Orzoff Law OfficesOrzoff Law Offices2026-07-18T22:56:02Zhttps://www.orzofflawoffices.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203811/2024/01/cropped-favicon-orzoff-1-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[What does comparative negligence mean for a personal injury case?]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545992026-07-18T22:56:02Z2026-07-18T22:56:02ZA personal injury can lead to medical expenses, damaged property and lost wages. Most people cannot afford the financial losses caused by a personal injury. Victims may recover damages by suing the liable party who caused the accident.
How much a victim can recover from a personal injury lawsuit can depend on Illinois’s modified comparative negligence model. Here is what you should know:
How does modified comparative negligence impact damages?
The modified comparative negligence model determines how much a person can recover based on their percentage of fault. Fault is determined by proving a party was negligent and failed to use reasonable care, resulting in the victim’s injuries. Some forms of evidence that can help prove fault include police reports, traffic cameras, social media posts and accident reconstruction findings. The more evidence a victim can gather, the better their case may be. If a defendant is entirely at fault for a personal injury, the defendant may be awarded the full amount of damages. However, both parties may be at fault. As a result, the victim may not recover all of the damages. The amount of compensation the victim can recover may be reduced by their percentage of fault. If a victim is 20% at fault, they may only recover 80% of the damages. In Illinois, if a victim is 51% at fault or more, they cannot recover damages. Professional legal guidance can help personal injury victims gather evidence to support their case. Victims can also learn more about the types of damages they can recover from a successful personal injury case.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[When a car crash causes an incomplete spinal cord injury]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545952026-06-30T16:32:15Z2026-06-30T16:32:15ZThe impact of an incomplete injury
A person with an incomplete spinal cord injury might not realize they need medical attention immediately after a car crash. They are at risk of their injury worsening due to secondary traumas if they do not receive immediate medical care and stabilization of the injury.
Incomplete injuries require trauma care that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars immediately after a car crash. They also cause a lifetime of increased medical expenses. Incomplete injuries can cause motor function challenges and other functional limitations that interfere with an individual's ability to work and live independently.
While incomplete injuries do sometimes respond to medical interventions, patients with incomplete injuries may have persistent medical challenges for the rest of their lives. If they work in a blue-collar profession, they are at especially high risk of facing a reduction in their long-term earning potential. Even incomplete spinal cord injuries can generate expenses and lost wages that go beyond what insurance can cover.
Reviewing the details of a car crash that led to an incomplete spinal cord injury with a lawyer can help people evaluate compensation options. Litigation is sometimes necessary when lifetime injury expenses extend beyond what insurance can cover.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[¿Cómo saber si sufriste un latigazo cervical en un choque?]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545942026-06-29T00:28:30Z2026-06-29T00:28:30ZSin importar la velocidad, un choque por detrás puede causar una lesión cervical para el conductor del auto y sus pasajeros. El latigazo ocurre cuando la fuerza del impacto mueve tu cabeza hacia adelante y hacia atrás de forma violenta, de manera similar al chasquido de un látigo. Lo más peligroso es que las consecuencias no siempre aparecen de inmediato, sino que pueden manifestarse días después.
Señales de un latigazo cervical
Es fundamental que prestes atención a cómo te sientes en las horas y días posteriores al incidente. Para identificar si sufriste un latigazo cervical, debes revisar si presentas los síntomas más comunes de esta lesión:
Dolor y rigidez en el cuello que empeoran al mover la cabeza
Pérdida de la amplitud de movimiento
Dolores de cabeza que comienzan en la base del cráneo
Mareos, cansancio y problemas de equilibrio o sueño
Dolor o sensibilidad en los hombros, brazos y parte superior de la espalda
Hormigueo o entumecimiento que se extiende hacia los brazos
Visión borrosa o zumbido en los oídos
Problemas de memoria, concentración o irritabilidad
Si notas alguna de estas alertas, tu cuerpo te está indicando que existió un traumatismo que requiere atención. Afortunadamente, la mayoría de las personas que sufren esta lesión mejoran en pocas semanas con un tratamiento adecuado, pero los casos severos pueden durar meses o incluso un año. Si tus síntomas iniciales fueron intensos, comenzaron rápido o ya tenías dolores de espalda previos, tu recuperación podría tardar más.
Pasos a seguir después de un latigazo cervical
Si experimentas los síntomas de esta lesión tras un choque, debes actuar con rapidez para proteger tanto tu salud como tus derechos legales. El primer paso es acudir a una evaluación médica de inmediato. Aunque pienses que el golpe fue menor, necesitas un diagnóstico rápido que descarte fracturas u otros daños ocultos en la columna. El segundo paso es contactar a un abogado especializado en lesiones personales antes de hablar con las compañías de seguros. Las aseguradoras son empresas con fines de lucro que pueden minimizar los pagos o negar tu reclamo. Un abogado se encargará de revisar todos los documentos, manejará los detalles legales y presentará el reclamo correspondiente para exigir una compensación económica justa por todos los daños causados.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[Should cyclists install illuminated turn signals on their bikes?]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545922026-06-17T00:24:32Z2026-06-17T00:24:32ZThe law does not require aftermarket accessories
State statutes regulate the conduct of cyclists in traffic. They must follow the same laws as everyone else, including the obligation to communicate their intent to others in traffic. They do not need to purchase and maintain aftermarket accessories to achieve that goal.
The law allows for the use of simple hand signals to indicate the intent to turn or stop. Motorists should monitor cyclists and respond appropriately to signals advising of an upcoming deceleration or turn. Cyclists who use hand signals have the same rights as drivers who use the built-in systems in their vehicles. They can hold motorists accountable for ignoring their attempts at communication and causing bicycle collisions.
Drivers are responsible for monitoring their surroundings and ensuring that they understand the signals used by cyclists in traffic. If they ignore cyclists or fail to properly interpret their hand signals, they may be responsible for any crash they cause. Understanding the laws that apply to cyclists on the road can help those injured in car-bicycle collisions recognize when a driver may be liable for their losses.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[What makes texting while driving so dangerous in Illinois?]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545912026-06-16T12:45:51Z2026-06-16T12:45:51ZWhat dangers can you face?
Reading or sending a text takes your eyes and mind off the road. You have less time to spot hazards, react to traffic or make safe decisions. This could cause you to drift between lanes, miss signals and react too slowly to changing conditions on the road. Even a glance at your phone reduces your awareness and puts you and others at risk of an accident.
What are the legal consequences in Illinois?
Illinois law recognizes the dangers of texting and prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving. Violators face fines that increase with each offense, and the violation appears on your driving record. If you text and drive and cause a serious or fatal crash, you may face criminal charges, including reckless homicide.
What steps can you take to stay safe?
Consider putting your phone on "do not disturb" mode before you start driving. Many smartphones include a driving mode that silences notifications automatically. You might also place your phone in the glove compartment or back seat, where it is out of reach.
If you absolutely must respond to a message, pull over to a safe location first. That text can wait a few minutes, but the consequences of a crash last much longer. You might also designate a passenger as your "text responder" during trips.
Your vigilance keeps the roads safe
Put your phone away before you drive. Turn on "do not disturb" mode and keep your device out of reach. If you need to send a message, pull over first. These simple habits can help prevent crashes and keep everyone on the road safer. Talk to your family members about the dangers and lead by example. By remaining focused and free of distractions on the road, you may prevent serious accidents and injuries.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[Is phantom limb syndrome real?]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545902026-06-08T08:07:10Z2026-06-08T08:07:10ZYes, phantom limb syndrome is real. In fact, some studies have determined that it occurs in up to 90% of patients who have had a limb removed surgically. So not only is this a real syndrome that people have to contend with, but it is something that the majority of patients encounter after an amputation injury.In many cases, phantom limb syndrome includes sensations of pain or discomfort. If someone is involved in a car accident and suffers a severe crush injury to their right arm, for example, doctors may have no choice but to surgically remove the limb. That person may still experience significant pain in their missing limb, despite the fact that it simply does not exist, and there appears to be nowhere for that pain to originate.
Nerve impulses and signals
The reason for phantom limb syndrome often revolves around the nerves sending electrical impulses and signals to the brain. The nerves have been damaged, so the signals can sometimes become confused.Additionally, certain parts of the brain are responsible for coordinating specific movements. Even if the limb itself has been lost, that area of the brain still exists, and its neurons can still fire. When they do, the brain creates the same sensations that a person would feel if they still had their limb, even though it is missing. This may fade with time, as neuroplasticity allows the brain to adjust, but it is a very common phenomenon immediately after the injury.If you have suffered catastrophic injuries due to someone else's negligence, such as an amputation injury in a car accident that someone else caused, be sure you know exactly how to seek financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[Trabajadores lesionados: ¿Cómo se calculan los pagos semanales durante la recuperación?]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545892026-05-29T22:38:59Z2026-05-29T22:38:59ZLos trabajadores lesionados de Illinois pueden tener derecho a pagos semanales si las secuelas de su accidente no les permiten asistir al trabajo durante su recuperación, sin importar si son inmigrantes o ciudadanos. Generalmente, este beneficio equivale a dos tercios de tu salario semanal promedio. Sin embargo, hay varios factores que debes tomar en cuenta para este cálculo.
El cálculo para salarios perdidos
Cuando tu médico determina que debes ausentarte del empleo para sanar, o si tu empresa no puede ofrecerte tareas livianas que se adapten a tu estado de salud actual, entras en una categoría llamada Incapacidad Total Temporal. Este beneficio puede brindarte un respiro financiero durante tu tratamiento para que puedas centrarte en tu recuperación.La regla general en Illinois (enlace en inglés) establece que tienes derecho a recibir dos tercios de tu sueldo semanal promedio. Para obtener esta cifra, se toma como base tu salario bruto, es decir, antes de impuestos, durante las 52 semanas previas al día de tu accidente. Un punto positivo es que este dinero está completamente libre de impuestos federales y estatales, lo que puede ayudarte a que rinda más tu dinero.
Situaciones especiales con los pagos
El proceso de recuperación no siempre es igual para todos. La ley contempla diferentes escenarios para asegurar que no quedes desamparado si tu situación laboral cambia debido a tus limitaciones físicas, por ejemplo:
Regreso con salario menor: Si tu salud te permite volver a trabajar pero en un puesto más ligero que paga menos, puedes recibir una Incapacidad Parcial Temporal. Esta ayuda cubre las dos terceras partes de la diferencia entre lo que ganabas antes y lo que recibes ahora.
Incapacidad permanente: Si la lesión te impide regresar a cualquier tipo de empleo remunerado de por vida, el beneficio pasa a ser una Incapacidad Total Permanente. En este caso, sigues recibiendo el mismo monto semanal de por vida, e incluso puedes calificar para ajustes por el costo de vida.
Cambio de ocupación: Cuando no puedes regresar a tu ocupación anterior, tu empleador debe costear tu rehabilitación vocacional. Esto incluye la capacitación en una nueva profesión y un pago de mantenimiento que no puede ser menor a tu beneficio semanal por incapacidad.
Entender cómo se calculan tus pagos semanales te da el control y la tranquilidad que necesitas para enfocarte en lo verdaderamente importante: tu salud. Aunque las compañías de seguros a veces intentan reducir los gastos minimizando lo que te corresponde, la ley de Illinois es muy clara al proteger tus ingresos brutos. No tienes que pasar por este proceso abrumador a ciegas ni aceptar menos de lo que mereces por ley. Tu bienestar físico y la estabilidad de tu familia son la máxima prioridad.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[Car crashes can cause serious shoulder injuries]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545872026-05-26T15:10:02Z2026-05-26T15:10:02ZMost people know someone who has suffered a rotator cuff tear. These injuries often result from some type of athletic activity – from playing softball to lifting barbells to hitting a punching bag. Workers whose job requires them to keep their arms over their heads can suffer from them as well.
A car crash can also cause a rotator cuff tear if the impact causes the shoulder to hit the door or other hard surface. A motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian can suffer a rotator cuff tear if they fall on their side – particularly if they reach out their arm to try to break their fall.
What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. They keep the ball and socket joints in place so that the shoulder can go through its normal range of motion. Rotator cuff tears, which often occur along with shoulder dislocation, limit the range of motion considerably and are extremely painful.
What kind of treatment is necessary?
A rotator cuff tear doesn’t heal on its own. In fact, without appropriate treatment as soon as possible, the muscles and tissues can degrade and result in permanent damage. While some rotator cuff injuries can be treated with physical therapy, a tear typically requires arthroscopic surgery.Unless the shoulder is dislocated, it may not be possible to focus on a rotator cuff tear immediately after a crash if there are other serious injuries like lacerations or fractures. That’s one reason it’s important to get immediate medical attention and report any and all pain to the treating physician so they can do an MRI and other tests to better determine the full extent of your injuries. It’s also crucial to detail as much as you can about what happened to your body during and after the collision.Often, people who are injured in serious collisions don’t know in the days and even weeks afterward just how seriously they will be affected by their injuries and what long-term treatment will be necessary. That’s why if you’ve been injured by a reckless or negligent driver, it’s worthwhile to get experienced legal guidance as early as possible. This can help ensure that you don’t agree to a settlement that won’t cover the full extent of your medical costs and other expenses and damages.
]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[Liability during Illinois summer road construction surge]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545842026-05-21T16:47:41Z2026-05-21T16:47:41ZDetermining fault in work zone pileups
Illinois law holds drivers to a higher standard of care in construction zones. According to 625 ILCS 5/11-605.1, drivers must reduce speed and exercise increased caution when workers are present. Police investigate these crashes by examining skid marks, vehicle damage patterns and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events. Automated speed cameras in work zones throughout northern, western, southern and central Chicago capture violations that can serve as evidence of negligence. Multiple drivers may share fault in chain reaction crashes, complicating your ability to recover damages from the right party.
The severe consequences of violating Scott's Law
Scott's Law requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles and construction workers on the roadside. Violating this law carries serious penalties, including:
Fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 depending on the violation
Possible license suspension for up to two years
Criminal charges if the violation causes injury or death
Injured parties can use a Scott's Law violation as powerful evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit. If your failure to move over or slow down causes an accident, an injured worker or driver can leverage the violation to help prove you were at fault for their injuries.
What experienced representation means for your claim
Multi vehicle work zone accidents create complicated liability questions, especially when several drivers share fault. A skilled lawyer can obtain traffic camera footage, speed enforcement records and construction zone layouts that prove what actually happened. Insurance companies often dispute your version of events to avoid paying full compensation for serious injuries. But working with an attorney who knows how to handle complex highway claims can mean the difference between a settlement that covers your losses and one that leaves you struggling.]]>On Behalf of Orzoff Law Offices<![CDATA[Why summer break can be a peak risk for Illinois teen drivers]]>https://www.orzofflawoffices.com/?p=2545832026-05-21T14:17:32Z2026-05-21T14:17:32ZCommon causes of teen driving accidents
According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 2,000 crashes involved teenagers in 2024. These were the common causes:
Lack of skills and experience
Speeding
Distracted driving
To keep teens safe from harm, Illinois has implemented the graduate driver licensing (GDL) system. Familiarizing yourself with Illinois’s GDL system is a good starting point in protecting your child.
Ways to ensure your child practices safe driving
Illinois has strict laws for minors with driver’s licenses. Ensure your child abides by these statutes by enforcing these rules:
Require your teen to place their phone in the glove box and set it to silent mode to avoid distractions and traffic violations.
Establish a curfew that restricts your child from driving past 10:00 PM.
Explain the rules of the GDL system to your child while adapting to the phase changes.
Be a good driving model for your child so that they mimic your good habits.
These strategies can help them be more responsible on the road.
Protecting your family after a wreck
If your child gets into an accident, the aftermath can feel like a living nightmare. You carry a heavy burden, from worrying about medical bills to investigating what caused the crash. Seeking legal counsel from a personal injury attorney can give you the guidance you need.]]>