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Child Injuries and School Waivers Chicago

Many after school activities, particularly athletic activities, require parents to sign a waiver if they want their children to be able to participate. If their child is subsequently injured, they might be left to wonder if they are allowed to sue the school or other parties responsible for the injury. School sports waivers may contain fine print that appears to protect the school from a wide range of consequences in the event of an injury. Parents should take those waivers...

Child trampolines and water bottles recalled amid safety concerns

Recalls of defective children's products are common. Children are among the most vulnerable individuals to suffering serious personal injuries from poorly designed or manufactured consumer products such as toys or restraining devices. Two of the most recently recalled children's products are toddler trampolines and children's water bottles. The children's water bottles were sold at H&M stores. The bottles were manufactured in Italy and sold at H&M clothing stores with children's departments. The bottles are pink plastic with blue specs and...

Children Endangered by Falling Televisions

What sounds like a freak accident happens more than most people think. Every year, children suffer serious injuries or are killed by televisions falling and crushing them. Three Chicago-area children have died in recent accidents involving televisions. The issue is so prevalent that the Child Injury Prevention Alliance and the Center for Injury Research and Policy are joining together to conduct a nationwide survey of TV-related fatalities and injuries. Most people do not secure their televisions with safety straps or anchors....

Concussions are the next big litigation wave

The Associated Press reports that concussions are set to be the next wave of personal injury litigation in the United States. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by violent shaking or other trauma. Common sources of concussions include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Concussions are extremely common in contact sports such as rugby and football. A class action lawsuit was recently brought by retired professional football players against the NFL. The players allege that...

Compounding pharmacies facing tough scrutiny by officials

In our last post we discussed one of the most recent recalls issued by a compounding pharmacy. The recall was announced by the Food and Drug Administration after inspectors found particles contaminating vials of the Massachusetts-based pharmacy's products. Compounding pharmacies are facing an increasing amount of product liability litigation as more consumers become sickened by contaminated products. NBC News recently reported that the problem with unsanitary compounding pharmacies is widespread. The FDA claims that it does not have enough power...

OSHA Rule Delay Putting Workers At Risk

Workers on construction sites depend on OSHA rules and safety regulations to keep them safe on site. A new government study suggests that the agency takes an average of eight years to adopt new safety regulations. This could leave Chicago and Illinois workers vulnerable to serious accidents, injury, and preventable death. Critics believe that the setbacks are a result of procedural and political roadblocks that make the agency too cautious in setting new rules regarding dangerous chemicals and other on-the-job hazards. The...

Norfolk Southern Railway Co. Worker Injury Cases

In our last post we discussed a $932k fine imposed against Norfolk Southern Railway Co. for allegedly firing two injured workers. In both workers' cases, it appears that the railroad sought to limit its liability for their workplace injuries by alleging that the workers lied about the nature and seriousness of their injuries. One of the workers was a Decatur utility switchman who was injured when a train derailed in a train yard. The other worker was a Michigan-based trackman...

Downers Grove Brain Injury Victim Dies

A Downers Grove teen has died after suffering a severe brain injury in a bicycle accident. Authorities say that the 15-year-old boy was hit a truck while riding his bike last year and suffered a brain injury that left him unable to move. Despite enduring multiple surgeries and returning home, the teen had lost almost all movement in his body. The driver was convicted earlier last year of failing to yield to a pedestrian. He was sentenced to 300 hours...