Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog

Almost 10,000 “infants and toddlers are hurt in crib and playpen accidents each year, according to the first nationwide analysis of emergency room treatment for these injuries.” (L. Tanner, AP Medical, 2/17). As a Chicago personal injury lawyer, I have been concerned by crib injuries for a long time. Statistically, the most frequent injuries resulted from falls, many of which occurred as the child was attempting to climb out of his or her crib.

Researchers who studied “19 years of ER data say better prevention efforts are needed, but that recent safety measures including a ban on drop-side cribs likely will reduce those numbers.” The study also found a gradual decrease in injuries over the years 1990 to 2008. However, the aggregate numbers are far too large still. The release of the study by the American Academy of Pediatrics coincides with a U.S. House subcommittee hearing on consumer product safety issues.

As a Chicago area personal injury attorney, I am hopeful that the injury numbers continue to decline as further study and regulations make cribs safer for all.

Continue reading "Nearly 10,000 babies suffer crib injuries each year" »

The Chicago Tribune reported last week that drain covers in pools and spas are being used even though the product “underwent flawed safety evaluations, then failed subsequent, more stringent, tests.” (P. Callahan, 2/7/11). The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates pools, “has received complaints for two years that some models weren't working properly…but the CPSC didn't launch an investigation until July.”

Subpoenas obtained by the Tribune show the CPSC “is investigating whether differing testing procedures at independent labs allowed drain covers to be sold even though they don't comply with the law.”

The Tribune reporter found that AquaStar Pool Products Inc., “which makes some of the more popular drain covers, did not issue a warning to the public after one of its products failed tests at independent labs last year. Nor did the company widely recall the product.” As a personal injury attorney in Chicago, I find this conduct wholly unacceptable. I encourage all pool and spa owners to research their drain covers to ensure that they have fully tested, safe models. As always, use pools and spas carefully, especially when children are present.

Continue reading "Dangers Lurking under water" »

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says, “overall, the city responded well to this week's blizzard and defended the decision to close the Lake Shore Drive.” (Chicago AP, 2/3). As a Chicago personal injury lawyer, I agree with the Mayor, and am pleased that the roads were cleared as quickly as possible such that no serious injuries were reported.
Daley stood by the decision to close lakeshore drive during crisis. Although hundreds of vehicles were stranded, the roadway was cleared in a timely manner and closing the roadway potentially avoided serious injuries.

I am pleased that Chicago area residents seemingly took the blizzard seriously and, for the most part, remained safely at home during the worst of the storm. As such, many injuries were likely avoided.