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The Chicago Tribune recently published an article with the results of a study they conducted which seem to indicate that Chicago police tend not to issue tickets in pedestrian and cyclist crash cases.   The Tribune study of Chicago police data shows that out of more than 4,000 crashes between 2018 and November 2023 only 26% resulted in a traffic ticket or more serious charges.  The Chicago personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, PC see many police reports and we observe that the police rarely actually witness the accident. When the police arrive on the scene of the crash, they interview the parties involved and the witnesses to determine what happened.  From experience, the lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer PC have observed that when there is an independent witness who will assign fault to one party or the other, then the police will be more likely to issue a ticket. Usually if there is no independent witness and both parties are blaming each other, then the police officer will not give a ticket to either party. Of course the injured pedestrian or cyclist can hire a personal injury lawyer to make a claim against the at fault motorist for damages.  If the motorist’s insurance company denies the claim then the injured party’s lawyer can file a lawsuit and have the case decided by a jury.

The Chicago Department of Transportation has  accelerated improvements on the roadways in Chicago, adding more protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands and speed bumps.  However, infrastructure improvements can only go so far in protecting pedestrians and cyclists.  Chicago Department of Transportation’s data shows that most traffic deaths involve motorists who were driving recklessly.  Almost 60% of the traffic deaths involved speeding.  Astonishingly, more than half of the pedestrian deaths in Chicago were hit and run crashes with the motorist fleeing the scene of the crash.

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El bufete de abogados de Chicago Zneimer & Zneimer, que se enfoca en lesiones por mordedura de perro, maneja numerosos casos de lesiones personales derivadas de mordeduras de perro. Afirman que la mayoría de las lesiones por mordeduras de perro se pueden prevenir. Los perros a menudo son vistos como mejores amigos por muchos, celebrados por su lealtad y afecto. Proporcionan compañía y apoyo emocional, reduciendo el estrés y la soledad, y animando a sus dueños a ser más activos y sociales. Los estudios destacan numerosos beneficios para la salud física y mental de tener un perro, incluida la disminución de la presión arterial y la disminución del riesgo de depresión, lo que fortalece el vínculo entre los perros y sus dueños.

Los perros se encuentran entre los animales domésticos más antiguos y extendidos, y su domesticación se remonta a entre 15.000 y 30.000 años. Han desempeñado diversas funciones, como la caza, el pastoreo, la vigilancia y el compañerismo. Sin embargo, muchos incidentes de mordeduras de perros son el resultado de un cuidado y manejo inadecuados por parte de los propietarios. Factores como el entrenamiento, la socialización y la supervisión insuficientes pueden conducir a un comportamiento agresivo o basado en el miedo en los perros, lo que resulta en mordeduras. Los propietarios deben proporcionar ejercicio adecuado, socialización, estimulación mental y reconocer los signos de agresión, buscando ayuda profesional si es necesario.

La tenencia responsable de perros implica la creación de un entorno seguro, la atención veterinaria regular y la alimentación y el ejercicio adecuados. Es una responsabilidad importante, que requiere el compromiso de prevenir incidentes de mordeduras de perro y garantizar el bienestar del perro. Al adoptar un perro, es crucial considerar el tamaño, el nivel de energía, las necesidades de aseo, el temperamento y los costos y el compromiso de tiempo involucrados. Adoptar de refugios u organizaciones de rescate es beneficioso, pero hay que tener cuidado, especialmente cuando se adoptan perros grandes con mucha energía o problemas de comportamiento. Estos perros pueden necesitar entrenamiento y manejo adicionales.

Para aquellos que adoptan perros grandes, comprender las capacidades físicas y los niveles de compromiso es clave. Es posible que se necesite ayuda profesional para la capacitación y la gestión. Es vital investigar diferentes razas para encontrar una pareja adecuada para el estilo de vida de uno.

Se necesita especial atención cuando se adoptan perros que están nerviosos o tienen un historial de abuso o negligencia. Es posible que requieran paciencia adicional, capacitación y un entorno seguro. Comprender y abordar sus problemas de comportamiento, posiblemente con ayuda profesional, es crucial. La seguridad de todos los miembros del hogar y de la comunidad es primordial. Continue reading

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Las lesiones físicas tienen un efecto dominó en nuestras vidas ordenadas. Después de una lesión, primero viene el dolor, luego la necesidad de atención médica y luego vienen las facturas médicas.  Contratar a un buen abogado de lesiones personales es un paso importante para descubrir y asegurar la evidencia y para garantizar que la deuda médica no afecte negativamente la solvencia.

El torrente de facturas médicas comienza muy pronto después del tratamiento médico por lesiones personales. Una visita a la sala de emergencias generalmente resulta en al menos dos facturas: una de la sala de emergencias y otra del médico de la sala de emergencias.  Si el médico de la sala de emergencias ordena radiografías, los radiólogos enviarán una tercera factura por leer las películas. Si el médico de urgencias necesita una consulta con un especialista, el especialista enviará la cuarta factura de la consulta.  Si una ambulancia llevó a la víctima de lesiones personales a la sala de emergencias, el viaje en ambulancia generará una quinta factura del día.  El tratamiento adicional para las lesiones trae más y más facturas, pérdida de salarios, disminución en el puntaje de crédito y pérdida de la tranquilidad.  En algún momento, las personas comienzan a sentirse impotentes y perdidas y comienzan a preguntar cómo encontrar un buen abogado de lesiones personales que los ayude a resolver las facturas, los daños a la propiedad, la pérdida de salarios.  Buscan “abogado de lesiones cerca de mí” y confían en los motores de búsqueda o en la referencia de amigos o familiares para encontrar el mejor abogado de lesiones personales.  A menudo recibimos referencias de antiguos clientes que nos envían a sus amigos o familiares para que les ayudemos.

Cuando los abogados de lesiones personales de Chicago de Zneimer & Zneimer se reúnen con clientes de lesiones por primera vez, a menudo recibimos carpetas o sobres grandes llenos de facturas médicas impagas.  Organizamos las facturas cronológicamente por fecha de servicio para determinar si tenemos una imagen completa del tratamiento médico hasta la fecha.  También comenzamos a investigar los hechos del accidente para determinar si hay testigos, cámaras u otros hechos que puedan ayudar a identificar a todas las partes responsables. Investigamos la ley aplicable y el seguro de las partes responsables para determinar si existe cobertura de seguro para el accidente con lesiones personales.  A veces, las compañías de seguros pueden tener exclusiones y encontrar cobertura de seguro puede convertirse en un desafío.

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¿Qué haría un perro normal?

Según la Ley de Control de Animales de Illinois, uno puede recuperar daños por lesiones personales por el ataque de un perro solo si el perro actuó sin provocación. La provocación se mide a través de los ojos de un “perro razonable” y la pregunta es si un perro normal habría atacado al demandante.  Kirkham v. Will, 311 Ill. App.3d 787 (2nd Dist. 2003).  No importa si una persona cree que su comportamiento no fue provocativo.  La pregunta es si un  perro normal encontraría tal conducta provocativa.   Al final, los humanos deciden cuál sería la reacción de un perro normal y, por lo tanto, la pregunta es si una persona razonable debería saber que un perro normal reaccionaría al evento precipitante.

La carga de probar la falta de provocación recae en la víctima de la mordedura de perro. La ley no distingue entre provocación intencionada o no intencionada: la provocación involuntaria puede provocar a un perro.

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The bicycle lawyers of  Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. in Chicago, have observed a concerning trend in the increasing use of electric bikes (e-bikes) and the corresponding rise in injuries. Bike paths and lanes, once tranquil routes for cyclists, are transforming into high-speed thoroughfares, rife with risks. E-bikes capable in some cases of traveling at speeds in excess of 30mph are riding in bike lanes which were originally intended for pedal bikes.  The higher speeds come with inherent dangers.

The change in bike path dynamics is notable. Cyclists are now navigating a more complex environment, where they must manage high-speed e-bikes passing by, while also dealing with parked cars on one side and traffic on the other. Additionally, motorists who have just parked and are exiting their cars or motorist making a right turn across a bike lane have to be more vigilant and aware of bicyclists who are farther away but traveling at higher speeds.  This situation is leading to a spike in accidents and injuries, many of which we are encountering in our practice.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s data showing a significant increase in micromobility-related emergency visits is alarming. These injuries often mirror those seen in motorcycle accidents, both in severity and complexity.

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The Illinois Supreme Court issued its decision in Alave v. City of Chicago. This case holds implications for the rights and safety of bicyclists in urban areas in Illinois.  Our team of bicycle injury lawyers at Zneimer & Zneimer represents bicyclists injured by potholes and has litigated issues of municipal liability when a person is injured on a street, sidewalk, or an alley.  Illinois law makes a distinction between intended and permitted user and does not recognize right of recovery for users on the road who are considered permitted but not intended.  Thus a bicyclist who is not on a bike path or bike designated street does not have a case against the city for damages caused by defect such as a pothole on the street because the law deems such bicyclists permitted but not intended users.  Permitted users have a cause of action.

In the Alave case, Clark Alave was riding his own bicycle near a Divvy bicycle sharing station when he hit a pothole, resulting in permanent injuries. The complaint alleged that the City was negligent in its maintenance of the roadway, which led to the formation of the pothole that caused Alave’s accident. The City, in its defense, argued that the specific roadway where the accident occurred was not intended for bicycle use, as it was not a designated bicycle route and lacked signs or markings for bicyclists​​.

Initially, the City of Chicago won a motion to dismiss, arguing that Clark Alave was a permitted user only and that the city is immune from liability for his injuries. The appellate court overturned the circuit court’s decision, considering several factors.  According to the court, City ordinances against sidewalk cycling implied that cyclists were expected to use the road. The presence of a Divvy bike station suggested the city’s endorsement of road use by cyclists in that area.

However, the Illinois Supreme Court ultimately reversed the appellate court’s decision, focusing on the lack of specific markings or signs indicating intended bicycle use on the road in question.  The Illinois Supreme Court focused on determining whether the plaintiff, a bicyclist, was an intended user of the roadway where he was injured. The Court examined the roadway’s physical characteristics, signage, and markings to assess the city’s intent. Ultimately, the Court concluded that without specific indicators like bike lanes or signs denoting intended bicycle use, the bicyclist was not an intended user under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, thus negating the city’s liability for the plaintiff’s injuries. This decision highlights the complexities surrounding municipal liability and road safety for cyclists. It emphasizes the need for clear indications of intended road use for bicyclists, such as designated bike lanes or signs.

The Illinois Supreme Court followed its precedent in  Boub v. Township of Wayne, which established that the intended use of a roadway is determined by physical manifestations such as signs, markings, and other indications. This precedent was crucial in determining whether a bicyclist is considered an intended user of a roadway, impacting the municipality’s duty to maintain the road safely for that use. The Court’s analysis in Alave v. City of Chicago heavily relied on this precedent to assess the intended use and corresponding municipal responsibility. Continue reading

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Dog-bite-and-trauma1-300x300While dog bites are often considered in terms of their physical impact, it is crucial to acknowledge the psychological trauma they can inflict. As a leading law firm in Chicago, Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. emphasizes the importance of understanding both the physical and emotional repercussions of dog bites and the role of legal representation in addressing these challenges.

Recent studies have delved into the long-term effects of dog bites, revealing that they can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe anxiety, especially in children. The trauma of a dog attack can result in lasting fears, nightmares, and emotional distress. This impact is often underestimated but can be as debilitating as the physical injuries themselves.

For victims of dog bites, therapy is a critical component of the recovery process. It helps address the psychological sequelae, including PTSD, anxiety, and other fear-induced responses. However, the costs of therapy and medical treatments can be a significant burden. This is where the role of a personal injury lawyer becomes vital.  The dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. will help you secure compensation for both medical and therapeutic treatments.

In cases of dog bites, identifying and holding the responsible party accountable is essential. Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. investigates these incidents, ensuring that the dog owner is identified and held responsible for the expenses incurred due to the bite, including therapy costs. This legal intervention is crucial for victims, particularly those without health insurance, as it helps in accessing necessary treatments without financial strain.

Apart from the direct medical expenses, dog bites can lead to indirect costs such as time lost from work or school, medications, and other related expenditures. The legal expertise of firms like Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. ensures that all these aspects are considered when seeking compensation, providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the consequences of a dog bite. Continue reading

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The dog bite lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. have litigated and settled many dog bite cases and from experience we have noticed that as surprisingly  high percentage of dog bite wounds become infected.  That is why it is it is important for dog bite victims must carefully monitor themselves after seeing the doctor for any signs of infection, redness around the bite site, pain to the touch, and fever. If signs of infection appear it is important  that the dog bite victim go to his doctor or to the hospital as soon as possible and not wait for the next scheduled appointment.

Dog bites can result in severe injuries, with the “hole and tear” effect of canine teeth causing significant damage, especially in younger victims. The biting force of dogs varies significantly, with some breeds capable of exerting extreme force. Pit bull bites and bites from larger dogs can be especially gruesome.  In fact according to the Center for Disease Control pit  bulls were involved in more fatal dog attacks than any other breed in a survey done from 1979 to 1998.

Dog-bite-germs2-300x300Another of the critical concerns in dog bite cases is the risk of infection. Injuries are often sutured when they should be left open, and there’s a challenge in administering the correct antimicrobial prophylaxis. Dog bite-related infections can be severe and polymicrobial, involving pathogens like Pasteurella and Bacteroides spp.  Some of these infections can even be life threatening and may require a hospital stay to fight the infection.

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The Illinois Supreme Court case of Galarza v. Direct Auto Insurance Co. represents a significant judicial decision impacting uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Illinois. This case arose from an incident where Cristopher Guiracocha, a minor, was injured by an uninsured motorist while riding his bicycle.  His father’s automobile insurer, Direct Auto Insurance denied coverage to Christopher arguing that he was not insured since he was on a bicycle and not in a vehicle at the time of the accident.

The Circuit Court initially granted summary judgment in favor of Direct Auto, agreeing with their argument that UM coverage did not apply as Cristopher was not an occupant of a covered vehicle at the time of the accident.

On appeal, the issue centered on whether the policy’s limitation of UM coverage to insureds occupying an “insured automobile” violated section 143a of the Illinois Insurance Code and was against public policy. The appellate court reversed the circuit court’s decision, finding that the policy’s terms were inconsistent with the statute and public policy, mandating broad UM coverage for “persons insured” under an auto insurance policy.

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If you have been bitten by a dog in Chicago, seeking immediate medical attention and contacting a personal injury lawyer like Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. is crucial. Dog bites can lead to severe infections due to the complex microbiology of the wounds, which often require professional legal and medical intervention.

Dog bites are more dangerous than they might appear. The microbiology of these wounds is typically polymicrobial, reflecting the oral flora of the dog, which includes a mix of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. These bacteria can originate from the dog’s mouth, the environment, or even the victim’s skin. The polymicrobial nature of these wounds makes them particularly susceptible to infections, which can be difficult to treat due to their complexity and the potential for resistant organisms.

Given the complexity of the microbiology involved in dog bite wounds, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite, even for those without health insurance. Early medical intervention can prevent severe infections and complications. Wounds can harbor a range of pathogenic bacteria, making timely and effective treatment essential to prevent serious health issues.

In the aftermath of a dog bite, a personal injury lawyer plays a pivotal role. Lawyers with expertise in dog bite cases, like Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., can help ensure that the responsible dog owner is identified and held accountable for the incident. This includes tracking down the owner and securing compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the bite. Continue reading

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