Shea Law Group - Dog Bite Lawyer of Chicago

Understanding the Complexity of Trucking Accident Personal Injury Claims

Some people assume that all traffic accidents are the same, but trucking accidents are much more complex than most other auto accidents. There are a number of parties involved other than the drivers, and there are factors involved that you likely do not even know about. When hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your claim following a truck accident, find a lawyer who has experience handling truck accidents and who understands the complexities involved.

Federal and State Law

Accidents involving large trucks may be governed by state law, federal law, or both. Certain federal laws establish standards for trucking companies and drivers. These laws may also establish who is responsible for your accident. There are several federal agencies that regulate truck driving, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Liability Issues

There are a number of parties that may be responsible in a truck accident. First, the truck driver may have made a mistake and be liable for your injuries. Second, if the truck driver is employed by a company and not an independent contractor, the company may also be responsible. Additionally, the brokerage company that arranges for the transportation may be liable in some cases. In accidents where a design or manufacturing mistake was involved, the truck manufacturer may be the responsible party.

Insurance Claims

Insurance companies may reduce or deny claims and try to make it seem as if the truck accident has had a smaller effect on your life than is truly the case. Your injuries may be severe and complex, and a personal injury attorney understands this and knows how to handle these types of insurance claims.

Have you been injured in a truck accident? Do not try to face this complex legal situation alone. The personal injury attorneys at Shea Law Group have more than 60 years of combined experience helping victims get the compensation they deserve. To schedule a consultation, call our Chicago office at (773) 365-0040.

Signs that You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury from an Accident

If you or a loved one has experienced a brain injury due to an accident, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. Traumatic brain injuries include both penetrating injuries and closed head injuries. A common type of closed head injury is a concussion, while a bullet wound is an example of a penetrating injury. Continue reading to learn about symptoms and problems that may occur after a traumatic brain injury.

Physical Symptoms

Traumatic brain injuries can cause both primary and secondary damage. Examples of primary damage include skull fractures, bruises, blood clots, and other injuries that occur at the time of impact. Secondary damage involves problems that develop over a period of time after the trauma, such as epilepsy, brain swelling, and cardiac changes. After a car accident or other type of personal injury accident, watch for the following symptoms of a traumatic brain injury: hearing loss, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, and reduced coordination. Sensitivity to light and noise are also common symptoms.

Associated Complications

Long-term communication problems and cognitive complications can also result from a traumatic brain injury. You or your loved one may have trouble finding the right words, maintaining a topic of conversation, reacting appropriately to a situation, and understanding when certain behavior is inappropriate. Cognitive abilities, or thinking skills, may also be affected by a traumatic brain injury. Those who suffer a brain injury may have trouble concentrating when there are distractions, processing new information, and maintaining short-term memory.

Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity, but you should always seek medical attention if you or a loved one has suffered a head injury. A healthcare professional can determine how serious the injury is and the best course of treatment. If the accident occurred due to the negligence of another, you or your loved one may be entitled to compensation that an attorney can help you receive. For legal representation in Chicago, call Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040. We will fight to ensure that you are treated fairly.

Important Steps to Take Following a Car Accident

Car accidents can be terrifying. Taking the important steps identified in this video after being involved in an accident can help save you a legal headache, and may even save a life.

First, stop your car in a safe place, no matter how minor the accident may seem. It is important to stop whether you may have been at fault or not. Second, call the police, along with an ambulance if anyone is injured. Next, exchange information with the other driver. Watch this video to learn about the next few important steps to take to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Shea Law Group by calling (773) 365-0040. We are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents get the compensation and treatment they require.

The Dangers Posed by Dogs Chained in Yards

Most dogs are well behaved and never cause a problem. However, dog bites do occur and the injuries you may suffer can be severe.

This news clip shows a dog chained in a front yard that tried to bite a pedestrian. Officers arrived on the scene and the dog, which had a history of escaping its chain, jumped at an officer and tried to grab his foot. Another officer intervened and used a taser to restrain the dog. The officer was not injured, and local animal control returned the dog to its owners.

If you have been the victim of a dog bite attack, contact Shea Law Group to learn about your rights. Call (773) 365-0040 to schedule a consultation and determine if you should file a personal injury claim.

Common Types of Personal Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents

Auto accidents occur every day on roads and highways across the country. Fortunately, many of these accidents are minor and result in little or no injuries. Other accidents lead to serious injuries and death. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The most common types of personal injuries sustained in auto accidents include:

Neck and Back Injuries

Many people have heard of whiplash, and it is one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. Whiplash can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of an accident. Whiplash and other types of neck or back injuries may not present symptoms immediately following an accident. Common back injuries include sprains, fractures, disc injuries, and spinal damage. Be sure to undergo a medical evaluation if you experience any neck or back pain, weak limbs, paralysis, tingling, or difficulty breathing following a car accident.

Brain and Head Injuries

Sports, especially football, have drawn attention to the problems that brain and head injuries can create in the short and long term. Concussions are common, but seizures, headaches, dizziness, and fractures are all problems that you may experience due to an auto accident. Impact with the hard surfaces in your car, such as the steering wheel, can also lead to facial injuries. In accidents in which the airbags deploy, some people also suffer broken noses.

Internal Injuries

Car accidents can lead to serious internal injuries, including damaged or punctured internal organs. Broken bones, especially in the limbs and ribs, are also a common result of auto accidents.

Have you suffered any of the aforementioned injuries due to a car accident caused by another party? Whether your injuries are on this list or not, you may be entitled to compensation. At Shea Law Group, we will work to prove that you were the victim and that you deserve compensation. Call (773) 365-0040 to schedule a consultation.