Archive for category: Blog

CHICAGO, IL – Long-Term Care Planning Month encourages seniors and their loved ones to take a look at the potential need for these services in the future. While the future is unknown, exploring long-term care options will pay off in the long run when the services are needed rather than being blindsided and rushed to find a facility.

There are a variety of options available to seniors today than ever before. Here are five tips to keep in mind during Long-Term Care Planning Month:

1. Visualize your ideal senior living situation. It can be hard to find the right fit which is why you need to ask yourself critical questions like if you would prefer living in a single room or a companion suite? Would you like some type of outdoor space like a garden or walking paths? Is the facility near other family members so they are able to visit conveniently?
2. Take a look at your finances. Sitting down to figure out your finances can be a mundane task; however, it will help you have a better understanding of what you can afford on a monthly and annual basis.
3. Take the time to plan. Just like any other decision, it’s important to take your time while making the decision of where you may potentially live. Ensure that the type of nursing home or long-term care facility has activities and offers the level of support that you need and are looking for.
4. Meet with a professional advisor. This may include meeting with your elder law attorney who helps prepare legal documents who can spell out the appropriate level of care you will need and your preferences in treatment.
5. Imagine your life living in a long-term care facility. As with any change, it may take some time to settle in and feel “at home” again. It can be difficult being away from family and friends which is why you should ensure that the facility is in close proximity so they can visit as often as possible, either in-person or virtually!

Planning for the unknown can be difficult, but by going through the process of planning for long-term care that will eventually be needed, you and your family will have peace at mind knowing this is taken care of and will be less stressful when the time comes.

If you’d like to check out more information on nursing home information, check out the blog on our website! If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys today by calling (312) 384-1920.

CHICAGO, IL – If you’ve been summoned for jury duty, you may not be too thrilled; however, you serve an extremely important role in the court of law and ensuring justice is served. Not only is it a civic responsibility and legal obligation, but is one of the highest duties of American citizenship. While it may be an inconvenience, not everyone has the right to serve on a jury.

Who can serve as a juror?

To be eligible for jury service, you must be an American citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of the county you were summoned in, the ability to read, write and understand the English language. Convicted felons may not be eligible for jury service depending on the severity of the felony.

How are citizens selected to serve on a jury?

To be summoned for jury duty in Illinois, you must be a registered voter or had a valid driver’s license, an Illinois Identification Card or an Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card. Eligible citizens can be called once every twelve months.

How long does the jury selection process last?

While in court, you will be asked to take in oath in which you will answer all questions truthfully. A prospective juror may spend one day in court.

Can jury duty be postponed? 

If you’re unable to appear on the summons date, you’re able to ask for a postponement to a more convenient date which is normally a few months out from when you were originally summoned. Call the phone number that is listed on the summons and explain why you’re unable to appear.

I’m employed. What do I do now?

Under the law, you are legally protected against employer harassment or from being fired for responding to jury duty service; however, you must notify your employer in advance. Employers are not required by law to pay employees who take time off for jury service, although many employers opt to do so.

What happens if you don’t report for jury duty?

There are consequences if you were summoned for jury duty and don’t appear. You may be held in contempt of court and be fined and/or sent to jail.

How long do trials last?

Every case is different; therefore, the timeline of the trial differs from case to case. Trial may last a few days to a few weeks or months. The judge will inform jury members how long they anticipate the trial lasting.

What are key terms used in trials?

If you have previously served on a jury or will be, you’ll notice key terminology throughout the trial. Here’s a breakdown of the most common terms:

• Plaintiff – A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.
• Defendant – An individual, company or institution sued or accused in a court of law.
• Expert witness – A person who is permitted to testify at trial due to their special knowledge, proficiency or expertise in a particular field that is relevant to the case.
• Petit jury – A jury, typically of twelve people, who try the final issue of fact in civil or criminal cases and pronounce a verdict.
• Re-direct examination – Follows cross-examination by an attorney and is conducted by the part who first examined the witness.
• Rebuttal – The introduction, at an appropriate time during the trial, showing the statements of witnesses as to what occurred are not true.
• Deliberations – The period after evidence has been presented to the jury before they move to a special room to discuss the evidence for the first time heard during the trial to reach a decision or verdict.
• Polling the jury – Practice where jurors are asked individually whether they agreed and still agree to the verdict.
• Sentencing – The judge determines the sentence for someone found guilty of a criminal action including prison, city jail time, a fine, some form of probation or a conditional discharge.

CHICAGO, IL – Several Illinois nursing homes are being fined by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH released its second quarterly report which showed various nursing homes that were fined and violated the Nursing Home Care Act.

IDPH has determined the following Chicago, Illinois facilities and nursing homes violated the Nursing Home Care Act:

1. Aperion Care Chicago Heights
2. Aperion Care West Ridge
3. Ascension Living Resurrection Village – Life Center
4. Belhaven Nursing & Rehab Center
5. Bethesda Rehab & Senior Care
6. Bethany Retirement Community
7. Chicago Ridge Nursing & Rehab
8. Clark Manor
9. Estates of Hyde Park
10. Fargo Health Care Center
11. Lakeview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
12. Mayfield Care & Rehab Center
13. Norwood Crossing
14. Parkshore Estates Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center
15. Paul House & Healthcare Center
16. Prairie Manor Rehabilitation & Healthcare
17. Sheridan Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
18. Smith Village: Senior Living Community
19. Southpoint Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
20. Southview Manor
21. Symphony Midway
22. Symphony of Bronzeville
23. Symphony Chicago West
24. Wesley Place
25. West Chicago Terrace

To view the full report of facilities that have violated the Nursing Home Care Act, please click here.

Reporting nursing home abuse

More than 40% of nursing home residents have reported some form of abuse; in addition, 90% reported that they or another resident of the nursing home facility have been neglected. If you or your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in your nursing home, contact one of our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys today. We understand how traumatizing and difficult these circumstances are to navigate. Our team of skilled lawyers have the resources, experience and knowledge to hold those accountable and bring justice. Contact our firm today at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

CHICAGO, IL – Many people don’t understand what a personal injury lawyer exactly does or what constitutes a personal injury claim. You likely know that when someone is injured, they call a personal injury lawyer; however, do you know when to contact one yourself?

A personal injury claim may seek financial compensation for injuries resulting from an accident, medical malpractice or other factors.

The personal injury lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group handle a wide variety of personal injury claims. Illinois law can be complex, but our team knows how to successfully pursue damages in even the most complex cases. If you were injured due to another’s negligence, we may be able to help recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Common types of personal injury claims

Examples of the most common claims personal injury attorneys handle include:

• Auto Accidents
  Various forms of driver negligence can lead to auto accidents. These accidents may also result from employer negligence including if an employer fails to perform an adequate background back on its drivers. It may also include product defects such as defective brakes or lights.
• Slip and Fall Accidents
  Property owners have the duty to ensure that their property is hazard free and is safe from injuries. Examples of slip and fall accidents include failing to clean up a spill on failing to fix a broken handrail.
• Medical Negligence
  Medical malpractice can be very broad, but is alarmingly common. These types of causes normally involve unique circumstances, so it’s important to ask your attorney if they handle medical malpractice and personal injury cases since some do not.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Illinois?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years in Illinois. The two-year limit begins on the date that the injury occurred; however, the statute slight differs for medical negligence or medical malpractice cases. In cases of medical malpractice, the statute begins on the date of the injury, when you became aware of the injury or when you reasonably should have become aware of it.

When to contact a personal injury lawyer

If you suffered a serious injury due to the negligence of someone else, you should contact an attorney right away. The experienced team of personal injury attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group have the knowledge, resources, and skills available to fight for justice and hold negligent parties accountable. To receive a free consultation, call our office today at (312) 384-1920.

CHICAGO, IL – A deadly crash involving three vehicles shut down I-80 in Morris, Illinois on Friday. At least three vehicles, including semi-trucks, were involved. Illinois State Police stated there were two confirmed fatalities.

Illinois State Police District 5 near Joliet said troopers responded to the multi-vehicle crash. A vehicle in the westbound lane crashed into the rear-end of another vehicle, causing it to travel through the median and into the eastbound lanes, according to police. The car that had been struck and hit another vehicle had rolled over across the center median striking a fourth vehicle. A fifth vehicle was hit due to the debris from the crash.

I-80 was reopened around 5 a.m. Saturday.

Avoid risky driving: 7 tips

Nearly six million car accidents happen every year, according to DriverKnowledge.com. There are precautions you can take to avoid car accidents.

1. Don’t text or use your phone while driving
2. Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
3. Follow the speed limit
4. Keep a safe distance
5. Visually inspect your car before driving it (tires, gauges, gas and oil levels, etc.)
6. Ensure that you and all passengers are wearing a seatbelt
7. Use size and age-appropriate car seats for children