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Recent Blog Posts
When Can Limited Guardianship Be a Good Option for Elders?
Elderly people may sometimes face challenging situations that require the assistance and support of others. In these situations, appointing a legal guardian to help an elder address their personal needs or manage their finances may be necessary. However, full guardianship may not be necessary or appropriate, and an elder may want to retain control over certain areas of their life. In these instances, limited guardianship can be a viable alternative that ensures the well-being and protection of the elder while allowing them to maintain some level of independence. An attorney with experience handling elder law issues can provide guidance on when limited guardianship may be an ideal solution.
What Is Limited Guardianship?
In a limited guardianship, a court will appoint a person to make certain types of decisions for an elderly person who is unable to handle specific aspects of their life independently. Unlike full guardianship, which grants broad authority over personal and/or financial matters, limited guardianships are narrower in scope. The court may specify the types of decisions a limited guardian can make while taking steps to provide an elder with assurance that they will be able to address their own needs as much as possible.
Are Car Accidents More Likely During the Thanksgiving Holiday?
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family gatherings, delicious meals, and expressing gratitude. However, it is also one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. As families hit the road to visit loved ones or embark on vacations, there is an increased risk of car accidents. While nothing can ruin a holiday like being injured in a car accident, an attorney can provide assistance in these cases, helping families take steps to recover compensation that will address the injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of other drivers. Some reasons why car accidents may occur over Thanksgiving include:
Increased Traffic Volume
Millions of Americans travel by car during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The roads become congested as people rush to reach their destinations, leading to a higher chance of collisions. In addition to regular commuters and travelers, many college students return home for Thanksgiving break. This influx of young drivers who may not have extensive experience behind the wheel can contribute to an increase in accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Illinois?
Even though many dogs are friendly, others may be dangerous, and even a well-behaved dog can behave unexpectedly and bite or attack someone. Dog bites can result in multiple types of serious injuries, as well as significant emotional trauma. Following a dog bite injury in Illinois, it is important to understand who may be held liable for your injuries. The state of Illinois has specific laws that cover dog bite cases, and you may be able to take legal action against a dog’s owner or other responsible parties. To make sure you will be able to recover compensation for your injuries, you can work with an attorney who has experience in premises liability cases involving animal attacks.
Strict Liability Laws in Illinois
Illinois follows a strict liability rule when addressing dog bite and animal attack injuries. The owner of a dog is generally responsible for any injuries caused by their pet, even if they were not aware of the dog's aggressive tendencies.
How Can Traumatic Brain Injuries Affect Accident Victims?
Accidents can happen in a wide variety of situations, and victims may suffer multiple types of injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most severe forms of bodily harm that accident victims can experience. These injuries occur when there is a sudden jolt or blow to the head, causing damage to the brain. They can have long-lasting effects on victims and their families. Following a brain injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, a victim can work with an attorney to determine their legal options.
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs can have a major impact on a victim’s life, and a person may be impacted both physically and mentally. Here are some common effects of traumatic brain injuries:
A Senior’s Guide to Avoiding Probate
Avoiding probate is a common goal for many seniors seeking to protect their assets and provide a smoother transition for their loved ones. Probate involves the legal validation of a will, settling debts, distributing assets, and can take several months to years to complete. For seniors who want to spare their families from the complexities of probate and ensure their assets are placed in the right hands after their passing, there are various strategies to consider.
Most Common Ways to Preserve Your Assets
One of the most popular methods for seniors to avoid probate is by creating a living trust. A living trust allows you to transfer your assets to the trust while you are still alive. You can serve as the trustee and maintain control over your assets until your passing. After your death, the appointed successor trustee can distribute the assets to your beneficiaries without going through probate.
Staying Safe in the Summer Heat: Preventing Construction Accidents
As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, construction sites across the nation are abuzz with activity. However, the summer season brings its fair share of challenges and potential construction site accidents.
Understanding the Risks of Working in the Summer Heat
Working outdoors under the scorching sun can lead to various heat-related illnesses and accidents. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable due to their physical exertion and exposure to hot surfaces and direct sunlight.
Heat-Related Illnesses and Their Prevention
Construction workers are at risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, during the summer months. Recognizing the symptoms and taking preventive measures can save lives. To safeguard against these illnesses, outdoor workers should take these actions:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
Your Go-To Guide for Car Accidents in Barrington, IL: Taking the Right Steps
Being involved in a car accident can be a jarring experience, but knowing how to handle the situation is essential. If you find yourself in a car accident in Barrington, Illinois, you must remain calm and take prompt action.
First and foremost, prioritize safety. Move your vehicle to a safe spot, away from traffic if possible. Activate your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares to alert other drivers. Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries, and if necessary, call for an ambulance immediately.
Involving Law Enforcement and Gathering Information
Contacting the police is a critical step in documenting the accident. Regardless of its severity, contact the local authorities and provide accurate details of the incident. The police report will be used for insurance claims and any legal proceedings that may arise. While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with the other parties involved. Collect their names, contact details, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Remember, refrain from discussing fault or assigning blame; focus on gathering the necessary facts.
The Benefits of a Living Trust: Why You Should Consider One
If you're like most people, you want to ensure that your assets and property are protected for the future. One way to do that is by creating a living trust. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, only 42% of U.S. adults have estate planning documents, such as a living trust or a will.
At Lucas Law, we understand the importance of estate planning and can help you determine whether a living trust is right for you.
Avoiding Probate: A Key Benefit of a Living Trust
One of the biggest advantages of a living trust is that it allows you to avoid the probate process. Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a person's assets after they die. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, often taking months or even years to complete. By creating a living trust, you can transfer your assets and property to a trustee, who can manage them for your benefit during your lifetime and distribute them according to your wishes after you die. This can save time and money, as well as ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
How Slip and Fall Laws Work in Illinois
As we head into the spring and there is an increased chance of precipitation creating wet conditions all over the state, businesses all over Illinois will have to place an increasing emphasis on making sure that their property is safe. Dangerous property conditions are a common cause of most slip and fall accidents, and people can suffer severe injuries in these cases.
A slip and fall accident can often be a very confusing ordeal for most people because there can be considerable stress about how a person goes about recovering financial compensation for their injuries. The unfortunate truth in many of these cases is that businesses often claim that people were at fault for their own accidents, and there is often a refusal to pay anything.
Slip and Fall Lawsuit Process
Under 735 Illinois Compiled Statute (ILCS) § 5/13-202, actions for injuries to any person must be commenced within two years of the date of an accident. Simply put, a person is only going to have two years to file a legal claim, and people should not wait to seek legal help because waiting too long might not give a lawyer enough time to investigate a case.
Helping Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
The 2022 DUI Fact Book from the Illinois Secretary of State establishes that there were 20,131 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests in 2020, and the 254 people killed in alcohol-related crashes represented 21 percent of the 1,195 total crash fatalities. There is little doubt that drunk driving accidents not only have the potential to cause serious injuries, but people often die in these collisions.
Both people who suffer injuries and family members who lose loved ones are entitled to seek compensation from drunk drivers in these cases. The Fact Book also noted that 86 percent of people arrested for DUI in Illinois are first-time offenders, so many drunk driving accidents are the result of people not properly gauging their intoxication levels.
Illinois DUI Laws
A person is considered to be under the influence in Illinois when they have:
- A blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more
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