Mr. Tyree who formerly owned the Chicago SunTimes was fighting cancer and pneumonia when he died in March 2011 at the Medical Center. A catheter was inserted into Mr. Tyree, and allegedly the hospital improperly removed the catheter causing Mr. Tyree’s death on March 16, 2011. Mr. Tyree’s estate did not file a lawsuit against the Hospital as the parties were able to reach a settlement on January 27, 2012 for 10 million dollars. As part of the agreement, the Estate agreed to release the Hospital from all future claims. The settlement also states that the settlement is not an indication that the hospital admits to negligence.

In a wrongful death matter, the law states that before the settlement is written in stone, the county court needs to approve or disapprove of the settlement. Here, the Estate presented Cook County Court with a Petition to Settle asking for the County’s approval, and a judge approved the settlement. The Estate has agreed to donate some of the settlement proceeds to the James C. Tyree Charitable Foundation, which Mr. Tyree founded while he was alive, to support education and healthcare in Chicago.

Unfortunately, hospitals and doctors make mistakes that may cost innocent individuals their lives. Even if the medical malpractice victim doesn’t die, they could incur substantial unnecessary medical bills, and undergo unneeded pain and suffering. The person who received the treatment should be compensated for this, and a family should be compensated for their unimaginable grief and pain from such a loss. Families in these situations should hire a top Orland Park medical malpractice attorney who can protect the family’s best interest.

Unfortunately, drunk driving is an all-too common occurrence on today’s roadways. While the incident described above did not result in an accident, these incidents often lead to car accidents that cause serious injuries or even death. With over 1.4 million arrests for drunk driving each year in the United States, it is no surprise that there are approximately 12,000 deaths due to drunk driving accidents each year nationwide. In Illinois alone, it is estimated that over 400 fatal accidents occurred as the result of drinking and driving.

While the loss of life is irreplaceable, the family members of a person killed in a drunk driving accident may have a wrongful death claim against the person responsible for the accident. A wrongful death claim may result in compensation being awarded to the family members for their losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income, and other damages. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are strict deadlines, or statutes of limitation, by which you must file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you may lose your right to bring any sort of claim. As a result, it is essential that you contact an Orland Park wrongful death lawyer to assist you if you find yourself facing this situation.

Although it’s unclear who was at fault in this Chicago car wreck, a Chicago Fire Department paramedic chief who was responding to a fire was recently involved in a multi-vehicle crash. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, on the evening of Wednesday, March 23, the chief was traveling near East 95^th and South Stony Island when another vehicle struck the Expedition, causing it to flip over.

Three additional vehicles ended up involved in the wreck, and the crash resulted in injuries for seven people total. One was the paramedic chief, who was taken to an Oak Lawn hospital in “critical but stable” condition, – a fire department spokesperson said that he’s expected to be OK. The others who were injured are all in good to fair condition.

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Chicago, you’ll need the expertise of a knowledgeable Cook County, Illinois, personal injury attorney. An Orland Park accident lawyer who focuses on representing victims of Chicago area car and truck accidents can work to ensure that you receive the full amount you are entitled to from the negligent party who caused the Chicago car crash.

Police say that the 25-year-old female driver got onto the Kennedy Expressway at Armitage and that the accident occurred just south of North Avenue. Both the woman and the driver of the other car were extracted from their vehicles and taken to area hospitals in serious condition. According to reports, the errant driver may have smelled of alcohol. Unknown charges are currently pending against the wrong-way driver who caused the car crash.

Unfortunately, according to the Herald, all four of Chicago’s recent wrong-way car accidents have resulted in serious injuries for those involved. These injured parties may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent drivers who caused the accidents. When you’re injured in a car accident that is the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Yet Illinois’ personal injury laws are complex, and it’s best to contact a skilled Orland Park personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following a motor vehicle accident. James A. Payonk, Jr. has more than 25 years experience representing those who have been injured in car accidents. Click here to contact him for a free, no-obligation consultation.

The crash happened early on the morning of Saturday, February 11^th, when Clark hit a parked police car on the Eisenhower Expressway. Mr. Caruso and a state trooper were inside warming up after the trooper responded to a minor accident that Caruso had previously been involved in. The police officer suffered a potential concussion, but is expected to undergo a full recovery. One additional person was taken to the hospital following the accident but their status is unknown.

Mr. Clark was charged with two separate counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, one including the “causing death” clause. As of the next day, he was being held at a DuPage County jail on $1 million bond.

As explained in the 2012 DUI Fact Book, in Illinois, any felony DUI charge is classified as an “aggravated DUI.” This includes (but isn’t limited to) a drunk driving charge that is obtained by someone without a valid driver’s license or while driving a school bus. DUIs that result in accidents causing great body harm or death are also classified as aggravated DUI charges in Illinois, as are an individual’s third drunk driving charge (or any subsequent.)

If you’re convicted of an aggravated DUI in Chicago, you could see penalties including significant fines and/or prison time. It’s necessary to hire a qualified Orland Park DUI attorney such as James A. Payonk, Jr. to represent you. Click here to contact Chicago criminal defense lawyer James Payonk for a no-obligation consultation.

According to MyFoxChicago.com, the Sierra was driving at a high rate of speed on Ewing Avenue, when it ran the red light, hitting a Dodge Durango that was driving east on 106th Street. That impact led to two other vehicles – a Cadillac CTS and a Chevrolet Malibu – also being hit. The occupants of the Cadillac and Chevy refused medical treatment. The driver of the Oldsmobile and one other person were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center for treatment, where they’re said to be in critical condition. The accident blocked the road and resulted in some South Chicago buses being forced to alter their routes.

As of Monday morning, January 30th, the police were still investigating the crash, and no citations or charges had been issued.

(Image credit: Stuart Miles)

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. You could be entitled to money for medical bills, lost wages, or even pain and suffering. Click here to contact Orland Park auto accident attorney James Payonk Jr. to discuss your case.

Many attorneys would look at the facts and tell the client to plead guilty and move on.  I filed a motion asking the court to suppress all of the evidence recovered by the police because the officer did not have probable cause to stop the vehicle.  After a hearing where the officer testified, the Court granted the motion and suppressed all of the evidence. This included all evidence that my client was driving without a license, had no insurance, and was under the influence of alcohol.

Even after this ruling, the State pressed on and wanted a trial.  Prior to trial, I filed another motion seeking to bar all evidence from being presented at trial.  The Judge granted this motion and all charges against my client were dismissed.

You want a Orland Park criminal attorney who is experienced, can identify issues, and who will not hesitate to fight for your rights and do what is necessary to get the best result for you.

A person was standing at a drug spot, on the street, yelling “dro, dro”.  The police arrested him for violating a city ordinance prohibiting solicitation of unlawful business on the street.  Of course, when he was searched by the police after the arrest, the police found a rather large quantity of drugs in his possession.  The arrest was challenged, contending the police did not have probable cause for the arrest.  The court found that there was probably cause, and the defendant was sentenced.  On appeal, the court found that the police did not have probable cause to believe a crime or ordinance violation was being committed or about to be committed.  The defendant won his case on appeal.

Do you want an attorney who will look at a case like this and tell you there is nothing he can do, and that the police have a good case?  Or do you want an attorney who will challenge the arrest and fight for you? Contact Orland Park Criminal Attorney James Payonk today.

The settlement includes Farmers Insurance Company, Inc., Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Group, Inc., Illinois Farmers Insurance Company, and certain related entities (collectively, “Farmers”).  The Court preliminarily approved the settlement on June 20, 2011.

Plaintiffs alleged that Farmers failed to pay reasonable expenses for necessary medical services related to automobile accidents under Medical Payments (“Med-pay”) and Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) coverage in automobile policies based on Farmers’ use of certain claim adjustment systems and procedures.  Farmers denies all of Plaintiffs’ claims in the lawsuit.  However, Farmers agreed to resolve the lawsuit to avoid the burden and expense of continued litigation.

The Settlement Class includes all persons who submitted claims for payment of medical bills related to an automobile accident under Med-pay or PIP coverage if (a) the claim was adjusted from January 1, 2001 to February 9, 2009 based upon a recommended reduction from Zurich Services Corporation (“ZSC”), (b) the claim was paid at less than the amount billed, and (c) total Med-pay or PIP payments were less than the respective limits of coverage.  The Class also includes medical providers who were assigned the right to assert these claims.

Individuals or medical providers with questions about the lawsuit or the settlement can visit www.MedpayClaimsAdministration.com or call 1-877-846-0588 for more information and to get a claim form.  Claim forms must be postmarked by December 29, 2011.  Those affected by this settlement can submit a claim for benefits or they can ask to be excluded from, or object to, the settlement and its terms.  The deadline for exclusions and objections is October 29, 2011.  The Court will decide whether to grant final approval of the Settlement at a Hearing currently scheduled for November 29, 2011.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident, you need an attorney experienced in dealing with insurance companies and who will aggressively seek the full compensation to which you are entitled.