Cook County Personal Injury Lawyer - Miscellaneous

Rockord Canadian National train derailment kills one, injures three

Barry Doyle — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:56:29 GMT

Yesterday, in Rockford, a Canadian National train derailed. The freight train had several tank cars which were carrying ethanol, a highly flammable and highly explosive substance. When the Canadian National train derailed, the tank cars carrying the ethanol caught fire and exploded.

One car which was waiting at a crossing near the site of the Candian National derailment was struck with flaming ethanol and burning railroad ties. The driver of the car was killed. Fortunately, three passengers in the car escaped, although they were severely burned and had to be taken the burn unit of area hospitals.

Most train derailments result from either human error or from deficiencies in the track or equipment. All of these factors are under the control of the railroad. Examples of human error would include ignoring track signals or dispatching the train down the wrong track. Examples of deficiencies in the track or equipment would include things such as poor maintained rail cars, inoperable switches, or poorly maintained track and railbed. There are early reports that the trains derailed due to the tracks being washed out in recent heavy rains.

My experience in dealing with train derailments is that railroad claims agents move rapidly to contact the families of victims of train accidents. Families can expect that the railroad claims agents will try develop a close relationship with the families and do what they can to prevent families from seeking independent legal advice concerning their rights. At the same time, the railroad is conducting its own investigation into the causes of the derailment in order to shift liability away from them and to develop evidence that would limit the victim's claims for comepnsation for the injuries and wrongful deaths that resulted from this train derailment. For victims of accidents such as this, hiring experienced counsel comes highly recommended.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Barry Doyle

Staph Infections on the Rise in Kids: Wash Hands Frequently

Kristina Labanauskas — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:48:00 GMT

A new national study, published in the Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, found that the incidence of such infections as ear, nose, and throat, blamed on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) grew by 16 percent from 2001-2006. And, while MRSA was once confined to hospitals and health-care settings, now these infections occur outside of such settings.

The researchers analyzed drug-resistance test results for 21,000 pediatric patients from 300 hospitals over the six-year period. Of these, 28 percent tested positive for MRSA in 2006, compared with 11 percent in 2001. Illinois showed a similar trend.

The author of the study noted that there is no need to panic but rather that awareness among pediatricians and parents is essential.

MRSA is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact or through items that have been used by an infected person. MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics, including methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

One of the best ways to avoid infection is to frequently wash hands. Also, if your child’s ear or nasal infection persists, seek medical attention.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kristina Labanauskas

Chicago-area grocery store tested for Legionnaires’ bacteria

Kristina Labanauskas — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:47:00 GMT

Six cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported recently: five people in Tinley Park and one person in Orland Park. All people have been successfully treated and released from hospitals.

Three of those persons who contracted the disease reported shopping at EuroFresh Market, a Tinley Park grocery store located at 1600 Harlem Avenue. The Cook County Department of Public Health is awaiting the test results from the misting system water in the produce department, which results will take several weeks. The store is just one of many possible sources and is not being singled out, according a Cook County Department of Public Health spokesperson.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Legionnaires' disease can be very serious and can cause death in up to 5% to 30% of cases. However, most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics and healthy persons usually recover. Further, most people who come into contact with the bacteria do not get ill, and the bacteria are not spread from person to person.

The disease's symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, coughing and headaches and can progress to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, he said. Middle-age people and seniors are most at risk.

Legionnaire’s disease is caused by a naturally occurring type of bacteria called Legionella. The bacteria is found naturally in the environment and is typically transmitted through water, for example breathing in steam from a whirlpool spa that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kristina Labanauskas

After the Flood: Safety Tips

Kristina Labanauskas — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:35:00 GMT

Many Americans suffered the devastating effects of Hurricane Ike and resulting inclement weather. Here in Chicago, we experienced record rainfall and the worst flooding in years due to the remnants of Ike. In fact, Cook County was placed under a state of emergency due to the high flood waters.

Now that the rain has stopped, people are left with the daunting task of putting their homes and lives back together. Even when the water begins to recede, many dangers still exist. Here are some flood safety tips to keep in mind during this difficult time:

Listen to a radio or television and don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

When you are allowed to return, remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance

Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage

When entering buildings, use extreme caution

Look for fire hazards

If your home was damaged, check the utilities

Stay out of buildings that remain in the floodwaters.

Avoid coming in contact with floodwaters. The water may be contaminated with oil, gasoline or raw sewage

Do not wade through a flooded stream to protect or retrieve belongings

Consider your family's health and safety. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

Throw away food -- including canned goods -- that has come in contact with floodwaters

Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage

Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewer systems pose a health hazard.

Stay alert for areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.

Do not let children play in or near floodwaters, flooded creeks or flood retention ponds

Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to the utility company immediately

If unaffected by the flood, stay out of the area until allowed to enter by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.

Monitor the radio for special information about where to go to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. Other programs are available to help you cope with the stress of the situation.

Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home and your belongings

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kristina Labanauskas

Magnet Dart Boards Recalled Due to Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards

Jenny Albano — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:04:48 GMT

Family Dollar, in conjunction with the CPSC, is recalling about 250,000 FUN 'N SAFE Magnetic Dart Boards because the magnets pose aspiration and intestinal hazards.

Small magnets at the ends of the darts can detach. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

The dart board is approximately 15 inches wide and is black, white, green, and red and has a checkered design. The dart board was also sold with six 4-inch magnetic darts that adhere to the dart board when thrown. On the back of the board is "Made in China".

So far the company has not received any reports of injury or illness. The recalled product was available in Family Dollar stores across the United States from January 2001 to January 2008.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Cold and Cough Medicine May be Risky for Children

Jenny Albano — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:02:18 GMT

The FDA will be discussing the safety and efficacy of cold and cough medicines for children in a meeting that will take place in October.

Some doctors and health officials have questioned the safety of these medicines for children, especially toddlers. Some feel that the benefits of the medicines do not outweigh the risks that the children can incur. A group of doctors have filed a petition voicing their concerns that these cold and cough medicines are not safe and ineffective for children.

The makers of these medicines claim that their products are safe if used correctly and all the directions are followed.

Some reports of serious adverse events associated with the use of these products appear to be the result of giving too much of these medicines to children. An over-the-counter cough and cold medicine can be harmful if more than the recommended amount is used, if it is given too often, or if more than one cough and cold medicine containing the same active ingredient are being used.

The FDA announced in March that they would be reviewing the efficacy and safety of cold and cough medicines and the meeting is set for October 18 and 19. The agency urged parents to read all the instructions on the labels before giving a child a dose of cold or cough medicine.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Two of Over 500 Sick from Taste of Chicago Sue Pars Cove

Jenny Albano — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:57:11 GMT

As of Monday afternoon, 529 people had reported they were infected with salmonella from the Taste of Chicago festival. Of those who reported their illness, around 50 have been confirmed by lab tests, and 36 have been identified as Salmonella heidelberg which is a common strain. Now 17 people have been hospitalized for their symptoms.

City Health officials have only found one source of the salmonella outbreak. Everyone who reported being ill claimed they had eaten the hummus shirazi from the Pars Cove Persian Cuisine booth. Officials have ordered that the restaurant stop serving the hummus dish.

Two people who became ill from the hummus have decided to file a lawsuit against Pars Cove restaurant. Monique Roach and Willie Smith filed suits against the restaurant on Monday, claiming that Pars Cove did not properly inspect, store, or package the food that caused their illness. Roach is seeking more than $30,000 in damages, and Smith is claiming an unspecified lesser amount.

Roach was severely ill for three days, and was then taken to the hospital for treatment for another two days. Smith also became sick from the salmonella, but did not seek medical attention.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

491 Cases of Salmonella Illness from Taste of Chicago

Jenny Albano — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:29:40 GMT

The number of people reported being ill has increased to 491 after they ate at the Pars Cove Persian Cuisine booth at the Taste of Chicago festival. The source of the salmonella outbreak has been linked to a hummus dish called hummus shirazi which includes fresh herbs, tomato and cucumber salad on top of hummus. The numbers of salmonellosis have been increasing over the last week.

As a precaution, health officials have asked that Pars Cove restaurant stop serving their hummus dish to customers. The restaurant has been inspected by Heath Department Officials and samples of tahini, a main ingredient in hummus, were taken to examine. The tahini has had salmonella issues in the past.

Forty-four of the 491 are laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis. Of the 44, 26 have been identified as one of the more common Salmonella stereotypes in the United States. A total of 15 people are known to have been hospitalized.

The Chicago Department of Public Health announced that this outbreak has been the first for the Taste of Chicago in over 20 years. The festival does inspect all the food at the booths to make sure they are at the correct temperature. But inspectors are unable to tell whether the food is contaminated.

The salmonella bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms including diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually begin 12-72 hours after infection, and typically last 4-7 days.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

300+ People Sick at Chicago Food Tasting

Staff Writer — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:48:33 GMT

Chicago Sun-Times reports that over 300 people have become sick after eating at a popular food tasting event in Chicago with a number complaining of salmonella poisoning.

On Thursday about 126 people who ate at the Pars Cove Persian Cuisine booth at the Taste of Chicago had reported illness. As as of this weekend the number of complaints had more than tripled according to Chicago Sun-Times.

City Health Department officials ordered a restaurant to stop serving hummus Friday as the number of people reporting getting ill from the eatery's food tripled to 378.
The complaints are from people who say they ate at a Pars Cove booth at Taste of Chicago, which ended Sunday.
Officials said they have 32 confirmed illnesses from salmonella heidelberg -- a common form of salmonella poisoning. That number could increase with pending lab tests.

Medical News Today, an online source of medical information, discusses how easy it is for victims of salmonella poisoning to mis-diagnose themselves.

There are over one million reported cases of salmonella poisoning in the USA each year, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The real total is probably much higher, because salmonella poisoning symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as flu.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Florida eliminating no-fault auto insurance

Barry Doyle — Thu, 31 May 2007 07:42:17 GMT

Florida lawmakers recently allowed the state's no-fault auto insurance law to lapse. No-fault auto insurance, which was intended to keep a reign on auto insurance costs, had resulted in Florida consumers paying the sixth highest rates in the nation for coverage.

At least one commentator besides myself thinks that this is a good thing.

The virtue and vice of a no-fault auto insurance system is that it eliminates the need and the incentive for lawyers to get involved in representing injured people in claims against insurers. In theory, no-fault coverage is supposed to provide compensation for medical expenses for "less serious" injuries, while leaving the courts open for people who have more significant injuries. In return for giving up their right to the courts (not voluntarily, by the way), consumers were supposed to recive automatic payment of their medical expenses.

The main problem with no-fault insurance systems is that it leaves consumers largely defenseless against insurers when legitimate claims for medical expenses are denied or delayed. The only option for consumers is to hire lawyers on an hourly basis. Many do not have the resources to do so, and when they do, it often does not make economic sense. The net result: fat insurance profits at the expense of paying consumers. That is what is wrong with no-fault ins urance systems.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Barry Doyle