Let’s be clear, the documents and information required by the Illinois Secretary of State in formal hearings for driving relief are “a changing.” Some of the information required is now on shorter document forms, but may yet require more detail and clarity so that new issues and questions don’t surface and applicants receive denials.
Some newer documents require three part completions by your doctor, the drug/alcohol evaluator and the petitioner seeking driving relief. Clarity on these issues is paramount. Are you on a prescription drug that may have addictive qualities? Can a different non-addictive drug be substituted for an addictive one? Could the dosage of an addictive drug be lessened so as not to impair a petitioner driver? After all, we merely seek for petitioners to be safe and responsible drivers and to do all possible on a daily basis for those who may have abused alcohol/drugs in the past, or who may actually be chemically dependent but in remission. These newer documents and the manner in which they are completed do and can make a difference in a petitioner’s formal. According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State: "A formal hearing is required for a driver whose privileges have been suspended or revoked for an offense(s) involving a fatality or multiple DUI dispositions." Be sure to seek legal counsel. Click here for more information.
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Whether fishing with friends or taking your family for a day on the water, boating is a fun recreational activity. Boating, however, also presents a lot of danger which can sometimes lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Boating collisions and personal watercraft collisions — including accidents involving jet skis, sailboats and power boats — can cause serious personal injuries or even death. Boating injury victims have the right to receive compensation under the law when those injuries are the result of negligent or careless operation of a boat. If you have been injured in a boating accident, the attorneys at the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. can help. Our law firm has been representing the people of Southern Illinois in boating accidents since 1950. We have the experience to help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Boating accidents, like automobile and truck accidents, have a few common causes, including:
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources: "You must report your boating accident if the accident results in the loss of life, injury to a person greater than first aid, or total property damage (vessel, contents, and other property) is $2,000.00 or greater." If you have been injured in a boating accident we can help. Our local law firm handles all kinds of accident and injury cases in Illinois. Google "Hassakis & Hassakis" to find the best lawyers near you and see our reviews, such as these: - "This was my first time having to use the service of a lawyer, everyone from the first phone call was extremely courteous and helpful. I would highly recommend Shane Carnine and his team to any friend or family!" - "My son was burnt at the fireworks on July 4th. They took care of everything for me and didn’t stop until the case was taken care of. I would most definitely work with this law firm again." - "I highly recommend Hassakis & Hassakis. If you want a firm that works for YOU and is there for you every step of the way, look no further. I can't say enough about Josh. He has definitely made the difficult stressful times much easier with his hard work and dedication." - "Following a severe automobile accident in Fall of 2019 a family friend recommended I reach out to Josh Humbrecht of Hassakis & Hassakis. Josh and the entire team at Hassakis & Hassakis made a difficult process much easier. I could not be happier with my decision to work with this firm and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of professional guidance." - "In June 2018 my son and I were involved in an automobile accident in which we were struck by a inebriated driver. After dealing with the driver's insurance company for a year, I was weary of their deception. Hassakis & Hassakis expertly dealt with them and soon arrived at a settlement. If you are involved with such a situation, stop talking to the insurance company and start talking to a professional. I highly recommend them-they will be my first call when trouble shows up." Products liability cases are among the most difficult claims. Timely and extensive research is often required to establish defect in a product. This defect could have resulted from a mistake in design, making, labeling, and even packaging. Defective products could vary from tiny pills to airplanes and specific experts like engineers and doctors are often needed to prove a case.
The following are a few examples of commonly defected products: Aircrafts Automobiles All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Power Tools Playground Equipment Medical Devices Heavy Equipment Lead Paint Toys Harmful Drugs In these cases, victims can expect to receive compensation for some or all of the following:
Our product liability lawyers have years of experience with multiple types of product liability cases and can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s a faulty airbag, an explosive e-cigarette, or inadequate earplugs, sometimes products do fail, and cause harm. Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide is the most used weed-killer in the world. It is mostly made with glyphosate. Some 300 million pounds of glyphosate are used on crops worldwide each year. Millions of patients have been prescribed Elmiron in order to treat their interstitial cystitis (IC), otherwise known as painful bladder syndrome. But there is now reason to believe that this drug may cause an eye condition or blindness. Singulair is a drug prescribed for asthma or severe allergies. However, in March 2020, the FDA began requiring a “black box” warning label, to warn of the potential for severe mental health symptoms, including suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. Takata airbags are potentially deadly. They were installed in a wide range of vehicles, including models manufactured by:
If a defective product has harmed you or someone you love anywhere in Illinois, let our experienced defective product attorneys help you get the settlement you deserve. Call 800-553-3125 today! With railroad injuries, it is important to contact an experienced railroad accident attorney as soon as possible. The railroad will have their investigators on the scene immediately looking for evidence that may assist their side of the case. You need someone on your side at the earliest moment.
Here are some facts relating to railroad accidents: In the US, every 90 minutes there is a train collision. Approximately every 2 weeks a train carrying hazardous material goes off the tracks. For the most part, railroad companies still rely on technology that was developed more than 70 years ago. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, more than 80% of all railroad crossings have inadequate warning devices. The National Transportation Safety Board has suggested mandatory sleep apnea testing for engineers. Train accidents are sometimes caused by acts of negligence on the part of a rail company, such as dangerous speeding through hazardous areas, operating equipment that does not trigger warning devices, deteriorating track conditions, equipment on the rails, or engineers who are distracted or fatigued while operating the train. These mistakes can have devastating consequences for people simply trying to cross the track, and for the passengers and crew riding the train. Injuries often involve broken bones and fractures, back and neck pain, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, burns, or other life-threatening injuries. Can a Train Accident Lawyer Help Me?Yes, and we work on contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless you win. If you or someone you love has been injured in a railroad accident anywhere in Southern Illinois, let our experienced railroad accident attorneys @HassakisLaw help you get the compensation you deserve. When we need medical care we trust that doctors and physicians will make the correct choices when determining how to best treat our ailments or injuries. Most often they do. However, when a medical professional makes a decision for your health or the health of a family member, and that decision has an adverse or negative effect on your health, they should be held accountable for their error. These cases are not easy, and should not be pursued without the assistance of an experienced and professional lawyer. Hassakis Law has over 60 years of experience in providing excellent legal counseling to Mount Vernon and Illinois residents, and our Medical Malpractice Lawyers are prepared to guide you and your family through your medical malpractice case. If you need more information regarding what constitutes medical malpractice, or what our medical malpractice lawyers in Illinois can do for your claim, call or contact Hassakis Law and our Medical Malpractice Lawyers now for a free consultation.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers Mount Vernon and IllinoisMedical Malpractice, also known as medical negligence, is when a doctor knowingly makes an error in a decision that affects your health, or when a doctor makes an obviously incorrect decision either in the choice of a surgery, the missed diagnosis of an illness, or the lack of a diagnoses in an illness or condition. As you may see, determining either negligence, or willful misconduct in a medical malpractice claim can be difficult as the intent of the doctor or physician has to be determined and has to be provable. Here are several types of medical malpractice claims that our lawyers pursue:
What steps should I take if I’ve been a victim of Medical Malpractice?If you believe you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice, the first steps you should take are crucial in protecting your claim. Speaking with an experienced medical malpractice attorney should always be the initial step, but if you aren’t able to immediately speak with an attorney, here are the steps you can take:
How can Mount Vernon Medical Malpractice Attorney help my claim?Knowing which steps to take following a medical malpractice incident can be difficult. You may still be suffering from the effects of the error, and may not be thinking clearly regarding your legal rights. Contacting an experienced and professional Medical Malpractice Attorney can be the difference between a successful medical error claim, and a substantially reduced case. Our Illinois medical malpractice attorneys know the most effective routes to use when collecting evidence and know which statutes apply to which cases of medical malpractice and can use this knowledge to defend your claim. The Doctor or Physician is going to have lawyers protecting their practice and their best interests, so you will absolutely need a lawyer to protect yours. Fighting a medical malpractice case by yourself is not advised as the other parties lawyer may get you to agree to either concession regarding your settlement/recovery, or may trap you with documents to trick you into clearing the doctor of any wrong-doing regarding your claim. Our Mount Vernon Medical Malpractice Attorneys have defeated these tactics before and can do so for you. For a free consultation regarding your Illinois medical malpractice claim, call or contact our medical error lawyers now. Serving Southern Illinois for 60 Plus YearsDemetri Hassakis opened this law firm in 1950 to provide high-quality representation to the people of Southern Illinois. Now over Sixty Years later, his son, Mark D. Hassakis, continues that proud tradition. All of our lawyers are from Southern Illinois. We know the people here and can help you. Call our office at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for a free consultation. We also drive to wherever you are in the area, at no extra cost to you. We also have offices in Mount Vernon, Mount Carmel, Effingham, Belleville, Vandalia, Olney, and Marion, Illinois. The elderly in Illinois nursing homes are often totally dependent upon their caregivers. It is especially tragic when these caregivers are the cause of injuries suffered by their elderly patients. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of a nursing home, you need a lawyer who has experience defending vulnerable adults.
At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. we have the experience you need. Our law firm has been providing passionate, client-centered representation since 1950. Our lawyers emphasize the importance of knowing our clients, and listening and giving valued counsel throughout the course of our representation. Types of Nursing Home Neglect: We have represented clients in Mt. Vernon and throughout Southern Illinois in many types of personal injuries resulting from nursing home neglect, from the most minor to the most severe. We have seen cases involving:
Protecting the Elderly from Bedsores Decubitus ulcers — also called bedsores, pressure sores, and pressure ulcers — are skin wounds that develop as a result of unrelieved pressure on bony areas of the body such as heels and hips. They are often highly debilitating and can result in severe infection, amputations, surgery and even death. Patients in nursing homes who have limited mobility may be particularly vulnerable because they often lie or sit in the same position for long periods of time. In addition, people with certain health conditions are at greater risk than others. Decubitus ulcers only get worse unless they are given proper attention early on. We’ve handled cases where the pressure sores resulted in substantial personal injury cases and sometimes even wrongful death when the problem isn’t addressed early enough and life threatening infections or even blood poisoning are allowed to result. Bedsores can be healed with correct and prompt treatment. When bedsores are not identified and treated promptly, the care facility may have been negligent or abusive. If this is the case, the patient – or the family of a patient who died – may be able to seek compensation for the injuries. Bedsores are among the most common type of nursing home neglect case we see, and they are also among the most tragic. The worst part is that they are easy to avoid. We handle abuse and neglect cases in Southern Illinois. Call our office at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case. We will drive to wherever you are in Southern Illinois, at no extra cost to you. And if you are able to get out, we have offices in Mount Vernon, Mount Carmel, Effingham, Belleville, Vandalia, Olney, and Marion for your convenience. Because of the dangerous and negligent actions of an individual, business, or corporation, your loved one has passed. No amount of money or compensation will ever bring your loved one back, but we may be able to help you and your family recover during this difficult and trying time. While you and your family focus on honoring and remembering your loved one, our wrongful death attorneys can and will fight on your family’s behalf to ensure that those who caused the passing of your loved one are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
The Wrongful Death Attorneys at our personal injury law firm have been fighting for the justice and compensation that Illinois families deserve for over 70 years. We understand the pain and anguish that you and your family are enduring after the death of your loved one, and we are dedicated to providing the most extensive and complete legal advice and guidance in your wrongful death case. Starting on Day 1, we will aggressively pursue legal action against those responsible, and ensure that you and your loved ones are provided for and protected throughout the entirety of the case, and afterward. We will ensure that the memory of your loved one is honored, and that you and your family are compensated for your loss. What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Claim? The Illinois Compiled Statutes for Wrongful Death States, “Sec. 1. Whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect or default, and the act, neglect or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then and in every such case the person who or company or corporation which would have been liable if death had not ensued, shall be liable to an action for damages, notwithstanding the death of the person injured, and although the death shall have been caused under such circumstances as amount in law to felony. No action may be brought under this Act if the decedent had brought a cause of action with respect to the same underlying incident or occurrence which was settled or on which judgment was rendered. ” When a family member or loved one pass because of an accident or the negligence of another, and would not have if that accident had not occurred, then a wrongful death claim can be pursued. To successfully pursue a wrongful death claim, these criteria often must be met:
What types of Wrongful Death Claims do you Pursue?Because of accidents, negligence, or the actions of another deliberately placing someone in harm’s way, a wrongful death case can be filed in every category of personal injury law. Whether it be a death caused by a car accident, work accident, or even medical malpractice, our wrongful death lawyers have years of experience fighting for the families of loved ones who have passed because of negligence and avoidable accidents. Our Wrongful Death Lawyers pursue these types of wrongful death cases and more:
Regardless of the circumstances that led to your loved ones passing, we are dedicated to ensuring that you and your family are provided for, and that those who are responsible are held accountable for the terrible and grievous actions. What types of Compensation can my Family receive for a Wrongful Death?Placing a monetary value on the life of a loved one is a difficult process. While no amount of money will ever replace your lost family member, taking an accurate account of their monetary value and their applicable skills or trade proficiency can help in estimating how much your family can receive in compensation for your loved one’s passing. Here are several factors that help in this decision:
What If my Family Member was Partially responsible for their Accident? This is known as Comparative Fault. If your loved one was at fault for more than 50% of the reason that the accident occurred, pursuing damages may be incredibly difficult to prove. However, if they were not more than 50% responsible for the accident, a wrongful death claim can and should be pursued. Their percentage of fault in the accident does, however, reduce the amount of compensation that can be received in the claim. Illinois Compiled Statutes state, “Contributory fault” means any fault on the part of the plaintiff (including but not limited to negligence, assumption of the risk, or willful and wanton misconduct) which is a proximate cause of the death, bodily injury to person, or physical damage to property for which recovery is sought.” The Statute goes further to state, “In all actions on account of death, bodily injury or physical damage to property in which recovery is predicated upon fault, the contributory fault chargeable to the plaintiff shall be compared with the fault of all tortfeasors whose fault was a proximate cause of the death, injury, loss, or damage for which recovery is sought. The plaintiff shall be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is more than 50% of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought. The plaintiff shall not be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is not more than 50% of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought, but any economic or non-economic damages allowed shall be diminished in the proportion to the amount of fault attributable to the plaintiff.” Why Should I choose the Wrongful Death Lawyers of @HassakisLaw to Pursue my Wrongful Death Claim? The injury and accident lawyers at Hassakis and Hassakis believe in aggressively pursuing wrongful death claims for Illinois residents. Because of the negligent actions of an individual, a business, or a corporation and their practices, you have lost someone you care deeply for. No amount of money or legal action will ever replace your loved one, but with our help, we can make sure that those who are responsible for their passing are held to account. We care about Illinois families because we are a part of Illinois. When you look for "injury lawyers near me" and find our firm, you are choosing local attorneys who have a stake in the success and livelihood of their communities. When you are ready to pursue justice for your lost loved one, call or contact our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Illinois. If you have been hurt at work or on-the-job in Illinois, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation system’s purpose is to minimize the impact of work-related injuries or illnesses on workers and employers.
You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits whether you injured your back while lifting a heavy object, developed carpal tunnel syndrome, slipped and fell at work, got in an auto or truck accident while driving on the job, or suffered other serious injuries. The attorneys at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. have been providing client-centered representation for our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. We have the experience to help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. “I know that in these times a lot of people are living paycheck to paycheck. Often a workers’ compensation lawsuit is not about getting rich, it’s about putting food on the table, struggling to get back to even, all the while seeking to obtain the best medical treatment the worker desperately needs while receiving benefits while off on a work injury.” — Mark D. Hassakis, Attorney at Law. What Benefits am I Entitled To? If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, you are probably concerned about lost wages, the cost of medical care and possibly even issues of vocational rehabilitation and retraining. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help you cover the costs associated with the accident so you can move forward with your life. At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. we want to help you get the benefits you deserve so you can move on with your life. If your employer refused to provide you with workers’ comp benefits or your benefits have been reduced, you need an experienced advocate at your side. The lawyers at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. can help. We handle denied claims and necessary medical treatments that are refused. What is the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury? For many injured workers, filing for workers’ comp is the only remedy. In some cases, however, there is the opportunity to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury claim. These claims are referred to as third party claims, because they are against parties other than the victim’s employer. If you are looking for a workers' comp lawyer near you -- contact @HassakisLaw today! A car accident happens in a split second, but the effects linger on. In addition to physical suffering, you have to contend with the financial problems that are caused by an auto collision including the medical bills, the costs of physical rehabilitation, medication expenses and the cost of repairing damages to your vehicle. This financial stress can leave a lot of people in dire straits.
Handling A Variety of Automobile Accident Cases Don’t think for a moment that the other side does not retain and secure defense lawyers, investigators, adjustors, medical experts for its protection, etc. from the onset. In auto accident claims, the negligent driver’s insurance company takes immediate steps to limit its payout obligation, and in turn to minimize your recovery. Insurance companies typically do not want to provide you with any compensation. Their goal is to settle a case for as little as possible. Even in uninsured and underinsured motorist cases when you are seeking compensation from your own insurance company, you cannot ever expect your own company to have your best interests at heart. Retention of a firm such as ours to aggressively investigate and represent you may be the only way to preserve your rights and survive the lingering effects of a car or truck accident. At the Southern Illinois law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., we have been representing car accident victims in Southern Illinois since 1950. We can help you through this stressful time. Representing those Injured in Truck Accidents Truck accidents are generally not the same as car accidents. The injuries that result from a truck accident are usually catastrophic. This is because of the sheer size difference between massive trucks and the smaller vehicles with which they commonly collide. Victims of truck accidents, even those involving smaller trucks and delivery vans, tend to suffer serious injuries. Regardless of the severity of the injury, if it is the result of negligence, our law office is here to help. There are different laws specifically geared towards operators of large trucking rigs. Truckers have specific regulations they have to follow and often have aggressive representation from the very beginning of an unfortunate collision involving injury or death. Our attorneys have the experience to represent you if you have been injured in a truck crash. Your Southern Illinois Law Firm Our attorneys are from here, and we understand our Southern Illinois clients. For 70+ years we have been helping the folks of this area get through their legal troubles. We are here to provide the counsel and encouragement you need, as well as the legal skills, to help you get back on your feet after a car or truck accident. When you work us, you get a law firm that emphasizes:
If you are looking for an "injury lawyer near me," you found us. Call today! Josh Humbrecht, and associate, Molly Wehking, went to trial recently. They tried two of the first four work comp cases in all of Southern Illinois since the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut down the Illinois work comp system.
What is better than being back in the courtroom? Winning those two cases for our clients so they can move forward with their lives. We all want to get back to normal. That is what our firm @HassakisLaw helps people do everyday. |