Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.2024-02-16T04:34:43Zhttps://www.usplawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400503/2020/11/cropped-unsell-Site-Icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=470332024-02-16T04:34:43Z2024-02-15T11:54:57ZRecognizing the warning signs
One of dogs' most apparent signs of aggression is body language that signals discomfort or intent to threaten. These behaviors suggest a dog is on edge and may react negatively if provoked.
Some obvious signs include a stiff body posture, raised hackles, bared teeth and a fixed stare. Growling, snapping and lunging indicate a dog's discomfort and show a potential for aggression.
It's also important to note more subtle signs, such as freezing in response to touch or a low, warning growl. An aggressive dog might exhibit ears pinned back, a tucked tail, or an attempt to appear larger. Prolonged eye contact from a dog can also be a challenge or threat, signaling that the dog is uncomfortable with the current situation.
Safety rules for dealing with aggressive dogs
When faced with an aggressive dog, maintaining your safety and the safety of others is paramount. Staying calm and avoiding panicking is crucial because dogs can sense fear and may react more aggressively if they perceive you as scared or threatening.
Don’t attempt to run away from an aggressive dog because their instinct might be to chase. Instead, stand still, avoid eye contact and keep your arms close to your body. Minimize movements that could be perceived as a threat.
An attack by an aggressive dog can lead to severe injuries that require emergency medical care. Victims of these attacks may opt to pursue a compensation claim from the dog’s owner. This helps cover the financial damages caused by the dog attack. Working with a professional familiar with these cases is beneficial because they can get the case together and file it within the time limits set by Illinois law while the victim focuses on healing.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=470312024-01-19T10:06:07Z2024-01-19T10:06:07Zrisks of these positions is critical for workers and employees alike. With that said, the onus is on employers to ensure that workers have a safe workplace.
Physical hazards
Airport workers frequently handle heavy luggage, cargo and equipment. This puts them at risk of musculoskeletal injuries like strains and sprains due to improper lifting techniques.
The dynamic airport environment has a variety of surfaces. They can increase the risk of accidents such as slipping on wet floors, tripping over equipment or falling from elevated platforms.
Ground crews responsible for moving aircraft face collision risks, jet blasts, and propeller hazards. Adequate training and communication are crucial to minimize these risks.
Many airport workers, including ground crew and baggage handlers, are also exposed to extreme weather conditions. This can lead to cold stress, heat stress and related health problems.
Chemical and environmental hazards
Almost every aspect of working with aircraft can be hazardous if each situation isn’t handled correctly. Some examples of potential issues include:
Workers involved in aircraft refueling handle hazardous chemicals, and potential spills can result in fires or chemical exposure.
Those responsible for de-icing aircraft deal with chemicals can harm the skin and respiratory system if not handled correctly.
Security personnel must deal with potentially contaminated items, putting them at risk of exposure to infectious agents.
Airport workers play a vital role in the aviation industry, but they face numerous hazards that require continuous attention, training and safety measures. Prioritizing workplace safety protects these essential employees and contributes to their airports' overall safety and efficiency.
When an airport worker suffers an injury at work, they should get immediate medical attention. Workers’ compensation should cover their medical expenses, as well as other specific related costs. But, because this can be a complex undertaking, working with someone familiar with the workers’ compensation system proactively is generally wise.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=470282023-12-14T09:32:27Z2023-12-14T09:32:27ZEstate planning can often seem daunting, but breaking it down into these components can make it easier. Each element plays a specific role in securing one’s legacy and protecting an individual’s interests.
A will
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It's a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. A will also allows you to appoint someone who will manage the distribution of your assets. It should only address assets not named in other estate planning components.
Trusts
Trusts are versatile estate planning tools that can help manage your assets during your lifetime and after. They offer various benefits, such as avoiding probate, reducing estate taxes and protecting assets for specific purposes or beneficiaries. There are different types of trusts to consider. These have specific purposes and protections, so discussing your goals before committing to a particular strategy is wise.
Power of attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This can cover financial matters, healthcare decisions or both, depending on how it's structured. A power of attorney expires upon your death or under other conditions outlined in the document granting such authority.
Advanced directives
Advanced directives, including living wills and healthcare proxies, specify your wishes about medical treatment if you're unable to make these decisions yourself. There are limits for what this document can do, so you should give someone who you trust medical power of attorney in addition because they can step in to make any decisions not covered by an advanced directive.
Letter of instruction
A letter of instruction is an informal document that provides additional information and guidance to your loved ones and executor. It’s read prior to the will, so it can include details on funeral arrangements, the location of important documents or explanations of your decisions. While this isn’t a legal document, it can be valuable after your death.
Creating a comprehensive estate plan requires careful consideration of your unique circumstances and goals. Seeking legal guidance to map out the most effective strategy for your needs is a good way to get started with this process.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=470262023-11-13T08:29:40Z2023-11-10T11:30:01ZHealth insurance likely won't cover work injuries
Health insurance policies in Illinois and across the country are very strict about liability matters. In any scenario in which liability insurance should apply, health insurance will typically not cover someone's treatment costs. If a worker discloses that they got hurt on the job or their physician is able to determine that detail without direct verbal statements, they may include those details in the medical records for someone's care. Health insurance may then decline to cover treatment costs or may subrogate the claim by trying to hold the employer accountable.
Health insurance makes the patient pay
Most modern health insurance policies have multiple different types of charges that pass to patients. A deductible that someone must pay out of pocket before the insurance will cover their costs is common. There will also often be co-pays for every appointment or medication a patient requires. Finally, there could be coinsurance that makes the patient responsible for a flat percentage of the treatment costs. Unlike health insurance, workers' compensation does not make the employee cover any of their care expenses. Workers can therefore get exactly what treatment they need without any additional financial hardship.
The worker may require accommodations
The more an injury or condition affects someone's job performance, the more important it may be to have their employer help them. Companies aware of a worker's job-related health issue may be more open to providing accommodations while someone has functional limitations. Employers can offer change job responsibilities, provide assistive technology and grant other accommodations that allow a worker to return to work as quickly as possible and avoid worsening their injury. They may be more likely to do so when there is an open workers' compensation claim.
Although many people worry about filing workers' compensation claims, doing so is often a smart move. Utilizing workers' compensation health care coverage may be beneficial for someone dealing with a job-related health challenge for numerous reasons.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=470162023-10-09T09:25:03Z2023-10-09T09:25:03ZExperts note that bites on the hand have a greater chance of developing an infection. But infection can develop and spread anywhere if someone has been bitten by an animal. As a result, if you or a loved one has been bitten, it’s important to monitor one’s condition very carefully with the risk of infection in mind.
The symptoms tend to get worse
Before getting into the specific symptoms, it’s important to note that people should be wary of symptoms that seem to be getting worse. Simply having a bite wound that is painful doesn’t mean it’s infected. But if it’s not healing and other symptoms are developing instead, that could mean that the infection is growing. Some potential signs of infection more broadly include:
Stiffness near the bite or problems moving the injured area
Drainage of pus and other fluid from the bite wound
Pain that grows worse over time, especially when touching that area of the body
Increased redness, which may show up as red streaks that move away from the bite and up the extremities
Tightness and swelling around the bite, which could be part of the reason it’s difficult to move.
Lymph nodes that are enlarged, a common indicator that the body is fighting an infection
The development of a fever, a temperature and related symptoms
In some cases, an infection can become so serious that someone will need emergency medical treatment.
Do victims deserve compensation?
Unfortunately, when infection happens, it may mean that expensive treatment is needed days or even weeks after a bite. The individual who has been harmed could incur high medical bills, and they could miss time at work. This can have quite an impact on their finances and their quality of life. If someone else was responsible for the injuries – such as a negligent dog owner who did not keep a dangerous dog on a leash – then the bite victim needs to know how to seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=470122023-09-08T08:06:46Z2023-09-08T01:02:53Zexecutor responsibilities so that you don’t seem like you’re “playing favorites,” but going that route can actually inspire more problems than solutions.
It can cause administrative issues
Shepherding an estate through probate requires a lot of paperwork and it’s filled with administrative tasks, such as opening and closing accounts, filing legal documents, paying taxes and more. When co-executors are involved, that means getting both signatures on every piece of paper, which can increase the potential for confusion and delays. It can also increase the administrative and legal costs for your estate, which can eat away at what you’ve left behind.
They may have conflicting goals
Two heads aren’t always better than one. Co-executors constantly need to be in agreement with each other about how to handle issues with the estate that may arise – including what to do with tangible assets or investments. Even if your adult children get along well, they may have differing opinions or goals. If they don’t think alike (or don’t get along), it’s virtually guaranteed to strain their relationship even further. Disputes over the best course of action when there are options can lead to family conflict and unnecessary emotional strain.
While the idea of appointing two adult children as the co-executors of your estate may seem like a way to ensure fairness, it can actually lead to (or increase) interpersonal issues between siblings that have the potential to affect the entire family. They can also cause lengthy delays when it comes to settling the estate. That doesn’t particularly serve anybody’s interests well. Learning more about how the probate process works and what an executor needs to do can help clarify your needs and make it easier for you to make informed decisions.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=468812023-08-07T07:27:49Z2023-08-07T07:27:49ZElements of proving personal injury damages
Of course, that does not mean winning a personal injury trial is quick and simple. As the plaintiff, you must convince the judge or jury that:
The defendant owed you a duty of care
The defendant breached that duty
As a result, you were injured
The breach of duty started a chain of events that led to your injuries
The good news is, in civil litigation the standard of proof is lower than in criminal law, where the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. For a personal injury suit, the level of proof is called "preponderance of the evidence," which essentially means more likely than not. In other words, if you and your attorney can show the judge or jury that the defendant most likely caused your injuries, you will prevail.
Also, you generally do not need to prove that the defendant injured you on purpose. Negligence simply means a failure to live up to a duty owed to the plaintiff. For example, a drunk driver who hurt someone in a car accident probably did not mean to do so. But drinking and driving is a negligent act because it disregards the safety of other people on the road.
Find out what you might be owed
Whether you reach a reasonable settlement in your case or go to trial, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. If you have questions about what compensation you are entitled to, a conversation with a personal injury lawyer can be helpful.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=468792023-07-24T08:59:18Z2023-07-24T08:59:18ZA doctor usually makes the big decisions
The physician overseeing someone's treatment is in a position of authority regarding what support that worker needs. The doctor managing the claim will suggest the treatment plan for their recovery and also determines through careful review when someone achieves maximum medical improvement (MMI) or fully recovers.
MMI is the term for a scenario in which a worker may have some ongoing symptoms but has improved to the maximum extent likely given their prognosis and diagnosis. Both MMI and full recovery are scenarios in which a doctor will recommend that someone returns to work. Occasionally, when workers disagree with that decision, they may need to request a second opinion. The program generally allows a worker to request a second opinion in many cases, provided that the care suggested by the physician is reasonable.
On the other hand, what a worker needs may not be additional medical support but rather documentation. A physician can recommend accommodations and functional limitations for someone's employment that can make returning to work safer and more sustainable.
Understanding who makes important decisions about workers' compensation claims, like the timeline for returning to work, can help a worker more effectively navigate the systems in place for their protection.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=468752023-06-22T06:22:43Z2023-06-22T06:22:43Z6% of all pet dogs, they’re responsible for roughly two-thirds of all fatal dog attacks. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, certain breeds of mastiff, Doberman Pinschers and Boxers and Siberian Huskies are also heavily associated with attacks.
Genetic factors and breeding
Certain dog breeds were selectively bred for specific purposes, such as guarding their masters (or their master’s flocks and farms), hunting or herding. These working breeds may possess traits that were advantageous in fulfilling their original roles, but not so useful for the average house pet. For instance, guarding breeds like the Doberman Pinscher or the German Shepherd were bred to be vigilant and protective. Sometimes, those instincts can cause them to be aggressive to perceived threats to their owners or territory.
Socialization and training
Early socialization and training play a pivotal role in shaping a dog's behavior. Proper exposure to various environments, different people, other kinds of animals and positive experiences during a dog's critical development period as a puppy are crucial for a stable personality. Inadequate socialization can result in fear, anxiety and aggression issues, regardless of breed. Worse, some owners have been known to deliberately train a dog to be aggressive simply because they value the animal only as a guard dog. That creates a volatile situation for the animal and anybody it encounters.
Environment and upbringing
A dog's living conditions and upbringing heavily influence its behavior. Neglect, abuse or lack of responsible ownership practices can contribute to aggression in any breed. Dogs that are deprived of regular mental stimulation and physical exercise may develop behavioral issues that manifest as aggression and attacks.
Jaw and body strength
Part of what makes some dogs more dangerous than others is their size and jaw strength. After all, a Pekingese can’t overpower a human by weight or clamp down on their arm and break it the way a pit bull can.
If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a dog attack, find out more about your legal options. Seeking legal guidance can help you to make informed decisions about your rights under the law.]]>On Behalf of Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.https://www.usplawfirm.com/?p=468722023-05-30T16:38:04Z2023-05-30T16:38:03ZYou may not understand the full extent of your damages
Some injuries may take time to manifest and some damages may not be apparent until later. For instance, you may develop chronic pain, emotional distress or loss of earning capacity due to your injuries. If you settle too soon without a full scope of your damages, you may end up short-changing yourself.
You may not know the actual value of your claim
An insurance company's initial offer may be based on a formula that does not consider all the factors that affect your case, such as the severity of your injury, the impact of your injury on your quality of life or the negligence of the other party. Besides, an insurer could only be after protecting its financial interests. Therefore, you may accept less than what your claim is worth if you settle too soon.
You may lose your right to pursue further compensation
Once you accept a settlement offer and sign a release form, you’ll almost certainly waive your right to sue the other party or the insurance company for any future claims related to your injury. It means that if you discover new injuries or damages later, or if your condition worsens, you cannot seek more money from them. You may have to foot any further bills on your own.
Seek personalized guidance
It helps to seek legal guidance before you accept any settlement offer from an insurance company or another interested party. An informed evaluation of your case, the damages you are entitled to and the value of your claim can help you make decisions that will protect your interests.]]>