Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated in Illinois? Part I
If you have been injured because of someone else’s actions (or inaction), you know that very often the physical injuries you suffer are only part of the equation. While not applicable in every case, pain and suffering is very real in many personal injury cases. As a real consequence of a personal injury, damages… Read More »
Mutual vs. Unilateral Mistake: What Makes an Agreement Voidable?
When someone signs a settlement or other agreement, the general assumption is that the agreement is final. But sometimes, mistakes do happen. When those mistakes happen in the midst of a contract formation – sometimes the courts recognize that the contract can be voided based on that mutual mistake. While Illinois courts recognize that… Read More »
How Are Injuries Documented in Illinois Personal Injury Claims?
There are many different ways to be injured in an accident. Whether you are suffering from a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or some other injury – some of the steps you need to protect your rights are the same. The successful pursuit of a personal injury claim will rely heavily… Read More »
Personal Injury Claims: Your Rights and Options
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are familiar with what a whirlwind your life can become. No one can see these kinds of life-changing accidents coming, and it’s not something any one can really prepare for. While dealing with all of that, you might also find yourself… Read More »
Making a Pain and Suffering Claim in an Illinois Personal Injury Suit
Injuries in personal injury claims often go much deeper than your purely physical condition. The impacts these injuries can have on your quality of life cannot be overstated. A person injured in an accident can feel the impact of their injuries in lost wages. In missing out on major life events, in emotional, psychological,… Read More »
Do Hazardous Conditions Affect a Car Accident Case?
The world is no stranger to natural disasters lately. An 8.7/8.8 magnitude earthquake erupted in Russia this summer. The next 24 hours were filled with tsunami warning, flood warnings, grid-locked traffic from evacuees – there was even a volcano eruption. And those living in Illinois know – we do not need anything so dramatic… Read More »
“Slip and Fall” Accidents on Private Property
Someone stumbling, tripping, slipping, and ultimately falling can result in very serious injuries. Not every fall is equal – some lead to nothing more than a laugh, and potentially a cherished video that’s replayed at family get-togethers. However, a significant percentage of falls lead to a significant injury. The danger is much higher in… Read More »
Illinois DUI Charges When You Have a Minor Passenger in the Car
The State of Illinois takes driving under the influence very seriously, with some of the toughest laws in the country. The stakes increase significantly when certain aggravating factors are present. One aggravating factor that every parent and motorist should know about is DUI involving a minor passenger. If you have a minor in the… Read More »
Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Illinois: What You Need to Know
Yes, you can face criminal charges in Illinois for the unlawful possession of “drug paraphernalia.” While most folks consider this to be a minor offense, the State of Illinois charges it as a Class A misdemeanor. That means you can face jail time, real fines, and have a criminal record. You don’t want to… Read More »
Sonya Massey’s Attorneys Announce $10M Settlement in Wrongful Death Case
On what would have been her 37th birthday, Sonya Massey’s family’s lawyers announced a $10 million settlement in their wrongful death lawsuits against Sangamon County and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. The Sangamon County Board approved the settlement on Tuesday, seven months after a deputy shot the unarmed victim in her home near Springfield…. Read More »