burn injuries; whether you are in a car accident, an accident at work, or burnt while cooking a turkey dinner, burn injuries are painful and can leave you in agonizing pain and with disfiguring scars. While these consequences are bad enough, research shows that burn injuries…

How Can Pedestrians in Chicago Stay Safe?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 3, 2023

There is lots to see in Chicago. From Navy Pier, to the Art Institute, to our famous Millennium Park, our city offers attractions for tourists to the city. With our wide variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and hidden gems such as Fat Johnnie’s, there is something to do for everyone, including our native Chicagoans. Chicago…

Defective Truck Brakes & Product Liability Claims: What You Need to Know

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 19, 2022

In November of 2022, Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) recalled over 230,000 Western Star and Freightliner vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2022. The recall is due to chemical corrosion that could affect the vehicles’ brake modulator valves, potentially resulting in Adaptive Cruise Control braking failures. And while these vehicles’ regular brakes were not affected by…

Created on Company Time Usually Means It’s Company Property

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 16, 2022

Every company (at least, every company that’s run well) has policies, right? There are policies for sending emails, for taking time off, for filling out TPS reports, for when to go to HR – policies a’ plenty. And in most cases, those policies are usually created by whomever heads a department (if the business is…

When Concussions Call for Legal Action

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 12, 2022

Concussions are types of traumatic brain injuries that happen for many reasons, including accidents, contact sports, and intentional violence. Sadly, domestic violence victims often sustain concussions for different reasons, such as getting hit in the skull by foreign objects, being thrown against walls or other objects, and sustaining punches to the head. A recent piece…

A Driver Crashed into Culver’s in Morton Grove, So Let’s Talk About Car Incursions

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 8, 2022

On Monday, a 79-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle on Dempster Street and crossed through the parking lot, crashing into the front of the building. The family of four who was seated at the point of impact all sustained injuries, but the good news – the VERY good news – is that none of…

Can My Own Cell Phone Data Be Used Against Me in a Car Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 5, 2022

If you were recently in a car accident and the opposing driver’s counsel is trying to prove you were at fault, your cell phone data might be requested during the “discovery period.” This period refers to attorneys gathering evidence to support their clients’ claims, which typically includes photos and videos of the accident, police and…

Avoid House Fire Risks This Winter

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 30, 2022

Protecting your home and family in the winter is a multi-step process, with most homeowners focusing on preventing burst plumbing pipes, keeping sidewalks, driveways, and other walkways ice-free, and maintaining warm interiors. Yet, protecting against the cold can pose fire risks that can send entire houses up in flames. To keep your home as safe…

Don’t Be Afraid to Drive Again After a Car Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 14, 2022

Car accidents can be traumatic. Whether you looked away for a split second or someone else ran a stop sign, it can be tough building up the courage to get back behind the wheel again. Some people may be overwhelmed with anxiety when passing the area of the accident, while others may have a hard…

COVID-19 Effects Could Lead to Alzheimer’s Disease

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 8, 2022

A new study that was published this past July found that there actually could be a direct link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined over 6 million electronic health records of men and women over the age of 65 in great detail. While researchers did not think that the results showed COVID-19 specifically…

An Urgent Plea in the Wake of a Deadly Kane County Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 3, 2022

It’s been three days since we learned about the crash that killed Grace and Emil Diewald. For three days, we’ve been combing the news, trying to learn more about what happened in that collision. This is what we know. We know that police have said they won’t release any more details until their investigation is…

Apple’s New Crash Detection Could Save Lives, but Not Without Some Hiccups

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 31, 2022

The latest iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max models were released this September. With them came some amazing new features, like an even better quality camera, always-on display, and all-day battery life. But the most revolutionary new feature is the built-in crash detection. Apple’s crash detection is named appropriately because it…

Deadly Collision on Dan Ryan Expwy Results in DUI Charges

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 20, 2022

The driver responsible for a deadly collision on the Dan Ryan Expressway last May has been charged with felony aggravated DUI causing death. This particular incident was especially memorable, as the impact of the collision actually knocked the innocent driver over a median and onto train tracks 20 feet below. If there is any silver…

Chicago Proposes Permanent Outdoor Dining—But at Whose Expense?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 17, 2022

During the height of COVID-19 restrictions, many cities allowed restaurants to make accommodations in order to stay open and keep their businesses afloat. At the very beginning, takeout orders skyrocketed. However, once the weather started to break and residents grew a little more antsy to get outside, outdoor dining took over. Cities all over the…

Do Symptoms of Whiplash Begin Immediately After an Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 13, 2022

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, it’s a safe bet you know someone who has. You’ve likely seen the bulky neck collar or perhaps you’re wearing it yourself right now. Even though whiplash is indeed a common injury, it’s also a complex…

Congratulations to Gabriela Monico, Winner of the 2022 Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Scholarship Award!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 11, 2022

The team at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is proud to announce that Gabriela Monico is our 2022 recipient of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award! Gabriela has a wonderful story and we’d love to share it with you. About Gabriela Born in El Salvador, Gabriela Monico immigrated to the United States…

Hit and Run vs. Leaving the Scene: What You Need to Know

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 3, 2022

Imagine you are driving on the highway and another car accidentally rear-ends you when you abruptly braked for traffic. Unfortunately, it caused some significant damage to both you and your car. Instead of pulling over to check on you and report the accident, they continue to drive away. While this example is a little more…

Fatal Building Collapse in Chicago Leaves Community in Mourning

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 27, 2022

An explosion in a building at the intersection of West End and Central Ave has left our community in mourning once again. Shabron Robinson, a letter carrier, was beloved by his neighbors and the people on his route. He succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the explosion. Seven other people were injured that day.…

Why Zipper Merges Are a Bad Idea

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 26, 2022

Up until recently, drivers in Illinois did not have to worry about taking turns in order to get through traffic along with other drivers. In February 2020, however, the “zipper merge” officially became part of the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook and is being actively used here in Chicago and throughout the state. While…

Nearly 49% of Commercial Truck Drivers Might Have Sleep Apnea

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 19, 2022

A recent study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in 2020 found that nearly 49% of commercial truck drivers have or are at risk for sleep apnea. This number is unexpectedly high, especially since earlier studies reported much lower numbers. Transport Topics reports the earlier studies found that anywhere from 7.2% to 30% of truck…

How Safe Is That Bed-in-a-Box, Really?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 16, 2022

In a world filled with Amazon orders and speedy deliveries, it is no wonder that consumers want pretty much everything delivered straight to their door and set up in record time. And furnishing your house is no exception. People can now get any size mattress conveniently delivered in a compact box that they are able…

Will Insurance Cover the Costs of My Hit-and-Run Injuries?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 6, 2022

A hit-and-run is a collision where one driver leaves the scene before police arrive. The risk of this type of accident is one reason Illinois drivers are required to maintain certain minimum limits of liability insurance. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that a hit-and-run accident occurs every minute in the United States. What are…

Chicago Is Experiencing a “Street Takeover.” It May Have Caused a Woman’s Death.

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 30, 2022

Tragedy struck Chicagoland last night when two Corvettes racing down Cicero Ave caused a crash that damaged a nearby car and fatally injured a pedestrian. The pedestrian was Shawman Meireis, who was in town visiting her family for her birthday. According to ABC News 7, the drivers – one in a red Corvette, one in…

What Complications Can Arise from Bone Breaks and Fractures?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 29, 2022

A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. It happens when force against a bone is stronger than the actual bone. Fractures are usually the result of overuse or injury. The site may feel painful, swollen, and look distorted. Merck states that blood vessel and nerve damage, compartment syndrome, infections, and long-lasting joint…

Movable Bridges and the Accidents That Happen on Them

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 22, 2022

Bridges are a mainstay of Chicago’s outstanding architecture and skyline, but did you know Chicago has the most movable bridges in the world? Thirty-seven of the city’s 300 bridges are movable bridges and many are close to 100 years old. When you suffer an injury because of a faulty bridge part, you deserve to be…

Drugging Nursing Home Residents Is Abusive – and Common

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 15, 2022

In May of 2019, Barbara Lovenstein died from health complications due to being routinely drugged with Ativan by the staff at Eskaton Fountain Wood, a nursing home in Sacramento, California. Lovenstein was admitted for short-term rehabilitation and was only supposed to receive Ativan for seizures. The nursing home dosed her every day at 6AM. She…

I Was Hurt in a Chicago Car Accident and I Need a Lawyer!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 9, 2022

You’ve been in a car accident, maybe you’re injured, or maybe you’ve injured someone else. Expenses are piling up and you don’t know what to do. You need to hire a lawyer. Most people don’t have a lawyer on retainer ready and waiting for their call, so what should you do? How do you find…

US Representative Jackie Walorski Killed in a Lane Departure Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 4, 2022

On August 3, Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind), two of her staffers, and a separate driver were killed in a car crash in Indiana. Reports from the scene first stated that the accident occurred when one vehicle crossed the center line and struck the RAV 4 in which Walorski was a passenger. However, a few days…

The Fatal Wrong-Way Crash in Hampshire Was the Worst-Case Scenario

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 1, 2022

Over the years, we’ve covered a number of tragic, local accidents in the greater Chicagoland area. We try to figure out what went wrong, and what our communities can do to prevent similar accidents in the future. But the horrific news coming out of Hampshire on Sunday is beyond tragic. Per ABC 7, A woman…

Top Six Traumatic Brain Injury Complications

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 25, 2022

Perhaps you have had a concussion before or hit your head pretty hard. If you go to a doctor, they might prescribe you with observed rest for a while, perhaps some pain relievers, but there’s not much more to it than that, in most cases. Then there are some head injuries so severe that they…

Journalist, Activist Hannah Hayes Dies in Hit-and-Run

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 19, 2022

Hannah Hayes – a local activist and political journalist – has been identified as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run last week. ABC 7 News reports that the fatal crash happened when a silver 2012 Lexus blew a stop sign at Drexel Blvd and hit Hayes’ car. Police have released pictures of the suspects, but…

The Dangers of Sideswipe Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 18, 2022

There are all types of accidents you can get into while driving on the road. One of the most common types of accidents is the sideswipe. It might be just a gentle bump and scrape, or it could be far worse, amounting to sometimes catastrophic injuries. These types of accidents can happen anywhere, but are…

New Study Shows High Crash Incidences in Autonomous Vehicles

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 11, 2022

With technology advancing every day, we have software in our vehicles that can warn us if there is something behind us when we’re backing up, or tools that can help us to see cars in our blind spots while driving down the highway. No doubt that such technology has saved lives. However, we must remember…

Amazon Workers Suffer Higher Work Related Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 5, 2022

Retail giant Amazon has had its fair share of time in the limelight when it comes to the conditions of their workers and warehouses. Unfortunately, it’s drawn the attention for all the wrong reasons, with workers claiming long hours, impossibly difficult quotas, and even unsafe work conditions. Now, a new study has been released this…

What Are the “Basics” of Distracted Driving?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 20, 2022

It’s easy to become used to driving. Many of us have been driving for a decade or two, and with that experience comes confidence, and with confidence often comes carelessness. Perhaps we speed more often or we slow down at certain stop signs rather than coming to a complete stop. These are risky behaviors, and…

Can I Sue for Damages if the Negligent Party Dies?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 13, 2022

One of the worst experiences that you can have in your life is being injured by someone’s neglect or bad decisions. Not only are you having to deal with the physical trauma of the accident, but the mental and emotional cost as well. The reasonable action would be to take whoever injured you to court,…

A Horrific, Avoidable Truck Accident Killed a Toddler in Uptown

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 10, 2022

If you spend any time on highways, you know that semi-trucks rule the roads. They’re big, they’re heavy, and they should be given a wide berth on interstates and freeways. After all, there are specific federal guidelines in place that ensure 18-wheelers can get from point A to point B on highways. On highways. Things…

Do Insurance Companies Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 6, 2022

Chicago is a dangerous place when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. With bumper-to-bumper traffic, bicyclists swerving in and out of lanes, and pedestrians crossing busy intersections, it is understandable that these sorts of accidents would be common. But in the last couple of years, the rate of hit-and-run accidents has skyrocketed, leaving hundreds of…

What Happens If Someone Sics Their Dog on Me and I Get Hurt?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 31, 2022

As much as we love our canine friends, they are still animals. Animals do not always act predictably, and even worse, they can be trained by their owners to attack other people. Dog attacks and bites should be handled seriously, as the injuries these animals can impart are oftentimes serious, and can leave the victim…

Alcohol Sensor Technology Coming to a Car Near You

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 16, 2022

Have you ever heard of a Breathalyzer (or breath machine) being installed into the vehicle of a drunk driver after a drunk driving incident? Have you ever stopped and thought, “Why wasn’t the breath machine already installed into the vehicle in the first place? The entire accident could have been avoided.” Well, thanks to the…

BNSF Train Collides With Truck; Kills Metra Passenger

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 12, 2022

A fiery crash at the Clarendon Hills Metra stop took the life of a train passenger on Wednesday and injured four others, after a box truck stopped on the tracks during morning rush hour. Reportedly, the truck stalled or became stuck on the tracks as the train approached the Prospect Street crossing. Although the driver…

What Are the Leading Causes of Death in Illinois?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 10, 2022

Many people have certain attitudes concerning personal injury lawsuits. Although insurance companies may try to convince you that personal injury lawsuits are frivolous, they are a necessary tool for many to secure the compensation they need to recover from serious injuries and harm. If you need evidence of how negligent actions can seriously impact a…

Illinois Has a Drunk Driving Problem

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 26, 2022

There was a story on the news on Thursday, April 21 about a fatal drunk driving accident in the 3400 block of South California Avenue in Chicago. Per ABC 7, a drunk driver was traveling at just under 80 mph on Monday morning (it was just after midnight) when she crashed into a median. The…

What You Should Know About HIPAA

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 25, 2022

HIPAA, the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, has come up a lot since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may have seen people on social media or news shows discussing their HIPAA rights regarding masks or vaccinations. In short, HIPAA is a federal law that protects patients’ sensitive health information…

Moooove Over: Drunk Driver Causes Multi-Vehicle Wreck in Joliet

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 21, 2022

There’s nothing funny about drunk driving. It puts everyone in danger and causes thousands of deaths each year. But even we raised some eyebrows over a crash in Joliet on Tuesday that left about 16 cattle running around on I-80. According to ABC 7, “Bradley E. Pate, 51, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was charged with driving…

The Radiation Treatment Used to Cure You May Kill You

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 18, 2022

When they hear the words medical malpractice, most people think of an immediately apparent injury or death that was caused by a doctor treating an injury or illness. Maybe there was a surgical error or the wrong medication was prescribed that caused the injuries. But what about latent harm that you never knew could happen?…

Falling Building Debris Leaves Wicker Park Woman in Critical Condition

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 7, 2022

A 22-year-old woman is in critical condition after being struck by a falling piece of building façade near the corner of North Milwaukee Avenue and North Ashland Avenue. Despite scaffolding in place around the building, a chunk of the façade managed to hit the woman in the head as she passed by. Debris also hit…

The Dangers of Driving in Poor Weather

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 4, 2022

As the country celebrated Women’s History Month throughout March, it’s important to note that two women are responsible for inventing the modern windshield wiper found on every vehicle. Mary Anderson and Charlotte Bridgwood hold patents for windshield wipers: Anderson for a manually operated wiper blade and Bridgwood for an electrical wiper blade. While it took…

The Dangers Amazon Workers Face

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 30, 2022

A video of an Amazon worker stuck in a shelf posted to TikTok has gone viral. The (now-deleted) video depicted the worker getting stuck in a shelf when one of the robotic shelves in the warehouse decided to go haywire, trapping him inside. As described in Newsweek, the worker was trapped in an aisle as…

Common Medical Malpractice Defenses

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 14, 2022

Doctors make mistakes for many reasons. They fail to make a proper or timely diagnosis. They may prescribe the wrong medications. Surgeons often fail to respond to emergencies competently during surgery. Most doctors, even when they make clear mistakes, won’t admit to their mistakes because their livelihood may be at stake. Many physicians will assert…

Questions to Ask Your Doctor After an Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 7, 2022

It’s natural to be scared when you have injuries due to a car accident, a fall on someone’s property, or an accident due to a product defect. Parents have about 1,000 questions rushing their minds when they learn a child has a birth injury. Most patients and families meet with numerous doctors after they have…

A Deadly Hit-and-Run Near Pullman Park Leaves a Community Reeling

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 4, 2022

A late-night hit-and-run crash on the 11100-block of South Cottage Grove Avenue has left a community in despair. Adelbert Wilson and “Apostle” Dr. Yvonne Lee-Wilson were killed after being hit by another vehicle on Monday night. Lee-Wilson led the Body of Christ Deliverance Ministries. The force of the impact was enough to roll the Wilsons’…

Understanding Federal vs Illinois State Workers’ Compensation

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 28, 2022

As with all states across the county, injured workers are entitled to obtain medical benefits, lost wages, and other damages. Illinois allows workers’ compensation claims to be filed and paid without the need to prove fault. Many employers will push employees to get back to work as soon as possible and disregard their doctors’ orders.…

Releasing Medical Records in Chicago Workers’ Compensation Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 21, 2022

No matter how safe we try to be in our daily lives, sometimes accidents happen anyway. We may be able to mitigate certain risks and avoid dangerous situations, but the nature of being alive and having imperfect, relatively fragile bodies means not everything can be prevented. Regardless of our occupations, those accidents can and do…

Maintaining Your Masks: What You Need to Know About Reusing Face Masks

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 14, 2022

This pandemic has been going on for over two years now. It is exhausting; this is not news to anyone. From the constant stress to confusing mandates, most people are simply worn out and drained past the point of fear. Part of the issue is how much public information changes, seemingly every day, to the…

A Family Mourns Again After Child Dies in Round Lake Beach Intersection Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 10, 2022

In late January, a collision between two vehicles at the intersection of Rt. 83 and Lexington Drive Left five people injured and one man dead. Four of the injured were children, and we are heartbroken to see that one of those children, a 5-year-old boy, succumbed to his injuries. ABC 7 News reports that the…

New Law Protects Against Surprise Medical Bills

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 7, 2022

The healthcare in our country is as famous for being amazing as it is notorious for being expensive. Even with insurance, people are forced to pay astronomical copays and extra fees for services they need to survive. Those without insurance can and do die simply because they cannot afford treatment. It is downright evil, seeing…

Defective Space Heaters and Product Liability

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 31, 2022

One thing we can all agree on is that Chicago is cold. Extremely, unfairly, painfully cold in the winter months, with a bitter bite that makes everything somehow frustrating and too slow. While many of us may have adapted to the bitter temperatures, it is not without the help of certain technologies making our lives…

Fatal Traffic Accidents in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 24, 2022

It’s safe to say that the state of Illinois has a speeding problem. After all, look at the data. In 2020, Illinois hit a five-year high for traffic fatalities at 1,195 deaths. We wish we could say that the increase in fatalities stopped there. Unfortunately, 2021 continued the trend, with an increase of 71 fatalities…

A 37-Year-Old Woman Was Killed in a Hit-and-Run. Let’s Get Her Justice

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 18, 2022

This weekend, a woman named Angel Thomas crossed the street in the 4300 block of West Jackson Boulevard. She was planning on visiting a friend in some free time she had before a party to celebrate her daughter’s 14th birthday; she was planning a surprise party. Her brother was right behind her. As she went…

Injury Claims From Snowplow Accidents in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 17, 2022

Every motorist – from passenger vehicle drivers to truck drivers and bus drivers – understand how important it is to keep the roadways clear when it snows. Some drivers even begin to feel a sense of relief when they see snowplows on the road beginning to salt the roads. However, as a driver, have you…

The Raw Truth About Hit and Run Crashes in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 10, 2022

People underestimate how deadly a hit and run accident can be. It is more than just an inconsiderate and cowardly act to try to avoid accountability for a car accident. The driver leaving the scene of the accident is at risk of causing more harm to more people as he or she attempts to get…

Walmart Recalls Room Spray for Dangerous Bacteria

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 3, 2022

Just like many large companies, Walmart has its share of controversy. The mega-store is often the target of public criticism for issues like predatory pricing, paying low worker wages, forcing employees to work in poor conditions, and becoming infamous for understaffed stores. Along with this history of bad practices, Walmart can now add a defective…

Helping People Injured in Bus Accidents During the Holidays

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 27, 2021

While the holidays bring a sense of joy and excitement for many people, they also bring a sense of dread. The dread mostly stems from the dangers that the holidays can bring. As gloomy as it is to say, the truth of the matter is that the holidays are the worst times to travel. Whether…

The Deadly Dangers of SUV-Pedestrian Collisions

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 20, 2021

We are all aware of the risks when crossing the street. We teach our children from young ages to look both ways, to be patient for the sake of being safe. However, the commonality of this practice may be leading to a misguided sense of immortality — on the part of both the pedestrian and…

Hazardous Materials Make Trucks Deadlier

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 13, 2021

Trucks are already dangerous. Without any other mitigating factors, trucks are still giant, metal behemoths sharing the roads with their smaller cousins, and colliding into them in any form rarely ends well. However, when the cargo being carried by that truck is a hazardous material of some sort, that danger increases tenfold – which is…

Autonomous Cars: Are They Worth the Risk?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 6, 2021

Innovation is the heart of invention, and this has never been more apparent than it is now with such a boom of technological advances all around the world. Scientists and experts of all sorts are constantly coming up with new ways to make our daily lives faster, easier, more affordable, and safer. One industry that…

When Speed Kills and Maims: How Civil Justice Differs from Criminal Justice

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 29, 2021

Tragedy struck on Saturday evening when a driver sped through an intersection at Cermak Rd. and Kostner St. and hit two children who were leaving a nearby gas station. A 14-year-old boy, Kaidon Bell, was killed by the collision; his friend, a 12-year-old girl, is in critical condition at a local hospital. This is one…

Unwieldy USPS Trucks Endanger Everyone

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 24, 2021

The United States Postal Service is a revered, respected, and absolutely necessary entity that has connected us to loved ones since the earliest days of our country. For years, it was the only service we had to communicate important messages to one another. As technology advances, however, and emails, texts, and Zoom makes that connection…

The Dangers of Car Fires

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 15, 2021

Jorgen and Carolyn Vindum are grateful to be alive after a terrible scare a few months ago. The couple received a shock of a lifetime when they were awakened by their alarms at a quarter to six in the morning and noticed flames coming from the garage. Once Jorgen and his wife were safely outside…

Recent Crashes Point Out Safety Issues with Chicago Roads

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 9, 2021

A number of recent accidents here in Chicago highlight the dangers of both negligent motorists and traffic conditions in the city. With over two million residents, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our streets and roads are crowded, but the number of crashes and collisions continue increasing every year, which means more motorists, passengers,…

New Safety Tech Mandates for Commercial Vehicles

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 8, 2021

This year, Congress introduced the surface transportation bill. The $78 billion bills will aid in the funding of several safety features geared toward improving transportation, most of which will go to things like fixing roads and bridges, and physical infrastructure nationwide. Along with money for auto manufacturers and rail companies like Amtrak, one sector that…

Study Finds 70,000 Children & Teens Died in Car Accidents in 15 Years

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 1, 2021

There are certain milestones that teenagers cannot wait to reach as they get older. One of those milestones involves receiving their driver’s license. Beginning to drive can be a thrilling time for teenagers, and a scary time for their parents, understandably. While it is exciting to have the ability to travel from point A to…

Congress Is Taking on Drunk Driving in Surface Transportation Bill

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 25, 2021

People who have been convicted of driving while under the influence are familiar with certain ignition interlock devices. These are the types of devices that prevent a driver from operating a vehicle when he or she is inebriated. The driver cannot even turn the vehicle on without blowing into the breathalyzer and determining whether the…

Congratulations, Tom Prible – Winner of the 2021 Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 19, 2021

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is proud to introduce Thomas R. Prible, the 2021 winner of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award. Tom is a 1L student at Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He has an interesting story, and we’re pleased to introduce you to him today. About Tom Prible For…

Malnutrition and Dehydration Are Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 18, 2021

It’s natural to expect that seniors will have challenges in their advanced years, even while they are residents of nursing homes. What’s not natural, and what’s completely wrong, is for nursing care residents to suffer so much neglect that they fail to get the nutrition and liquids they need to stay healthy. Nutritional well-being is…

A Fatal Beach Park Crash Reminds Us of the Power of Scott’s Law

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 11, 2021

Another family is in mourning this week after their loved ones died in a head-on collision in Beach Park. Jose Hernandez was killed after a Jeep, which was illegally passing a tow truck, crashed into his car head-on. Hernandez’s stepsons were critically injured in the crash. According to WGN 9, the Jeep driver “was traveling…

What Is Pharmacy Malpractice?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 4, 2021

There are many types of medical malpractice other than physician malpractice. Hospitals and diagnostic centers can also commit malpractice. One type of malpractice that can often be deadly is pharmacy malpractice. Pharmacists fill and distribute the medications you need if you have any type of illness. Sometimes, patients receive a container or package of medications.…

Neal Gainsberg Talks Insurance Claims During COVID-19

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 29, 2021

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers founder Neal Gainsberg recently sat down with “Let’s Get Legal” radio host Jon Hansen for a discussion about restaurant insurance and claims during the pandemic. The two talked about which losses are covered, which aren’t, and the struggles some smaller restaurants face nearly two years into the pandemic. All businesses,…

How Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Differ from a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 27, 2021

There are both similarities and differences between a wrongful death lawsuit and a personal injury lawsuit in Chicago. Both suits are brought in civil court. Although a plaintiff can file personal injury or wrongful death claims if the conduct of the defendant was intentional, there is no need to prove a criminal wrong was committed.…

The Nursing Home Improvement and Accountability Act of 2021

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 20, 2021

A group of Democratic Senators introduced legislation on August 10, that aims to improve the quality of care nursing home residents receive and provide oversight of nursing homes. The bill proposes changes regarding nursing home staffing, monitoring and enforcement, to the website Care Compare managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and many…

A Tragic, Deadly Hit-And-Run in Aurora Leaves a Family Grieving

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 13, 2021

Early Sunday morning, a 59-year-old man was hit by a pickup truck and left injured in the street. The victim was taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries, which were critical. According to ABC 7 News, police have video of the pickup truck leaving the scene; it was captured on city cameras.…

Wrong-Way Crashes Are Rare, But Often Deadly

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 8, 2021

Interstate 80 has been a nightmare for years, subjected to emergency road work and the online, legitimate complaints of drivers who need to navigate it. It’s riddled with potholes, and its bridges are in desperate need of repair. Whether or not I-80’s terrible condition was the cause of a deadly head-on collision this Labor Day,…

How Will My Employer’s Insurance Company Try to Discredit My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 7, 2021

The insurance company for your employer is not your friend. If you are injured at work, you need to understand the ways the insurance company will try to defeat your work injury claim. They’ll try to say you weren’t really hurt. They’ll try to force you back before you’re ready. They’ll claim that you’re malingering,…

Heart Failure, Heart Attacks, and Car Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 30, 2021

Auto accidents are often caused by driver negligence. Drivers who drive while intoxicated, distracted, or tired should be held liable for the injuries and fatalities they cause. Drivers who speed or run through red lights should be liable for all the harm they cause. Liability is less certain, though, if a driver has an accident…

Practical Liability and Property Damage Issues in Hit-and-Run Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 23, 2021

Hit-and-run crashes are unconscionable. They should never happen. Drivers on the federal, state, city, and local roads owe a duty to all other drivers and pedestrians to drive safely. With so many cars on the roads, accidents are a statistical certainty; what’s not understandable is for a driver to hit another person or car and…

Fatal Hit-and-Run in Broad Daylight Claims Life of Cancer Survivor

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 17, 2021

Where to begin. We could start with a cold recitation of facts: a woman was killed in a hit-and-run on Saturday. We could begin from a place of genuine anger: a 27-year-old cancer survivor was literally mowed down in a parking lot on Saturday, and the coward who hit her took off on foot, abandoning…

Are Motorcycle Helmet Standards Reliable?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 16, 2021

Illinois is one of just a few states that does not require that motorcycle riders (adults or minors, drivers or passengers) wear a helmet, though it does require things like goggles and face shields. Even though the state doesn’t require helmet use, it is strongly advisable that riders wear a quality helmet. According to the…

Need Insurance in Chicago? Ask These Questions Before You Buy

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 9, 2021

Consumers need different types of insurance coverage. Most Chicago residents need insurance for their home and their car, and may need top purchase health insurance if it is not provided by an employer. They should also consider life insurance if they are older or have children. Insurance policies can be challenging to read, and finding…

Wrong-Way Crashes Cause Many Fatalities

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 2, 2021

It seems a no-brainer – don’t drive down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Don’t drive on any road where the traffic is coming towards you. Driving the wrong way generally means you’re destined to have a head-on crash with any of the cars coming towards you. Head-on crashes on any Chicago road are…

At Least Chicago’s Latest Hit-And-Run Wasn’t Fatal, This Time

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 27, 2021

Anyone who reads our blogs knows that we have been tracking hit-and-runs in Chicago for the last several months. The numbers are pretty grim – incidents appear to be rising here and across Illinois – but for the first time in a long time, a South Shore hit-and-run didn’t result in a fatality – and…

There Are No Magic Devices for Getting Newborns to Sleep

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 26, 2021

All new parents struggle with helping their newborns get to sleep at night. Most parents have to get up numerous times during the night to respond to their child’s crying. Simply put – babies aren’t very good sleepers. In our consumer age, parents are trying every strategy they can including buy products such as bassinets,…

Excessive Heat Can Cause Mechanical Difficulties That Increase the Risk of a Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 19, 2021

The summer heat is a blessing for so many Chicago residents after a cold winter. It’s great to be outdoors at Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, or any of Chicago’s great venues. The tree leaves and flowers blossom. The vegetables and fruits grow. There’s nothing like the warmth of the sun. But when the temperature pushes…

A 9-Year-Old Dies Because Manufacturers Keep Making Giant Trucks

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 16, 2021

When you live in a city, you expect to hear a lot of terrible, tragic stories involving car accidents. You don’t get used to them, but they don’t necessarily shock you after a while. But on Wednesday, a truly horrific accident occurred, made all the more terrible by the fact that it will not be…

How to Stay Alive When Riding Your Motorcycle in the City

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 6, 2021

If you have a motorcycle, it is likely that you had to take a motorcycle safety course. Riding around in the city brings with it a lot of dangers and there is a high likelihood that you have had to use some or all of your training if you frequently ride your motorcycle in the…

Trucking Is One of the Top 10 Deadliest Jobs in America

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 28, 2021

When you think of the deadliest jobs in America, trucking is typically not the first thing to come to mind. Your mind may go to mining or oil & gas drilling. But it turns out that transportation – specifically, transport by truck – is significantly more dangerous than most industries. Trucks are not only dangerous…

Deadly Hit-and-Run in the South Side Makes Us Nervous for July 4th

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 21, 2021

Another South Side hit-and-run has left one dead, and left two children without a mother. This time, the crash occurred happened in the 3900-block of S. State Street at about 1:00am on Sunday morning. The family was on its way home from a Juneteenth celebration. Per ABC 7 News, “Two unidentified men were traveling southbound…

Childbirth: A Miracle or a Traumatic Experience?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 21, 2021

The birth of a child is supposed to be one of the best moments in your life. As a mother, you have spent nine months carrying this child in your womb and now it is time to meet your bundle of joy. You have prepared for this moment and although you are anticipating pain, you…

Pretext Traffic Stops Don’t Stop Car Accidents or Make Society Safer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 14, 2021

Traffic stops happen every day across the country, and the general public rarely hears about them. After all, why would they? They’re common enough that most of us have experienced one ourselves. If a traffic stop occurs it should be as simple as having a ticket written and moving on with your day. However, for…

Grieving Family Offers $5,000 Reward for Information about Hit-and-Run Driver

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 28, 2021

Another Chicago family has been broken because of a hit-and-run driver. Early yesterday morning, a black Chrysler 300 going west in the 300-block of South Western Avenue hit a double-parked Toyota (and several other cars, according to ABC 7), before the driver exited the car and took off. Ahmaya Miles was with her 1-year-old daughter…

Which Nursing Home Complaints Are the Most Serious?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 24, 2021

All residents of nursing homes have some complaints. Many complaints are the ones everyone has – the soup’s too cold, why don’t you have this publication, or my closets could be bigger. Some complaints are unique to seniors who may be more sensitive to weather, loneliness, and problems due to ill health. Other complaints require…

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down in the Summer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 17, 2021

Summer is a time for relaxing and kicking back. Widespread vaccinations this year are encouraging extended families to bond again. After being confined for so long, it’s great to think about traveling to parks, the homes of friends, and vacation locales. There are risks to summertime travel, though. You need to make sure your car…

Another Hit-and-Run in Lakeview, Another Needless Injury

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 12, 2021

Last night, a 21-year-old woman was crossing the road at W. Addison St. and N. Janssen Ave. when she was struck by a Hyundai Elantra, ABC 7 reports. She suffered serious injuries and the driver took off from the scene; police are still looking. We are sending our best wishes to the victim, and we…

Commercial Trucks and Braking Issues

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 11, 2021

Trucks generally need more time to brake and come to a stop than passenger cars. There are many different reasons why trucks need more time, including the size and weight of the truck, the number of tires, the type of brakes, and other factors. Eighteen-wheelers, semis, tractor-trailers, and other heavy trucks are among some of…

Home Health Care for Seniors Is a Big Part of New Jobs & Infrastructure Plan

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 3, 2021

The Biden Administration is crafting a major jobs and infrastructure plan for the 21st century. The plan focuses on roads, bridges, broadband technology, and a range of other programs designed to get Americans back to work. One key component of the plan focuses on recognizing that the population of the United States is growing older.…

Soft Tissue Injuries from Car Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 26, 2021

When you get into a car accident, regardless of any sort of fault involved, there’s a lengthy list of possible injuries you could suffer from. A lot of them are severe and life-threatening – those are usually the ones that make the papers – but not all. Sometimes, the injuries don’t involve broken bones or…

Proving Product Liability Where It Counts: Amazon Edition

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 19, 2021

When we purchase a product, be it online or in person, we have certain expectations. For example, we hope whatever it is works for its intended purpose, that it’s safe to use, and that — if something goes wrong — we can get some sort of compensation for it. These are reasonable demands. Besides, it’s…

Most Common Fatal Injuries from Car Crashes Involve Head Trauma

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 12, 2021

Illinois has a car accident problem, and it’s only getting worse. While other states saw a decrease in collisions – and drivers in general – last year due to the pandemic, our lovely state was not so lucky. In March of 2020, for example, there was an astounding 14% increase in fatal crashes, even with…

Unsafe Work Conditions Are Not Your Fault

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 5, 2021

Working is a normal, necessary part of our current society. We all need to do it in some way or another to support ourselves and our families, to keep bread on the table. Unfortunately, while many of us are lucky enough to land a solid, healthy career, many others are not so lucky. A job…

7 Hazards to Look Out for When Riding a Motorcycle This Spring

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 31, 2021

Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating. It’s also incredibly dangerous, no matter how much experience you have. There’s just not enough protection for you or your passenger on a motorcycle. As you prepare your motorcycle for the warmer weather of the spring season, be sure to look for the following seven hazards once you head out…

Within One Hour, There Were 2 Crashes & 5 Deaths on Eisenhower Expressway

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 29, 2021

Tragedy struck between 1:10 and 1:40 in the morning today, as two separate wrong-way crashes on I-290 claimed the lives of five different people. All four drivers died at the respective scenes of the collisions. One passenger in the first crash was taken to the hospital, but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries; a passenger…

Another Deadly Hit and Run Accident Rocks Chicago’s Southside

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 26, 2021

Last night, a man was struck and killed by someone driving a blue Lincoln MKS. The pedestrian died at the scene, but the driver of the Lincoln appeared to limp away from the crash, according to Fox 32. As of yet, the identity of the victim is unknown, though police say the driver who hit…

How to Keep Your Kids Safe from These Common Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 22, 2021

Children can suffer an injury in an instant no matter their age or level of supervision. Many children get injured right in front of their parents, grandparents, guardians, or teachers. Unfortunate accidents happen and not all of them can be prevented. However, there are common springtime injuries to children that can be avoided. Open flames…

Microwaves Linked to Thousands of Burn Injuries in Children

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 15, 2021

A pediatrician from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is being credited with a new safety feature coming soon to microwaves that will help prevent burns in children: child-resistant doors. Kyran Quinlan began performing research with his colleagues when they noticed the high number of children treated at their hospital for burns not caused by…

Fatal Crash in Mount Prospect Leaves a Community in Mourning

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 9, 2021

A truly tragic, fatal accident on Sunday morning has left an extended family grieving. At approximately 7:45 am, Francisco Flores Rodriguez, Georgina Perez Gomez, and Francisco Javier Flores Perez were hit by a Ford SUV at Rand Road, near Mt. Prospect Road. All three family members perished in the crash, thought the driver of the…

Traffic Deaths Increase Nationwide During the Pandemic

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 8, 2021

We are one year into the coronavirus pandemic, and a lot of things have changed. Despite a reduction in traffic volume in Illinois (and across the country) because of lockdowns, data shows that there was a 4.6 percent increase in traffic fatalities in the first nine months of 2020. The data was released by the…

Deadly, Fiery Truck Crash on Naperville Road Is Second Fatal Crash This Week

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 5, 2021

A semi-truck collided with a disabled SUV yesterday morning on I-88 in Naperville. Both vehicles erupted in flames, and the passenger of the SUV died at the scene. Investigators re still looking into the crash. This is the secondly deadly collision between a car and a semi-truck in Naperville this week; on Monday, a driver…

The Myth of the 94% Car Accident Solution

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 1, 2021

Who really is responsible for car accidents? The driver, the owners of the vehicles, the manufacturers, the department of transportation, or others? One common catch-all thought is called the 94% solution. This thought states that 94% of all car accidents are due to driver error. Promoters of self-driving vehicles use this thought to justify switching…

Broken Bones Can Lead to Personal Injury Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 23, 2021

Ouch. Double ouch. Single fractures and compound fractures hurt. They hurt a lot! Broken bones are a common result of car accidents, slips and falls, workplace injuries, and other types of accidents. Victims often need emergency room care. Many victims may also need to treat with orthopedists, their general physician, physical therapists, and other health…

Chicago’s Worst Snow Streak in 42 Years Just Keeps Coming

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 19, 2021

All eyes have been on the southern states these last few days, as an artic storm has led to power outages, burst pipes, and deadly temperatures. But here in Chicago, we are also experiencing some of the worst weather on record – and it’s not going to stop any time soon. NBC 5 Chicago is…

Traffic Safety Trends for 2021

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 16, 2021

A variety of changes to the ways drivers operate their vehicles are expected for 2021. Legislative changes are also expected. Some of the changes are related to the COVID-19 pandemic; some to trying to reduce speeding accidents and drunk-driving accidents. More changes will be due to a new Presidential administration in Washington including a new…

Hazardous Conditions on Stevenson Expressway May Have Caused Fatal Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 12, 2021

Around 4:15 am this morning, a car plunged 70 feet off of an overpass on the Stevenson Expressway and landed the below. The crash left two people dead and two in critical condition; all four people were in the vehicle at the time, and there were no other victims. The force of the crash broke…

Senate Approves Extended Work Comp Benefits for Illinois First Responders & Essential Workers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 8, 2021

Chicago residents rely on first responders such as the police, firefighters, ambulance drivers, and EMT personnel when emergencies occur. The work of essential workers helps the rest of the community stay home or stay isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s only just and fair that these workers who are helping to save lives and are…

Establishing Liability for a Chicago Motorcycle Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 1, 2021

In many Chicago-area motorcycle accidents, often the liable party is clear. In those cases, the major issue left to be resolved is the amount of damages the defendant will have to pay the plaintiff. However, sometimes liability is not determined so easily, or it is contested by one of the parties. This requires the victim…

Fatal Fire That Killed Mother and Daughters Linked to Space Heater

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 28, 2021

Yesterday’s house fire in Des Plaines, which led to the tragic deaths of a mother and her four daughters, appears to be linked to a space heater, ABC 7 news reports. All four girls, the oldest of whom was six, were pronounced dead at the hospital. Their mother died at the scene. The father was…

Potential Consequences of Severe Burn Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 25, 2021

Certain burn injuries are severe enough to require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafting and surgeries. With these critical and sometimes catastrophic injuries, recovery is often slow, preventing victims from be able to work, at least in the immediate term. In some cases, victims are never able to return to work, or at least to…

Hit-and-Run Liability and Damages in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 18, 2021

Hit-and-runs are one of the most devastating types of accidents. These crashes can leave victims with serious injuries and significant property damage, in addition to the unanswered question of who committed the act and fled from the scene. Because perpetrators of hit-and-runs leave the scene after creating chaos, victims sometimes fear they will be unable…

3 Major Causes of Truck Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 11, 2021

If you have been the victim of a truck accident in the greater Chicago area, you may be asking, “What just happened?” These accidents can occur in an instant, without warning, and sometimes they involve one of the largest types of commercial trucks – the semi-truck or 18-wheeler. These massive vehicles, because of their immense…

Work-Related Crush Injury Compensation

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 4, 2021

It’s no secret there are dangerous jobs in the world, and that those dangerous jobs are the ones with heavy equipment and intense manual labor. Whether it be construction, engineering, or even some forms of food service, the profession you use to make a living can also threaten your life. Of course, it doesn’t have…

Common Causes of Casino Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 28, 2020

Casinos are like indoor playgrounds for adults. With bingo, slot machines, alcohol – sometimes dinner and a show – they can be a fun way to spend some time and hopefully win big. As of November 20th, casinos – like museums and theaters – will be shut down again to help flatten the curve of…

I Was Hit by an Amazon Delivery Driver: What Now?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 21, 2020

Businesses are fueled by adaption and efficiency. They are always coming up with new, better ways to serve their customers in the most convenient, timely manner possible. It’s basic — the better their performance, the more likely they are to succeed. One of the most popular ways businesses achieve this is by implementing their own…

Coronavirus Sidewalk Dining Puts People with Disabilities at Risk

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 14, 2020

Outdoor dining, delivery, curbside pickup – none of these phrases are new to anyone nowadays. They’re the most common adaptions we’ve made during this pandemic and allow us to continue living as much of our “normal” lives as possible. Especially in cities like Chicago, sidewalks are often crowded with elaborate dining setups, with big signs…

Funeral Procession Crash on Rt. 53 Leaves 3 Injured

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 10, 2020

A speeding driver caused a multi-vehicle crash on Rt. 53 in Joliet yesterday. The driver, who was traveling north, lost control of the vehicle and swerved into oncoming traffic, hitting four cars. A hearse, which was leading a funeral procession, swerved to avoid the crash and ended up hitting another car. Three drivers sustained injuries;…

COVID-19 Winter Is Coming

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 7, 2020

Every year, we anticipate the seasonal change from fall to winter. We expect the shortening of the days, the frigid weather, the holidays that mark the turn of the calendar, and the challenges this all brings. Winter in Chicago is always a bit treacherous, but this year could be much more dangerous because of the…

Loop Hit-and-Run Kills 70-Year-Old Woman

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 3, 2020

Chicago police report a 70-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run early Thursday morning, December 3, in the Loop. The accident involved two vehicles, one which fled the scene. At this point, no one is in custody, authorities say. According to ABC 7 News, the woman (whose name has not been released) was driving her…

The Dangers of Speeding and Tailgating

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 30, 2020

Speeding and tailgating are two of the most dangerous things a driver can do on the roads of Chicago. All too often, you look in the rearview mirror and find a vehicle following you too closely. On the flip side of things, you might catch yourself tailgating another vehicle or speeding. These driving habits are…

Biometric Violations Claims Not Barred by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 23, 2020

The Illinois Court of Appeals for the Fifth District ruled in September 2020 that the exclusivity provisions of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act do not bar claims made by employees for statutory damages related to state biometric privacy laws. The ruling came in the case of McDonald v. Symphony Bronzeville Park LLC. The ruling from…

Teens and Motorcycle Driving School Make for a Smart, Safe Combination

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 16, 2020

There’s nothing more stressful than your teenager reaching driving age. First, they can apply for and be issued a learner’s permit. Then, they can obtain their provisional driver’s license. Finally, they can obtain their driver’s license. It’s a worrisome time in the life of a parent. If your teen driver is interested in motorcycles, it…

Chicago Tops Dubious “Rattiest Cities” List for Sixth Straight Year

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 9, 2020

The city of Chicago has topped a dubious list for a sixth straight year. That list? None other than the Rattiest Cities in America. You might not think this is a big deal, as rats are part of every city in the country, but it is a serious health problem. It doesn’t take much for…

When You File a Lawsuit, It’s the Insurance Company that Pays

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 2, 2020

There are three parts to every legal claim for personal injury damages. Part one is showing that someone else, such as a driver, caused your accident. Part two is making a demand for damages for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other financial and intangible damages. Those two parts give you a…

Deadly Crash in Chatham Caused by Running a Red Light

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 29, 2020

Multiple people are hospitalized and one person is dead after a deadly crash in the South Side’s Chatham area last night. A 35-year-old man ran a red light and hit a car with four people in it, causing both vehicles to spin out and one to catch fire. The driver’s condition is stable, but two…

Workplace Harassment Associated with a Former Romantic Partner

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 26, 2020

Workplace relationships are quite common. As a practical matter, work is where spend half your day. It’s where you meet people. One writer, Calvin Trillin, even postulated that in any large office, the number of workplace relationships is a constant – that when one relationship ends another is starting somewhere else in the same office.…

Multi-Car Crashes Involving Tractor-Trailers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 19, 2020

Multi-car collisions are always scary. They’re especially frightening if a tractor-trailer or semi is involved in the accident. When a tractor-trailer rolls over, cargo spills from the trailer, or the trailer strikes a smaller car, all drivers nearby could be at risk. Some drivers slam their brakes to avoid the tractor-trailer. Other drivers try to…

Should I Buy Extra Car Insurance?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 13, 2020

As a general rule, you should buy as much liability insurance for a vehicle accident as you can afford. You should purchase uninsured/underinsured insurance, even if you’re allowed to waive it. You should buy collision insurance. Other types of insurance are beneficial too. While you’re at it, you should buy the best health insurance policy…

What Are Blast Injuries?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 5, 2020

Blast injuries are often deadly. For survivors, their life can be changed in an instant. Many blast injuries cause permanent injuries which can leave the victim completely disabled. Even victims who can return to work and can resume some semblance of a normal life need extensive medical and rehabilitative care. Many victims need medical treatment…

The Most Dangerous Intersections in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 28, 2020

Chicago is one of the most heavily travelled cities in the world. It’s central location and wonderful history make it an attraction for all regions of the country and to the millions of people who live in Illinois. Some intersections are more dangerous than others due to poor design, heavy traffic, and other factors. Car…

California Appellate Court Holds Amazon Liable For Defective Batteries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 21, 2020

In a potential game changer, a California appeals court found that Amzazon.com LLC is liable for a defective product, a battery, that it sold through its website. In products liability law, a manufacturer is liable if it designs, manufacturers, or markets a defective product which cause harm to a user. In addition, distributors, and brick-and-mortar…

Back to School Tips for Chicago Students

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 16, 2020

Chicago public school students will be taught remotely this fall 2020. The original hope was that students would attend schools in person two days a week and study remotely three days a week. The shift to remote learning is due to concerns about COVID-19 that were raised by teachers and parents. The switch to remote…

High-Rise Fire in the Loop Leads to Multiple Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 15, 2020

Just after midnight, a fire broke out on the 32nd floor of an apartment building in the Loop. The very good news is that no one died, and Chicago FD was able to put out the fire, without the need of evacuation, in an hour, according to ABC 7. Once again, our city’s finest showed…

Fatal High-Speed Crash on I-294 Also Leads to Multiple Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 14, 2020

A high-speed collision on Saturday, September 12 has left one family in mourning, and four other people with injuries. The crash, which happened on I-294 just after noon, involved a driver who lost control of a Chevy Impala; the driver sideswiped one vehicle and then hit a concrete barrier in the median. The Impala, per…

Operating a Truck in Reverse Can Be Deadly

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 31, 2020

Operating a tractor-trailer in reverse is one of the most challenging tasks for a truck driver. With blind spots, the weight of the truck, and often no backup cameras like smaller vehicles have, truck drivers need to be incredibly careful when reversing their rigs. Backup accidents involving tractor-trailers are dangerous, and can even be deadly.…

Scientists Warn Brain Damage Possible in Patients with Coronavirus

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 24, 2020

Scientists from the United Kingdom are warning that patients who suffer mild symptoms from the Coronavirus could develop brain damage. The report was published in The Guardian after 40 patients with confirmed Covid-19 symptoms were analyzed by doctors. The patients suffered from delirium, brain inflammation, stroke, and nerve damage. In a handful of cases, neurological…

The Loss of Mercy Hospital Is a Tragedy in Every Sense of the Word

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 18, 2020

The word “tragedy” is defined as “an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress.” The loss of life from coronavirus is tragic. The closing of Mercy Hospital may be even more so. With no financial commitment from the Illinois General Assembly, four hospitals – Advocate Trinity Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, South Shore Hospital…

Understanding Jurisdiction in Civil Litigation Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 11, 2020

Jurisdiction is a question of which court should hear your case. In many instances, jurisdiction is clear. In other cases, multiple courts may have jurisdiction and a determination needs to be made which of those multiple courts will be the court of record. Federal courts and state courts both may have jurisdiction. Courts in different…

Congratulations to Isabella Illescas, Winner of the 2020 Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 7, 2020

The team at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is pleased to announce the recipient of our 2020 Annual Scholarship Award – Isabella Illescas! Isabella plans to attend the University of Tampa this fall, and we’re proud to introduce you to her and show you why we believe this young woman is going places. About Isabella…

Veterans Center Criticized for Giving Veterans Hydroxychloroquine During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 3, 2020

The data is clear that many of the early deaths in the coronavirus pandemic were residents of nursing homes. Seniors are at high risk of contracting the disease because of their advanced age and because many seniors have preexisting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems – which increase the risk of…

Your Rights If You’re Hurt during a Protest in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 27, 2020

In this current climate, people are protesting for many different reasons. Most protests are fairly quiet and fairly peaceful. Sometimes, though, protests can lead to confrontations and assaults. The rights of anyone who is assaulted depend, in good part, on who caused the harm and how it was caused. Police and law enforcement are generally…

Why the ADA Doesn’t Exempt You from Wearing a Mask

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 20, 2020

Americans with a disability or associated with someone who has a disability need to be aware of a scam that is currently active during the COVID-19 crisis. The scam involves false documents that seek to provide authority from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that people with a disability are exempt from the requirement to…

Can You Sue the City If You Get Hit by a Garbage Truck?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 13, 2020

Although garbage and trash collection trucks generally move more slowly than other vehicles, if you’re involved in an accident with one, you likely won’t come out a winner. The injuries and damages resulting from these encounters can be particularly serious. When determining liability after a garbage truck causes an accident, it mostly depends on who…

Vision Loss as a Catastrophic Injury

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 6, 2020

Although loss of vision, either partially or completely, is not an immediate life-threatening condition, it can significantly alter your quality and enjoyment of life. Vision loss can occur as a result of burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other injuries and conditions. The sudden disappearance of one’s vision, which we depend on so much for…

What Complications Can Arise from Untreated Road Rash?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 29, 2020

Without proper protection, a motorcycle crash can result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and road rash. Although not a life-threatening injury, road rash is still serious and can be extremely dangerous if not treated properly. Various complications can arise in the aftermath of a road rash injury. What are the…

The Dangers of Speeding for Passengers, Other Drivers, and Pedestrians

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 22, 2020

Over the last Memorial Day weekend, Chicago police increased their traffic patrols and enforcement activities, specifically targeting speeding, which has been a concern since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. In April, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported a 14% increase in speeding across the nation. And, although fewer drivers have been on the roadways…

Filing a Civil Lawsuit for Assault

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 15, 2020

Assault is a very serious offense, and the perpetrator or perpetrators face the consequences of their actions in criminal court. As a victim, you may also file a lawsuit in civil court, regardless of what happens with the criminal case. There are certain factors that a plaintiff must show in order to be successful in…

Do Rideshare Services Make Roadways Safer?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 8, 2020

We hear a lot of anecdotal evidence that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are making our roads safer, largely because people who are too drunk to drive aren’t getting behind the wheel as often. But given how many more vehicles are on the road now, we wondered whether or not these services were doing…

Spinal Cord Injuries and Hypotension

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 1, 2020

Spinal cord injuries can happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, construction site accidents, and any accident which involves force. Victims can suffer back pain, neck pain, paralysis, and other types of injuries that may last a lifetime. Some accident victims never fully recover from a spinal…

Can You Collect Workers’ Compensation If You Work from Home? 

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 18, 2020

Working from home benefits both employees and employers. Employees save the time and expense of the commute to work. While they have to clock in and do a good job, they don’t have a boss constantly looking over their shoulder. Employers benefit too. They save on overhead by needing less office space and by having…

Chicago Nursing Homes and COVID-19

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 13, 2020

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are suffering due to the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19. Seniors are at high risk of contracting the disease from other seniors, from visitors, from vendors, and from the staff. All nursing working home workers are also at high risk. The dangers of death are due to the residents…

Exploding Pressure Cookers and What You Need to Know

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 27, 2020

Now that everyone is stuck at home for the foreseeable future due to the widespread stay-at-home order issued by the Governor of Illinois, more and more people are cooking instead of going out to eat. Many families went from cooking one meal per day at home to cooking multiple meals per day. For people who…

Hours-of-Service Laws For Truck Drivers Suspended During Coronavirus Pandemic

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 20, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the suspension of the Hours-of-Service (HOS) laws for certain truck drivers in the United States by President Donald Trump’s administration. The reason the laws were suspended is understandable; the country relies on the trucking industry to transport goods from manufacturers to retailers. Supermarkets and some retailers are permitted to…

Massive 60-Vehicle Pileup on Kennedy Expressway Sends Dozens to Hospitals

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 15, 2020

Early this morning, the Kennedy Expressway was shut down as the Chicago Fire Department dealt with the effects of a multi-vehicle crash on the inbound lanes. Nearly 60 vehicles were involved, but thankfully, not a single person died in the wreck. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, “Fourteen people were taken to hospitals including St. Mary…

Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation for an Injury Suffered Working Remotely?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 13, 2020

In these unprecedented times, millions of people are now working from home because of the mandated shutdown of all non-essential businesses. Even though many people worked from home before the spread of COVID-19, there are more people than ever logged into their content management systems, company networks, and other programs remotely. Aside from the worry…

Nursing Home Contracts & Arbitration Agreements – Know Your Rights

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 30, 2020

Moving a loved one to a nursing home is a stressful time in a family’s life. Researching and finding the proper care for an elderly family member takes a lot of time and a lot of paperwork, including filling out contracts. Often, nursing home residents and their families unknowingly sign contracts agreeing to mandatory arbitration…

The Great and Terrible Chicago Pedway

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 23, 2020

All across America, cities are trying to find ways to ease congestion while providing safe alternatives to get around town. In Chicago, that alternative is the Pedway, which consists of bridges and tunnels that connect at least forty city blocks of the Central Business District. Approximately five miles long, the Pedway grants speedy access to…

Recent Changes in Chicago’s Traffic Safety Laws

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 19, 2020

The State of Illinois and the City of Chicago have some new laws and regulations in place for 2020. They range in scope – an increased minimum wage, some new rules to protect animals, and the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana are just a few – but many of these new laws deal with road…

Will Workers’ Compensation Impact My Social Security Benefits?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 2, 2020

Suffering an injury at work or in a car, truck, or another type of accident can change your life in an instant. On top of the inability to work for some, the bills begin to pile up, and it becomes challenging to provide for your family. Injured employees can file for workers’ compensation benefits, which…

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Proudly Supports the Northbrook Speed Skating Club

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 24, 2020

Since its founding in 1952, the Northbrook Speed Skating Club (NBSSC) has been home to Olympic speed skaters and amateur enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re an adult who wants to learn to speed skate, a child with aspirations to represent Team U.S.A., there is a home for you here. That is why Gainsberg Injury and Accident…

How Do Liens Affect a Personal Injury Award?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 17, 2020

A lien is something that is granted to creditors when an individual owes them money. In Illinois, liens can be taken out by insurance companies, the VA, and state and federal agencies. They can also be taken out by a doctor or hospital. Under the Health Care Services Act. (770 ILCS 23/1), if you receive…

I Was Hurt by a Stunt Motorcyclist in Chicago. Now What?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 10, 2020

If you live in Chicago, you’ve probably seen the stunt motorcycle riders. They’re the groups who are speeding around the city, popping wheelies and generally giving a bad name to bikers who follow the laws. The police are trying to crack down on motorcyclists who choose to engage in stunt riding while on the roadways.…

Will I Lose Workers’ Comp Benefits If I Am Fired?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 28, 2020

No one intends to go to work and get hurt, but injuries can happen in the workplace, and having a way to protect yourself and your family while you recover is important. But what if you lose your job? If you think you are going to get fired – or if you have been fired…

How You Can Become a Defensive Motorcycle Rider

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 20, 2020

If you ride a motorcycle, one of the best things you can do to keep yourself safe is to learn to drive defensively. When bikers are involved in collisions, they run a greater risk of being critically injured, because they lack the protection that a steel frame offers drivers. They are often thrown from their…

Does Poor Maintenance Lead to Truck Accidents?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 13, 2020

The injuries that drivers and their passengers sustain in truck accidents are often quite serious. While there are many circumstances that can cause a truck driver to get into an accident with other vehicles, poor maintenance and irregular inspections of the vehicles are common causes. When a truck does not get inspected or undergo regular…

Do I Have to Replace My Seat Belts After a Car Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 6, 2020

When your vehicle is involved in an accident, you need to have it inspected have the damage repaired. In almost every scenario, you’re going to need your seat belt(s) repaired or replaced, too. Your seat belt is what prevented you from getting thrown from the vehicle. The jolting sensation that occurs when one vehicle crashes…

Examples of Negligence That Can Lead to Burn Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 23, 2019

Burn injuries often happen because of exposure to fire, liquid, chemicals, and steam. Burn injuries can happen anywhere, whether a person is at work, at home trying to prepare a meal, or even out in public at a store, restaurant, or shopping center. People who suffer burn injuries don’t always do so because they made…

Can Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Cause Vision or Hearing Loss?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 17, 2019

The brain is an extraordinary piece of tech. On average, an adult brain makes about 2% of the total body mass of an adult, yet it controls almost everything we do, consciously or unconsciously. So when the human brain is damaged, it can have some unexpected effects on how we live. The occipital lobe is…

How a Trucker’s Logbook Can Help Your Car Accident Claim

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 9, 2019

Did you know that truckers have logbooks? The purpose of the logbook is to ensure that a driver is taking enough breaks between work periods. The driver would need to create a log that details when he or she was on the road, and when he or she was taking a break. This keeps drivers…

It’s Almost Winter in Chicago. Make Sure You’re Safe on the Roads

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 3, 2019

Driving in Chicago can be a challenge at time of the year, but winter is an entirely different animal. The Windy City sees an average of 36” of snowfall each winter (though sometimes, it seems like it drops all at once). With plenty of snow on the ground, drivers can easily come across hazardous situations.…

Can I Get Workers’ Comp if the Air Fresheners at Work Are Making Me Sick?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 25, 2019

For most people who work in an office, the scent of your neighbor’s perfume, cologne or hand cream might be pleasant. Or, it might be annoying. For some people, however, a smell or fragrance can actually make them physically ill. A fragrance sensitivity can lead to lost work time, sick days and decreased productivity. But…

What Happens If You’re Hurt in a Car Crash You Caused?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 18, 2019

In many car accidents, the drivers of both cars may be responsible for the crash. For example, one car may have been speeding while the other car drove through a red light. In snowy and icy conditions, both vehicles in the accident may have slid out on the road, or been unable to stop. The…

Elevated Blood Alcohol Levels Increase the Odds of Death after a Motorcycle Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 11, 2019

A recent study by several doctors queried a database to determine the effects of alcohol on motorcycle accident victims. The study was done because motorcyclists who drink and drive have a generally higher chance of being killed or suffering a disability than drunk car and truck drivers. The study, reported in the International Journal of…

Deaths and Illnesses Due to Vaping Continue to Rise

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 5, 2019

The New York Times recently reported that a 17-year-old New York resident was the youngest of 23 people to succumb to the nationwide spread of vaping-related lung illnesses. He’s the first teenager to die though teenagers are among the largest group of people who use vaping as an alternative to cigarette smoking. The Times also…

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 28, 2019

Riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to save money on gas if you live and work in Chicago. It’s also a great way to exercise and stay in shape. But, riding a bicycle on the congested streets of the city can be disastrous for riders of any experience level. If you enjoy…

Chicago OIG Confirms the Horrible Response to the Investigation of the Death of Laquan McDonald

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 22, 2019

This article is a follow-up to a story we originally covered last year. The original story discussed a dashcam video of the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald, an African-American, on October 20, 2014. The video, released the following year, showed the officer, Jason Van Dyke, shooting the victim 16 times as the victim was walking…

Burn Injuries in House Fires

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 16, 2019

You have three minutes or less to escape your home if it catches fire. This is much less time compared to decades ago. The reason for this is that furniture and other items in your home are made differently today, and these items burn much faster. A fire can completely consume your home in a…

Parking Lot Injuries and Damages

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 7, 2019

Parking lots can be dangerous places. They’re often dark, and parking garages in particular have sharp curves and unexpected turns, with traffic moving in opposite directions. It’s not uncommon for a driver to be injured in a parking lot car accident, but it can be challenging to determine liability in a parking lot accident case,…

How Safe Are E-Scooters, Actually?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 1, 2019

E-scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for thousands of people in cities all over Illinois and the country, and Chicago is no exception. Forbes estimates that as of February 2019 there were more than 65,000 e-scooters on the roads of America. As more and more e-scooters populate the streets of our city, more…

Can Professional Gamers Collect Workers’ Comp?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 25, 2019

The professional video game industry consists of professional and amateur teams, game publishers, event and tournament organizers, leagues, media distributors, broadcasters, advertisers and sponsors, and other stakeholders. In addition to all of these moving parts, there are the skilled players themselves – the ones who play the games for a living. But what happens when…

Septicemia, Sepsis, and Septic Shock: What Are the Differences?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 16, 2019

Surgery has inherent risks – risks patients should be informed of before they make their decision about whether to proceed. One of the more common, and more serious, risks is infection. As long as the infection is identified and treated, patients will (generally speaking) get better. There is one specific infection, however, that is more…

5 Reasons Why Representing Yourself in Your Chicago Motorcycle Accident Case Is a Bad Idea

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 3, 2019

Motorcyclists are keenly aware of how vulnerable they are to getting an injury every time they ride their bikes. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 5,172 motorcyclists killed in a recent year, and per vehicle miles traveled, motorcycle fatalities occurred nearly 27 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities…

Why Does General Motors Keep Trying to Exempt Itself from the Takata Airbag Recall?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 26, 2019

Imagine you owned a vehicle which contains a defective Takata airbag inflator that has been recalled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), but General Motors, the vehicle’s manufacturer, is still trying to avoid recalling the vehicles and replacing the defective part. You have heard the stories of the defective inflators deploying and exploding…

The New Large Truck Crash Statistics Report is Out. What Do the Numbers Reveal?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 20, 2019

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released its Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report for 2017. The FMCSA gathers data for traffic accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor trailers and other larger, commercial trucks, commercial buses, and school buses. This annual report reviews and analyzes statistics and reports on how many crashes occurred, how…

Hospices Are Failing Patients and Going Unpunished

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 12, 2019

In July 2019 the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG) released a report on the state of the hospice industry which details examples of patient harm and admonishes Medicare for weak oversight and enforcement. The report recommends that Medicare impose stronger safeguards “to protect Medicare hospice beneficiaries from harm.”…

Making a Claim Against the State or Local Government in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 5, 2019

In Illinois, anyone injured due to the negligence of someone else has the option to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court as long as the defendant is a private party. Examples of this type of lawsuit include if you trip and fall on the broken down steps of a local business or if…

Civil Litigation vs. Criminal Charges in Drunk Driving Cases

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 29, 2019

Car accidents that result from drunk driving account for numerous tragedies that occur every day in our nation. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) 29 Americans die in alcohol-related vehicle accidents every day. If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving crash, the medical expenses, physical pain, and property…

Congratulations, Jessica Ring, Winner of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 23, 2019

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is proud to announce that Jessica Ring is our 2019 recipient of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award! Jessica is an extraordinary young woman and will be attending Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in the fall of 2019. We think she has an incredible story to tell,…

Dangers of Descent and Landing in Planes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 22, 2019

As a method of travel, flying is generally the fastest, most efficient, and safest. Over the course of time, millions of passengers take flights in and out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport and other major airports within the state of Illinois and around the nation. However, as with other forms of transportation, accidents and passenger…

Car Accidents in Construction Work Zones

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 15, 2019

The Chicagoland area is subjected to continual road construction, it seems. Although construction work crews are vulnerable to sustaining injuries from motorists within work zone areas, drivers and vehicle occupants are also at risk when traveling through these areas. This is true despite many precautions taken by work crews, such as setting up cones, warning…

Total Loss Claims in Car Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 1, 2019

Car accidents are some of the most stressful incidents a person can be involved in during their lifetime. Even when there is little to no damage done to the vehicle and no injuries suffered, just the idea of having to deal with an insurance company can make a person stress and worry. The more serious…

Hinsdale Experienced a Real Spike in Dog Bite Cases

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 24, 2019

Hinsdale has been dealing with an increase in dog bite cases to the point where Hinsdale Village Board is considering changes to the local dog control ordinances. Reports have surfaced that there have been some 32 cases of dog bites in Hinsdale since January 1, 2016, with one woman being attacked three times by the…

Multiple Injuries Following Serious Bus Accident on the South Side

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 17, 2019

A serious bus accident near the end of May on the South Side of Chicago left multiple people injured. Bus accidents are especially scary because of the size of the vehicle and the number of passengers who could be on it at any point during the day. Bus accidents are also difficult to deal with…

Honda Issues Another Recall Related to Airbags

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 10, 2019

Honda has issued yet another recall related to defective airbags, this time recalling more than 137,000 SUVs late in May. The recall was issued after Honda received reports of airbags suddenly deploying for no reason at all in vehicles. According to Reuters, three injuries occurred in the United States when airbags suddenly activated in the…

Whose Fault is a Car Crash with a Distracted Walker?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 30, 2019

If you were hit, while crossing the street, by a car and suffered injuries, you may have a case, even if you were using your cell phone at the time that you were struck. The driver has specific responsibilities to make sure that he or she does not hit a pedestrian. The driver may…

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Illinois for Personal Injury?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 28, 2019

In Illinois, we have what is called the statute of limitations, which is a time limit for injured victims to bring a lawsuit against the person, business, or other party that injured them. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of injury, but generally is two years from the date of the…

Do I Go to the Emergency Room, or an Urgent Care Center?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 23, 2019

The United States has one of the most modern and robust medical care systems in the world, but you will pay dearly for the care you receive. Sometimes, either because of an injury or severe symptoms, you realize that you need medical attention right away. You know that a visit to the emergency room is…

Will an Insurance Company Pay for My Pain and Suffering?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 20, 2019

In a personal injury case, you’re entitled to several types of damages. You’re entitled to get your medical bills paid. You’re entitled to get lost wages for the time you miss from work, and you’re entitled to a damage factor called pain and suffering. That is damages for the actual pain that you have…

Understaffed Nursing Homes Need to Address the Deadly Sepsis Problem

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 16, 2019

Sepsis is killing elderly nursing home residents in Illinois because of understaffing, which leads to patient neglect. The Chicago Tribune and Kaiser Health News conducted an investigation which tracked infection-related deficiencies and staffing levels in Illinois nursing homes. Definitive Healthcare, a private health care data firm, examined the data related to nursing home residents who…

Who Is to Blame if I’m Hit by a Car While I’m Jaywalking?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 13, 2019

If you were injured or hit by a car while a pedestrian in the street, you may be entitled to compensation even if you were not in the crosswalk. The law provides that drivers must avoid hitting or striking or colliding with a pedestrian. The driver may have hit you because he or she…

Possible Increased Cancer Risk from Toxic Gas Emissions in Lake County

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 10, 2019

Since last fall when the Chicago Tribune first reported on the dangers of long-term cancer risk from toxic air pollution for residents who live near a Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee, there has been growing concern about exposure to cancer-causing gas emissions. A February 2019 Tribune article reports that these…

What’s the Difference between Personal Injury and an Accident at Work?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 6, 2019

A personal injury case is often a case where it’s based on the liability of a third party. Personal injury case, the best example would be if you are at a store, whether it’s McDonald’s, whether it’s Jewel, whether it’s Menards, and you fell. You would then potentially have a claim against a third…

Fisher Price Recalls 4.7 Million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers Linked to Infant Deaths

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 3, 2019

Fisher Price has recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘N Play baby sleepers after at least 10 infants died while sleeping unrestrained, according to a story in the New York Times. Kids II, another manufacturer of rocking sleepers, has recalled 694,000 models for the exact same reason. Both companies are offering consumers a refund or a product…

What If My Insurance Company Won’t Call Me Back, or Is Ignoring My Claim?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 1, 2019

If your insurance company is not calling you back to handle your property damage claim, to handle your car accident claim, or to handle some other type of claim that you may have, you have rights under Illinois law. You should immediately try to contact your insurance company as aggressively as you can, and if…

What Are My Rights if I’m Hit by a Drunk or Drugged Driver?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 18, 2019

Unfortunately, all too often there are individuals operating and driving cars under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or another controlled substance. These drivers all too often cause accidents and injure individuals. If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, or an impaired driving accident, you need to contact an attorney right away.…

The Study of Baby Steps Could Improve Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 15, 2019

Cerebral palsy is a disability related to the movement of the body that is caused by damage to the brain before birth, during birth, or shortly after birth. Doctors hope that studying baby steps can help to improve the treatment offered for cerebral palsy in the future. Doctors want to have a better understanding of…

What If My Insurance Company Denies My Property Damage Claim?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 11, 2019

If you have had a tragedy, such as a fire, theft, or other peril that caused you property damage – that caused you to lose your house, car, or other valuable property, furs or jewelry – you often expect your insurance company to be there for you; to provide the benefits under your policy,…

The Non-Medical Costs of Car Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 8, 2019

If you have been in a car accident before you know how expensive a situation it can be, especially when looking at all of the bills you will incur unrelated to the medical treatment you receive for your injuries. If you are lucky enough to have never been in a car accident, you will want…

What Should I Do if I Injured Myself on a Slippery Floor?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 4, 2019

If you fall on a slippery floor you may have rights against several parties. You may have rights against the property owner for failing to clean the floor and maintaining a clean floor. You may have rights against a store for also failing to clean the floor or for allowing a hazard to remain…

Are Motorcycles More Dangerous Than Cars?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 1, 2019

If you own a motorcycle you likely know how dangerous of a hobby this is and it doesn’t matter your experience level. The sad fact of the matter is that you can be as safe as possible when riding, but there will always be an unsafe driver out there who could wind up causing a…

What Are the Top Causes of Trucking Accidents?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 28, 2019

A truck accident may occur for a variety of reasons. The number one cause, I believe, is driver fatigue: if a driver has been on the road for too long and has not taken necessary breaks or followed federal law which mandates when a truck driver can operate a truck. Federal law requires truckers…

Emoji Appearing in Court Cases in Texts Submitted as Evidence

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 26, 2019

If you own a smartphone, use social media, or even watch a lot of television, you have come across an emoji every now and then. An emoji is a tiny graphic that depicts various activities, backgrounds, interests and other things in life. The use of emoji and emoticon have become so popular that they are…

I Was Injured at Work and Am in Pain. What Should I Do?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 11, 2019

If you are injured on the job, the first thing you need to do is make sure that you report your injury to your immediate supervisor. A work injury is governed by the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act, and the Worker’s Compensation Act requires you to put your employer on notice. Once you have put your…

Why Restaurant Work Leads to Numerous Workers’ Compensation Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 7, 2019

Most restaurant workers work tough hours with low pay. Customers are often demanding. Adding to the difficulty with serving or preparing food is that injuries are a constant risk. According to AmTrust Financial, a workers’ compensation insurer, there are many causes of food service work injuries. It is not necessary for the worker to prove…

The Trucking Company is Calling. What Should I Do?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 4, 2019

If you have been in an accident with a truck, or in a trucking accident, often the trucking company will try to call you immediately after the accident to get what’s called a recorded statement from you. They want to get you on tape as to what happened as soon as possible after the…

Need a Ride to the Hospital? Uber and Lyft Want to Take You There

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 28, 2019

Missed medical appointments cost hospitals, doctors, and therapists a lot of money. While some patients miss appointments due to their own personal reasons, many patients simply can’t manage the transportation: they don’t have family member or a friend who can take them or they can’t afford public transportation, a taxi, or a medical-transport van. Many…

Should I Immediately Hire an Attorney after a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 25, 2019

If you were in a truck accident or injured in a truck accident, you need to contact an attorney immediately. The trucking company has a variety of resources that they have at their disposal. They will investigate the claim quickly. They will look to see who’s at fault and, perhaps, try their best to…

Four Ways Illinois Drivers Can Help Save Lives

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 20, 2019

We talk a lot about what you can and should do if you have been injured in a car accident. But what if there was a way you could avoid those injuries in the first place, or limit the severity of those injuries? The Daily Herald recently reported on some new laws in Illinois, which…

If My Car Had a Defective Part, Am I Liable for a Claim?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 18, 2019

If you cause an accident because of a defective part, you may still be responsible. You should contact your insurance company as soon as the accident happened and tell them about it, and your insurance company will protect you from the accident. You may also have a claim against the body shop where your…

Who Is Responsible if I Get Injured on a Construction Site?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 14, 2019

Construction sites pose dangers to many different types of people. Construction sites are hazardous. They have workers who are wearing hard hats because of dangers and unsafe conditions on the construction site. There’s construction being done on the site, which in and of itself, poses a hazard to many types of individuals. First, you have…

Electronic Records Backlog at VA Department Is Causing Medical Mistakes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 11, 2019

Delays in scanning patient records into the VA Medical Center’s electronic record system are having a devastating effect on the healthcare our nation’s veterans are receiving. Inside Sources reports that the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in our nation’s capital has yet to process 1,550 inches of pages of medical records. Some records date back to…

Rear-End Car Wrecks and Sacroiliac Joint Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 7, 2019

The causes of rear-end collisions can vary based on the circumstances. Sometimes the rear driver failed to engage the brakes in time. In other cases, the rear driver was driving distracted or speeding. As well, these collisions can occur as a result of driver intoxication or when defective brakes are involved. Regardless of the reason,…

Why Should You Choose Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 4, 2019

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we put our clients first. We have been helping clients in insurance claims, in injury claims, in auto accidents for over 20 years. We make sure that our clients’ rights are protected, that our clients get the personal service that they are entitled to. From the start of…

The Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 1, 2019

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Center (NSCIC), each year in the United States 17,700 people sustain a spinal cord injury (SCI). There are approximately 288,000 individuals with SCI currently living in the U.S. The major causes of these injuries include automobile crashes (38 percent), falls (32 percent), violent actions (14 percent), sports activities…

What Do I Do if I’m Injured on Another Person’s Property?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 24, 2019

If you’re injured on another person’s property, you need to make sure your rights are protected. First of all, you need to make sure that you know what caused you to fall. And if you have the opportunity, you should take pictures of what caused you to fall, whether it’s water that caused you to…

Why is Jury Selection Such an Important Part of the Trial Process?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 21, 2019

The outcome of a legal case depends on many factors, including the facts, skills of the attorneys, witness testimony, and believability of individuals heard by the judge and/or jury. However, one of the most important aspects of a jury trial is carried out prior to the opening statements of the lawyers are ever made. Jury…

If I’m Not Wearing a Seatbelt When Another Car Hits Me, Am I to Blame in Illinois?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 17, 2019

If you were injured in a motor vehicle or car accident and it was not your fault, and you were not wearing your seatbelt, you can still get a recovery or compensation for your injuries. You can still get your medical bills paid. You can still get pain and suffering, lost wages. That’s why if…

Making a Claim for PTSD After Your Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 14, 2019

If you are involved in an accident in Chicago that results in severe bodily injuries, as the victim you may face consequences that include an extended recovery period, time off from work, medical complications, scarring or disfigurement, and disability. All of these can prove to be devastating and potentially life-changing. Beyond the physical losses, you…

I Pulled Out in Front of a Speeding Truck Driver; Now What?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 10, 2019

If you are in a trucking accident, you may be able to get compensation or other benefits as a result of the accident. The fact that you pulled out in front of the truck driver may not bar you from getting that type of compensation; you can still bring a claim. Other factors, as…

Common Roadway Hazards for Motorcyclists

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 7, 2019

Although motorcycle riders face various dangers on the road, roadway hazards such as road debris, uneven pavement, and other conditions present acute dangers to riders’ safety. Motorcycles lack the stability of a four-wheeled passenger vehicle or truck that can more easily withstand the impact and effect of these obstacles and threats. According to statistics from…

About Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Neal Gainsberg

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 4, 2019

My name is Neal Gainsberg, and I’m the owner of Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers. And for over 20 years, I’ve represented individuals that need help in the legal system. I’ve helped people who’ve been injured, who’ve been wronged by an insurance company. That is my passion. That’s what I do every day. That’s…

Can I Collect Damages if I Am Partially to Blame for My Car Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 2, 2019

Liability is easy to determine in many car accident situations. For instance, if you are driving in your lane according to the posted speed limit and another driver runs a stop sign and slams into the side of your car, that driver is highly likely to bear the responsibility for the accident and any injuries…

Who Is Responsible if I Get Injured in a Construction Zone in Illinois?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 27, 2018

Accidents are bound to happen in construction zones. Construction zones are places where there’s barricades, and other potentially unsafe conditions, and the accidents that occur there, there may be multiple parties at fault. That’s why if you do get injured in a car accident, or other accident in a construction zone, it is best…

Can Sensors on Vehicles Replace Direct Vision as a Safety Feature?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 24, 2018

If you are driving a truck through the busy streets of a bustling city, the importance of having maximum awareness of your surroundings and clear visibility in front, to the sides, and to the rear cannot be overstated. However, some vehicles, including large trucks, are manufactured in a way that leaves drivers with significant “blind…

When Can I Sue My Insurance Company?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 20, 2018

When you are a victim of some sort of loss, and you have insurance to cover that loss – such as a fire destroys your house, or a thief steals your car, or a thief steals your furs and jewelry that are inside your house – when you are a victim from such a…

FDA’s Revamped Approach to Device Safety Will Significantly Change the 510(k) Process

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 17, 2018

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to significantly change the way it clears the majority of medical devices for marketing in the U.S. The agency plans to place much less emphasis on allowing comparisons with older medical products. The federal agency’s reliance on these comparisons has been considered by many as a flawed…

How Do You Know if the Truck Driver Was Overworked?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 13, 2018

If you’ve been in a trucking accident, one of the first factors that needs to be examined is why that truck driver was on the road, whether that truck driver was going from a certain point to another point, and how long the truck driver was on the road. Federal law requires truck drivers…

The Dangers of Overreliance on GPS Devices

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 10, 2018

GPS systems work wonders in helping car drivers, truckers, and others navigate the roads and highways of Illinois. There are dangers with relying too much on a GPS, though. Drivers who rely on looking at their GPS can easily become distracted. The driver’s focus can shift from looking at the traffic in front of him/her…

What Rights Do I Have If I Fall at a Store?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 6, 2018

Often customers at stores fall, or are injured at a store or business, because of some sort of danger at the store. It could be something from the shelf that fell in the store. It could be a slippery substance. It could be a grocery store where there is a leaking shelf or other…

Truck Part Manufacturers Can Improve Driver Safety

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 3, 2018

A key argument in auto product liability cases is that truck makers are in the best position to make their trucks safe. This is why they are strictly held liable if a product defect causes injuries. One parts maker, Bendix, is illustrating that new technology is one way truck part manufacturers can protect their drivers,…

What Is Included in Illinois’ Distracted Driving Laws?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 29, 2018

The laws in Illinois prohibit drivers from doing a variety of activities that cause distractions. The most important of these laws is the law banning cellphone use. You cannot talk on your cellphone. You cannot text on your cellphone while driving. You can use your cellphone if you have a hands-free device, if have…

Consumers Are Buying Used Cars at an Increased Rate

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 26, 2018

The cost of a new car is too much for many people. Soon, though, the cost of used cars may be too much, too. In a new piece by Jalopnik, the author explains that the difference between the price of used car and a new car is increasing. Part of the reason for the price…

How Long Does It Take to Get My Money after a Settlement in Chicago?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 22, 2018

Once we receive a settlement or a judgment for our clients, we work tirelessly to get them the actual compensation or money into their hands. What that means is, is we make sure that whatever medical bills have to be paid will be paid. We make sure that all the costs and expenses of…

Tougher Under-guard Protocols by the IIHS Are Helping Reduce Underride Truck Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 19, 2018

A recent report in Trucks.com profiled the efforts of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to force truck companies to make safer under-guards. Under-guards are devices that are installed in the rear of trucks to prevent cars from sliding under the truck when an accident happens. If a car, especially a small car, rear-ends…

California Becomes First State to Allow Motorcycle Operators to Drive Between Lanes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 12, 2018

Most states, including Illinois, have laws that prohibit lane splitting, lane sharing, and lane filtering. These terms are similar but not identical. Lane filtering. This refers to a motorcycle which navigates its way through stopped vehicles and slow-moving traffic. Motorcycles weave their way between various lanes. Lane sharing. This is when two motorcycles ride in…

Will Filing an Insurance Claim Increase My Monthly Premium?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 8, 2018

Often people are in accidents, motor vehicle accidents, with other drivers that do not have insurance, and they’re forced to file claims under their own policy: either for their proper damage, or for injuries under what’s called uninsured motorist benefit protection, which will provide compensation for your injuries, for your lost wages, for your…

Patron at Cincinnati Ohio Zoo Bitten by a Baby Rhinoceros

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 5, 2018

WFMY News2 reported on October 2, 1018 that a visitor to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens was bitten by a rhino named Kendi. Kendi is a black rhino, which are “critically endangered.” The black rhinos are at risk because poachers want their horns. The number of black rhinos worldwide is fewer than 5,000. Kendi…

What Can I Do if My Life Insurance Claim Is Denied?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 1, 2018

If your life insurance claim is denied and you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you may have rights against that insurance company. The insurance company’s denial may be illegal. It may not be proper; it may be challenged by you. It is important for you to speak to an attorney as…

It’s No Treat When a Halloween Accident Causes a Trip to the ER

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 29, 2018

Halloween should be a time of joy for both children, parents and neighbors. Sadly, though, many children and even parents do get hurt unnecessarily during the holidays. Some of the harm is intentional. Most harm is due to negligence. Intentional harm to children Any neighbor who intentionally harms a child can be held liable for…

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Files a Negligence Lawsuit after CTA Bus Driver Runs Over a Man

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 22, 2018

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and one of its bus drivers, Ms. Betty Day, on behalf of our client, Mr. Efrain Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez was attempting to get on a bus on September 1, 2018 when the driver closed the doors and drove away. Mr.…

What Are the Benefits of Settling a Case Out of Court?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 18, 2018

The benefits of settling a case out of court is that you get your compensation at the time of settlement. That means you get paid when you settle the case. If you do not settle your case, you have to wait for a trial, and trials can often be delayed. The courts have many…

Scientists Discover Secret Tunnels between the Human Skull and Brain

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 15, 2018

CBS Chicago reported on August 28, 2018, that Boston scientists have made a startling new discovery. Dr. Francesca Bosetti, who works for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, said that researches “always thought that immune cells from our arms and legs traveled via blood to damaged brain tissue.” Now, a new study, has…

What Costs Will Workman’s Comp Cover?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 11, 2018

If you have been injured on the job, you are entitled in Illinois to workers’ compensation benefits under the Workers Compensation Act. The Workers Compensation Act allows you to get lost wages immediately following the accident. You can get a percentage of your salary that you made before the accident while you’re off work…

Apartment Tenant Injured when Semi-Truck Crashes Into a Residential Building

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 8, 2018

 NBC Chicago reported on September 11 that even when you’re off the road in the comfort of your home, a truck or vehicle can strike you. That’s what happened in south suburban Lansing on Torrence Avenue near 184th Street. A semi-truck injured a resident and the truck driver when it slammed into a residential building.…

Chicago Lyft and Uber Rideshare Drivers Rally against Low Wages and Rider Abuse

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 1, 2018

Rideshare operators in Chicago rallied to let Uber and Lyft know they’ve lost their patience. According to Fortune Magazine, Chicago Rideshare Advocates helped organize the rally of thousands of drivers. The rally took place near City Hall. One 41-year old driver complained that riders have propositioned her and attacked her. She complained that after reporting…

What Are the Benefits of Going to Trial?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 27, 2018

You have the right to your day in court, so that you can have members of your community – 12 jurors – make a decision as to the facts of your case, and award you the compensation that you may be entitled to. It takes the decision away from the insurance company, from the other…

Video Introduced in Laquan McDonald Shooting Trial

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 24, 2018

The Star Tribune reported on September 17, 2018 that a video of the last moments of 17-year old Laquan McDonald’s life is a key piece of evidence in the trial of Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke. The trial is taking place in Chicago, after the trial judge refused a defense motion to remove the…

Is A Concussion the Same Thing as a Traumatic Brain Injury?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 20, 2018

A concussion is a serious type of injury. A concussion can occur in a car accident, it can occur from a fall, it can occur from any sort of type of trauma to the head. That’s why if you have a concussion, you should get immediate medical treatment, because a concussion can result in…

Motorcycle Helmet Use Shown to Reduce the Risk of Cervical Spine Injury During Crashes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 17, 2018

A group of neurological surgeons at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison recently conducted new research concerning the use of motorcycle helmets which was published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. The new findings discount the old notion that helmets fail to protect against spinal injuries and other injuries in motorcycle accidents.…

If I’m Injured on a Construction Site, What Rights Do I Have?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 14, 2018

Construction sites are generally dangerous areas. People, especially workers there, have to wear safety gear, hard helmets, and there’s a lot of rules and regulations that go into construction sites. If you’re injured it’s probably because one of the companies or businesses working on the site failed to do something properly – acted carelessly…

Deadly Truck-Bicycle Collision Reinforces the Need for Truck Side Guards

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 10, 2018

Large commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers, and garbage trucks pose a great danger to cyclists. A recent incident demonstrates this vulnerability. Chicago Police report that on August 9, 2018 at about 7:10, a 39-year-old woman was riding on Halsted when she was hit by a dump truck making a right-hand turn. She was taken to Northwestern Memorial…

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 7, 2018

If you have a personal injury case, one of the major decisions you will make with your attorney is whether you should go to trial or settle a case. There are costs and benefits for each avenue that you may choose, whether to go to trial or settle your case. If you decide to settle…

Kia Vehicles Catching Fire Sparks Federal Investigation

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 4, 2018

Incident reports involving the sudden and unexpected combustion of Kia vehicles have continued to amass in recent months. In fact, Consumer Reports states that the Center for Auto Safety identified over 200 complaints sent by consumers to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These complaints detail shocking incidents in which vehicles ignited without advanced…

I’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident in Chicago. What Do I Do Now?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 31, 2018

The moments after a car accident can be a bit surreal. After making sure that you and your passengers are okay, you’ll probably have a lot of questions about what you should do next. We’ve put together a little breakdown of who you should call and when, so that you know what steps to take…

Red Light Running Fatalities Are Increasing

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 27, 2018

Intersections are the convergence point for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. For this reason, these locations on local, state, and federal highways are often the most dangerous zones for crashes to occur. A particular type of intersection accident that too often ends in a fatality is when a vehicle runs a red light. These fatal accidents…

What You Should Know about Uninsured Motorist Benefits in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 23, 2018

Under Illinois law, drivers are required to have car insurance – but not everyone follows the law. If you are injured in a car accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, whose policy limits are less than what is needed to cover the claim, or in a hit-and-run, you may need to rely on…

Nearly 1400 Nursing Homes in U.S. Downgraded by Medicare for Understaffing Concerns

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 20, 2018

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released new data concerning nursing home staffing throughout the U.S. that shows nursing homes have increased staffing at crucial times in order to garner higher ratings. In April 2018, CMS instituted a requirement for nursing homes to provide payroll reports on daily basis as opposed to…

Can I Sue the Auto Manufacturer if a Defective Part Causes a Crash?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 16, 2018

If you’ve been in an accident, and the accident was caused in part or in whole by a defective part in your vehicle, or in somebody else’s vehicle, you may have what’s called a products liability case. You may have a case for a defective product. It may be a manufacturing defect or maybe…

What’s Cheaper in Chicago – To Uber or To Own a Car?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 13, 2018

Companies like Uber and Lyft are dramatically changing transportation options in cities all over the world. As you take your third Uber of the week, you might be wondering: Is it more expensive to own a car, or take an Uber for regular transportation? If you live in a large city, you now have your…

How Long Will My Case Take Before I Get Paid?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 10, 2018

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers we work to get you your settlement that you deserve as soon as possible. We want to make sure that you get the compensation for your injuries, and we will work our hardest to get that compensation for you. There are a variety of factors that go into how…

ER Docs Say Hospitals Aren’t Ready for a Mass Tragedy

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 6, 2018

A new poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) reports that nine out of 10 ER doctors believe their hospitals aren’t prepared for a mass tragedy or major disaster. The poll, released May 22, also revealed that fewer than 50 percent of doctors believe their emergency rooms are “somewhat” equipped to handle an…

What Happens if I’m Injured on the Job?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 3, 2018

If you are injured on the job, you have specific rights under Illinois law. First, you have what’s called the Workers’ Compensation Act, which provides benefits to the injured worker. The injured worker is entitled to get his medical bills paid. He’s entitled to get lost wages from the day that he or she…

Can I Find Out if the Truck Driver Was Texting?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 26, 2018

If you’ve been in a truck accident or injured in a truck accident, we can help you find out about that trucking accident. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have the tools and resources to find a variety of factors as to the cause of the accident, to confirm that the truck driver…

A Growing Number of Fatal Car Crashes Linked to Drug-Impaired Drivers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 23, 2018

According to a recent report, 22.3 percent of fatally injured motorists tested for drugs were positive for marijuana in 2016. This number represents a substantial increase over the past few years, at the same time as states have begun legalizing the drug for recreational or medicinal use, says the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). In…

Does My Lawyer Get a Percentage of My Settlement Amount?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 19, 2018

The typical fee arrangement between a personal injury lawyer, and the personal injury victim or client, is a contingency fee agreement. The contingency fee agreement means that the lawyer only gets a fee if the client wins a case, if the client obtains compensation, or is paid in the case. If there is no…

Nursing Home Resident Dies After Fall During Lift Transfer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 17, 2018

A family is suing a nursing home after their mother died following a fall in her nursing home. The woman, 87-year-old Fannye Doris Holden Scruggs Rorer was an amputee with only one eye who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. She was a resident of Woodhaven Hall at Williamsburg Landing in Williamsburg, VA for five years. On…

Congratulations, Wynetta McIntosh – Our 2018 Recipient of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award!

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 16, 2018

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is proud to announce that Wynetta McIntosh is the 2018 winner of the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers Annual Scholarship Award! This extraordinary Chicago native will be attending law school this fall at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, having earned her B.A. in Sociology/English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in…

Can I Sue an Uninsured Driver after a Crash?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 12, 2018

If you were in an accident with a driver that does not have insurance, you can bring a lawsuit or sue that driver for your damages, for your injuries, or property damage as well. Unfortunately, most drivers that do not have insurance do not have money to compensate you. So, most insurance policies that you…

We Are All #TeamJuana

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 11, 2018

As of this writing, no one seems to know exactly how many children have been separated from their parents at the border between Mexico and the U.S. The only thing we do know is that family separations are devastating, and countless pieces have been written about how angry, frustrated, hopeless and scared so many of…

Chicago Tour Boat Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 9, 2018

Summer is here, and Chicago locals and tourists alike are ready to get outside and enjoy the weather. One of Chicago’s major attractions is sightseeing boat tours. Boat tours are a booming industry, with tour companies like Wendella River Experience, Seadog Cruises, Mercury Cruises, Shoreline Cruises, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. With the…

Can I Still Have a Head Injury Even if I Was Wearing a Helmet?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 6, 2018

If you were in an accident and were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you may have a claim for any and all injuries that occurred to your body. That includes a head injury, or even a serious brain injury. Just because you were wearing a helmet while you were in this…

When a Mother and Child Were Hit by a Car in Bronzeville, They Called Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers for Help

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 5, 2018

On June 20, 2018, at around 10:30pm, a mother and her three-year-old son were walking on the sidewalk in Bronzeville when a Jeep turned a corner on Michigan Ave. Unfortunately, there was a Nissan driving in the opposite direction on Michigan at the time, and the Jeep driver failed to yield. In an attempt to…

FDA Warning: Sunscreen Pills Are Fake and Dangerous

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 2, 2018

Summer’s here—which means it’s time for a new bottle of sunscreen. You can purchase sunscreen as a lotion, a cream, or a spray. Recently, you may have noticed in some stores or online shops “sunscreen pills” for sale, and you may even have been tempted to give them a try. Don’t. The FDA recently released…

I Was Injured on a Jet Ski. Can I Sue the Rental Company?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 28, 2018

If you were injured because of a jet ski accident, you may have specific rights or remedies against a variety of individuals or entities. You may have rights against the driver of another vehicle that may have caused your jet ski accident. You may have rights against the jet ski company if the jet ski…

A $2.5 Million Judgement Was Awarded to a Deceased Chicago Plaintiff

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 25, 2018

On August 18, 2004, Rebecca Hess was on the back porch of an apartment in a residential building in Chicago’s North Side. She fell from the porch, suffering a spinal injury resulting in her being paralyzed from the waist down. Hess had fallen through yellow tape that the defendant had put up to act as…

Can I File a Third-Party Lawsuit if I’m Collecting Workers’ Comp?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 22, 2018

If you are a worker who was injured on the job, you are entitled to what we know as workers’ compensation benefits. That’s a variety of benefits that you get through your employer, or through your employer’s insurance company, that provides for your lost wages, provides you for payment for your medical bills, and provides…

The Need to Raise Awareness About the Dangers of Distracted Driving

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 19, 2018

Numerous car crashes each year are blamed for the use of these technologies, which in too many cases result in fatalities. As it concerns the issue of distracted driving, something unique in the country of Sweden is happening this year. As of February 1, Sweden modified its existing distracted driving law to make it illegal…

Can I Bring an action Against Anyone Besides the Drunk or Drugged Driver?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 14, 2018

If you are injured by an impaired or drunk driver, you may not only have a claim against that driver, but against the bar or restaurant or other type of liquor store that caused that driver to be impaired. In Illinois, it’s called the Dram Shop Act, and the Dram Shop Act provides that somebody…

Woman Sues Hospital and Manufacturer for Negligence After Developing Debilitating Illness

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 8, 2018

Many people, including Illinois residents, have received the difficult prognosis that they need open-heart surgery. Although this surgery constitutes a major medical event in a person’s life, it is often performed with great success and offers a positive prognosis. There are, however, complications that can sometimes arise after surgery for these patients. As an example,…

Motorcycle Fatalities Are Increasing in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 7, 2018

As the weather warms up in the spring, we are all familiar with the often sudden appearance of motorcycles on the roadways. With motorcyclists joining the stream of traffic, there is also the increased risk of motorcyclists encountering threats that can lead to crashes, injuries, and even death. The Insurance Information Institute reports that motorcyclists…

Can I Bring a Claim if I Fall on Snow, Ice or Rain?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 31, 2018

If you suffered an injury because you fell or slipped on a wet substance, on an icy substance, on a snowy substance, you may have a claim for your injuries. Snow and ice and rain cases are some of the more complicated cases. The law is not often on the side of the injured…

The Dangers to Nursing Home Residents of Living in an Understaffed Home

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 29, 2018

Finding the right nursing home for your loved ones – and then leaving them there – can be a very difficult process. If you can trust in the quality of the nursing home and its staff, then many of your concerns about having your loved one move into his or her new home can be…

Are There Laws in Place for Distracted Driving and Boating?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 24, 2018

There are laws that protect injured victims of boating accidents, if the boating accident was caused by a distracted driver of a boat. The driver may be distracted because of undue influence from alcohol, drugs, or any other type of substance. The boating driver may be distracted because the driver is texting. The driver is…

Comparative Negligence and Liability on Chicago Multi-Car Crashes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 21, 2018

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), four in 10 deaths that occur as a result of car crashes have more than one vehicle involved. Often, the at-fault party is obvious when a collision occurs between two vehicles. However, in a multi-vehicle or chain reaction crash, determining fault and liability can be a…

Are Phone Records Always Pulled in Car Crash Lawsuits?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 17, 2018

If you are in an automobile or car accident, one of the most important factors of the accident is whether somebody was using a cell phone during the accident, whether they were talking on the cell phone or whether they were texting on the cell phone, or even surfing the internet on the cell phone.…

Commercial Truck Crashes – Who Can Be Named in a Lawsuit?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 14, 2018

Commercial trucks often carry a tremendous amount of mass, due to both their sheer size and the cargo they carry. Combining this with highway speeds and you have the potential for deadly crashes when something goes wrong. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 37,461 people lost their lives…

Motorcycle Drivers Face Acute Dangers on the Road

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 10, 2018

Riding a motorcycle is a cherished activity and pastime enjoyed by thousands in the U.S. Motorcycle riders enjoy both the relaxation and thrill of the open-air experience it provides. At the same time, it can also be dangerous and even deadly if certain dangers on the road are encountered. In 2016, 5,286 motorcyclists were killed,…

Defective Goodyear RV Tire Issues Were Concealed From Public Knowledge for Two Decades

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 7, 2018

When you purchase new or preowned vehicle from a dealer, you have the expectation that all of its parts are sound and free from defects, especially the type of defects that can result in a serious crash and injuries or even death. One of the key components of any vehicle is its tires. A serious…

The Causes of Rollover Vehicle Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 3, 2018

Cars, SUVs, jeeps, small trucks, vans, pickup trucks, and other vehicles often flip over causing immediate death or serious injury to the occupants. Passengers have the right to hold the driver accountable if their carelessness or reckless behavior caused the accident. If a car rolls over and strikes another car or pedestrian, the occupants of…

The Types of Protective Gear Should Motorcycle Riders Use

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 30, 2018

There’s no guarantee that wearing the right equipment will save the life of a motorcycle rider or prevent injuries. But wearing the right clothing and gear can lessen the impact of a collision and hopefully make injuries less severe. Motorcycle drivers and passengers don’t have the protection of a hood of a car or the…

Car Seat Laws in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 26, 2018

Illinois laws are designed to protect children of different age groups. Violations of these laws can result in civil and criminal fines and penalties. A failure to comply with these laws means that when a car accident occurs, the passenger is likely to be thrown around the car. Seat belt laws are aimed at saving…

Chicago Motorcycle Safety Courses for Beginners

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 23, 2018

Many motorcycle safety courses are offered in and near Chicago. There are courses for beginners, drivers with some experience, and drivers who are highly skilled. Many of these courses are modeled on the courses designed and given by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). According to the foundation, a standard beginner rider course includes eight to…

The Liability of Property Owners for Parking Lot Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 20, 2018

Owners of apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, service offices, and other profit and nonprofit businesses owe visitors a duty to keep their premises safe. Our Chicago premises liability owners work to show the property owner: Knew or should have known about an unsafe condition Failed to make necessary repairs or failed to warn visitors…

Why High Winds Increase the Risk of a Truck Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 16, 2018

Heavy winds are a known danger to truck drivers and truck companies. Strong winds can cause the cargo in the vehicle to shift. Excessive winds can literally pick up the side of a rig and cause the truck to shake. If a driver loses control of the vehicle, the truck can rollover. Cargo can spill…

How Does a Drunk Driving Conviction Impact Your Negligence Lawsuit?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 12, 2018

It sounds simple: Wait for the prosecution to convict the intoxicated driver and then use the conviction to win your accident claim. As any experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can tell you, winning your negligence case is not that easy. There are many practical and legal issues to consider. Key factors in DUI accident cases…

How a Truck’s Black Box Can Help Accident Victims Prove Fault

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 9, 2018

There are many factors that experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers use to show a truck driver or truck company caused your injuries. The location and the extent of the damage to the truck and cars can indicate fault. An inspection of the accident site, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing the police report can help show…

Belvidere Motorcycle Accident Kills Driver

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 4, 2018

Rrstar.com reported on February 28, 2018, that a motorcycle operator died after his vehicle struck a car. The crash occurred in the early morning hours at the intersection of South Appleton Road and Daimler Drive. The Boone County sheriff’s office said the motorcycle collided with a Ford vehicle which was turning left on Daimler Drive.…

Arizona stops Self-Driving Car Testing after Fatal Uber Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 2, 2018

A recent New York Times article reported that the death of a woman by a self-driving has forced the state of Arizona to put the safety of the public before the interests of manufacturers. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey ordered that Uber and other autonomous car makers could no longer conduct safety tests on local public…

The Future of Trucking in Chicago and across the United States

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 29, 2018

Chicago is one of the nation’s leading transportation hubs. Trucks traveling cross-country, regionally, and locally – routinely pass through Chicago. The logistics of which roads and highways trucks will use is not going to change unless there are major infrastructure changes. What is changing, however, is who is driving the trucks and what types of…

Will Chicago Motorcycle Riders Be Able to Buy Electric Motorcycles Soon?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 22, 2018

A story in the Chicago Tribune reported that motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is devoting financial and technical resources to building electric motorcycles by 2020. Harley Davidson, based in Wisconsin, is hoping that its design of electric motorcycle will offset recent losses due to decreased sales. Harley Davidson is not the only company losing money on the…

Why There Is a Shortage of Truck Drivers in Chicago and Nationwide

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 19, 2018

According to CBS News, the trucking industry needs to hire nearly 90,000 truck drivers to keep with increase freight demand. That number could triple in 10 years. Since most everything we eat, use at work, or place in our home comes to us through truck deliveries – a shortage of truck drivers can mean price…

American Airlines and Boeing Co. Sued for Improperly Responding to a Fire Emergency before Takeoff

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 15, 2018

Law 360 reported, on February 28, 2018, that a passenger of an American Airlines plane manufactured by Boeing Co. recently brought a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against the airlines and manufacturer for their poor handling of an airline emergency. While she was waiting for the plane to take off, the plane’s right engine…

Ex-Chicago Bear Lucky to Be Alive After His Car Flips Eight Times

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 12, 2018

The Chicago Tribune reported that a Tacoma vehicle driven by ex-Chicago Bear, Doug Plank, 64, flipped several times while he driving on Interstate 17 in Arizona. Plank was known for giving his own hits as a feared defensive secondary player for the Bears when it was coached by Buddy Ryan. None of those hits compared…

FAQ: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 8, 2018

In Chicago and throughout Illinois, all drivers are required to have insurance in the event of an accident that causes damage or injuries. However, even though this is the law, many vehicle owners still drive around uninsured (UM – uninsured motorist) or underinsured (UIM – underinsured motorist). How does this happen? Many times, drivers will…

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Football

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 5, 2018

The recent Super Bowl 52 didn’t just showcase one of the most popular sports in America, it also brought the issue of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to the news. CTE is not a concussion, although repeated concussions (or even more minor hits to the head) could bring on CTE. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a degenerative…

Five Ways to Prevent a Tragic Motorcycle Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 1, 2018

The precautions necessary for safely driving a motorcycle versus a passenger car or SUV are similar in some ways, but completely different in others. Motorcycles are loved by many. They are a quick, fun, convenient, and often exciting way to travel. However, certain elevated risks come with the enjoyment. Motorcycles offer significantly less protection from…

My Surgery Was Unnecessary. Can I Sue?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 26, 2018

According to a USA TODAY investigation, tens of thousands of patients undergo unnecessary surgeries each year. This is an incredible number that gets very little attention, save for some very high-profile cases. The article states that unnecessary surgeries could account for 10 to 20 percent of all operations in some specialities of medicine, including cardiac…

Cheerleading and Spinal Cord Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 22, 2018

In a discussion about sports injuries, generally football is the first thing that comes to mind. Head injuries and concussions are often talked about, from high school all the way to pro football. However, another group of athletes also suffers catastrophic injuries-competitive cheerleaders. They jump, fly, and twist through the air with what appears to…

Indian Motorcycle Company Recalls 7,392 Roadmaster Motorcycles

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 19, 2018

Indian Motorcycle Company, based out of Spirit Lake Iowa, is recalling 7,392 of its 2015-2017 Roadmaster motorcycles. The company states that water may enter the trunk wiring harness, potentially causing the brake light to remain illuminated even when the brakes aren’t being applied. This can cause confusion to vehicles behind the motorcycle—when drivers are unsure…

Driver Killed After Truck Falls Off I-355 Ramp

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 16, 2018

On January 31 in New Lenox, a truck crash on I-355 killed one person and injured another, reports ABC 7 Eyewitness News. The driver, 33-year-old Serghei Balint, was driving his tractor-trailer on the I-355 southbound ramp to I-80 eastbound when the cargo in his rig shifted. The resulting imbalance tipped over the truck, causing it…

Medical Emergency Behind the Wheel Causes 9-Car Pileup

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 12, 2018

ABC 7 Eyewitness News reports that January 28’s fatal nine-car crash in the South Loop began because a man suffered a medical emergency while driving. The 56-year-old driver of the vehicle survived the crash, but a 35-year-old man was killed in the wreck. Six other people were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The…

Fatal South Carolina Train Crash Brings New Challenges for Amtrak

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 8, 2018

On Sunday, February 4, an Amtrak passenger train collided with a parked freight train in Cayce, South Carolina, killing two people and injuring over 100 passengers. This is just the latest in a string of accidents for Amtrak: three incidents in the last three months alone. In December, a train derailed near Tacoma, Washington, killing…

When You’re in Illinois, You Have to Buckle Up; It’s the Law

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 6, 2018

Drivers and passengers of motor vehicles under Illinois law are required to wear legal restraining devices – i.e., seat belts. Drivers also are responsible to assist passengers who are not able to individually harness a seat belt by themselves. Individuals requiring help may include children, the elderly, and those who are unable buckle up for…

Overloaded Trucks and Loose Loads Can Lead to Deadly Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 1, 2018

Drivers of motor vehicles traveling the highways of Illinois often encounter various threats and dangers to safety requiring their focused attention and necessary precautions. One of these dangers involves debris falling from large trucks and flatbed trailers. Often, flatbed trucks carry loads that are secured by reliable equipment and devices designed to prevent items from…

Police Chases Too Often End in Tragedy

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 29, 2018

In recent years, police shootings have preoccupied the headlines with much controversy. However, an occurrence involving law enforcement that is talked about much less involves police chases and the injuries and deaths that too often result from these pursuits. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice concluded that police chases are the number…

The Failure of the Nation’s Hospice Care System

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 25, 2018

Patients who require hospice care are most often living out the final weeks or months of a terminal health condition, barring a miracle. These individuals depend on hospice to provide the palliative care they need. Nurses who provide hospice care help patients in various ways to manage or minimize pain and achieve the best possible…

A Primer on Motorcycle Laws for Riders in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 22, 2018

Laws governing the operation of motorcycles on the roadways vary from state to state. Failure to understand the motorcycle laws Illinois can lead to traffic tickets, as well as motorcycle crashes and injuries. What follows is a short tutorial for staying legal on your motorcycle in Illinois. Drivers of passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles…

Positive Train Control Would Have Prevented the Deadly Washington Amtrak Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 19, 2018

The deadly Amtrak Cascades train derailment on Dec. 18, 2017 occurred while the train was traveling at about 80 mph – a speed far in excess of the designated 30 mph limit for that portion of track. The results left portions of the train cars hanging above and spilling onto the interstate below. Sadly three…

Cars Crash into Buildings More Often Than You Might Think

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 18, 2018

On January 16, 2018, this happened: (photo credit to Fox News) Any time a car or truck crashes into a building, it’s a newsworthy matter because we think it doesn’t happen that often. As it turns out, we’re wrong about that. The data from storefrontsafety.org shows that as many as 60 times each day in…

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Concussion in Your Child

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 11, 2018

According to Healthine.org, concussions can happen at any age. A concussion is a brain injury that causes the brain to stop working properly for a while or permanently. Some concussions occur because the athletic activities of children and students are not properly monitored. A vehicle accident or a slip and fall can also cause a…

Product Liability and the Internet of Things (IoT)

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 8, 2018

Every day, computer devices such as laptops, smartphones, home appliances, and cars are becoming connected to the Internet and to each other. This network of devices allows people and products to interact with others that can make life exciting. Unfortunately, these Internet connections also make us more vulnerable to security attacks and even to personal…

Noteworthy Facts about Tesla’s Electric Trucks

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 5, 2018

The Tesla company, headed by Elon Musk, recently announced that it was working on rigs that can drive up to 500 miles on a single charge. Development is planned for 2019. There are still a lot of concerns regarding liability for these types of trucks; after all, if one crashes, who is responsible – Tesla?…

Can I Sue for Slip and Fall Accident Caused by Snow and Ice?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 2, 2018

Chicago winters accumulate a lot of snow and ice on sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas. Just one slip can cause broken bones, spinal damage, nerve damage, bruises, and other injuries which can cause a great deal of physical pain and often require medical treatment. In the worst cases, someone can hit their head, resulting in…

Motorcycle Safety: Riding While Retired

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 29, 2017

Many people get their first motorcycle in their teens or 20s, ride it for a few years, then sideline it while they raise a family, devote themselves to a career, or do any number of things. Now, many old-school motorcyclists have decided to pull the bike back out again in their 50s or 60s. These…

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash with UPS Delivery Truck

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 26, 2017

The Chicago Sun Times reported on December 4th that the brother of a 58-year-old man, who was killed while riding his motorcycle, is suing United Parcel Service and a company driver for an accident that happened on September 9th, at the intersection of Lehigh Avenue and Hiawatha Avenue in Cook County. The Chicago Police charged…

Pedestrian Accidents Spike Around the Holidays

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 18, 2017

Winter, and the holiday season, has arrived, and so has the mad rush of shoppers in Chicago. During this busy time of year, it is easy to get distracted when trying to cross everything off your list. However, it is more important than ever to stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings and ensure…

The Problem with Tracking Recalled Medical Implants

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 14, 2017

No doubt at some point over the past few years you have seen a product recall on the news. Perhaps a recall on possible tainted bagged salad, or an automobile with defective airbags, or a child’s toy with loose parts. Your local news anchor or website typically provide viewers with a serial number for consumers…

Are Large Trucks Becoming Safer?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 11, 2017

Sharing the road with tractor trailers and big rigs can be nerve-wracking. We all know that, due to their sheer size and weight, an accident with a large truck can be catastrophic. Trucks cannot stop or maneuver the way smaller cars can, making it difficult for them to see out of their side mirrors or…

Body Cameras and Police Brutality

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 7, 2017

Police departments around the nation adopted body cameras after a series of high profile and controversial killings of African-American people, spurred on after the 2014 fatal shooting of Michael Brown. The public demanded accountability and transparency, and many municipalities mandated the use of cameras in an effort to curb any excessive force. Body cameras appeared…

Chicago Winters Mean an Increase Chance of Car Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 4, 2017

Our city has some of the most brutal winters in the nation. Even though we are used to it, driving in winter weather never gets easier, especially when it takes you by surprise. Even a light flurry can quickly turn to heavy snow and ice, which means slippery conditions and, unfortunately, car accidents. With the…

Large Trucks Leveraging Technology and Slipstream to Save Energy Amid Concerns from Safety Advocates

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 30, 2017

Elite bicycle racers often engage in the practice of platooning, which involves following one another in a straight line at a close distance to reduce drag and increase efficiency. The practice of platooning is also used in the commercial trucking industry to save energy and increase safety. Grouping two or more large trucks on the…

Is Your Favorite Restaurant Clean?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 27, 2017

One of the best things about living in the Chicago area is the wide choice of restaurants and eateries. There is literally something for everyone. However, not every place is a four-star dining experience. Some are not even one-star. Frequent inspections uncover health violations all the time and, in some cases, patrons go home with…

Millions of Truck and RV Fire Extinguishers Recalled

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 24, 2017

Earlier this month, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled 142 models of Kidde fire extinguishers. These models were manufactured between 1973 and 2017 and total nearly 38 million. Out of this 38 million, approximately 2.5 million of the recalled fire extinguishers were sold along with trucks, RVs, personal watercraft, and boats. At least one…

Let’s Talk Turkey: Preventing Thanksgiving Fires

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 21, 2017

Thanksgiving is just about here, and then the holidays keep rolling along until the New Year. That means a lot of company and a lot of meals. Around the holidays, hospitals tend to see more burn injuries, and most of these are cooking-related. Emergency rooms see everything from minor burns to catastrophic injuries from house…

How Can You Help Someone Who Has Been in a Car Crash?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 16, 2017

Cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs: on the roads of Chicago, you see them all. The chances are good that, at some point or another, you’ll experience a fender-bender of your own. The chances are even better, though, that you’ll witness a crash involving someone else. When that happens, you might want to help the victims, to…

Failure to Treat Jaundice in a Newborn

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 13, 2017

Jaundice is a serious but treatable condition related to the liver. Though it is most common in pre-term babies, it can happen to any baby whose liver is producing an excess of bilirubin, a compound in your red blood cells. Sometimes, a baby’s liver simply isn’t mature enough to get rid of the excess bilirubin,…

How Electronic Logging Devices Intend to Eliminate Truck Driver Fatigue

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 9, 2017

Truck driver fatigue is a huge safety issue and it has been for decades. Truck drivers are constantly under pressure to meet impossible deadlines and sometimes they feel forced to sacrifice sleep to meet those deadlines. Driver fatigue has been the cause of many truck driving crashes, so The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)…

New High-Tech Motorcycle Helmet Design Could Make Riding Safer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 6, 2017

Motorcycle safety is based to a large degree on helmet use. There is no helmet law in Illinois despite the evidence that shows helmet use decreases motorcycle-related deaths and injuries, and that the economic benefits of universal helmet laws greatly exceed costs according to recommendations from the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF).  There is…

Talking to Your Teens About Distracted Driving in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 2, 2017

Distracted driving is becoming more and more common with the advent of new technologies such as smartphones and satellite radio. Increasingly, motorists are looking away from the road. Fatalities have even been caused by distracted drivers who are text messaging, and their numbers are unfortunately on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)…

Are Business Owners Liable for Poorly Trained Truck Drivers?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 31, 2017

Chicago trucking company owners might think they are in the transportation business, but in reality — they are in the risk-mitigating business. Those who operate trucking companies should know how necessary it is for employees to be properly trained. To have a competent fleet, adequate employee retention, and to decrease chances of a trucking accident,…

Dangerous Dogs and Your Role as an Owner in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 26, 2017

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. And for the most part, they are wonderful pets that enrich the lives of many people. Aggressive dogs, however, can hurt someone by biting or attacking. For property owners, this can mean a lawsuit. When a dog on your premises bites someone or hurts them, you can be…

Two Women Suffer Critical Injuries in a Three-vehicle Head-On Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 24, 2017

Two women suffered critical injuries in a car accident near suburban Woodstock. At approximately 3:36 pm, a Chevrolet truck was heading east on Route 176 in unincorporated Dorr Township when it crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Honda Civic and a Lexus Head-on according to the McHenry County sheriff’s office. A 17-year-old Hampshire boy…

Two Recent Deaths in Chicago Motorcycle Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 19, 2017

Two Chicago men are dead in as many weeks because of motorcycle accidents in town. In the Margate Park neighborhood of the North Side of Chicago around 10 p.m. last Wednesday, one man was in a fatal accident. In late September, another man was in a motorcycle crash on the far South Side, and also…

Did Your Car Make the List of Potentially Dangerous Vehicles?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 16, 2017

Every year, it seems, we see stories and news articles that talk about how this year was the “worst ever” for auto recalls. And every year, the number of recalls is higher than it was the year before. To help combat those recalls – and the death and injuries so many people have suffered as…

5 Common Scenarios Leading to Injuries in Autumn in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 12, 2017

Autumn is finally here, which means the leaves are changing colors, the kids are back at school, and a whole new host of projects awaits us as we prepare for winter. Autumn may be lovely, but the risk of certain types of injuries increases during these months. Here are a few things to keep in…

When Nursing Home Negligence Results in Wrongful Death

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 10, 2017

Families place a lot of trust in the nursing homes and facilities that provide care for their elderly and infirmed loved ones. They rightfully expect that their family members will be treated with the utmost respect and cared for in an adequate manner. When these expectations are not met, the results can be traumatic and…

Tips for Avoiding a Truck Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | October 2, 2017

While there is no guarantee that you will never be involved in a trucking accident, there are steps you can take to lessen your risk. Most trucking crashes result from the driver negligence or poor maintenance of the vehicle. By keeping a safe distance and staying aware of your surroundings, you may be able to…

Motorcycle Pre-Ride Inspection List

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 28, 2017

A proper safety inspection can help make sure your motorcycle and you are ready to respond to any dangers on the roadway. The best time to check your motorcycle is actually after your last ride, so you won’t rush the inspection by doing it just before the next one. Inspections should be done at the…

Food Poisoning as a Premises Liability Claim

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 25, 2017

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently identified a salmonella outbreak that has reportedly affected 14 Illinois residents. A bulletin from the city urged residents to seek medical care if they recently ate at the establishment and displayed any signs of illness. Patrons visit restaurants and other types of eating establishments with the expectation…

Four Reasons Why Tractor Trailer Rollover Crashes Occur

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 21, 2017

Tractor trailer rollover accidents are some of the most serious and injurious crashes occurring on the roadways of Illinois. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an average of four cargo tank truck rollovers happen each day in the United States. Many of these incidents are preventable, occurring due to driver negligence or poor…

Hydroplaning Accidents – When Negligence Meets Wet Roadways

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 19, 2017

Hydroplaning is a term used to describe the sliding of vehicle tires across a wet road. These accidents can be extremely dangerous, often causing a chain reaction of crashes and injuries. While some hydroplaning incidents are unavoidable, the vast majority of them can be prevented with proper driving techniques and adequate vehicle maintenance. What is…

Illinois Judge Refuses to Dismiss Product Liability Claims Against Electrolux

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 14, 2017

When consumers purchase products, they do so trusting that they will be appropriately made to perform their intended duties. They do not expect the products and goods that they purchase to harm them.  Yet, every day, consumers are injured by defective products that fail to work in an adequate manner. When these incidents occur, various…

Drivers Should Stay Aware of Truck Driver Blind Spots

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 12, 2017

Drivers of semis and other large trucks have many more blind spots than cars do. This is due to the dimensions of the truck, especially the length. Trucks do not normally have side or rear windows, which means the driver must rely on the truck’s mirrors. Even well-positioned mirrors cannot adequately help the driver see…

Why Right of Way Mistakes Cause Car Accidents in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 8, 2017

Drivers have a responsibility to understand the right-of-way laws for every type of vehicle interaction. Normally, a driver who fails to follow the Illinois right-of-way traffic laws will be the one a jury or arbiter finds liable for a car accident. Drivers are responsible for knowing the applicable laws and abiding by them. Right-of-way laws…

Why Swimming Pool Accidents Are So Dangerous

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 5, 2017

While swimming pools may provide a lot of summer fun, they are also a leading contributor to drowning accidents and catastrophic injuries, including brain trauma and spinal cord damage. ABC News reports that 6,500 adolescents suffer diving injuries each year. Almost 2/3 of diving accidents happen in inground pools while the rest happen in aboveground…

One Dead After a Car Hit a Pole and Burst in Flames in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 29, 2017

The Chicago Tribune reported on June 28, 2017, that a woman passenger suffered fatal injuries when the driver of the car she was riding in rammed into a utility pole. After striking the pole, the car exploded into flames. The driver was able to get out of the car, and ran away. The crash occurred…

East Garfield Park Motorcycle Accident Kills One and Injures Two

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 24, 2017

Reported on July 2, 2017, that an accident occurred near North Kedzie Avenue between an 2001 Mercury and a motorcycle. The driver of the Mercury was cited for making an illegal left-hand turn. A 28-year old male passenger on the motorcycle was killed and the driver, a 47-year old woman, was taken to Stroger Hospital…

Cab Separates from Tractor-Trailer, Seriously Injuring the Driver and Causing Havoc on Kennedy Expressway

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 22, 2017

Chicago station WGN9 reported in early spring 2017 that the cab of tractor-trailer combination struck a wall on the Kennedy Expressway and fell 15 feet onto Kimball Avenue. Witnesses helped extricate the driver from the cab and transported him to a nearby hospital where his critical injuries could be treated. Meanwhile, the trailer hung precariously…

Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 17, 2017

Motorcyclists are vulnerable enough to collisions with drivers when they are paying attention to the road, but when drivers allow themselves to be distracted by their phones and other distractions inside and outside of their vehicles, motorcyclists end up paying with accidents, injuries and even their lives. As the weather warms up in the summer,…

Sideguards Preventing Catastrophic Truck Crash Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 14, 2017

If you drive a passenger vehicle on the highway, getting tangled up in a collision with a large, commercial truck can end in disaster. Not only because they are so huge and vastly out-weigh passenger vehicles, but also because they ride so high on the road that in an accident, a passenger vehicle can slide…

How to File a Police Report After a Chicago Car Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 11, 2017
How to File a Police Report After a Chicago Car Crash

You are stopped at a stoplight and just as you hover your foot over the gas pedal to move forward, you are jerked forward because a minivan bumped you from behind. You step out of your vehicle to come around the back to see if there was any damage just in time to see that…

Self-Driving Trucks Are on Their Way. Will They Eliminate Truck Crashes?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 7, 2017

Although it sounds like the stuff of science fiction films, self-driving trucks may be closer to a reality that you understand.  There are several companies which are testing self-driving trucks and those who are in favor of them say that autonomous trucks will be safer. Each year there are thousands of truck accidents where people…

7 Common Motorcycle Accident Myths Debunked

By Neal S. Gainsberg | August 1, 2017

Motorcycle riding always becomes more popular in warm weather months, so we wanted to compile a list of just a few of the common myths that have been circulating for years about motorcycle safety that people still repeat and could contribute to accidents and injuries if they are not debunked. Myth: Motorcyclists wear leather to…

Why Are Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 27, 2017

Despite an anticipated drop in motorcyclist fatalities, there was instead an unprecedented spike in deaths from motorcycle crashes in 2015 when 4,868 riders lost their lives, which is an almost 10 percent increase over the previous year’ death rate. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that this is the third time in history that…

Preventing Rollaway Truck Crashes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 25, 2017

Rollaway truck accidents just make you want to shake your head in frustration because they are preventable yet they cause such destruction and injury. Failing those that are caused by a mechanical defect, truck rollaways are usually caused when the driver gets out of the truck and fails to pull the parking brake. If the…

Determining Fault in Chicago Chain Reaction Car Crashes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 20, 2017

Chain reaction crashes are one of those worst nightmare situations. You are sitting in your vehicle moving along with the flow of traffic and the next thing you know, a car has plowed into you from behind and is ramming your car into the one ahead of you. There are many causes of chain reaction…

Calculating Lost Income in an Injury Claim After a Serious Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 17, 2017

You might be reading this while propped up in bed in the hospital, or at home on the couch because you are missing work and have lost income due to an injury from a serious car crash. As the days melt into weeks, out of work, the bills keep piling up and you wonder how…

10 Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney After a Serious Injury

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 13, 2017

You suffered a serious injury after having been involved in a car crash and you are weighing your options about what to do next. Your brother-in-law Phil (who is a know-it-all) said not to bother hiring an attorney. “You can file a claim yourself and save all that cash you’ll have to pay a lawyer!”…

When a Child is the Victim in an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 11, 2017

Losing a child due to an accident is one of the worst tragedies anyone can suffer. When negligence, carelessness, a product defect, recklessness, or intentional misconduct is the cause – the effects can be overwhelming. There is no price that compensates the loss of a child. Still, a skilled Chicago wrongful death lawyer can guide…

Two Motorcycle Riders in McHenry County Killed in Wreck with a Minivan

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 6, 2017

The Chicago Tribune reported that two motorcycle riders, a man and a woman, were killed when their motorcycle struck a minivan. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office announced that the crash happened around 8:00 pm at the intersection of Charles J. Miller Road and River Road. The collision occurred near Moraine Hills State Park. The driver…

Tractor Trailer Crosses Median on Illinois Road, Killing One

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 3, 2017

WSIL 3 reported on April 2 that the driver of a 2015 Volvo truck tractor struck and killed the driver of a 2015 Toyota Camry. The driver of the truck tractor was a 24-year old male, and the driver of the Camry was a 29-year old female. The accident happened on I-57 at milepost 67.…

Items to Keep in Your Car in Case of an Illinois Accident or Emergency

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 29, 2017

In 2014, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, nearly 300,000 car accidents happened. About 60,000 of these crashes caused injuries, and 845 people died. Injuries, especially severe ones, are often unavoidable. However, injuries can sometimes be avoided or alleviated if essential items are readily available for passengers or bystanders to quickly intervene. Have the…

Illinois Car Owners Should Be Aware of Vehicle Watch Lists for 2017

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 26, 2017

The Safety Institute provides a quarterly list of vehicle defects car buyers and owners should be aware of. The list is prepared with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Enforcement Monitoring Program. It is sponsored by Beth and Ken Melton in honor of Brooke Melton. Ms. Melton died due to an ignition…

Essential Safety Tips for New Chicago Motorcycle Riders

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 22, 2017

This holds true for even the most experienced riders, because motorcycles do not offer the same physical protection as four-wheel vehicles. Also, most car and truck drivers look out for other cars and trucks and fail to pay attention to motorcycles until the motorcycle is right in front of them. How motorcyclists can stay safe…

Duties of Illinois Truck Companies and Drivers to Maintain Their Vehicles

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 20, 2017

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the federal agency that provides guidelines and regulations for commercial truck drivers and commercial truck companies. Not every truck is a commercial truck, but large tractor-trailers, semis, and 18-wheelers qualify. Commercial trucks are a danger to other drivers, the truck driver, and to traffic conditions because of…

Chicago Car Accident Kills Four in Collision with a Bus

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 16, 2017

reported that four people died when a car struck a Chicago Transit Authority bus. The accident was a head-on collision. Police determined that the speeding car first struck a parked car and then rammed into the bus. The accident, which occurred at 5:50 in the morning, killed the driver and three passengers in the car.…

That Viral Photo of Rat at Joe’s BBQ? It’s Not the Only One You Should Watch

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 13, 2017

You couldn’t look at a social media site last week without seeing that horrific picture of a rat just, well, hanging out inside of Joe’s BBQ on Madison and Lamon, right here in Chicago. DNAinfo.com reports that Joe’s BBQ and Fish was also written up on May 18, 2017, after “a city inspection found 65…

Your Options When Hit By An Uninsured Vehicle in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 13, 2017

Normally, when you are in a car accident with another motorist, their insurance company will pay for your damages and compensate you for their negligence. But, what happens if the other driver does not have insurance? The Insurance Research Council has reported that one out of every seven drivers on the road is currently uninsured.…

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Chicago Tour Bus Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 9, 2017

For the most part, tour buses are a safe and relatively inexpensive method of learning about a new city. In Chicago, there are a number of bus companies that offer hop on/hop off tours, and enable you to see the sights of the Windy City. While tour bus accidents are rare, they do happen. When…

Staying Safe on the Water in Illinois: Tips for Boat Safety

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 6, 2017

Boats and ships are one of the oldest modes of transportation ever used. Spending some time out on the Chicago River or paddling around in Lake Michigan can be a real treat in the nice weather, but you need to be smart about it: boating accidents happen, and they can have some pretty serious effects…

Sad but True: Brain Injuries During Surgery are Often Preventable

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 2, 2017

Anytime someone is having surgery, there is a little bit if anxiety to be had. When you’re having surgery on your brain or spinal cord, the apprehension can be doubly affecting. Medical malpractice can result in brain injuries due to oxygen or blood loss, diagnosis failures, heart or cardiac issues that affect brain function, errors…

Roadside Inspections After a Commercial Trucking Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 30, 2017

When you’ve been in a truck accident with a commercial vehicle, you should take care to understand that this industry is pervasively regulated. When there is a truck accident involving a commercial vehicle, it is treated as an equipment failure. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are the governing body of commercial trucks and have…

Motorcycle Accidents: Recovering Claims and Wearing Helmets

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 26, 2017

Any time a person is in a motorcycle accident, there is a significantly higher risk of injury or fatality than if they were in an accident in a different type of vehicle. While 47 states have motorcycle helmet laws, Illinois does not currently have one. This means that if you are in a motorcycle accident…

How Truck Driver Fatigue Impacts Potential for Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 23, 2017

Beloved comedian Tracy Morgan was hit a few years ago by a commercial Wal-Mart truck and suffered terrible brain injuries from which he is still recovering. In August 2015, the National Transportation Safety Board determined that the driver’s fatigue was one of the leading causes of this accident, which also killed fellow comedian James McNair.…

Can Children Recover Compensation After a Chicago Car Accident?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 19, 2017

Car accidents can be dangerous, and sometimes fatal. If there are children involved, there is a higher likelihood of debilitating injuries. Unfortunately, car crashes are a part of everyday life in Chicago, and there are almost 800 car accidents per day in the state of Illinois. Car crashes cause one out of every four unintentional…

Are Single Vehicle Crashes Always the Fault of the Motorcyclist?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 16, 2017

Motorcycle accidents are not always the most common on the road, but they are the most likely to result in very severe injury, brain trauma, and death. You are dozens of times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than in a car crash. At least 25% of motorcycle accidents are between the motorcyclist…

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 12, 2017

Death may be inevitable, but it’s never easy. When a loss is the result of another person’s negligence, however, the pain can be even harder to bare. A wrongful death is when one person dies due to another person’s negligence or malice, and has a variety of causes, including vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, boating accidents,…

Car Accidents, Uninsured Drivers, and Underinsured Drivers

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 9, 2017

Car accidents, sadly, happen everywhere – and big cities like Chicago see a lot of them. That’s why we’re all supposed to carry car insurance on our vehicles. Some drivers have less auto insurance than other drivers do, or some people drive without insurance altogether. When you get into a crash with an underinsured or…

Great Dane Improving Rear Impact Guards

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 4, 2017

Commercial trucks are required to have a number of safety features, but that doesn’t mean that those features can’t fail to do their jobs. Truck crashes and collisions can be really dangerous no matter where they occur, but they’re especially dangerous on the streets of big, busy cities such as Chicago. Whether tractor-trailers are rumbling…

Traffic Fatalities Are Increasing Faster Now Than Ever Before

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 2, 2017

Cars are smarter and safer than ever before, but traffic fatalities are increasing at a rate not seen in more than half a century. Data from the National Safety Council first revealed this disturbing trend last year, when an analysis of 2015 data showed a 7.2% increase in deaths from the previous year. Now, a…

United Reminds Us Why Planes Are Dangerous, Even When They’re on the Ground

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 28, 2017

If you were to hear the words “injured on a plane,” would you think the plane had crashed? You wouldn’t be alone: most people assume the worst when they hear about people getting hurt on airplanes. But as that horrific video of Dr. David Dao being physically assaulted on a United flight here in Chicago…

Big Truck Collision Leaves Two Injured, One Dead

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 25, 2017

On April 13, a collision between a garbage truck and a passenger vehicle left two injured and one man dead at the scene. A Republic Services garbage truck attempted to make an illegal left turn when a speeding vehicle driven by Giovanni Roman, 24, struck the passenger side of the truck. Roman was pinned in…

Impact of Opioid Abuse on Commercial Truck Driving Crashes

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 20, 2017

If it is not already intimidating enough to drive alongside an 18-wheeler commercial truck on the highway, just image that the driver of that 90,000-pound vehicle is impaired by drugs? The findings of a study originally published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine on the common use of booze and drugs among truck drivers was described…

Distracted Driving Study Reports 1 in 4 Drivers Used Their Phone Just Prior to a Crash

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 18, 2017

Texting while driving makes it 23 times more likely to be in a crash. About 19% of drivers have admitted to surfing the web while driving, and 77% of teens have heard adults tell them not to text or email while driving yet those same adults can be seen doing those things, “all the time.”…

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 14, 2017

The one thing that can take the thrill out of getting on your motorcycle and going for a ride is that nagging thought about what might happen if you end up in a crash. It’s a risk every motorcycle rider faces when they hit the road, but the freedom of riding on the open road…

Who is Liable When a Truck Accident Causes Injuries or Takes a Life?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 11, 2017

In almost every truck accident case, the driver is liable if he or she failed to follow the rules of the road, drove while distracted or tired, or was negligent or reckless in any way. Experienced Chicago truck accident attorneys look to see who else might also be liable. Employers are generally liable for the…

CDC Reports that Elderly Falls are Greatest Contributor to Record Number of Brain Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 7, 2017

Falls can cause traumatic brain injury and death in elderly Americans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a study that found falls among the elderly are responsible for an increase in traumatic brain injuries. The research study analyzed data for TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths (EDHD) in the…

Understanding the Laws That Apply to Chicago Motorcycle Operators

By Neal S. Gainsberg | April 4, 2017

Every motor vehicle operator must comply with Illinois state traffic laws. These laws include how fast operators can go, rules on passing and merging, the need to obey stop signs, and other traffic rules. Vehicle owners must also comply with Illinois’ insurance laws, which require liability insurance to pay for any injuries caused by owner…

Should Your Truck Accident Lawsuit be Heard in Federal Court?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 30, 2017

Most Chicago personal injury cases are brought in Illinois state courts. More precisely, they are usually brought in the county where the defendant(s) live. Cases can be brought in federal court if there is a federal question involved. This is rarely the case in truck accident cases. The primary grounds for bringing a personal injury…

Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 28, 2017

Motorcycle operators should make certain they understand what equipment their motorcycle should have, what the rules of the road are, and how to properly handle a motorcycle while driving. Unlike car and truck crashes, when a motorcycle wreck happens, there is no protection for the rider. Riders usually fall directly to the ground, causing death…

Making Personal Injury Claims Against Rideshare Drivers and Owners

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 24, 2017

The popularity of rideshare services such as Uber, UberX, and Lyft is expanding. Drivers like them because they’re a way of earning cash in a tough economy. Passengers like them because they have many conveniences, such as the ability to schedule rides on demand, and at lower costs than taxicab services. Unfortunately, accidents are just…

How Much is My Pain and Suffering Worth in a Lawsuit in Chicago?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 21, 2017

Some personal injury damages can be easily calculated. A victim’s medical bills can be added up. The injured person’s lost wages can be verified by the employer. Pain and suffering, however, requires legal preparation and know how. The jury can award any pain and suffering award they think properly compensates the victim for daily physical…

Fatal Truck Crash on I-80 Outside of Chicago Just One of Many

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 17, 2017

ABC Eyewitness News reported, in August of 2016, that a horrific chain reaction truck accident occurred on I-80, involving at least four trucks. The first truck was a tractor-trailer that belonged to a company based in Denver, Colorado – though the truck had Utah license plates. The other three, all from Illinois, included a back…

Chicago Automobile Insurance Requirements Explained

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 14, 2017

Illinois is a “fault” state when it comes to insurance accidents. This means that, if someone else causes your injuries or causes a loved one to die, you or your family can sue the responsible parties for your damages. To recover damages, you will need to prove another owner or driver was at fault because…

Beyond the Physical: Psychological Impacts of Catastrophic Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 10, 2017

Catastrophic injuries can happen because of a vehicle accident, a slip and fall, a physical attack, medical malpractice, or for many other reasons. Common catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation of a body part, severe burns, multiple fractures, birth injuries, and any injury that has long-term consequences because the victim never…

Types of Treatments for Spinal Cord Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 7, 2017

Spinal cord injuries often occur in motor vehicle accidents. They can also be due to explosions, falls from high heights, and defective products. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or full paralysis, acute pain, and other severe injuries. Often, spinal cord injuries require a lifetime of care and a lifetime of physical and emotional pain.…

Liability for Slip and Fall Accidents That Are Winter Weather- Related

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 21, 2017

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits; accounting for one million visits yearly. The most common injury that is treated for slip and falls is a bone fracture. The likelihood of a fall increases in the winter when: Ice or snow on parking lots, sidewalks, and…

Getting the Support You Need When a Wrongful Amputation or Loss of Limb Changes Your Life

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 17, 2017

Losing an arm, leg, foot, toe, finger, or hand changes a person’s life. Many people sadly lose a limb or body part or require amputation due to an auto accident, a product defect, a work site explosion, or for other reasons. Part of any damage award that we demand for our clients is getting the…

Five Key Steps to Take after an Chicago Auto Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 14, 2017

Nobody is ever fully prepared for an auto accident. Those in physical pain are just focused on getting to an emergency room or seeing their physician. There’s a natural tendency to say or do nothing until the police arrive. With all the anxieties and frustrations that any type of auto accident brings, it is wise…

Federal Laws for Truck Driving on Illinois Interstate Roads

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 10, 2017

Truck drivers who operate their vehicles on federal roads, which most do, must comply with the various safety provisions of The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as the rules of the United States Department of Transportation. All truck drivers must also comply the Illinois traffic rules. Some of the common rules that…

Common Types of Chicago Auto Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 8, 2017

Auto accidents can occur in many different ways. Understanding how the accident happened helps lawyers determine who was responsible. The other driver, the owner of the vehicle, the shipping company that hired a truck, the manufacturer of a car part, and any number of other businesses and people may be liable. Knowing how the accident happened…

Can Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Help Cure Dementia?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | February 2, 2017

Erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra were originally designed to help patients with coronary heart disease. Though the drugs did little for men with angina and high blood pressure, the sexual side effects were consistent enough to rebrand the drug, called sildenafil citrate, as a cure for erectile dysfunction. Now a new team of researchers in…

Truck Accidents in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 31, 2017

Vehicle crashes occur every day in and around Chicago. On highways and interstates, tractor trailer trucks (also known as big rigs or eighteen wheelers) often are involved in vehicle crashes, but on the crowded streets of a city like Chicago, smaller commercial trucks abound – and accidents involving one can be devastating. Types of commercial…

Tourism-Related Accidents in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 23, 2017

Like many other countries around the world, the United States is flooded with thousands of visitors every day. We certainly see our fair share of them here in the Chicagoland area: in fact, in 2015, we broke the record with more than 52 million visitors to the Windy City. Unfortunately, just like any other place…

What Are Illinois’ Seatbelt Laws?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 19, 2017

Hurdling down the highway at 65 miles per hour can be a harrowing experience if anything goes wrong. Therefore, automobile safety features such as seatbelts exist, and Illinois state law dictates that drivers and passengers, especially children, wear seatbelts. If you’re like us, you probably know some people who refuse to use these life-saving safety…

Staying Safe in the Winter Weather

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 17, 2017

Chicago has already seen one record-breaking snowstorm this winter, and there are calls for more. We’re pretty good at handling the bad weather, but every year, we read at least one story of a tragic death that could have been avoided. Now is the time to ensure your family’s safety before more winter weather hits.…

Some Lives Are Worth More than Others When It Comes to Personal Injury Compensation

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 13, 2017

The Courts are supposed to be the one place where everyone is treated equally. There have been plenty of stories about the criminal justice system – but what about the civil justice system, where auto accident, wrongful death and other personal injury cases are tried? A recent investigation by The Washington Post revealed rampant inequality…

Personal Injury Lawsuits and Social Media Privacy

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 12, 2017

You may routinely post pictures of yourself on vacation, of that beautiful dish at your favorite restaurant, and lots of selfies with friends. You may not realize how much others can discover about you through your social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms. If you happen to be the plaintiff in a…

Negligent Security and a Chicago Area Property Owner’s Responsibility to Maintain a Safe Environment for Visitors

By Neal S. Gainsberg | January 3, 2017

It was late at night when you stopped off at a convenience store on your way home from the airport after a long flight. After you made your purchase you left the store and headed for your car when suddenly you were attacked from out of nowhere and robbed at gunpoint. It might have seemed…

Negligent Maintenance Can Cause Truck Accidents

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 27, 2016

While most motor vehicle accidents – including truck accidents – are caused by some form of human error, a small percentage of them can be caused by mechanical problems. Negligent maintenance is at the root of these kinds of accidents, which makes them completely preventable. Trucking companies are fully aware of the importance of proper…

Hit and Injured by a Drunk Driver? Why You Might Need a Lawyer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 22, 2016

While the incidence of drunk driving has decreased slightly, it is still a huge problem is a big city like Chicago. In 2014, the Chicago Police Department made 3,321 DUI arrests, which was down 2.2 percent from the previous year when there were 3,395 DUI arrests. (Reboot Illinois) Statewide, there were 307 drunk driving fatalities…

Hiring a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident in Chicago Makes Sense

By Neal S. Gainsberg | December 20, 2016

Motorcyclists might sometimes feel as if they must trade their desire for the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that they get from riding a bike for a sense of safety and security. Motorcycle riders know every time they get on their bike and hit the road that today could be the day that they get…

Three Important Reasons to Get Witnesses Statements After an Auto Accident

By Neal S. Gainsberg | September 12, 2016

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chicago, you probably have some questions regarding what are the next steps to protect your rights and make sure the true facts about the accident are preserved. Following accidents, stories often change and the at-fault driver may say something different to the police or his insurance…

What is a Wrongful Death Attorney?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 5, 2015

The hardest part of living is having to face the inevitable tragic circumstances surrounding death. Since it can come at any time, many people, unfortunately, do not have a chance to say goodbye first. This is typical in cases of wrongful death. Wrongful death cases implicate that another person’s unlawful or otherwise dangerous actions are…

Involved in a Truck Accident and Seeking a Lawyer?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 28, 2015

Driving a truck takes a lot of grit. It takes a unique combination of know-how, driving skills, mechanical prowess, alertness, and much more. Not everyone has what it takes to drive a truck! That being the case, you know what it is like to maintain your beast. From the engine to the tires and everything…

Finding the Right Chicago Area Slip and Fall Lawyer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 21, 2015

You went to visit your cousin and see his new two-bedroom apartment in the city center. As you made your way through the lobby, towards the elevators, you reasonably did not see the large, thin pool of water spread across the laminated floor, coming from a leak in the building’s water system. You slipped, fell,…

Finding the Right Lawyer

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 7, 2015

Who would have thought that finding the right lawyer could be so difficult? You have to find someone who you trust, who you can afford, and who you think can help you resolve your impending issue at the same time. For many people, this involves a concerning combination of a life-altering issue, and limited resources…

Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer, Chicago IL

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 24, 2015
Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers

Suffering from a personal injury is a life-altering event. There are many situations that result in personal injuries, including vehicular accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, medical malpractice, workers compensation, and many more. Sometimes, this means that someone you loved or cared about was the victim of wrongful death. No one ever…

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 10, 2015

One of the risks of riding through the Windy City on your two-wheeler is the amount of drivers that merge without checking their rearview mirrors. As a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that this means having to brake and sometimes crash in order to prevent great bodily harm, as well as damage to your ride. It…

Reviews of an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 3, 2015

Auto accidents are an everyday occurrence all around our busy, bustling city. If you have been involved in an auto accident, and you are currently seeking legal representation in order to secure proper compensation, you are probably trying to decide who you can trust. Dealing with the repercussions of an auto accident are enough for…

Got Bitten? Contact a Dog Bites Attorney Immediately

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 28, 2014

I know you must be perplexed right now after being bitten by a dog. If it happened to a loved one, you must be more stressed because you still have to take care of him. Don’t worry too much about that dog bite. No one is going to die. (Not yet anyway). But then again…

Can a Worker’s Compensation Attorney Really Help Me?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 21, 2014

We all know how an accident injury case should be brought to the attention of family, friends, or even an attorney but for most hardworking people, issues about a workers’ compensation are not always an open subject to talk about. Why? Because some people are afraid to question or file a complaint against their employer,…

How an Auto Accidents Lawyer Can Help You

By Neal S. Gainsberg | July 14, 2014

The most common accidents that happen in Chicago, its suburbs, and Illinois are auto accidents. Just like any injury, to be part of a car accident is often traumatic. Aside from road construction and traffic jams every day, the driver needs to be wary and careful in driving so he and his passengers won’t get…

Filing for Wrongful Death Suits

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 30, 2014

Death of a loved is devastating and depressing. It’s natural for someone to die, but we can never be ready especially if it’s a person so dear to us. Only time can heal the pain and heartache of an untimely death but sadly, there are those left behind who had to suffer for a wrongful…

Advantages of Getting a Medical Malpractice Attorney

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 23, 2014

Any medical malpractice is wrong. Beyond the medical conditions that brought you to the doctor in the first place, you have to deal with a new injury or worse, death, and all this can be very heartbreaking. What do you do if it happens to you or a loved one? Fight for your rights. They…

What to Do With an Insurance Claim Denial

By Neal S. Gainsberg | June 2, 2014
Chicago Insurance Claims Attorneys

Having gone through the death of a loved one or being injured by someone or going through an accident is already bad enough. Having a lot of medical bills for an unseen and unfortunate illness or accident can be overwhelming. For others, things could get much worse and more depressing once an insurance claim is…

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Chicago

By Neal S. Gainsberg | May 17, 2014

There are times when forgiving and forgetting about an incident is not enough. They say it is easy to forgive but let’s admit it, forgetting is a big challenge. It’s not easy to forget the pain a person or group has inflicted upon you or your loved ones. You are human, and bad memories could…