Blog | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Claim?

February 19, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – When a victim is sexually abused, it is vital that those parties involved are brought to justice. Often people think that only the individual perpetrators who directly committed the crime can be held liable; however, this is not the case. Sexual abuse often takes place in a setting where the perpetrator has a duty to the victim such as a church, school, doctor’s office or other similar place. Sometimes, related organizations or entities will work to cover up the sexual abuse that has taken place. And often the institution is negligent in failing to protect the victim and allowing the abuse to take place.

The sexual abuse lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group can help explain the liability involved with sexual abuse cases. Victims deserve to know the avenues that can bring them justice.

Child Sex Abuse Institutional Claims

These types of incidents occur when a sexual assault takes place between a child victim and a member of an organization that is supposed to be caring for the child. It’s also common in most of these cases to have an uneven power dynamic between the assailant and victim. For example, the assailant is an authority figure in the victim’s life. The assailant then abuses their power to manipulate and harm the victim.

Institutional sexual assault may occur:

At schools
Among members of sports teams
At mental health facilities
At juvenile detention centers or jails
At church
At daycare
After school care
Scouting organizations
Summer camps
When filing an institutional child sexual abuse claim, you are filing a lawsuit against the organization or institution that allowed the assault to take place.

Fiduciary Claims
An adult or child may have a claim against a trusted professional (known as a fiduciary) who commits sexual abuse or sexual assault. This occurs when professionals breach their fiduciary duty, or their duty to act in the best interests of another person.

This may occur if sexual assault is committed by:

A doctor or other healthcare provider
A therapist or psychiatrist
An attorney
A teacher
A dentist
If both an individual and an institution are guilty of committing sexual assault, the victim may be able to file dual claims to hold both the fiduciary and institutional parties responsible.

Legal Representation You Deserve

Many physical and emotional damages stem from sexual abuse. Some of these losses are physical and visible and some are invisible. If you or someone you love was a victim of sexual abuse, you and your family may have the right to seek damages for your losses in civil court. The sexual abuse lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group in Chicago, Illinois work closely with individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by sexual abuse. We are here to help and can stand by you every step of the way.

Fill out this form or call our firm today at (312) 384-1920 to learn about your legal options today.

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

February 19, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Dementia is a general term that refers to severe memory loss and problems with thinking, behavior and social skills that interfere with daily life. Dementia is a neurological condition that affects one in seven adults over age 71, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and makes up 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most cases of Alzheimer’s occur when people reach their 70s and 80s.

Although Alzheimer’s disease accounts for many dementia cases, other types of dementia are distinct from Alzheimer’s disease, including vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Alzheimer’s disease differs from other diseases involving dementia when it comes to its symptoms, effect on the brain, and treatments.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most prevalent type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is the fifth-leading cause of death for adults 65 and over. The illness is marked by difficulty remembering recent events. People with Alzheimer’s can usually recall the past, but have trouble remembering what transpired recently. An individual with Alzheimer’s disease may be able to tell you about their childhood in detail, but not about the previous day’s events. As the condition progresses, people can have challenges walking and talking, and may experience personality changes.

Physicians believe that a buildup of proteins in the brain causes Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease degrades neurons and their connections in parts of the brain involved in memory, and lesions form in the brain, preventing those affected from storing new memories. As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks. To treat Alzheimer’s, doctors prescribe medicine targeting the lesions in the brain.

In some cases, people can inherit a genetic predisposition for the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a parent with Alzheimer’s increases a person’s risk by between 10 percent and 30 percent. However, the Alzheimer’s Society reports that the genetic link is more robust in early-onset Alzheimer’s, where adults show symptoms beginning in their 60s.

Lewy Body Dementia

After Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common type of dementia; people with LBD often also have Alzheimer’s. LBD impairs areas of the brain involved in problem-solving and reasoning and is related to Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder affecting movement.

Symptoms of LBD include:

Disruption in rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, where most dreaming occurs.
Poor regulation of body functions due to problems with the autonomic nervous system.
Movement difficulties, such as rigid muscles and slow movement.
Visual hallucinations.
Cognitive issues, such as confusion, diminished attention, and memory loss.

In the brain, an abnormal buildup of proteins, known as Lewy bodies, causes LBD. These proteins are related to Parkinson’s. People with LBD also have the same kind of brain lesions as those with Alzheimer’s.

When individuals receive an LBD diagnosis, physicians often prescribe medications for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Like Alzheimer’s, advanced age is the most significant predictor of LBD. However, a stroke increases a person’s risk of developing the disease.

Vascular Dementia

Although vascular dementia shares symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss, there are significant distinctions. The characteristic symptom of vascular dementia is slow speaking and thinking, as well as trouble with problem-solving.

Vascular dementia can happen when a stroke blocks a blood vessel in the brain. In many cases, more strokes follow, and the symptoms become more severe with each additional stroke.

Conditions that harm blood vessels and impair circulation, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain, can also cause vascular dementia, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Treating vascular dementia typically encompasses treating the underlying conditions. For example, a person with hypertension might focus on taking steps to lower their blood pressure.

People who have vascular dementia tend to experience symptoms earlier than those with Alzheimer’s, as the onset of vascular dementia commonly happens between ages 60 and 75.

Other Types of Dementia

In addition to Alzheimer’s, LBD, and vascular dementia, many other types of dementia exist, including:

Frontotemporal dementia: Impairs the front and sides of the brain. People with frontotemporal dementia tend to develop the disease younger than those with other forms of dementia. The average age of onset is between 45 and 65.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Occurs when proteins infect the brain and cause problems with cognition, memory, balance, speech, vision, and mobility. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is fatal, with most people passing away within a year of diagnosis.
Huntington’s disease: A genetic condition that causes dementia. People can inherit Huntington’s from parents with the disease.

There are many organizations you can reach out to for support and to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, such as the Alzheimer’s Assocation or the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.

Illinois DCFS Launches Study of Child Protection Services

February 19, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will undergo an operations study to better its policies and services, including how administrators investigate and respond to child abuse and neglect allegations.

The study will be led by the Center for Innovation in Population Health (IPH Center) at the University of Kentucky with the support from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University.

A project team will gather information on issues facing the child welfare system in Illinois through a series of programs ―Precision Analytics, Safe Systems and Workforce Development. During the study, an advisory board of 13 members will show input and leadership to the project team about DCFS operations as they work to deliver a final report.

The study will take course over a two-year period with recommendations sent to DCFS throughout, so immediate action can be taken where needed.

The study comes alongside the release of The Illinois Child Welfare Insights Tool, a new online data dashboard available to the public with near real-time information used by DCFS administrators.

Data from the last 12 months shows how many DCFS reports have been taken, the statistics of what children and families experience while receiving services and percentages by county of healthcare administered to children and living situation insights.

This is the first time the public, including child welfare advocates and the families receiving services, have had online access to this real-time data.

How Big of a Problem is Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States?

Child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). At least 1 in 7 children have experience child abuse or neglect in the past year in the U.S. This is likely an underestimate because many cases go unreported. In 2020, 1,750 children died of abuse and neglect in America.

Experiencing poverty can place a lot of stress on families, which may increase the risk for child abuse and neglect. Rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status.

In the U.S., the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was nearly $592 billion in 2018. This economic burden rivals the cost of other high-profile public health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

What Are the Consequences?

Children who are abused and neglected may suffer immediate physical injuries such as cuts, bruises or broken bones. They may also have emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety or posttraumatic stress.

Over the long term, children who are abused or neglected are also at increased risk for experiencing future violence victimization and perpetration, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment and limited employment opportunities.

Chronic abuse may result in toxic stress, which can change brain development and increase the risk for problems like posttraumatic stress disorder and learning, attention and memory difficulties.

How to Prevent Abuse and Neglect

Certain factors may increase or decrease the risk of perpetrating or experiencing child abuse and neglect. To prevent child abuse and neglect violence, we must understand and address the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence. The CDC developed a Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Resource for Actionto help communities use the best available evidence to prevent child abuse and neglect. This resource can impact individual behaviors and relationships, family, community and societal factors that influence risk and protective factors for child abuse and neglect.

Different types of violence are connected and often share root causes. Child abuse and neglect are linked to other forms of violence through shared risk and protective factors. Addressing and preventing one form of violence may have an impact on preventing other forms of violence.

The Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse

February 6, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that has long-lasting effects on the victim. The impact of such abuse is both physical and emotional and can cause severe mental trauma in the long run.

What is Sexual Abuse?

The law clearly defines sexual abuse as any sexual act performed against another person without their consent. This ranges from inappropriate touching to child molestation to rape. In Illinois, sexual abuse and assault are crimes punishable by jail or prison time, fines, mandatory sex offender registration and other penalties.

Examples of Sexual Abuse

Some examples of sexual abuse include:

Inappropriate touching includes things like fondling, groping or sexually touching another person against their will.
Sexual harassment which includes unwanted sexual comments, advances, touching and indirect actions leading to a hostile work environment.
Molestation/child molestation involving sexual advances or touching.
Sexual assault that includes anyone who engages in sexual activity with another person through force (including the use of a deadly weapon) or the threat of force has committed sexual assault.
Sexual battery which is making sexual contact with another person through force/threat of force, by using a deadly weapon or when the victim is mentally disabled.
Rape which constitutes sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person or when a victim is unable to give consent.
Statutory rape which is sexual intercourse without consent.

Sexual Violence Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the following:

Sexual violence is common. Over 1 in 2 women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. 1 in 4 women and about 1 in 26 men have experienced completed or attempted rape. 1 in 3 women and about 1 in 9 men experienced sexual harassment in a public place.
Sexual violence starts early. More than 4 in 5 female rape survivors reported that they were first raped before age 25, and almost half were first raped as a minor (i.e., before age 18). Nearly 8 in 10 male rape survivors reported that they were made to penetrate someone before age 25, and about 4 in 10 were first made to penetrate as a minor.
Sexual violence disproportionately affects some age groups. Women and racial and ethnic minority groups experience a higher burden of sexual violence. For example, more than 2 in 5 non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native and non-Hispanic multiracial women were raped in their lifetime.
Sexual violence is costly. Recent estimates put the lifetime cost of rape at $122,461 per survivor, including medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice activities and other costs.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Sexual Violence?

There are various long-term physical effects that can happen after sexual violence has taken place. One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of sexual abuse is the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which can cause long-term damage to the body if left untreated. Apart from STDs, as a result of the physical trauma, sexual abuse victims are also at risk of increased:

Chronic pain manifests as headaches, muscle aches and joint pain. These symptoms can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety making them difficult to manage.
Gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation and diarrhea. These issues can be triggered by anxiety and stress, which can be common after experiencing trauma.
Sexual dysfunction or hypersexuality.
Substance abuse can be a dangerous cycle and exacerbate mental health issues and lead to physical harm.
Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and autoimmune disorders. While the links between trauma and chronic illness are not fully understood, it is important to recognize the impact that sexual abuse can have on physical health.

What are the Long-Term Emotional and Mental Effects?

Sexual abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on a person’s emotional well-being. The trauma caused by sexual abuse can stay with a person for years or even a lifetime. A victim of sexual abuse may experience the following:

Difficulty with trusting people which can manifest in a variety of ways, such as difficulty with intimate relationships or reluctance to share personal information with others. Survivors may struggle with feelings of betrayal and may worry about the potential for further abuse.
Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are common among survivors. These symptoms can be difficult to manage and may last long after the abuse has ended.
Guilt and shame which can lead to a sense of worthlessness and may cause survivors to withdraw from social interactions.
Substance abuse is a way many survivors self-medicate to cope with the overwhelming emotions caused by the abuse.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Survivors of sexual abuse are a high risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and intense anxiety.

Importance of Hiring a Compassionate Sexual Abuse Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A compassionate sexual abuse attorney can help you fight for justice and compensation. They understand the long-term effects of sexual abuse and can help you navigate the legal system. A compassionate attorney will also provide you with the emotional support needed to heal from the trauma.

The idea of standing up to your abuser may be intimidating or even downright frightening. At the Dinizulu Law Group, we understand this. When you put our experienced, aggressive, and powerful Chicago, Illinois sexual abuse attorneys on your side, you have an entire team of dedicated advocates fighting for you. Fill out this form or call us at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation.

Medications That Can Impair Your Driving Abilities

February 6, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – When driving on the roadway, drivers must always be alert and focused on what’s ahead of them. Most people know that substances, including alcohol, can significantly impair their driving ability. However, many do not realize that prescription or over-the-counter medications can also impair their driving ability. While many medications are legal, safe and effective treatments for various ailments, they can affect a driver’s reaction time, judgment and coordination.

How Can Medication Affect My Driving?

People use medicines for a variety of reasons, including high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, depression and much more.

Medicines include medications that your doctor prescribes and over-the-counter medications that you buy without a doctor’s prescription. Many individuals also take herbal supplements. Some of these medicines and supplements may cause a variety of reactions that may make it more difficult for you to drive a car safely. These reactions may include sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slowed movement, fainting, inability to focus or pay attention, or nausea.

What Medications Can Impair Someone’s Driving Ability?

The top 5 medications that can impair your driving include:

Sleep Medications
Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk. Prescription and over-the-counter medications designed to help aid sleep can cause extreme drowsiness and other side effects that can impede driving ability. Some sleep medications include common products like Lunesta, Ambien and Benadryl. It’s essential to stay away from these medications before hitting the road.
Anti-Depressants
Anti-depressants can affect a person’s response time and cause drowsiness. These drugs may impair judgment, which can lead to reckless driving and result in an accident. These medications can cause difficulty focusing, difficulty seeing, and dizziness. Some examples of anti-depressants include Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. It is crucial to monitor your reaction when taking these medications and speak with your doctor before driving.
Painkillers
These are medications commonly used to control chronic pain symptoms. Painkillers like oxycodone, morphine, and codeine can severely affect a person’s motor and cognitive skills. The effects of painkillers can mimic the effects of alcohol, which can lead to impairment.
Allergy Medication
Allergy medication may seem like the perfect solution to overcome a runny nose or sneezing. However, most allergy medications have side effects such as drowsiness and fatigue. Medications like Zyrtec and Claritin are common over-the-counter options found to cause dizziness and difficulty concentrating while driving.
Anti-Anxiety Medication
Anti-anxiety medications like Ativan, Valium and Xanax are designed to help people deal with anxiety and its symptoms. The side effects of these medications include drowsiness, confusion and slowed reaction time. Additionally, it can take some time for the medication to work, so it is critical to wait and make sure it’s safe for you to drive before operating a vehicle.

Chicago, Illinois Car Accident Attorneys

It’s normal to feel like you can drive while on medication, especially if it has been prescribed by your physician. However, the side effects of these medications can manifest into serious driving hazards and potentially lead to an accident. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the potential side effects of these medications, speak to your physician and never drive if you feel even a little off. Remember, your safety and the safety of everyone on the road are of utmost importance.

Contact the Dinizulu Law Group as soon as you can after an accident to ensure your case is filed before the statute of limitations expires. Fill out this form or call us at (312) 384-1920 to get legal guidance today.

How to Pick the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer in Illinois

January 30, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Wrongful death cases are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The CDC reported more nearly 201,000 unintentional deaths in 2020 alone.

The surviving spouse or family member can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party for the loss of their loved one. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Illinois will assist you in preparing your lawsuit. Continue to read this week’s blog to learn what to look for in a wrongful death attorney to help you with your claim.

How Does Illinois Law Define Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs from someone’s negligence or wrongful act. Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act provides financial compensation for family members of the victim who have lost income and suffered emotional distress because of their loved one’s death.

A jury will determine whether a person, company or corporation is liable for fair and just damages. The court distributes the recovered amount to the victim’s spouse and next of kin. If there is no close family member of the victim, personal representatives and medical personnel who cared for the victim can receive wrongful death damages because of the victim’s death.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful deaths can occur for various reasons, such as work hazards, medical malpractice, defective equipment and auto accidents. While a wrongful death lawsuit cannot bring a loved one back, it can help ease some of the burden by ensuring those responsible are held accountable. It also ensures survivors won’t have to struggle financially.

Some of the most common personal injury accidents covered by The Wrongful Death Act include:

Car Accidents
Distracted drivers, drunk drivers and others who disregard traffic signals and posted speed limits contribute to auto accidents in Illinois.
Truck Accidents
Trucks are 20 to 30 times larger than passenger vehicles which increases the risk of a painful death in an accident. Large trucks accounted for 9 percent of all fatal collisions in the U.S.
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors, including a failure to monitor anesthesia, can cause wrongful death during surgery and treatment. A doctor or the hospital may be liable for monetary damages if you lose a loved one due to their negligence.

Nursing homes must provide adequate staffing levels and follow all necessary protocols and procedures to protect patients. A nursing home and its staff responsible for patient care may be held liable for the death of your loved one if they fail to perform their duty.

What to Look for in a Wrongful Death Lawyer

A wrongful death attorney should have extensive experience and a successful track record recovering compensation when handling your case. They should also be communicative and compassionate and understand what you and your family are dealing with after such a tragic loss.

When researching a wrongful death lawyer near you, you should look for their track record of success in securing compensation, have a consistent online presence to prove their credibility and make sure they have a positive reputation.

You should also reach out to your network and meet with several attorneys before you choose the best one for your case.

Some tips to get you started include:

Ask friends and family for a referral.
Check out online reviews.
Schedule a consultation. Make sure to ask them the following questions:
- How many years of personal injury or wrongful death practice do you and your firm have?
- How many settlements and trials do you have experience with?
- What is your annual wrongful death caseload?
- What is your frequency of handling cases similar to mine?
- How many years of business do you have in the community and region?
- How many years do you have of active membership in bar associations and professional organizations?
- What is the fee structure for the settlement process and do you take a certain percentage?
Look for specialized knowledge for your case. Ask them about the specific experience they have in wrongful death cases. If your case involves medical malpractice, make sure to find a lawyer with knowledge and experience working on medical malpractice cases.

Contacting a Local Chicago, Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney

Our team of experienced and credible attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group is here to help you and discuss the circumstances of your loved one’s death, determine liability and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Get in touch with us by filling out this form or by calling (312) 384-1920 to learn more about our legal services and how we can assist you with your wrongful death case.

How to Win at Mediation

January 30, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Mediation is a popular way to resolve legal conflicts outside of a courtroom in Illinois. Using the mediation process allows both parties to work together toward a settlement they can agree on. In this week’s blog, we discuss tips on how to win at mediation if you become injured in an accident in Illinois and file a personal injury claim.

Understanding the Mediation Process

Knowing what mediation is and understanding the steps in the process is a good way to start. A mediator works as a neutral go-between for communication and negotiation between both parties in the case. The mediator is not allowed to take sides. Instead, they guide the opposing parties toward an agreeable settlement.

In Illinois, the parties in most personal injury cases must participate in the mediation process. Preparing for the mediation session is simpler if you understand how it works.

Strategies That Can Help You Win at Mediation

The key to mediation strategies is advanced preparation. If you want your mediation session to be a success, taking the following steps is helpful:

Gather your evidence and all the documents you might need for your case. You need medical records, police reports and insurance policies. Write down your goals to solve the problem and what’s important to you. How can mediation help you achieve these goals? Are you willing to make compromises to reach a mediation agreement?
Ensure you communicate clearly and listen to the other side’s arguments. When you can communicate your wishes better and understand the other side’s viewpoint, you can reach an agreement sooner.

Why Timing is Important in Mediation

Deciding when to go to mediation is a decision that can impact the successful resolution of your case. For example, if medical expenses and treatments are incomplete, the injured party should wait until their doctor releases them from care before entering mediation. If the injured person acts too quickly, they can face a financial burden if they settle too soon. If their treatment wasn’t finished when they began their case and they settle without considering future expenses, they’ll be unable to obtain more money later.

In addition, parties become more stubborn in their positions the longer they wait to resolve the case. Reaching a solution and getting both parties to agree can be difficult when emotions and tensions escalate over time. When the parties enter their mediation session soon after the claim is filed, they are more apt to talk freely, and amicable negotiations will be more likely.

During mediation, both sides should communicate freely to reach an agreement and calmly resolve their differences. The mediator’s job is to facilitate non-confrontational discussions between the parties. By law, the parties must spend at least three hours in mediation unless an agreement is reached.

Communicating Effectively with a Strong Opening Statement

The mediator introduces the parties, explains the rules that govern mediation and has the parties sign confidentiality agreements. The parties will then make their opening statements. Each party can present its theory of the case and explain what they want to achieve through mediation.

Acting respectfully and openly is important during mediation. If you remain calm and reasonable during this mediation process, it can go more smoothly, and it’s possible that an agreement can be reached. The mediator’s job is to encourage open communication, facilitate an exchange of ideas and offers and help the two parties reach an agreement that benefits everyone.

Remembering that the mediator does not judge or take sides is also essential. Their job is to maintain a calm, non-combative environment where the parties can attempt to compromise. Rather than blaming or attacking the other party, working together to solve your differences can resolve your disagreement successfully.

Your opening statement must explain your expectations and goals for mediation clearly and concisely. It should outline the evidence that supports your position and explain why you deserve the amount of money you demand.

How to Navigate a Mediation Session

A seasoned lawyer will prepare you for the mediation before the session begins. They will also likely discuss their strategy with you for getting the best possible result. Your attorney will understand how to “stack the deck” by offering some information upfront but holding some crucial information or evidence in reserve to use later at a more effective time in the mediation.

Additionally, your lawyer will understand that mediations have an ebb and flow. Depending on the offers made by your opponent, the best strategy might be to push forward and be more aggressive in maintaining your stance. At other times, it may be a better strategy to soften your stance.

Being flexible and adaptable in mediation will help you and the other side find a solution that is acceptable to everyone.

Winning at Mediation

You don’t necessarily get everything you want when you win at mediation. Instead, winning can be:

Finding a solution both parties can accept, considering their interests and needs.
Keeping the proceedings confidential.
Finding a more creative and collaborative way to resolve disagreements.
Saving time and money.

An experienced mediator can assist both parties in finding a beneficial solution. Creating an agreement that satisfies both parties helps obtain closure for the parties involved.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

Find out more about using mediation to resolve your personal injury case. By getting help from a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can avoid the lengthy process, stress, the expense of going to court and your claim may be resolved quickly so you can go on with your life. In addition, you’ll benefit from having an experienced attorney shouldering the burden of your case, determining the best way to prove you deserve compensation, and using their firm’s resources to gather all available evidence to support your claim.

Call the Chicago, Illinois personal injury lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group at (312) 384-1920 or fill out this form for a free consultation to learn how we can help you with mediation in your case.

Are Senior Drivers More at Risk of Causing a Car Accident?

January 30, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. has approximately 48 million licensed drivers 65 and older, according to the CDC. This number has increased by nearly 70 percent in the past two decades. Although older adults who drive remain independent and mobile, the risk of causing a car accident rises as senior citizens age. As people age, their vision, hearing, reflexes, memory and cognitive ability may decline, potentially making driving more dangerous for older adults.

People injured in accidents caused by elderly drivers may have the right to pursue financial recovery for their harm and loss. To learn more about your rights and options after a collision with an elderly driver, contact our seasoned team of car accident lawyers for more information.

Do Elderly Drivers Cause More Car Accidents?

The rate of driver involvement in fatal crashes decreased for each older age group until the 75-and-older age group, per the National Safety Council. Drivers 19 and under had the highest rate of involvement in fatal traffic accidents out of any age group. Rates steadily decreased for all age groups until the 65 to 74 group, with the lowest rate of any age group at 23.79 male drivers per 100,000 licensed drivers and 7.47 female drivers per 100,000 licensed drivers. However, male drivers 75 and older had a fatal accident involvement rate of 25.91 per 100,000 licensed drivers, and female drivers 75 and older had an involvement rate of 10.11 per 100,000 licensed drivers.

While elderly drivers have decades of driving experience to draw upon, they may experience physical and cognitive declines that make driving more challenging. Older drivers may experience worsening vision, loss of hearing and slowed reflexes which can lead to poorer driving skills. Elderly drivers may also have memory problems that cause them to forget simple driving tasks like signaling before turning or changing lanes. Drivers experiencing the early stages of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive issues may get lost or become confused while driving. Elderly drivers may also become fatigued more easily, putting them at risk of drowsy driving or falling asleep behind the wheel.

Common Causes of Senior Driver Crashes

Senior drivers may have physical or cognitive issues that reduce their driving abilities and put them at risk of causing a motor vehicle accident. Some of the top causes of elderly driver-car accidents include:

Backing up without looking behind
Braking unexpectedly
Distracted driving
Drowsy/fatigued driving
Drifting out of the lane or the yellow line
Failing to keep pace with traffic
Failing to follow the speed limit
Failing to yield the right of way
Making illegal or improper turns or lane changes
Putting the car in the wrong gear
Running red lights or stop/yield signs
Tailgating/following too closely
Traveling the wrong way or getting lost due to memory or cognitive issues
Turning or changing lanes without signaling or checking mirrors

Types of Accidents Involving Senior Drivers

The physical and cognitive challenges that an elderly driver may experience may cause them to get into various kinds of traffic accidents, such as:

Head-on collisions: Senior drivers who drift over the center line/median or travel the wrong way down the road may have a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
Parking lot/driveway accidents: Senior drivers may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians when pulling out of a parking space or driveway without checking their surroundings before putting the car in motion.
Pedestrian/bicycle accidents: Older drivers may hit cyclists or pedestrians if they fail to yield the right of way, run red lights/stop signs, or drive in a bike lane or on the sidewalk.
Rear-end collisions: Senior drivers may rear-end other vehicles if they have trouble judging a safe distance from the vehicle ahead or if they fail to notice traffic slowing down or stopping. Older drivers may get rear-ended if they unexpectedly brake or stop without reason.
Road departure accidents: An elderly driver may run off the road if they drive while fatigued, fall asleep behind the wheel or suffer a medical emergency.
Side-impact/T-bone collisions: Elderly drivers who run red lights or stop signs may get into T-bone accidents.
Sideswipe collisions: Older drivers may sideswipe other vehicles if their cars drift out of the lane into adjacent vehicles.

Injured By a Senior Driver? Talk to Our Experienced Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys Today

When you’ve suffered injuries and property damage in a car accident caused by an elderly driver, get legal help to pursue the financial recovery you need for your medical bills and other expenses. Contact the Dinizulu Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Chicago, Illinois, car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Fill out this form or call (312) 384-1920 to get started today!

Top 10 Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents

January 30, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Truck accidents are more deadly than most other types of vehicle accidents including car accidents. The size, weight and mass of a truck mean that when a truck and a smaller vehicle collide, the smaller vehicle will absorb most of the force of the collision.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), with help from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), keeps data on why deadly traffic accidents happen. In 2020, the FMCSA reported the following causes of deadly truck accidents for single and multiple-vehicle truck accidents.

Single-vehicle truck crashes involve truck jackknives; truck rollovers; and colliding with stationary objects including lane dividers, traffic poles, and other objects. The top five causes of single-vehicle truck crashes for 2020 were:

Driver impairment (drunk driving, driver fatigue and other types of impairment): 131 crashes, accounting for 13.5 percent of all fatal crashes.
Speeding: 120 crashes, accounting for 12.4 percent of all fatal truck accidents.
Negligence (improper driving, driving without due care, careless driving, and inattentive operation): 86 fatalities, accounting for 8.9 percent of all deadly truck accidents.
Driver distraction/inattention (texting while driving, cell phone use, eating, drinking, and more): 82 deaths, accounting for 8.4 percent of all fatal truck accidents.
Overcorrecting: 55 deaths, accounting for 5.7 percent of all truck crash fatalities.

Other causes of single-truck accidents include vision obscurity, improper lane usage, and failure to yield the right of way.

The five leading causes of multi-vehicle crashes (crashes with at least one other vehicle) for 2020 were:

Any type of speeding: 6.1 percent
Failure to yield the right of way: 4.5 percent
Driver distraction: 4.4 percent
Impairment: 3.1 percent
Improper lane usage: 2.9 percent

Nearly nine percent of truck fatalities in 2020 involved at least one moving violation. About 48 percent of truck deaths in 2020 involved at least one driver-related factor.

Who is liable for a deadly truck accident in Illinois?

Often, one or more trucking companies or businesses are liable for a truck accident, in addition to the truck driver. Some of these additional defendants may include:

The trucking company that employed the truck driver.
The owner of the truck, if different from the truck driver, may also be liable.
A manufacturer of a defective truck part, such as defective brakes.
A trucking broker that arranged the shipment.
Any mechanic who may have provided a faulty repair to a vehicle.

How to file a wrongful death claim after an Illinois truck accident

Our truck accident lawyers understand just how devastating the death of a loved one is – especially when your loved one’s death was preventable. Our wrongful death attorneys understand the unique issues involved with wrongful death claims. These issues include determining who the beneficiaries are, who can file the claim, what happens if there are criminal charges, how you prove the defendants are liable and what damages can be awarded.

No amount of money can fully compensate victims for the death of a loved one. We seek the maximum amount of compensation Illinois permits to hold the wrongdoers accountable, pressure the responsible drivers and truck companies to take corrective actions, and help families live their best lives possible – the lives your loved one would have wanted for you.

Our team of experienced attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group have tried numerous cases. We investigate all of our cases thoroughly to determine exactly what caused the accident, if state or federal regulations were violated, and who should be held accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and begin the process of getting the compensation you deserve. Fill out this form or call (312) 384-1920 to get started immediately.

Most Common Skin Cancer Misdiagnoses

January 30, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Early detection is vital for skin cancer, yet misdiagnosis remains alarmingly frequent. These medical oversights can lead to grave outcomes and the need for legal recourse.

If you suspect a misstep in your diagnosis, a skilled Illinois cancer misdiagnosis lawyer could be your strongest ally. Continue to read this week’s blog for an overview of the most common skin cancer misdiagnoses and their implications.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer arises from the abnormal growth of skin cells due to DNA damage, often inflicted by harmful radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This aberrant DNA behavior triggers rapid, uncontrolled skin cell multiplication, leading to malignant tumors.

Recent statistics indicate a rise in melanoma misdiagnoses which emphasizes the integral role physicians play in monitoring skin changes. Immediate attention to anomalies, like irregularly shaped lesions or mole alterations, can mean the difference between early treatment and dire consequences.

Different types of skin cancer

Skin cancer comes in several distinct forms, which can primarily be classified under the following headings:

Melanoma
- Nearly 100,000 cases annually in the U.S.
- Though less frequent, malignant melanoma is dangerous due to its spreading capacity.
- Often found on sun-exposed areas like the face and limbs.
Non-Melanoma including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
  - Originates from basal cells deep within the skin.
  - Common on sun-exposed regions like the head and neck.
  - Appears as a pearly bump or flat, flesh-color lesion.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  - Comes from the squamous cells in the epidermis.
  - Often found on parts like the face and hands.
  - Identified by a firm, red nodule or flat, scaly lesion.

Between melanoma and non-melanoma varieties like squamous cell carcinomas, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States.

Most common skin cancer misdiagnoses

The complexity of many skin conditions can make it hard to recognize skin cancer with certainty. While diligent diagnosis is key, certain types of skin cancer can be mistaken for other benign or non-cancerous skin conditions.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Misdiagnoses
- Benign cysts: These are closed pockets of tissue that may be filled with fluid, pus, or other materials and can appear similar to basal cell carcinoma.
- Harmless lesions: Some other skin lesions or spots can mimic the appearance of BCC, leading to confusion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Misdiagnoses
- Eczema: A condition that makes the skin red and itchy; eczema is common and often manifests as inflamed patches that can easily be confused with squamous cell carcinoma.
- Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition that causes cells to build up rapidly on the skin’s surface, forming scales and red patches that are sometimes painful.
Melanoma Misdiagnoses
- Benign moles: While moles are generally harmless, any change in size, shape, color, or feel can be indicative of melanoma; that said, not all moles are cancerous, which can result in misdiagnosis of skin cancer.

Because these conditions can all resemble skin cancers, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist about any sudden or suspicious skin changes.

Does a skin cancer misdiagnosis qualify as medical malpractice?

Medical professionals are held to certain standards to ensure patient safety. When it comes to diagnosing skin cancer, a deviation from these standards that results in harm might be deemed medical malpractice.

The medical field has established protocols for diagnosing various conditions, including cancer. These protocols are known as the “standard of care.” In potential malpractice cases, expert witnesses in dermatology help define the standard and assess whether it was met. If there’s a breach of this standard, a patient might have grounds for a malpractice claim.

Accurate diagnosis is essential, given the diverse nature of common skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Each has its specific diagnostic approach and any lapses can lead to potentially life-threatening consequences.

When the standard of care isn’t upheld, patients should know they have the right to seek compensation for any resulting harm. If you’re considering opening a skin cancer misdiagnosis claim, it’s advisable to enlist the aid of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Illinois.

Medical mistakes that can delay the diagnosis of skin cancer

The prompt and accurate diagnosis of skin cancer is imperative for effective treatment and a favorable prognosis; however, various medical mistakes can hinder or delay diagnosis. Some of the most common errors include the following:

Lack of dermatological expertise
Overlooking visual clues
Neglecting biopsies
Overlooking patient history
Inadequate screening recommendations
Delayed specialist referrals
Misclassification
Poor follow-up
Pathological errors

Awareness of these common mistakes is essential for both healthcare providers and patients to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and pave the way for effective treatment.

Dinizulu Law Group: Your Ally in Skin Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

Misdiagnosed melanoma or other skin cancers can have severe, life-altering implications. Our team of dedicated attorneys understands medical misdiagnosis is necessary for ensuring that your case receives the consideration it deserves.

The aftermath of a skin cancer misdiagnosis can be emotionally draining and legally demanding. Our attorneys will prove indispensable during this time by collecting evidence, collaborating with medical professionals and ensuring you receive the rightful compensation for your misdiagnosis.

The veteran team at the Dinizulu Law Group is dedicated to ensuring your medical malpractice case is handled skillfully and with due care. Fill out this form or call us at (3312) 384-1920 for an initial consultation.