When you’re injured, there are programs in place to help replace a portion of your monthly income so you can still cover your regular expenses and focus on your recovery. Two of the most common programs are workers’ compensation and short-term disability. However, before you can file a claim, you need to figure out which…
Getting injured on the job is something that no worker ever wants to experience, but it happens every day. When it does, filing a workers’ compensation claim in Chicago will help cover the cost of your medical bills and give you access to a portion of your regular income while you recover from your injuries….
Workplace injuries can range from minor, short-term injuries to severe, long-term disabilities. While workers’ compensation will help you cover the cost of your medical bills and helps replace some of your income while you recover, what happens when you’re ready to return to work? In most instances, employers are expected to provide reasonable accommodations for…
Unions actively work to protect their members from employer mistreatment and unfair conditions. Unfortunately, giant corporations and the media have long slandered unions, making them seem unnecessary at best and an impediment to workers’ rights at worst. For many union members, this negative press can lead to a lot of questions about how being a…
When you work any type of job, it’s normal for your body to experience strain as part of the process. However, for some workers, that repeated strain can lead to repetitive-use injuries that make performing their regular tasks and duties almost impossible. If you’re dealing with a repetitive-use injury, you’re likely wondering if you can…
When you’re injured on the job in the performance of your duties, you’re eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation helps cover the cost of your medical treatments and provides you with a portion of your regular income while you recover. But to get access to those benefits, you’ll need to file a…
Many of the individuals who are hired to perform particularly dangerous jobs are employed by local, state, or federal governments. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and many emergency medical responders are just a few of the professionals whose job duties are executed on behalf of the public’s interest and whose salaries are generally paid for with…
Federal data has confirmed time and again that falls are the leading cause of both non-fatal injuries and death within the construction industry. Therefore, any efforts concerned with preventing workers from falling are welcome additions to the broader conversation about keeping construction professionals from sustaining harm while they are on the job. One of the…
Brain injuries are among the most consequential kinds of harm that a construction worker can suffer as a result of occupational circumstances. Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect virtually every aspect of an individual’s experience and well-being. Yet, even a relatively-minor concussion can impact a worker’s ability to engage in everyday activity and to…
Framers play a critically important role in the construction of new residential and commercial structures. After a foundation for a new project has been laid, the work of other construction professionals generally cannot begin in earnest until framers have completed their responsibilities. When assembling most of the foundational structural elements of a new building, framers…
It has often been said that there are two seasons in the Midwest: Winter and construction. As spring is now sprung in Chicago, construction professionals who work in the city and its surrounding communities are ramping up their work hours. For now, they are operating in conditions that are generally windy and sometimes rainy. But…
Over the past several years, medical facilities that were already struggling due to understaffing were, in many instances, pushed to a breaking point. Due to high demand for emergency and urgent care combined with an inability to maintain proper staffing levels, many facilities struggled just to remain open. As the emergency phase of the Covid-19…
While it has been long understood that older adults are vulnerable to mistreatment while residing in long-term care facilities, the Covid-19 pandemic shed a disturbingly bright light on the scope of this problem in the U.S. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 10 percent of Americans who are over the age of 59…
It is common knowledge that agriculture is a truly hazardous industry. From interacting with potentially sick or dangerous animals to tending crops in extreme weather conditions, it is – very unfortunately – all too easy to become injured while on the job if your occupation is associated with agriculture. With that said, the history of…
It is well-known and well-understood that texting while driving and otherwise engaging in distracting behaviors behind the wheel is dangerous. Yet, the scourge of distracted driving crashes continues to cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year in the U.S. Why, if motorists generally understand that distracted driving is hazardous, is…
When someone loses their life due to the negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous conduct of another, the situation is – by definition – a tragedy for those loved ones who suffer as a result of that loss. Yet, there is a particularly devastating aspect of a situation that results in a loss of life when…
If you work in the construction industry, you’re likely aware of the fact that your profession is among the most notoriously dangerous occupations that Americans undertake in modern times. You may be required to work at great heights, while navigating traffic, and/or while utilizing heavy machinery. Because you work in Illinois, you’re also likely exposed…
Chicago construction workers are a famously tough class of professionals. Not only do they often complete intricate work at great heights, but they also do so while battling famously windy, rainy, snowy, foggy, freezing, humid, and wretchedly hot conditions. As a result of the fact that they are a strong, determined, and talented group, it…
Being injured on the job can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to deal with the pain and recovery from your injuries, but you also have to worry about how you will support yourself and your family if you cannot work. That’s where workers’ compensation comes in. Different Types of…
Electrical injuries are some of the most dangerous kinds of construction accidents. Electrocutions are one of the leading causes of death in construction, accounting for 5.3% of all fatalities in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Understanding common electrical injuries and how to prevent them is critical for keeping construction workers safe on…
If you are a union worker who has been injured on the job, you may be wondering how your workers’ compensation benefits will be impacted. While you will still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits as a union worker, there are some critical ways that being in a union can impact your benefits. How is Workers’ Compensation…
Construction sites are inherently dangerous places to work. Every year, countless workers are injured or killed as a result of workplace negligence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keep track of construction site accidents, and their findings show that these accidents are all too common. Recovering From Construction Negligence You…
Working with cranes can be a dangerous job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that an average of 42 deaths happened per year between 2011 to 2017 relating to crane accidents. Common Causes of Crane Accidents Cranes are a vital piece of equipment on any construction site, but they can also pose a serious…
The National Trial Lawyers is pleased to announce that Lisa Ciharan of Anesi Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd. has been selected for inclusion into its Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Illinois, an honor given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field. Membership in this exclusive organization…
First responders have one of the most demanding jobs, as many of them (like police officers and firefighters) put their lives on the line every day they show up to work. Unfortunately, this work comes with a certain amount of risk, and first responders are susceptible to a variety of injuries and illnesses. Common Injuries For…
Partners Jeffrey M. Alter and Douglas A. Colby along with Associate Hayley G. Slefo of Anesi Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd. wrote an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of Illinois on behalf of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA). The brief makes an argument against crediting the plaintiff with a 25% workers’ compensation fee on future medical benefits….
Anesi Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd. secured a record settlement of $2.1 million for the wrongful death of Nita Anthony. The financial recovery will be awarded to the victim’s four surviving children. On February 17, 2003, Anthony, 24, died from comprehension asphyxiation injuries at the E2 Nightclub during an event promoted, endorsed, and hosted…
Chicago, IL – August 7, 2017 – Hunter Wolfe, 17, of Streator, IL, tragically died Monday, July 17, 2017, while participating in a work/study program at Luckey Transfer, LLC, 918 Porter St., Streator IL. The Livingston County, IL, Coroner Danny Watson completed an autopsy on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. The Coroner stated that electrocution was…
Electricity is one of the most powerful forces in nature, and it can be both valuable and dangerous. While electricity can be used to power our homes and businesses, it can also pose a severe risk of injury or death. Every year, approximately 1,000 people die from electricity-related injuries, with another 30,000 being the victim…
ANESI OZMON partners Michael L. Teich and Steven A. Berman secured a $10.03 million settlement in a construction negligence case on behalf of a 32-year old ironworker from Local 393 in Aurora, Illinois. Three defendants agreed to pay $9.55 million on August 23, 2019, after five days of trial before the Honorable Judge Ruben Castillo in U.S. District Court…
A racking system collapse is one of the most devastating types of accidents that can occur in a warehouse. Racking systems are the shelving units that store all of the merchandise and materials in a warehouse. These systems are incredibly sturdy and usually built to last, but they can still collapse under certain circumstances. Corners…
If someone negligently or recklessly causes a collision that ends another person’s life, they can be held accountable in more than one way. The state may pursue a criminal case against the driver for what they’ve done, while family members of the victim can pursue a claim in civil court, instead. The civil case, known…
According to recent studies, Chicago ranks 8th in cities for new construction, with over $100 billion budgeted for upcoming projects. This abundance of new construction creates a wealth of job opportunities for skilled tradespeople. However, more workers on construction sites mean an increased potential for construction site injuries. “Focus Four” Hazards The Occupational Safety and Health…
If you’re one of the millions of people who own a smartwatch, you know it gives you a lot of information and lets you communicate via phone, text, and other methods. Unfortunately, some people use them while they’re driving, which can be more dangerous than talking on a cellphone. That was the finding of one…
After a car accident or other unfortunate event, you are required to notify your insurance company. What you may not realize is that insurance companies and their adjusters don’t have your best interests in mind. Like any business – and a big one at that – the insurance company is focused on its bottom line….
Anesi Ozmon is pleased to announce that Scott C. Sands has joined the firm as a Partner and Tracey L. Schroeder has joined the firm as an Associate. Scott C. Sands has more than 30 years of experience in the area of personal injury litigation and trial law and has earned a national reputation as an expert and leader…
Congratulations to Anesi Ozmon associate Patrick Blum on his induction into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry, profiling individuals for their noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in their fields. Marquis Who’s Who identifies accomplished, seasoned professionals, chronicling their many great achievements, and has recognized Patrick for his distinguished career as a personal injury attorney. Patrick obtained his Bachelor of…
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Illinois, you might be lucky and sustain only minor wounds — or you could end up with serious problems. One of the most common (and most debilitating) physical results of a collision involves damage to the spine. In fact, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury…
May 15, 2018, Anesi Ozmon Partners Steven A. Berman and Brian D. Teven, obtained a $4.55 million settlement in a multi-defendant personal injury action. Anesi Ozmon filed suit on behalf of a 55-year-old, Chicago resident, self-employed in trucking, who suffered severe and permanent injuries after he was caused to lose control of his motorcycle on…
-Defendants to pay the plaintiff for injuries resulting in open-heart surgery to replace two valves – Partner Michael L. Teich and Associate Patrick J. Blum secured a $2.5 million settlement in a medical malpractice case on behalf of a 50-year old woman from Lake County, IL. Two defendants agreed to pay $2.5 million on January…
When seeking compensation for an accident, it is usually because you have been injured or suffered some form of damage due to the negligence of another person or entity. Establishing fault can be fairly simple; however, there are rare cases when an accident occurs due to a freak accident. Also called an “act of God,” freak…
As the nation pauses to remember the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we must also not forget the first responders who rushed to Ground Zero in New York City. These brave men and women risked their lives to save others, and many of them are still dealing with the emotional and physical effects of…
Construction accidents can often be traced back to negligence from one or more parties involved in the project. Negligence is defined as a failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or damage. In the context of construction accidents, negligence can take many forms, from poorly maintained equipment to unsafe work conditions. Proving construction…
Partner Steven A. Berman and Associate Melanie J. VanOverloop of Anesi Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen, Ltd. secured a significant verdict of $1.2 million on behalf of their client, a Local 74 Bricklayer who suffered an open fracture to the tibia bone in his leg. On the date of the injury, the Plaintiff was standing…
On Thursday, October 10, 2013, the Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF) honored two of Anesi Ozmon Rodin Novak & Kohen, Ltd.’s attorneys, Jennifer P. Irmen and Melanie VanOverloop with its coveted “Advocate for Diversity Award” for not only promoting diversity within the legal profession but also for inspiring others to follow their example at its Annual…
