We, at Duncan Law Group, are pleased to announce an incredible addition to our team, Attorney Nicole Roti. A highly-respected and success-driven personal injury lawyer, Nicole primarily focuses on medical malpractice and wrongful death. She is of counsel to Duncan Law Group, and her time and practice spent taking cases to trial makes her an incredibly useful and valued addition to our team.

After receiving her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2004, Nicole went on to be an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, Torts Division. Working on over 30 cases and bringing them to verdict through trial, Nicole tirelessly defended the City of Chicago in various fields, primarily premises liability, civil rights, and wrongful death. Her extensive experience and relentless dedication to justice are qualities we admire, and our team looks forward to working closely with her.

A lifelong Chicago resident, she now lives in Elmhurst with her husband Peter and their three young children. In addition to her legal pursuits, Nicole also enjoys serving her community in numerous ways, most prominently in her role on the Executive Board of Tree Town Cooperative Nursery School.

Contact Us

For a team of legal professionals who have the experience, skill, and tenacity to handle all of your personal injury needs, look no further than Duncan Law Group. Our personal injury lawyers are passionate about helping our clients reach their recovery in an efficient and effective manner because we want you to get back on your feet in no time while we handle the rest of your case. No matter the challenge, we want to rise to the occasion and seek justice on your behalf. Let us be your trusted guide through this difficult process–you won’t regret it.

To speak to a representative of our firm, contact us at your earliest convenience by calling (312) 202-3283.

We can’t imagine our lives without social media. Even people who claim they could live without it can’t help but check their accounts at least once a day. With the advent of such technology, however, comes the possibility of overexposing your own private information, which can lead to many severe consequences–especially if you are in the midst of litigation with a personal injury claim. Many people don’t realize the various ways social media can be detrimental to obtaining the compensation you are seeking, leading countless people to sabotage themselves.

Anything relevant to your case can be considered evidence, including what you post on social media. Even if you believe your settings and profiles are set to private and cannot be accessed, this isn’t always the case. What’s even worse is once something you’ve posted has been admitted as evidence, you cannot go back and delete it as it may be considered obstruction of justice.

Insurance companies are relentlessly looking for ways to avoid paying the compensation you are entitled to, so they will do everything they can to make it seem like your injuries or emotional distress are not as severe as you claim. The best practices following an accident or injury are to avoid social media altogether. Staying silent until your personal injury claim is settled is the smartest way for you and your accident attorney to avoid facing any issues altogether.

Contact Our Chicago Lawyer Today

At Duncan Law Group, we have seen countless cases fall apart due to oversharing on social media. This is why our Chicago personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and informative legal counseling. Our legal team will best advise you on the correct course of action to take while you are in the midst of a personal injury claim, so we can do everything in our power to ensure you achieve the successful results you’re looking for.

Contact us by calling (312) 202-3283 and speaking to a representative today.

Duncan Law Group is proud to announce that Attorney Robert Duncan has once again been selected for recognition by Super Lawyers. For his outstanding work in the legal arena, Attorney Duncan has been bestowed a “Top 100” distinction in the 2016 Illinois Super Lawyers list.

Super Lawyers has become one of the most trusted and widely-used legal directories in the industry, guiding countless consumers to accomplished and reputable counsel. Every year, their state-by-state lists honor some of the best counselors in the country across more than 70 different practice areas. The viability of these lists is protected with an exhaustive and patented selection process.

The Super Lawyers selection process includes:

• Peer nominations
• Independent research by Super Lawyers staff
• Peer evaluation by a Blue Ribbon Panel of lawyers
• Final selection

Each state’s Super Lawyers list represents a mere 5% of counselors licensed to practice. In the case of Attorney Duncan, his distinction is more exclusive and names him one of the top 100 lawyers across all practices for the entire state of Illinois.

Attorney Duncan has been honored by Super Lawyers every year since 2010. From 2010 to 2014, he included in the organization’s Rising Stars list, which celebrates attorneys under 40 who have already shown great promise in their career. He has also been honored numerous times in the Top 40 Under 40 list from The Nation Trial Lawyers Association and was named in the American Registry’s Top Lawyers list in 2012. He maintains membership in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the American Association For Justice.

We congratulate Attorney Duncan for this exceptional notice from Super Lawyers this year and know that he will continue to provide our legal community an example of outstanding diligence, dedication, and advocacy in the personal injury field.

If you have been hurt due to the actions of someone else, then Duncan Law Group may be able to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Our trusted and award-winning Chicago personal injury lawyers know what it takes to secure results on our clients’ behalf and help them move on from their accident with the relief they deserve. Contact us today to start exploring your legal options.

Thanksgiving is one of the most widely-celebrated holidays in the United
States, and many view it as a great time to enjoy the company of family,
friends, and other loved ones. Unfortunately, it is also a time when many
people are seriously injured in accidents, often due to the negligent
or reckless behavior of another. In this blog, our Chicago personal injury
attorneys discuss four of the most common Thanksgiving accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our firm today to request a
free case review.

1. Turkey Fryer Burns

Turkey fryers have become extremely popular in the last decade or so, and
for a good reason – they can produce juicy, flavorful turkey. However,
improper use of these devices can lead to severe and even fatal burns,
and have caused more than one house to burn down.

2. Car Accidents

Statistically, car accidents occur in the U.S. every day, but Thanksgiving
weekend can be a particularly dangerous time to be out on the road. The
night before Thanksgiving can be especially dangerous, as many people
spend the night drinking and then try to make it home. If you or someone
you love has been hurt by a drunk driver, our Chicago car accident attorneys
can help you pursue compensation.

Even when a drunk driver is not involved, there are still many accidents
which occur over Thanksgiving weekend simply due to the heavy traffic.
Make sure you drive carefully this holiday season!

3. Slip & Fall Injuries

Slip and fall injuries range from minor bruises, to severe bone, muscle,
and nerve damage. During Thanksgiving, especially the days just before
the holiday, grocery stores can become crowded and extremely busy. This
makes it tough for staff to clean spills promptly, which leads to many
serious injuries each year.

4. Food Poisoning

Many people are unaware that you can pursue a personal injury claim for
serious food poisoning. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of exactly
how prevalent this danger is. Raw turkey is a breeding ground for bacteria,
many of which can cause severe conditions like salmonella poisoning. The
USDA has terrific safe food handling sheets available on
their website. While you likely won’t pursue a Chicago injury claim against a family
member for undercooked turkey, supermarkets and restaurants have a legal
duty to make sure their food is prepared safely.

Don’t pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Call our firm
today to pursue justice.

When you or a loved one have suffered from a personal injury due to someone else’s actions, you are legally entitled to hold them accountable. Bringing a suit on your behalf works in two ways: first, it aims to financially compensate you for the ways that this accident has impacted your life, and second, it works to prevent the responsible party from harming another individual. The financial damages you can receive aim to cover the cost of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While some costs are easily calculable, recovering for pain and suffering can be a little more complicated to calculate.

Physical & Emotional Damages

After an injury, you are likely to experience emotional and physical pain and suffering. Physical pain and suffering refers to the actual injury and the effects that it will have on your life in the future. Emotional pain and suffering refers to the emotional impact an injury can have, including fear of the activity that led to the injury, or the loss of enjoyment of other activities as a direct result, both now and into the future.

Examples of emotional pain and suffering includes:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anger
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of energy
• Sleep disturbances

While some states have caps on the financial amount of pain and suffering damages that someone may be eligible to receive, Illinois does not have these kinds of caps. That means that the judge and jury overseeing a personal injury case have the ability to encourage any amount of financial award for pain and suffering based on any number of factors.

Suffering a personal injury is a very serious matter that needs to be considered by the courts. Considering the immense impact that being injured can have on anyone’s life, it is crucial that all steps are taken to reduce the overall effect that it has on your life. Consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to help recover the compensation you deserve.

Have you been harmed? Speak with a lawyer at the Chicago-based Duncan Law Group. We offer free consultations to get you started!

Once the cold weather and snow clears from our Chicago streets, more and more of our city’s residents take to the streets on their bikes. As a form of transportation and recreation, bike riding is one of the many ways to get out and see the city, get some exercise, and get to where you need to go. Unfortunately, with the increase in bike riders is an increase in the number of accidents that occur between bicyclists and cars. Without the metal protections that are afforded to cars, bike riders affected in these accidents oftentimes find themselves suffering from serious and life-changing personal injuries.

Preventing a Bicycle Accident

Drivers on the road have the responsibility to pay close attention to their actions and how they may affect others, both other drivers, bike riders, and even pedestrians. All of these have the legal right to be on the roads. When a driver does not take the time to operate their vehicle correctly and someone is seriously injured as a result, the driver of that car can and should be held accountable in an accident lawsuit.

Of course, avoiding an accident is the first step to preventing injury:

1. Never ride your bike after consuming alcohol. Not only is this a criminal charge, but your senses may be impaired, preventing you from reacting in the ways that you should be.
2. Observe the rules of the road. Many bike riders may run through red lights or blow through stop signs, but these are there for a reason. It allows drivers to anticipate your moves and gives you a strong legal standpoint in the event of an accident.
3. Keep an appropriate lookout and be sure to exercise the proper care when on your bike- it takes two, and you have a responsibility to be aware of cars as well.
4. Use lights, reflectors, and brightly colored clothing when riding. These can help you be seen by drivers that may not usually be on the lookout for these substances.
5. Pay special attention to the actions of other vehicles at intersections. Intersections are where a majority of bike accidents occur!

If you or a loved one have been involved in a bike crash, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected. First, call law enforcement to report the accident and get the medical attention you need. Once you are all set, get the information of any witnesses to the accident. Take the time to document what occurred by writing your version of events down, getting a medical and police report, and taking as many photographs as possible. By preserving evidence, it can be shown that you are not at fault for your accident and the car’s driver should be held responsible for your injuries.

When you have been hurt, a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer at Duncan Law Group is here to help. Our team has won numerous awards based on our dedication to clients across Illinois. Call today!

After a long and cold winter, nothing screams “summer” more than inviting some friends over and cranking up the grill to share burgers, steaks, and hot dogs. From spending time outdoors to the unique flavor charring food over a grill can bring to the meal, grilling is a summertime activity like none other in Chicago. This summer, there are some important steps you can take when grilling to prevent serious personal injuries that can result from the use of personal grills.

How can I use my grill safely?

There are numerous dangers present from the use of grills, including high heat, sharp utensils, open flames, and serious burn injuries. These injuries can be extremely severe given the excessive time they take to heal, the potential for permanent scarring, and the lengthy care needed by the patient. To prevent you, your loved one, or any guests from experiencing harm during this grilling season, take some important safety precautions to help:

1. Know the proper way to use your grill, especially concerning how to turn on and turn off the propane tank.
2. Store any grill accessories and fuel outside of the home and out of reach of any children.
3. Check your grill for any issues before use, especially concerning fuel lines and any potential defects.
4. Clean your grill on a regular basis with an approved grill cleaner.
5. Stay near the grill when in use and make sure the grill is far away from your home to prevent ignition if the flame rises.
6. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing and flammable fabrics when using your grill and keep the flame low during use.
7. Keep extinguishing devices, a fire extinguisher, or baking soda nearby in the event that the flames get out of control.

As with any burn injury, the consequences can be life-changing and severe. At Duncan Law Group, our Chicago personal injury attorneys are here to stand by your side during this difficult time.

If you suffer a burn injury, or another injury, this summer, be sure to contact our experienced team right away. A lawyer from Duncan Law Group can meet you at your home or at the hospital to discuss your options for recovering needed compensation to help you with your injuries. Don’t hesitate- we offer free consultations to get started!

Imagine you are driving your car when out of nowhere, you feel someone hit you from behind. You check to make sure that everyone is okay and then move to get out of your car to find out who collided with your vehicle, only to see a car driving away. This is known as a hit-and-run accident. Officially, a hit-and-run accident occurs when someone is involved in an accident with a pedestrian, another vehicle, or a fixed object without stopping to render aid and exchange important information.

A hit-and-run accident can result in serious injuries, and leave you wondering what you can do when medical and property damage bills begin to pile up. At Duncan Law Group, our Chicago accident lawyers take hit-and-run accidents seriously and are here for you during this difficult time. Please feel free to reach out to us and learn what your legal options may be.

What To Do After a Hit & Run Accident

While many of us cannot even imagine what it would be like to hit a car and drive away without stopping to make sure the other driver is alright and making sure they have your name and insurance information. If you are involved in a crash and the driver flees, make sure that you follow some important guidelines to ensure that you are legally and personally protected during this time.

Involved in a hit-and-run accident? Here’s what you should do:

• Try and make out the make and model of the car and its license plate number
• Remain at the scene of the accident- do not follow the driver
• Immediately call the police and report the incident
• Get medical attention!
• Contact your insurance company and report the accident
• Call a personal injury lawyer right away

There are many reasons why someone may find themselves fleeing from the scene of an accident. Whether they were not properly licensed or insured, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or anything else, you have the legal right to take action. However, even though you have been wronged, you need to make sure that you follow all appropriate steps to show that you have a valid case.

When you need help, you can rely on the Chicago lawyers at Duncan Law Group to advocate for you. We can advise you on the steps you can take to document the scene of the accident, how to handle concerns with your insurance company, and how you can use the police report to your benefit. Put a dedicated law firm on your side. Call (312) 202-3283 to get started!

With Memorial Day weekend passed and summertime rapidly approaching, you and your family are likely thinking of ways to beat the heat in the next few months. Pools are one of Chicago’s chosen methods for keeping cool and entertained throughout the summer months. Whether you own your own pool or have a community pool in the neighborhood, pools provide a great summer activity. This summer, remember that pools can be a dangerous place for injuries and even fatalities. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers encourage you to stay aware and vigilant when you or your family are swimming in these waters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 people every day die from unintentional drowning, with two of these being under the age of 14. Even further, five times the amount of people that die from drowning annually are submitted into the emergency room for submersion-related injuries. Those persons who are especially at risk for swimming pool injuries are males, children, and minorities with little access to swimming pools and water-based recreations.

Stay Safe While Using Swimming Pools

Numerous factors can contribute to a pool-related injury, but some ways to prevent an accident can include learning how to swim, ensuring barriers around pools, closely supervising anyone in the water, wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol, and being cautious in relation to preexisting seizure disorders.

There are numerous dangers associated with swimming pools, including:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Disembowelment
• Entrapment of hair and body parts
• Drowning
• Electrocution
• Slip and falls
• Wrongful death

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a swimming pool, whether your own or someone else’s, you may be facing extensive treatment for physical, mental, and emotional damages depending on the injuries you have received. This not only involved medical treatment, but also rehabilitation and assistive devices.

By law, you may be entitled to financial compensation if you have suffered a swimming pool injury in Chicago. Duncan Law Group can examine your case in a free consultation and determine who is at fault, ranging from the manufacturer of the pool to the city employing the lifeguards at the place. With so many factors, our Chicago premises liability lawyers promise to leave no stone unturned in order to get you the damages you deserve.

Did you know that the month of May is Motorcycle Awareness Month? It is! There is something extremely important about reminding everyone on the road about the right for motorcyclists to share the pavement and the need to consider them when operating their car, truck, bus, or another motor vehicle. At Duncan Law Group, our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers take motorcycle accidents seriously and seek to reduce the overall number of personal injuries that are suffered by riders, both in Chicago, Illinois, and nationwide.

Wearing a Helmet Can Save Your Life

One of the most important things a motorcyclist can do to protect themselves in the event of an accident is to wear a proper motorcycle helmet. A helmet is intended to reduce the impact of hard surfaces on the skull and brain should they come into contact with a hard surface. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 2,200 people are killed and 55,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents each and every year – and most of these could have been prevented if the motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet.

Here are some important facts about motorcycle helmets that can encourage riders to use them each and every time they ride:

• Over 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.
• A motorcyclist is 16 times more likely to die in an accident than a car driver.
• Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death by 29%.
• Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
• Riders that don’t wear helmets are 40% more likely to die of a head injury.
• Helmets are the most important factor in preventing head and neck injuries.
• Hospitalization costs are lower for riders that wear helmets.

Illinois is one of the states in the country that does not have a mandatory helmet law, but that does not mean that a rider should not wear a helmet. The facts are in: motorcycle helmets save lives when a rider is involved in a motorcycle accident. Your life, and the life of your passenger, is too valuable to take risks with. Wearing a helmet can reduce the severity of your injuries. While it is estimated only 34% to 54% of all riders wear helmets while riding, don’t let yourself be a part of that dangerous statistic.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help if you or a loved one have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident. With numerous awards and accolades to our name, our attorneys pride themselves on aggressively fighting for the rights of the injured in Illinois.

Meet the accident attorneys at our firm and contact us for a free case evaluation to discuss your case and the compensation you may be eligible to receive in a personal injury case.