Uncategorized | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Understanding the Nursing Home Reform Act

March 28, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Nursing home abuse is a widespread issue that has plagued the industry for decades. Unfortunately, addressing abuse within facilities continues to be challenging for various reasons including fear of retaliation. Others may be unable to file complaints due to physical or mental limitations.

If you or your elderly loved one is experiencing elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home, understanding the fundamentals of Nursing Home Reform Act and other Illinois elder abuse laws can empower you to protect their rights, health and well-being.

What is the Nursing Home Reform Act?

The Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) is a federal law enacted in 1987 to establish the fundamental rights of seniors residing in nursing homes, protect them from abuse and neglect, and ensure they receive quality care.

The NHRA law covers nursing homes receiving funding from Medicare or Medicaid payments and requires them to meet specific minimum care standards. The NHRA created a Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights for those living in covered facilities. These rights include:

The right to be treated with dignity and respect
Freedom from abuse, mistreatment and neglect
Freedom from physical restraints
The right to manage one’s own finances or designate someone of their choice to do so
The right to privacy
The right to have personal belongings and property
The right to be informed of one’s medical conditions and to consult a doctor of their choice
The right to refuse medications and treatments
The right to a choice as to schedule and activities
The right to an environment that provides maximum comfort and independence
And many more

View the document from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for an in-depth explanation on nursing home resident’s rights.

Standards set by the NHRA

The NHRA enacted several requirements to protect seniors’ health, safety and well-being in nursing homes which require facilities to provide the following:

Proper nutrition for their residents
Proper preparation and administration of prescribed medications
Comprehensive and personalized care plans for each resident
Assessments for all residents with continual updates
Pharmaceutical services
Nursing services
Rehabilitation services
Social services
Sufficient staffing based on the ideal ratio of staff to residents
A full-time social worker for nursing homes with over 120 beds

How is the NHRA enforced?

To enforce the NHRA, Congress tied federal funding with a facility’s adherence to the rules and regulations set forth by legislation. States are responsible for monitoring and evaluating their nursing homes. They are mandated to perform random, unannounced surveys of nursing home facilities once every 15 months. They must look into the quality of care and services in residents’ welfare and quality of life. When complaints are mad, the state government is tasked with conducting an investigation.

Taking the first step toward protecting your elderly loved one

While the Nursing Home Reform Act provided much-needed surveillance of nursing homes receiving federal funding, abuse and neglect still occurs. Unfortunately, most of these case go unreported for unknown reasons. Others may not be able to pursue legal action due to limitations.

The good news? There are several steps you can take if you suspect that you or your elderly loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect. To begin, you need to report the abuse to authorities such as your local police, your county’s Adult Protective Services or the Illinois Department of Public Health can help keep a victim safe.

Your next course of action should be to contact an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney in Illinois. To better understand your legal options, get a free case evaluation today by calling (312) 384-1920 and take the necessary steps toward fighting for your or your loved one’s right to quality care.

Fake Diagnoses Hide High Rates of Drugging at Nursing Homes

March 6, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The use of antipsychotic drugs as a way to control residents have plagued the nursing home industry for decades. In 2021, a New York Times investigation revealed nearly 21% of nursing home residents – almost 225,000 people – are on antipsychotic drugs showing these powerful drugs are being overused in nursing homes.

The Biden administration announced in January they would ramp up oversight of nursing home patients with a schizophrenia diagnosis to help reduce the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications in facilities.

In January, CMS targeted off-site audits to properly assess and code residents diagnosed as schizophrenic. The agency mentioned “erroneous diagnoses increase the risk of poor care and of inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications” (Bloomberg Law). Bloomberg also found nearly 80% of Medicare long-stay nursing home residents were receiving some type of psychotropic drug including antipsychotics, anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers amongst others.

David Blakeney, 63, was at being seen by a home doctor that wanted him on an antipsychotic medication called Haldol, a powerful sedative. But, there was no evidence Mr. Blakeney had schizophrenia.

Antipsychotics have been known and faced criticism for decades as “chemical straightjackets,” otherwise known as chemical restraints. Chemical restraints are dangerous for elder adults with dementia, nearly doubling their change of death from heart problems, infection, falls and other ailments. Understaffed nursing homes often use sedatives to control residents so facility’s can get by without hiring more help, leaving nurses overworked and exhausted to care for residents.

What are the risks treating patients with antipsychotics?

The risk is so high that nursing homes are required to report to the government how many residents are on potent medications. However, there’s one key caveat: the government does not publicly divulge the use of antipsychotics given to residents with schizophrenia or two other conditions.

The use of antipsychotic medications in nursing home resident is an increasingly prominent issue and is associated with “increased risk of hospitalization, cardiovascular events, hip fractures, and mortality, among other adverse health events” (BMC Geriatrics).

What are the most commonly misused antipsychotics in nursing homes?

According to the National Consumer Voice, a study published in 2016 reported the most commonly used antipsychotics medications in nursing homes is Risperdal, followed by Seroquel and Zyprexa.

These drugs are so overused in nursing homes that on the Mayo Clinic’s website, it states Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa “should not be use to treat behavioral problems in older adults who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.”

How many residents actually have schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia effects approximately 24 million people worldwide (WHO). A November report from the HHS Office of the Inspector General revealed the number of residents reported having schizophrenia without a corresponding diagnosis skyrocketed between 2015 to 2019, with 99 nursing homes in the country reporting 20% or more of their residents having schizophrenia.

CMS began targeted audits earlier this year to ask nursing homes for documentation of the diagnosis to focus on nursing homes with existing residents who have recorded as having schizophrenia. The rating scores for nursing homes that have a pattern of inaccurately coding residents as having schizophrenia will be negatively impacted.

“People don’t just wake up with schizophrenia when they are elderly,” said Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and former nursing home executive who has become a critic of the industry. “It’s used to skirt the rules” (New York Times).

Take action! Contact a Chicago elder abuse lawyer for a free consultation!

As aggressive Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers, the Dinizulu Law Group tirelessly pursues justice for you and/or your loved one. If your loved one fell victim of abuse or a nursing home has caused the death of a loved one, our team will fight relentlessly for you.

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, please call (312) 384-1920 or fill out an online form now to request a free consultation. The Dinizulu Law Group, a Chicago nursing home abuse law firm, will work tenaciously to bring the wrongdoers to justice and obtain the maximum case value and compensation you deserve. Contact us today!

New Report Shows Nurses at Illinois Facility Forced Patients to Dig Through Their Own Feces

March 5, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) watchdog office recently revealed shocking instances of abuse, cruelty and poor care of patients who suffer from mental illnesses and developmental disabilities at a state-run facility in Southern Illinois.

Eight reports obtained under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act showed evidence of an ongoing crisis at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center located at 1000 N. Main St., Anna, IL. The facility is under scrutiny with Governor J.B. Pritzker discussing the future of the property just last month.

“If the problems can’t be fully addressed, then we ought to close it down because the state, obviously in that area, is incapable of managing the facility properly,” Pritzker stated.

In November, an IDHS inspector general wrote that two employees broke a patient’s arm in October 17 and bragged to fellow staff how they got away with abusing patients by blaming injuries on patient falls. They also mentioned how they intimated and bullied other employees in an effort for them not to report in fear of retaliation.

In another report, the inspector pointed to years of concern regarding the care to patients who have pica, a mental health condition where a person compulsively swallows non-food items like coins, zippers or grass.

Nurses told investigators it was common practice to force patients with pica to dig through their own feces with gloved hands or a spatula to determine what objects they swallowed had passed.

A clinical consultation was conducted and the facility was cited for neglect, though individual nurses names were not cited.

In another report, the inspector cited two nurses for neglected a terminally ill patient just days before he died in July 2021. One nurse neglected to properly manage his pain, while the other failed to notify a physician that the resident had lost over 20 pounds in just one week. The failure to report caused him to experience emotional distress and pain which further deteriorated his health. The nurses deviated from the standard of care; furthermore, the report stated had proper care been provided, he would have “a higher quality of life and more time with his family.”

Choate, which houses up to 270 residents with disabilities, had employees obstructing investigations and lying to avoid consequences in abuse and neglect lawsuit cases.

Other findings in the reports include mental health technicians who neglected patients and comprised their safety by sleeping on the job or failing to provide proper supervision. In May 2019, two patients who were left unsupervised both accused the other of rape. In another instance, a resident was discovered wandering naked outside at 4 a.m. in mid-December when temperatures were below 30. In another case, a staff member failed to provide proper supervision resulting in one patient assaulting another.

Take action! Contact a Chicago elder abuse lawyer for a free consultation!

As aggressive Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers, the Dinizulu Law Group tirelessly pursues justice for you and/or your loved one. If your loved one fell victim of abuse or a nursing home has caused the death of a loved one, our team will fight relentlessly for you.

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, please call (312) 384-1920 or fill out an online form now to request a free consultation. The Dinizulu Law Group, a Chicago nursing home abuse law firm, will work tenaciously to bring the wrongdoers to justice and obtain the maximum case value and compensation you deserve. Contact us today!

How Likely is Medical Negligence in Illinois Hospitals?

March 5, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – When you need to make a trip to a doctor or hospital, you do so thinking you’ll receive proper treatment and care. When medical negligence is at play, your hospital visit could become extremely damaging or even deadly to your death.

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence refers to any behavior by a healthcare professional that defies industry standards and results in injury or death of a patient. It is the deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable healthcare provider would use in a particular set of circumstances. Examples may include a misdiagnosis, surgical error or any failure to uphold safety measures due to carelessness or blatant miscommunication.

Do Illinois hospitals have a medical negligence problem?

A recent report from Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog, analyzed nearly 3,000 hospitals in the U.S. based on protection from things like medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections.

The report graded more than 100 hospitals in Illinois, leaving one Chicago hospital with an “F” and seven others with a “D” grade.

Out of 113 general hospitals that were analyzed in Illinois, 30 hospitals received an “A,” 25 scored a “B,” and 50 others received a “C.”

The “F” was given to South Shore Hospital in Chicago located at 8012 S. Crandon Ave. The grade was given low marks in infection categories, hospital falls, error prevention strategies, and staffing and communication.

South Shore CEO Leslie Rogers told the Chicago Tribune after stepping into a leadership role this summer, the hospital was striving to have a “C” grade or better by the next ranking.

How to sue a Chicago hospital for negligence

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. The report by Leapfrog Group indicates as many as 7% of Illinois hospitals fail to meet average standards, meaning thousands of state residents have a potential exposure to medical negligence.

Suing a hospital for medical negligence can be a lengthy and drawn out process, particularly depending on the state you reside. In order to file a medical negligence lawsuit, you need to contact trusted personal injury attorney within the statute of limitations time window. In Illinois, this is generally two years from the date you were injured or the date you should have known of the injuries.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to prove that a medical error occurred and directly caused someone’s life-threatening injury. Remember, if you’re filing a lawsuit against a hospital, they have a team of lawyers who are able to explain away a mistake with complex medical jargon. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced legal team who is about to investigate your claim, hire appropriate expert witnesses to discount the defendant’s claims and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact a personal injury attorney in Cook County, Illinois

Our team of personal injury lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you navigate this difficult time. Our legal team is compassionate towards victims, but aggressive in the court room to get the compensation you deserve. Call our office today for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920.

How Long Should I Watch for Injuries After a Car Accident?

March 5, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you know not all injuries are made clear immediately. There are many cases where it can take weeks or months for symptoms to manifest. In other cases, an individual may present vague symptoms and wonder if it’s necessary to seek treatment. In a situation like this, it’s always wise to consult with a doctor and consider that you may have delayed injuries from your accident.

How long should I wait for post-accident symptoms?

For some people, injuries appear immediately after a car crash and may linger for weeks. For others, injuries appear overtime and become more noticeable. Either way, you’ll want to monitor yourself for injuries after the accident for the first six to eight weeks.

Look out for persistent or delayed injury symptoms including:

Memory problems
Pain in any part of your body
Stiff neck or shoulders
Tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
Recurring or constant headache
Memory problems or memory loss
Problems with vision and hearing
Fatigue, nausea or sleepiness

Car crash injuries that may have persistent or delayed symptoms include:

Post-concussion syndrome
Spinal cord injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spine/backbone injury
Soft-tissue injury, such as whiplash
Internal organ damage
Bone or joint injuries

Without timely treatment, your injuries could get worse. If you think you need to seek medical treatment, go immediately. It’s better to have this documented to help build your personal injury case.

How long do you have until you see a doctor after a car accident?

Some people wait hoping their pain will subside and eventually go away. On the other hand, it’s valuable if you wish to claim compensation after your car accident for your injuries to see a doctor immediately, even if your symptoms are minor. If possible, you should receive medical treatment within 72 hours of your accident. This is the period of time insurance companies deem it “reasonable” for you to visit the doctor.

If you wait too long, the insurance adjuster could downplay your claim asserting that if your injury was as serious as you say it was, you would have sought medical treatment immediately. Likewise, if you skip a treatment, the adjuster could indicate that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim.

If you experience pain after 72 hours, you should still seek medical attention. It will be challenging to pursue a compensation claim, but a competent personal injury lawyer will prove the severity of your injury and assert the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault and were injured due to another’s negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You don’t have to handle the legal process alone – the team of trusted auto accident attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you!

Our attorneys advocate for car accident victims and their families who’ve suffered injuries due to another’s negligence. If you believe you have a case or would like to speak to a paralegal, call our office today at (312) 384-1920. We offer free consultations with no obligation. Contact us today!

How Can an Illinois Car Accident Report Help My Personal Injury Claim?

March 3, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The auto accident attorneys in Chicago, Illinois at the Dinizulu Law Group understand there can be a lot of confusion occurring after a traffic collision. The adrenaline of an accident can create significant trouble when securing evidence that can help build a successful personal injury claim.

One of the most important steps after a car accident in Illinois is to call the police to file an official accident report. Before the police arrive at the scene of the crash, there are a few steps you should take to ensure you’re gathering everything you may need for potential recovery in a lawsuit.

Steps to take after an Illinois car crash

The first thing to do after being involved in a car accident is to check yourself for injuries. You may be in a state of shock and not notice right away, so make sure to move to a safe location near the crash site and wait for police to arrive.

Do not admit any fault or speculate as to what happened. If you don’t remember, simply state that and stick to the facts you know. Share your drivers license, registration and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident. At the same time, you should make sure they provide you with the same information.

If there are any witnesses, collect any relevant information from them. If they are able to wait for police to arrive, witnesses should wait so police can follow up with them.

Information included in an Illinois car crash report

Each driver involved in an Illinois traffic crash must file a crash report if the crash caused a death, bodily injury or more than $1,500 of property damage when all drivers are insured. An Illinois car accident police report contains important information regarding the crash, including:

Place and time of accident
The name, address and date of birth of all motorists involved in the accident
The driver license information (State of license, license number) of all motorists involved in the accident
The driver’s license plate number and state of all motorists involved in the accident
The name and address of all policy holders and the name of their insurance
The name and address of all registered automobile owners of automobiles involved in the accident
An explanation of what happened during the automobile accident

Most importantly, the document will include the police’s own observations and opinions regarding the accident, including who was at fault for the crash. If the police don’t respond, record this information on your own and keep it top of mind.

To file a car crash report with the Illinois DOT, which must be done 10 days after the accident, you, your insurance agent, the owner of the vehicle or your legal representative must complete the Motorist Crash Report (which can also be done online) and submit it to the DOT.

How to obtain an Illinois car accident police report

You can request a crash report from the Illinois State Police online or by mail. Be prepared to provide the following details of the accident:

A driver’s first and last name
The date of the crash
The location of the crash, including Interstate and County
The Agency Crash Report Number (located in the upper-middle portion of the motorist report)

Once the relevant information is provided, you can choose to have the accident report emailed or mailed to you. There is a $5 crash report fee, and all applicable processing fees must be paid before completing the crash.

Contact an auto accident attorney in Chicago, Illinois

If you have been injured in a traffic crash in Illinois, our experienced Cook County attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group may request a copy of the crash report on your behalf so you are able to focus on healing your physical recovery.

Contact us today at (312) 384-1920 and get the help you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case.

Report: 500 Sexual Misconduct Complaints Against CPS Employees

February 27, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

(Image credit: Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO, IL – Chicago Board of Education Inspector General Will Fletcher reported 470 sexual complaints against Chicago Public School (CPS) employees from students in 2022. The report details students being abused, groomed, groped, assaulted and threatened by school officials.

According to Fletcher’s investigation, a former ROTC staff member had sex with a 16-year-old minor student for a year. After he learned there was an investigation, the staff member threatened the girl to kill her and her family if she cooperated with investigators.

Another high school teacher exposed himself to a female 11th-grade student while the two were alone during driver’s education. The student reported the incident to two staff members, but both failed to report this to administrators as mandated by Illinois law.

The girl took to social media when no one believed her. Soon after, another student came forward with allegations against the same teacher who has now resigned and is facing criminal charges.

CPS Spokesperson Mary Fergus responded to Fletcher’s report saying, “As a District, we take seriously our responsibility to serve our families with integrity and to address individuals who breach CPS policies and the public’s trust – and to hold them accountable.”

Contact a sexual assault lawyer in Chicago, Illinois

It can be difficult to come forward about sexual abuse or assault. The team of experienced sexual assault lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you or someone of you love that was a victim of sexual assault. Our skilled attorneys work closely with individuals and families whose lives have been changed drastically by sexual abuse. We are here to help and stand by you every step of the way.

Call the sexual abuse attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group today for a confidential, no obligation consultation at (312) 384-1920 or check out this page of our website for more information.

Why Does A Lawsuit Take So Long?

February 13, 2023/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – One of the most common questions attorneys receive when representing a client is “when will this case be over?” While some cases are resolved in a decent timeframe, others cases, such as personal injury, may proceed to trial which can take several years. A lawsuit can be a lengthy and drawn-out process, so it’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney on your case.

Why lawsuits can take long

Personal injury cases take some time to settle or resolve. The reasons a case can progress slowly can be summed up into three general points:

Your case is slowed down by legal or factual problems
Your case involves a lot of damages and substantial compensation
You have not reached maximum medical improvement from your injuries

Factors that affect the length of lawsuits

Some factors that may affect the potential length of lawsuit include:

The more complicated your case is, it may take longer to resolve. For example, a car accident case may be resolved much quicker than a medical malpractice case.
You may need to wait until you have reached the maximum medical improvement before filing a lawsuit. This ensures you know the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life before you try to resolve your claim.
If your demand for compensation is within the insurance policy limits, your case may settle more quickly than if high amounts of damages are involved.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have to wait longer for available court dates depending on caseload.

Preparing yourself

Understandably, lawsuits can cause anxiety and can be foreign to parties involved. If you suffered from a personal injury, you may have extensive medical bills and gotten behind on other financial obligations because you haven’t been able to work. It’s important to note once you accept a settlement offer from an insurance company, you cannot go back and attempt to collect money later.

It’s important to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney in Chicago, Illinois who can help calculate the full extent of your damages and explain the full extent of your injuries and how it can impact your future so you understand the value of a claim.

Contact the Dinizulu Law Group!

If you have suffered a personal injury because of someone else’s negligence, our dedicated team is here to assist you. Our attorneys will explain your legal rights, advise you of your options and do everything possible to get your claim resolved in a timely manner while fighting for a fair resolution. Contact us today for your free case review with the Dinizulu Law Group!

New Sex Abuse Reports Across Chicago Highlight the Severity of this Issue

February 10, 2023/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

If you take a look at the recent headlines in Chicago, one thing becomes clear: Sex abuse and assault are absolutely rampant in this city from schools to massage parlors and foster homes, it seems that a wide range of people are being subjected to traumatic, life-changing assaults and abuses that are totally inexcusable. Unfortunately, the sex abuse cases that we hear about only represent the tip of the iceberg. It is a well-known fact that many sex abuse prefer to stay silent, often preferring to deal with their trauma alone rather than exposing themselves to the shame and embarrassment that comes with filing a report. Some never speak out, while others only come forward after decades have passed. This means that aside from these major news story, countless additional acts of sexual abuse and assault may be occuring without anyone knowing.

Daycare Teacher Abused Children in Elgin

On November 29th, it was reported that a daycare teacher in Elgin was facing six felonies for abusing two children during the course of his employment. This individual allegedly abused two different children – both younger than 13 – over the course of his 14-year career as a daycare teacher at The Learning Tree.

Authorities stressed that this individual was in a position of authority and trust, which allowed him to abuse his students. It was also noted that he was in complete control of their supervision with no other oversight. His bail was set at $200,000, and it is likely that this 57-year-old will spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted. The Learning Tree may also be sued by victims – especially if more parents and past students come forward with similar complaints.

Woman Sues Massage Parlor for Sexual Abuse

On November 30th, it was reported that a woman in Kane County had sued a massage parlor for inappropriate touching. These stories are becoming all too common, and this particular incident occurred in 2020. The victim states that she was penetrated by the masssuer’s fingers and immediately told the abuser to stop. She also states that it took her a while to come to terms with what happened, but she eventually spoke with her husband and a counselor.

After five days, she made the decision to report the crime to the Geneva Police. The police report later described how the victim had been penetrated four times in a matter of seconds. The masseur was supposed to be working on the woman’s hip-flexors. Eventually, the abuser was charged with multiple felonies and was forced to plead guilty o criminal sexual abuse. But this victim went one step further, suing the massage parlor after learning that the masseur had a history of felonies before gaining employment.

Loyola University Chicago Sued for Mishandled Sexual Misconduct Complaints

On November 5th, it was reported that Loyola University Chicago was being sued for allegedly mishandling complaints of sexual misconduct. The school is run by the Jesuit Catholic order. One student claimed that she was abused so brutally at a frat party that she was left with bruises. She complained to the fraternity leaders and was assured that the individual – a pledge – would not be allowed to join the fraternity. She then filed a report with the university’s administration and was met with very little feedback or information as the investigation continued. Finally, the unversity concluded that she had provided insufficient evidence to back up her claims. This victim is now joining two other women in a lawsuit against the university for “systemically mishandling and underreporting student complaints of sexual misconduct.”

Military Academy Sued for Child Sex Abuse by Chicago Lawyers

On November 23rd, it was reported that Chicago lawyers were filing a child sex abuse lawsuit against St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. The lawsuit alleges that a younger student was abused by an older, senior-ranked student and that the school allowed these abuses to continue.

Where Can I Find a Sex Abuse Attorney in Chicago?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced sex abuse attorney in Chicago, look no further than Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Over the years, we have helped numerous victims – including those who have suffered serious sexual abuse and assault. We know how pervasive this issue is throughout Illinois and Chicago, and we’re ready to help you fight for your rights and pursue justice. Even though a financial settlement cannot change what happened, it may provide you with a sense of closure – allowing you to move on with your life. In addition, it can help hold guilty parties accountable – ensuring that fewer victims suffer the same fate in the future. Book your consultation today to get started.

Sources

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/elgin-teacher-facing-felony-charges-in-connection-to-alleged-sexual-abuse-at-daycare-center/3008320/
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/geneva-massage-envy-sexual-assault-lawsuit/
https://www.wbez.org/stories/lawsuit-loyola-chicago-sex-misconduct-complaints-mishandled/5266a099-1c50-4683-9541-12cdd4d509ce
https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/news/delafield/2022/11/23/lawsuit-alleges-past-child-sex-abuse-at-academy-in-delafield/69669136007/

St. Ignatius Parents Sue Drunk Truck Driver in Illinois

February 10, 2023/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

When we send our children off to school in the morning, we assume that they will be safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. This is a lesson that parents of St. Ignatius students learned the hard way when a school bus was struck by a drunk driver, causing the vehicle to roll with children inside. Their lawsuit shows us how dangerous school buses have become in the state of Illinois, and this story is anything but rare in the United States today. But what can you do if your student was injured at school or in a school bus? Who can you hold accountable?

St. Ignatius Parents Decide to Sue

On November 29th of 2022, it was reported that the parents of injured St. Ignatius students had decided to sue two trucking companies. The lawsuit stems from an incident that saw a school bus knocked over on its side by a semi-truck traveling at high speed through a red light. The school bus proceeded to roll, leaving several of the students with severe injuries. All of the students were part of the school hockey team, and they were traveling home from Indiana after playing a game. One student suffered two facial fractures and went into a seizure after the crash. Another boy suffered a fractured skull, several fractured ribs, and a pelvic injury.

The trucker was extremely intoxicated, later blowing a 0.13% BAC level. This means that he was almost twice the legal limit in Indiana. But while the trucker is obviously to blame, the parents are also trying to hold two trucking companies accountable – arguing that he should have never been on the road because of his previous criminal convictions. One of the trucking companies is already trying to distance themselves from the drunk driver, while the other has admitted that it sold him a trailer. The parents are also pushing for a long criminal sentence, arguing that the driver should be “put away for a long time.” The police report states that the drunk driver was swerving in an erratic manner before the crash. St. Ignatius is located in Illinois.

More School Bus Accidents Raise Concerns

Illinois isn’t the only state suffering from shocking school bus accidents. On December 1st, it was reported that a mother and her four children had been run over just after getting off a school bus. The incident occurred in Brooklyn, New York, and it involved a woman escaping from the police in a Mercedes. The woman drove straight through several bus stops at high speed before hitting the family. The mother was waiting at the bus stop for her children to get off the bus. Although the mother was sent flying, all five individuals were later reported to be in stable condition. The authorities state that they are expected to survive. This story shows us how dangerous school buses can be – not just when they’re moving but even when they’re stopped.

Also on December 1st, it was reported that a school bus had crashed straight into someone’s house in the NYC suburb of Ramapo. The school bus ended up half-inside the home, with an entire section of wall destroyed. Several injuries were reported, including the children and the bus driver. It is not clear whether anyone was inside at the time of the crash. This goes to show that bus drivers themselves are capable of driving negligently and putting innocent children at risk.

Why Are School Buses So Prone to Crashes?

It’s not exactly clear why school buses crash so frequently across the United States. One theory is that the trucker shortage is causing more school bus drivers to abandon their jobs in order to take more lucrative jobs in the trucking industry. This leaves school boards left with no choice but to “scrape the bottom of the barrel,” so to speak.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Car Accident Attorney in Illinois?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced car accident attorney in Illinois, look no further than Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs strive for justice and fair compensation. With our help, you can get the settlement you need to pay for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you might have incurred. The statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long, so book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources