Duncan Law Group Partners with Chicago Church for Pro Bono Legal Counseling Lunch

On Friday, November 15, 2013, Duncan Law Group sponsored its first pro bono Legal Counseling Information Lunch at St. Columbanus Church and School. Duncan Law Group attorneys Robert Duncan and Katie Ross were able to provide free legal counseling and information on a variety of topics to over 20 members of the community. The members of Duncan Law Group are excited to continue presenting pro bono legal information events at St. Columbanus with the next session already scheduled for early 2014.

St. Columbanus has been a pillar of Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood since 1909. Located at 71st and Calumet on Chicago’s South Side, St. Columbanus strives to serve the needs of the surrounding community, including hosting a weekly food pantry that serves over 500 people and sports leagues for area youth. Now, Duncan Law Group is proud to have the opportunity to help continue St. Columbanus’s legacy of service by providing legal counsel to members of the community.

Partial Roof Collapse was a “Shock” to Store Owner

The owner of an electronics store in Mount Prospect said he was “shocked” when the roof of his building suddenly collapsed Tuesday morning.

New sources report that the fire department was called around 11:30 am to investigate the incident, which occurred at Tri-State Electronic Corp. on Northwest Highway. The fire department closed two lanes of the Northwest Highway near the building in anticipation of a complete collapse.

Yesterday, structural engineers entered the premises to determine whether or not the roof was safe to repair and discovered that at least one third of the building’s wooding bowstring trusses broke. As of Wednesday, the Mount Prospect Fire Chief said that he was still concerned that the entire building might fall.

“The northeast corner of the wall is leaning,” he said, “The building’s collapse is still a concern.”

Although traffic is moving on the Northwest Highway, the fire department does not plan to reopen the lanes closest to the building until Thursday afternoon.

The building’s utilities were shut off, which also affected the Capannari Ice Cream shop on Pine St. and several nearby parking lots.

The building owner described the incident as “scary.” He and four employees were inside the building when the partial collapse occurred, but no one was hurt. “…that’s the most important thing,” said the owner.

On Tuesday, two air conditioning units started to sink into the building, eventually falling through the roof yesterday morning. “It kept getting worse,” the owner said, “We’ve never had a problem. That’s why it’s such a shock.”

Click here to read the full article about this story from the Chicago Tribune.

From the Perspective of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago

Accidents happen, but most of them are preventable. Roof collapse accidents may be caused by a variety of circumstances. In the past, plaintiffs have filed suit against contractors and subcontractors for partial and complete roof collapses. Inadequate maintenance or improper safety inspections could lead to a collapse as well.

Constructions sites, old buildings, and damages buildings are especially likely to suffer roof collapses. If you or someone you love was hurt in a similar accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact Duncan Law Group to learn more about your options with a topnotch Chicago personal injury attorney.

Chicago Train Accident: Negligence or Criminal Intent?

According to news sources, an empty train collided with a commuter train this morning as passengers boarded during rush. At least 48 people sought medical attention after the accident. Investigators chalked the wreck up to a “mechanical failure,” but another law enforcement source suspects criminal activity.

A spokesman for Chicago Transit Authority said that officials haven’t found any evidence that points toward a crime, but “Everything that is a possibility is being looked at.”

The collision occurred at 7:47 this morning when the empty train traveled down an L track and crashed into an in-use, westbound train at Harlem stop. One CTA spokesperson believes that the train was moving approximately 20 miles per hour at the time of the crash.

Although some law enforcement sources believe that the collision could have been caused by an equipment malfunction, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union is hesitant to believe this claim. He said, “Mechanical malfunction…is easy to say but hard to explain. I have never seen a train just start up and start moving – ever.”

One witness recounted the accident for ABC News: “I was waiting for my train…I heard screaming, ‘Stop the train, sop the train, slow down.'”

The incident occurred at the Harlem stop halted rush our traveling for about two hours. News sources report that an investigation is still pending while authorities try to uncover the exact cause of the accident.

Train Accidents, Mechanical Failure, & Personal Injury Lawsuits

Are you searching for a train accident lawyer in Chicago? Train accidents can be tragic; because of their weigh, speed, and passenger capacity, commuter trains carry a high potential for deadly crashes. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury a preventable train accident, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.

Duncan Law Group can help you file a successful claim or lawsuit. Contact the firm today to learn more about your legal rights and options after an injury.

Bolingbrook Plane Accident Claims Two Lives

A deadly plane accident in Bolingbrook, IL claimed the lives of a husband and wife. News sources report that the crash occurred on Wednesday only half a mile away from their destination: Clow Airport. One of the victims was a surgeon at the Georgetown Community Hospital in Kentucky.

The plane crashed into a bank parking lot. Both passengers were killed but no one on the ground suffered any injuries. Records show that the plane took off from Georgetown-Scott County Airport in Kentucky shortly before the accident. According to witnesses, the aircraft burst into flames when it hit the ground.

One witness said, “It exploded right away. I couldn’t see anything of the plane.”

Another witness said that he and others were ready to help the passengers but could not approach the plane because of the fire. “I got as close as I could,” he said, “And we were screaming for people, if there was anybody that could hear us or was in there. But the plane was engulfed in flames.”

Police have not identified a cause of the accident, but one witness remembers seeing the plane practice “touch-and-go” landings at Clow Airport just before the crash. ABC News identified this maneuver as a common exercise for learning pilots.

The national Transportation Safety Board recorded 1,539 aviation accidents nationwide in 2012. Of these accidents, 280 were fatal.

Design flaws, cabin fires, and air traffic control errors are three common causes of aviation accidents in the United States. Although some accidents are unavoidable because of weather conditions or natural circumstances, most are the result of human error.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an avoidable plane accident, speak with a Chicago plane accident lawyer. You may be able to seek monetary compensation for medical expenses and noneconomic damages. To learn more, contact Duncan Law Group today.

What are the Deadliest Jobs in America?

According to CNN Money, the American workplace becomes safer every year; however, ten jobs still claim the title of “America’s deadliest occupations.” These include logging, fishing, aviation, roofing, ironworking, sanitation work, electrical power work, trucking, ranching, and general construction labor.

1. Logging

With a median wage of nearly $33,000 per year, logging is commonly listed as one of the country’s riskiest job – and with good reason. Loggers are subjected to harsh weather conditions, heavy machinery, large trucks, and other hazards on a daily basis. Research suggests that the logging fatality rate equals 127.8 worker deaths per 100,000 loggers.

Unlike most jobs, the logging fatality rate actually increased between 2012 and 2013. In fact, CNN claims that the number of logging-related deaths increased by 25% in the past year.

2. Fishing

The second most deadly line of work – fishing – pays approximately $33,430 per year. Although the fatality rate is slightly less than logging (117 deaths per 100,000 workers), the risks are arguably just as dangerous. In the past, fishing vessels were known for placing their employees in harm’s way by practicing the “derby system;” carrying as many fish as possible in the vessel to beat their competitors.

To eliminate this problem, the government instituted a new system that allowed boats to fill their individual quota at any time during the fishing season. This keeps fishermen from risking their lives to beat other fishing vessels. According to the director of Inter-Cooperative Exchange, the new system turned crab fishing from “The deadliest catch to the safest catch.”

3. Aviation

With a fatality ratio of 53.4 deaths to every 100,000 employees, aviation earns third place in the list of America’s deadly jobs. Generally speaking, major airplane pilots are not at risk; charter, bush, and taxi pilots are significantly more likely to die on the job. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration states “human error” as the primary reason behind these risks and deaths. Over the past decade, the number of fatal airplane accidents in the United States fell by 40%. If you or a loved one was affected by a plane crash, consider speaking with an experienced airplane accident lawyer to explore your legal options for compensation.

4. Roofing

Roofing is another “deadly” job. With a fatality rate of 40.5 deaths to every 100,000 workers, roofing remains the fourth most dangerous occupation in the county. Like any form of construction, roofing involves dangerous power tools, chemicals, and sharp objects – all with the added risk of working on top of a building.

5. Ironwork

Ironwork, another construction-related occupation, is linked to a large number of fall-related deaths. In recent years, new rules have eliminated some of these deaths by requiring vertical beams to be fastened with four bolts. In the past, these beams were bolted only twice.

6. Sanitation

One of the little-known “deadly jobs” in the United States is sanitation work. Although their jobs are not as dangerous as logging or roofing, sanitation workers can suffer serious – if not fatal – injuries on busy city streets. The heavy machinery used by garbage trucks to lift dumpsters can be hazardous as well, along with the risk of volatile pesticides and chemicals carelessly thrown into garbage cans.

7. Electrical Power Maintenance

By nature, electrical power lines are dangerous. Preliminary data indicates that the fatality rate among electrical power line workers is 23 deaths per 100,000 employees. In addition to the risk of electrocutions, burn injuries, and explosions, these workers risk falling from great heights.

8. Truck Driving

The fatality rate for truck drivers in the United States is 22.1 deaths per 100,000 drivers. Although truckers work with heavy machinery, the risks associated with truck driving are fatigue and traffic accidents – issues that are basically connected with anyone who spends a great deal of time on the road. Consider speaking with a truck accident attorney if you or a loved one was injured in a truck collision.

9. Ranching

With a median income of $60,750, farming / ranching is the ninth most deadly occupation in the nation. Over the past four decades, farming has become much safer than it was, but tractors and all-terrain vehicles still pose a significant hazard to workers. An Illinois grain farmer said, “Anytime you’re operating heavy equipment, there’s inherent danger. But there’s been a lot of consolidation so there are fewer farmers to educate now. That makes it easier.”

10. Construction Work

Construction work, the tenth most deadly job in the United States, has a 17.4 to 100,000 fatality rate. By nature, construction sites are full of on-the-job hazards. From scaffolding and fall injuries, to power tools and the risk of electrocution, our construction accident attorneys know there are a multitude of potential risks associated with construction. Road construction alone is responsible for a large number of serious car-pedestrian accidents. To eliminate this problem, some experts believe that construction vehicles should be equipped with radar to keep drivers from backing over workers.

As a personal injury law firm in Chicago, Duncan Law Group is passionate about workplace safety. At the firm, Attorney Robert Duncan is committed to helping accident victims (including victims of workplace injuries) obtain financial compensation for their injuries.

If you or someone close to you suffered a serious injury at work, speak to a Chicago personal injury lawyer from our firm and request a free initial consultation regarding your case.

An Overview of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in the U.S.

The term “nursing home abuse” can refer to a wide variety of negligent and abusive actions. Under the umbrella term “elder abuse,” nursing home abuse / neglect generally refers to any form of mistreatment suffered by a patient in a convalescent home. This includes harmful act or lack of appropriate action that compromises a patient’s quality of care, health, or wellbeing.

Nursing home abuse is distinct from – but associated with – elder abuse, patient abuse, and certain forms of medical malpractice.

According to the National Center of Elder Abuse (NCEA), the first federal reference to this type of neglect appeared in 1987 in the Amendments to the Older Americans Act. Although the act did not provide a specific definition of abuse, it provided guidelines that would evolve into the full understanding of elder abuse that we have today.

Types of Elder Abuse

Today, the exact definition of elder abuse varies between jurisdictions, but most states acknowledge two types of abuse: domestic elder abuse and institutional abuse. In short, domestic abuse occurs in the victim’s home, while institutional abuse / neglect occurs in nursing homes, care facilities, hospitals, retirement homes, etc. While most allegations of abuse are made against the victim’s caregiver, domestic abuse is typically committed by a relative or family member; institutional abuse usually applies to professional caregivers.

NCEA names six types of elder abuse:

Neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse are often seen in nursing homes, while financial abuse and abandonment are usually associated with the victim’s family members.

How to Identify Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is characterized by a wide-variety of symptoms, depending on the type of mistreatment. Signs of physical abuse include broken bones, bruising, abrasions, and burns. Emotional abuse is often symptomized by social withdrawal, behavioral changes, unexplained changes in the victim’s normal habits, and unwarranted depression.

Neglect (mistreatment that occurs when a caretaker fails to take action) is often characterized by bed sores, poor hygiene, rapid weight loss, and untended medical problems.

Nursing Home Abuse: Victims’ Rights

Victims of nursing home abuse have rights. If you placed your spouse, grandparent, or elderly loved one in a nursing home, you have reasonable expectations that the home will not fail to provide the attention and care that your loved one needs. If you suspect that your loved one was mistreated in a nursing home, you can pursue financial compensation for their suffering through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Elder abuse is a serious concern in the U.S. and many states have laws that specifically it as a criminal act; however, the law doesn’t always provide the justice that victims of abuse deserve. Depending on the nature of your case, your loved one may be entitled to money for medical expenses and noneconomic damages. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of your loved one to collect the damages the he / she needs and deserves.

At Duncan Law Group, you can find the compassionate, skilled, and experienced legal guidance need to file a successful nursing home abuse claim. Duncan Law Group is a Chicago-based law firm that serves clients throughout the state of Illinois and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in successful case settlements and jury verdicts – let Attorney Bob Duncan put this experience to work for you. Speak with a member of the firm today by calling (312) 202-3283 and request a free consultation regarding your case.

Duncan Law Group:
161 N. Clark,
Suite 2550
Chicago, IL 60601

For more information about nursing home abuse, speak with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

Bridgestone Tires Denies Liability for Deadly Megabus Crash

After a fatal Megabus accident left one passenger dead and several injured, Bridgestone Tires (BATO) denies any fault in the accident; however, a lawsuit filed by two passengers claims that BATO supplied defective tires that caused the accident.

According to news sources, the bus struck a concrete overpass on August 2, 2012 while traveling southbound on the I-55. Sources say that the bus veered off of the road when one of the front tires suddenly blew out. The driver, a 25-year-old trainee, was in control of the vehicle at the time of the accident.

While BATO denies any responsibility for the collision, two of the injured passengers launched a six-pronged attack against the company, claiming that the tires were unreasonably prone to puncture / deflation, did not carry an adequate warning, were predisposed to tread separation, had insufficient belt edge protection, were poorly bonded, and were not appropriately tested.

In short, the lawsuit alleges that BATO provided faulty tires, which caused the accident and subsequent damages. The suit seeks more than $600,000 in compensation for the plaintiffs.

BATO attempted to refute these claims and filed an affirmative defense. According to the tire company, the plaintiffs exaggerated their injuries after the crash by ignoring the medical instructions given to them by doctors.

The plaintiff’s reportedly sustained injuries to the head, face, arms, hands, legs, wrists, legs, knees, ankles, and torsos – some of which may be permanent. Both passengers said that they experienced post-traumatic stress disorder after the accident too.

BATO may not be the only company to blame for the accident, though; the lawsuit also names Coach Leasing, Inc. as a defendant in the case. Coach Leasing allegedly owned the bus when the accident occurred, but denies any responsibility for the accident because the vehicle was leased under an Equipment Lease Agreement. This type of arrangement limits any liability held against the vehicle owner. Coach filed a motion to reject several counts of the complaint.

News sources anticipate at motion hearing in St. Clair County on September 17th and a mandatory status conference on October 14th.

Looking for an Attorney in Illinois?

Duncan Law Group is a Chicago-based personal injury law firm that serves accident victims statewide. If you suffered an avoidable injury in a bus accident or any type of traffic collision, a Chicago bus accident attorney can help you get the compensation that you need for missed wages, medical costs, and other damages. Call our office today at (312) 202-3283 to learn more about our legal services or to request a free consultation regarding your case. You can also contact a personal injury lawyer at Duncan Law Group directly by filling out an online case evaluation form.

Bus Accident Statistics & Safety

Beginning in 1980, the Center for National Truck and Bus Statistic (CNTBS) began a national program to research and improve bus and truck safety across the United States. Since then, CNTBS has conducted five major surveys, including the Buses Involved in Fatal Accidents (BIFA) Survey. This survey was designed to provide an in-depth analysis of fatal bus accidents for CNTBS to use in safety research.

Additionally, the United States Department of Transportation has conducted extensive research regarding intercity and rural bus accidents. According to research, there were 182,100 school and employee bus transportation employees in the in 2008 and 33,100 charger bus industry employees. In the same year:

Since 1998, school bus accidents have caused 1,564 deaths. Every year since then, an average of 142 school transportation fatalities occurred across the nation. The vast majority of school bus accident fatalities involved occupants of other vehicles; however, 20% were pedestrians / bicyclists and 8% were school bus passengers.

In short, 19 children are killed one average in school bus accidents every year. If you lost a loved one in a bus accident, contact us. A Chicago bus accident attorney from Duncan Law Group can help.

School Bus Safety Measures

The American School Bus Council states that school buses are, by design, safer than typical passenger vehicles. School buses are designed to avoid collisions and, in the event of an accident, buses are built to protect vehicle occupants.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages school bus accident safety through:

Teaching Children Bus Safety

On average, one out of every five bus accident fatalities is a pedestrian. Because of this, children must learn to cross the street safely after exiting a school bus. Young children (between four and six years old) are prone to unexpected behavior and need adult supervision at all times. Parents can help their children develop safe walking habits by holding their hands, looking both ways, etc.

When a child is old enough to cross the street alone, make sure that he / she understands that roads are dangerous; especially for children.

How to teach a child to cross the road:

  1. Teach children to always look both ways before stepping into the street. This is the first rule of pedestrian safety.
  2. Children are partially responsible for their own safety. Make sure that your children understand why pedestrian safety is important.
  3. Tell your child to always make eye contact with oncoming vehicles. This ensures that the driver sees and acknowledges the child before he /she enters the crosswalk.
  4. Help your child learn traffic signs and signals. Before your child uses the crosswalk alone, make sure that he / she understands “walk,” “don’t walk,” and other important signals.
  5. Teach children to never enter the street from between cars or an obstructed driveway. If motorists cannot see approaching pedestrians, they are more likely to cause an accident.

To learn more about bus accidents, personal injury lawsuits, and your rights as an injury victim, speak to with a Chicago personal injury attorney. At Duncan Law Group, the firm’s legal team is dedicated to helping victims of avoidable bus accidents and their families recover the damages that they need and deserve. Call Duncan Law Group at (312) 202-3283 or contact us online.

Who Can I Sue for a Bus Accident in Illinois?

Bus accidents, by nature, usually involve a high number of passenger injuries. Unlike typical traffic accidents, which only involve a few victims, bus accidents can easily lead to dozens of injuries and deaths. In the aftermath of a serious injury, it may be difficult for you to determine who is liable for the accident. With the help of a skilled bus accident attorney, you can file a civil claim to recover damages for medical expenses, missed wages, disfigurement, permanent scarring, and noneconomic damages.

Depending on the nature of the accident, you can sue the bus driver, the city of Chicago, Cook County, the State of Illinois, or the bus manufacturer. If your child suffered an injury in a school bus accident, you can file a claim against the school bus driver or the school district. In some cases, other passengers on the bus may be held responsible for the accident.

The U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) states that 24,000 people were injured in bus accidents in the year 2008 alone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 19 children are killed in school transportation-related accidents every year.

If you suffered a serious injury in a Chicago bus accident, a Chicago accident lawyer from Duncan Law Group can help you file a successful injury claim. The unique circumstances surrounding your accident determine who you will file the claim against.

Types of Negligence in a Bus Accident

In order to collect compensation for your injury, you must be able to demonstrate the driver acted (or failed to take action) in a way that caused the accident. This is called driver negligence. There are many types of negligence, including:

The FMCSA established a strict set of rules to prevent these types of accidents, specifically targeting driver fatigue and inattention. Although tired driving is not unlawful for most drivers, it can seriously impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, making it a negligent act. If your tiredness causes you to commit a traffic violation, you could be responsible for any property damage, injuries, or deaths caused by the accident.

The same principle applies to bus drivers. To avoid bus driver fatigue, the FMCSA established hours of service (HOS) regulations. These rules pertain to any vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers. These rules also apply to vehicles used to transport nine or more passengers for compensation, such as a public transportation bus.

In short, the HOS standards restrict the number of ours that a driver is allowed to work in a given week. If the driver exceeds these hours, he / she could become exhausted and cause an accident.

Sometimes, victims of traffic accidents can sue the city, county, or state for their injuries. Generally speaking, you can sue the city, etc. if the accident was caused by poor road maintenance or unsafe road conditions – excluding unavoidable circumstances like bad weather.

Roads are designed to facilitate safe driving. If a road is not maintained properly, it could develop dangerous cracks and holes. If these hazards are not eliminated, they can cause vehicles to swerve off the road or against the flow of traffic. Dangerous intersections and defective road designs can cause accidents as well, even if road is maintained.

Other possible responsible parties:

Do I really need an attorney to sue?

Personal injury claims are not easy to win, especially if you file alone. If you suffered an injury or the loss of a loved one in a bus accident, you may not have the necessary means and experience to investigate your case and file a proper suit. With Duncan Law Group, you can rest assured that a skilled Chicago injury attorney will be by your side through every step of the legal process. With our team on your side, you will have access to the following resources:

Contact the Duncan Law Group today to see what Bob Duncan, a well-respected Chicago personal injury and bus accident lawyer. Don’t wait to fight for the money that you deserve; call our office now at (312) 620-2020 or contact us at any time online.

What is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Illinois?

A common question asked of the Chicago car accident attorneys at the Duncan Law Group when the victim of a car accident comes into our office for help is, “What is my claim worth?” In the aftermath of an auto collision that caused personal injury and / or property damage to you or someone you love, the cost of recovery can seem daunting. Accordingly, the concern of many victims is that of affording the medical expenses and repair costs that have accumulated since the accident.

Because every motor vehicle accident is different, the safest and most effective method for seeking legal compensation for the full worth of your claim is through the guidance of an experienced attorney. With a Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Duncan Law Group on your side, every aspect of your case will be thoroughly reviewed by a legal professional whose experience and past case victories precede him.

While every car accident case is different, there are three components to these types of cases that can better help you, and us, determine the worth of your claim. In addition to extenuating factors that might be unique to your case, the worth of your car accident claim will primarily rely upon the following:

  1. Medical Expenses: The payout on a car accident claim is intended to cover the cost of the victim’s medical expenses – past, present, and future. Included in the value of your claim could be the cost of traveling to and from doctor’s appointments.
  2. Lost Wages: For car accident victims whose injuries are so severe that they must take time off work to recover, part of the value of the injury claim should cover lost income. The same type of compensation is owed to persons whose future income is negatively affected because of his or her new inability to work in the same field / position as before. When the victim can never again return to work, this too should be calculated into the worth of the claim.
  3. Non-economic Damages: Pain, suffering, disfigurement, and / or disability are all factors that can contribute to the worth of your car accident claim and the ultimate payout that you receive. Emotional trauma and life-long changes to a person’s being can be calculated into the worth of the claim as well.

When you’re looking for the maximum amount of compensation for you case, you should not hesitate to turn to the Duncan Law Group, where the three components listed above will remain top priorities in seeking compensation for your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to have your case reviewed by a Chicago car accident attorney at our firm.