Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog

Medical License Suspension Continues for Frankfort IL Pediatrician

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:23:07 -0600

Frankfor, IL pediatrician, Kishor N. Jain, is facing civil and criminal charges stemming from allegations that he sexually abused patients during office visits. State officials decided to continue withholding Jain's license following his refusal to testify at a suspension hearing.

The suspension will continue pending the outcome of Jain's criminal case, however, if he is found guilty of a sex crime, his license will be automatically revoked.

Many people place great trust and reliance on medical professionals to care for the health and well being of their patients. A violation of that trust can result in unmeasured devastation to families, especially when it comes to children. Victims of sexual abuse often don't know where to turn. Attorney Joseph Klest has spent over 30 years representing victims of neglect in the State of Illinois. He was a co-author of the 2003 Child Protection Act, which lengthened the Illinois statute of limitations allowing sexual abuse victims more time to claim civil damages in certain cases.

To contact attorney Joseph Klest, please click here, or dial 866-264-7639 to schedule a free consultation.

Losing a family member in a car accident

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:46:50 -0600

The statistics in Illinois are frightening. As of only February 12, 2013, the date of this posting, there have been more car accident fatalities in Illinois than there were at the same time last year. Also, more people lost their lives in car crashes in 2012 than did in 2011 in this state.

There are some steps you can take that may save your life or the life of a loved one. Statistics gathered by the Illinois Department of Transportation show that approximately a quarter of the fatal crashes in Illinois since the beginning of the year happened when someone was either not wearing a seat-belt or was improperly restrained.

Make it a point to wear your seat-belt and make sure, if you're a driver, to have your passengers wear seat-belts too. When it comes to children, this couldn't be more important. Make sure that all children riding in your car are properly restrained and that any car seats are correctly secured; it may save a life.

To speak to Chicago trail attorney, Joseph Klest, about these or any other issues related to car accidents, please, click here, or dial 866-264-7639.

Chicago car accident lawyer gives advice about safe winter driving

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:02:17 -0600

Although Chicago has seen record high temperatures this January, winter is not over yet. As the temperature fluctuates above and below freezing, motorists throughout Chicagoland are likely to encounter unsafe road conditions more than once before we reach spring.

Accidents do happen and, sometimes, they are unavoidable, but there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones during these often unpredictable winter months in Chicago.

- Keep informed. Check your local weather forecast before heading out on the roadways, and if you can avoid having to travel in icy conditions, stay at home.

- Be prepared. You'll want to keep a few things in your car for those cold winter months that can make a big difference when you need them. Ice scrapers are a must, of course, but consider keeping a small shovel in your trunk just in case you may have to dig yourself out of a heavy snowfall.

- Don't rush. I get it, life can be hectic and it often seems like there isn't enough time in the day to go slowly, but when the roads are slick, it's better to take your time and keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. Having enough room to stop may mean the difference between getting there safely or having an accident.

To talk to an experienced trial lawyer at the Klest Injury Law Firm, please click here, or dial 866-264-7639. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.

Pittsburgh VA Nursing Home Under Investigation for Deadly Legionnaires' Outbreak

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:27:18 -0600

A Pittsburgh VA nursing home is under investigation by the the Veterans Affairs Inspector General following a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at the hospital. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the hospital's administration took proper precautions to prevent the Legionnaire's outbreak.

Legionnaires disease can be contracted when a certain type of bacteria forms in poorly maintained ventilation systems. The bacteria becomes airborne in water vapor and the disease can be transmitted through inhalation. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are often compared to pneumonia and this illness can cause death in some cases. People with respiratory problems and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to this disease.

Attorney Joseph G. Klest has been representing people who were injured through no fault of their own for over 30 years. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Legionnaires disease, please click here, or dial 866-264-7639, to speak with an experienced attorney from the Klest Injury Law Firm.

Over one hundred victims of internet child sexual exploitation identified

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:31:47 -0600

An investigation by Federal agents has identified 123 victims of internet child pornography perpetrated by an international operation spanning 19 U.S. states and several foreign countries. As a result of the investigation nearly 250 people were arrested.

This operation, nicknamed Sunflower, was named after Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s first successful case under its Victim Identification Program.

While law enforcement can hold perpetrators of these horrific acts criminally liable, victims are still left emotionally and psychologically scarred. The difficulty of coping with the effects of abuse leaves some victims reluctant to identify their abusers or to come forward with their stories. It is important for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know they have rights, and enforcing those rights can be an integral part in the healing process.

Since 1991, Attorney Joseph Klest has represented over 100 victims of childhood sexual abuse, helping to pursue abusers and bring them to justice. If you or a loved one have been sexually abused, Mr. Klest would like to help you. To contact attorney Joseph Klest, Please, click here, or dial 866-264-7639.

Woman Turns Herself in to Police After Fatal Chicago Car Accident

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:47:40 -0600

A 39 year old man was killed on Tuesday morning in a hit-and-run accident that happened in Chicago's West Woodlawn neighborhood. It was reported that the driver, who later turned herself in to police, fled the scene after striking the man on the 6700 block of South Langley Avenue.

in a hit-and-run case, an experienced injury attorney will take advantage of every available resource to try to identify the perpetrator. When the victim of a hit-and-run dies, an experienced attorney may be the best resource that victim's family can have when prosecuting their case.

Joseph G. Klest has been representing families in wrongful death cases throughout his 30 year practice in Chicago. Please, click here, or dial 866-264-7639 to contact Mr. Klest for a free consultation.

Illinois Traffic Deaths on the Rise in 2012

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:55:37 -0600

According to statistics kept by the Illinois Department of Transportation or IDOT, the number of fatal crashes in Chicago and Cook County has increased from 2011 to 2012. As of December 18, 2012 IDOT reports 125 fatal Chicago car accidents in 2012. This number is up from 109 in 2011.

Transportation officials have pointed to increased driving due to warmer weather as the cause of increased fatal accidents. The warmer weather has lengthened the riding season for motorcyclists. The first 6 of 2012 also saw an increase in deaths related to motorcycle accidents in the Chicago area.

Attorney Joseph Klest has been representing serious injury victims in the Chicago area for 30 years. If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in a car accident, please, click here, or dial 866-264-7639, to contact the Klest Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.

Chicago Car Accident Seriously Injures Young Girl on South Side

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:21:55 -0600

An 11-year-old girl was hit by a car on Chicago's far South Side neighborhood of Altgeld Gardens yesterday. She was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition following the car accident.

In some situations when the person responsible for a car accident does not have insurance or is under-insured, or in a hit-and-run situation where the responsible party speeds off before being identified, an injured victim may have a claim for compensation against his or her own insurance company. In these types of situations, an insurance company will be in the position as if it were the responsible party and the relationship between the injured person and his or her insurance company becomes adversarial. In those types of circumstances, it is recommended that the car accident victim seek advice from an experienced injury attorney.

Attorney Joseph Klest has been representing injured victims in the Chicago area for 30 years. To set up a free consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney from the Klest Injury Law Firm, please click here, or dail 866-264-7639.

Legionnaire's Outbreak in Pittsburgh VA Hospital

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:46:22 -0600

At least four patients have been diagnosed with Legionnaire's disease at Pittsburgh Veterans Hospital in Oakland...

A person can contract Legionnaire's disease by inhaling water vapor containing Legionella bacteria, a form of pneumonia. This bacteria is known to grow in sometimes poorly maintained water systems.

Not everyone who comes in contact with the bacteria will necessarily become ill. However, the people most vulnerable to Legionnaire's disease are the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Legionnaire's disease, please click here, or dial 866-264-7639, to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney from the Klest Injury Law Firm.

Chicago Fatal Car Accident

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:02:29 -0600

As the weather cools down in Chicago, drivers should be aware of potentially dangerous road conditions. Taking precautions when icy weather hits can help avoid car accidents. Road conditions like black ice can make traveling in Chicago a lot more treacherous.

Recently, temperatures in the Chicago area dipped below freezing and this coincided with over a dozen reported car accidents including a fatal car crash on the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway where a man lost his life after a collision that occurred just west of Gary Avenue.

Taking precautions can help save lives. When driving in in snowy weather it's important to stay alert and avoid distractions by keeping both hands on the wheel and putting your cellphone away.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call 866-264-7639, or click here, for a free consultation with an experienced attorney from the Klest Injury Law Firm.

Cases of Legionnaires' Disease Linked to Hot Water System at Senior Living Apartments

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:02:28 -0600

The hot water system at Seneca Tower Apartments, a high rise apartment building for senior citizens in Rochester NY, has been linked to at least two recent cases of Legionnaires' disease.

Seniors and those with existing repertory problems are especially vulnerable to Legionnaires', a preventable disease that can be contracted when the bacteria that causes the illness grows in poorly maintained water systems. Water containing the bacteria can turn to water vapor where people indoors can breath it in and become sick. The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease may be similar to pneumonia. Legionnaires' disease may also cause death.

If you or a loved one have been infected with Legionnaires' disease, please, click here, or dial 866-264-7639 to schedule a free consultation with Joseph Klest.

Meningitis Causing Several Deaths Throughout the Country

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:08:41 -0600

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported at least 8 deaths and at least 105 cases of fungal meningitis linked to steroid shots administered for back pain. So far, cases have been reported in Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana, Virginia, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, and Minnesota. The steroids were produced by a company in Massachusetts, which has since recalled them.

Fungal meningitis is rare and usually contracted when fungus reaches the spinal cord through the blood stream. This illness may cause symptoms including, fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and an altered mental state. In some cases it can even cause death.

To speak with Joseph Klest if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with fungal meningitis, click here, or dial 866-264-7639 for a free consultation.

Legionnaire's Bacteria Found in Batavia, IL Schools

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:05:53 -0600

The dangerous bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease was found in three suburban Batavia schools yesterday. Although, so far, there have not been any reported cases of Legionnaires' disease linked to the traces of bacteria found at the schools, a recent outbreak at a downtown Chicago hotel has been blamed for several deaths.

Legionnaires' disease can be contracted by inhaling contaminated water vapor. The symptoms can be similar to pneumonia. People who contract Legionnaires' disease can experience fever, headaches, coughs, and chest pain, among other things. Legionnaires' disease can be very serious and in some cases has been known to cause death. People with pre-existing illnesses and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to infection.
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If you or someone you know has become ill after coming in contact with the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, please, click here, or dial 866-264-7639 for a free consultation with Joseph Klest.

Suburban Chicago Priest Leaves Church Amid Allegations of Sexual Abuse

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:41:27 -0600

In June, sexual abuse allegations surfaced against Rev. Gary Miller, a priest from St. Bernadette's Parish in the southern Chicago suburb of Evergreen Park. The allegations relate back to when Miller served at St. Leonard Parish in Berwyn. Following the allegations, Miller was removed from ministry and left his position at St. Bernatette's. Currently, no further allegations against Miller have been reported.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations, or period of time in which a legal action may be brought, for sexual abuse, the “Childhood Sexual Abuse Act”, 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, was initially enacted in 1991and it was amended in 1993, 2003, 2010, and 2011. Under the Act, victims may be able to seek recovery for the injuries they suffered as a result of being abused, sometimes years after the abuse actually took place.

Sexual abuse victims are often reluctant to come forward. And, in some cases, the psychological damage caused by their attackers leave some victims unable to recall the abuse until later in life. In an effort to confront these difficulties, attorney Joseph Klest helped draft an amendment toe Childhood Sexual Abuse Act in Illinois to extend that period of time in which victims can potentially bring a claim. The Klest Injury law firm provides free consultation to victims of childhood sexual abuse. To speak with an experienced victim's rights attorney from the Klest Injury Law Firm, click here, or dial 866-264-7639.

Legionnaires' Exposure in Chicago Hotel

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:13:19 -0600

The recent cases of Legionnaires' disease found linked to a downtown Chicago hotel may cause some area residents as well as previous and current guests and staff of the hotel to be concerned about their health. Some basic information about the disease, its symptoms and causes can be helpful to those who suspect they may be at risk of contracting the illness.

Some information about Legionnaires' disease:

•Legionnaires' disease is caused by a bacteria that infects the lungs causing a sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.

•The bacteria which causes Legionnaires' disease can be found in the water and heating and cooling systems of buildings.

•The disease is transmitted when a person inhales airborne droplets containing the bacteria.

•Prevention of Legionnaires' disease depends on proper cleaning and maintenance of possible sources.

Attorney, Joseph Klest, is a Chicago based trial lawyer with 30 years of experience representing injury victims. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Legionnaire's disease, click here, or dial 866-264-7639 to schedule a free consultation with Attorney, Joseph Klest.