Posted on September 18, 2023 in Personal Injury

Did you know that over 4.5 million dog bite incidents are reported annually in the United States? Even though dogs are known as our best friends, they can sometimes get out of control and might end up attacking or biting a third person.

Suffering from a dog bite can be a traumatic experience, leaving physical, emotional, and legal challenges in its wake. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we understand the complexities that come with such incidents. This step-by-step guide aims to help you understand the necessary actions after a dog bite, safeguarding your health, well-being, and legal rights.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Your well-being takes precedence immediately following a dog bite. Taking these steps can help prevent complications:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Regardless of the bite's severity, it's essential to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. For serious injuries such as puncture wounds, seek professional medical care promptly.Document the Wound: Capture clear photographs of the bite wound before cleaning it. These images can serve as vital evidence should the need for legal action arise. If you cannot do it yourself, ask your healthcare provider or loved one to do it. Adhere to Medical Advice: Comply with any recommendations from medical professionals. This could involve wound care instructions, antibiotics, and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

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 Posted on September 14, 2023 in Personal Injury

Allowing you to enjoy the sunshine and open waters, boating has a special place in the heart of every relaxation enthusiast and adventure-seeker. However, like riding a car or motorcycle, boating comes with its own risks. According to a report by the United States Coast Guard, boat accidents in 2022 accounted for 636 fatalities, injuries of 2,222 people, and property damage worth $63 million. If you or someone you know is a victim of a boat accident, there are legal steps that you can take to be compensated for the loss. Keep reading to learn more.

Causes of Boat Accidents

Boat accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, often stemming from a combination of human error, environmental conditions, and technical issues. Some common causes include:

1. Operator Inexperience or Negligence: Inadequate training, lack of familiarity with navigational rules, and poor decision-making can lead to accidents. Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major factor in many incidents.

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 Posted on September 11, 2023 in Car Accident

A car crash can be scary and make you upset and confused about what to do. But knowing your rights in this situation is important. Knowing how to safeguard your rights after a car crash can make a significant difference in ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation and support you deserve. This blog will explore the steps immediately following a car crash to safeguard your rights.

1. Prioritize Safety and Health

Right after a car accident, the most important thing is to make sure you and the people with you are safe. The adrenaline and shock of the accident might make it difficult to think clearly, but taking the following steps can greatly enhance the safety and well-being of everyone involved:

Check Yourself and Passengers: Take a short time to see if you and the people with you are safe. Call 911 or ask a bystander if anyone is seriously injured. Avoid moving injured individuals unless they are in imminent danger.

Move to a Safe Location: If your vehicle is creating a hazard by blocking traffic, try to move it over to the edge of the street if it's safe.

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 Posted on August 25, 2023 in Birth Injuries

One of the most exciting times in a couple’s life is when they are expecting a baby. Once they learn a baby is on the way and get that due date, all the anticipation and planning begins. That due date is not only important for making preparations for the baby’s arrival, but it is also critical to ensure the progression of the pregnancy is properly monitored and mother and baby are receiving the appropriate prenatal care. And while it is rare that a woman delivers the baby on the actual due date – typically delivery occurs a few days before or after – when there has been a significant miscalculation of the due date, both the baby and the mother’s health can be put at significant risk. An Illinois malpractice attorney can help families who have suffered injuries and losses in these types of cases.

How Is the Due Date Calculated?

Once a doctor has confirmed a woman is pregnant, they will calculate her due date. The first step is determining the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period, counting back three calendar months from that date, and then adding one year and seven days. This will be the estimated due date – which is actually 280 days, beginning with the first day of the mother’s last period.

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 Posted on August 23, 2023 in Car Accident

One of the most common questions that our clients who have filed car accident claims ask is how long it will take for their case to settle. There are a variety of factors that impact the length of time for a case to resolve, either by settlement or by trial. The following is a brief overview of these factors. For more detailed information regarding your particular situation, speak to one of our Illinois car accident attorneys.

How Severe Are the Injuries?

One of the most important factors in a car accident claim timeline is how severe the injuries you sustained are. The timeline will most likely be sped up if you sustained minor injuries. If you have sustained more serious injuries, it will take longer to determine whether your injuries will leave you with long-term or permanent health issues. If the case settles too soon, you could lose out on the financial compensation you are entitled to for future medical care and disabilities.

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 Posted on August 09, 2023 in Catastrophic Injuries

One of the most serious injuries that people can sustain in car accidents is a brain injury. In fact, car accidents are one of the leading causes of brain injuries, causing different degrees of damage to the brain, depending on the force of the crash impact and other circumstances of the accident.

What Are Some Ways the Brain Can Be Injured in a Crash?

One of the most common causes of brain injuries in a car accident is when the head of the driver or passenger makes an impact on the dashboard, windshield, or steering wheel. This often occurs if the vehicle comes to a sudden stop and the person’s head – which is unrestrained – strikes one of these hard surfaces.

A person can also suffer a brain injury if their head and neck are jerked back and forth during the crash impact. This whipping motion often results in whiplash, but it can also cause the brain to rotate within the skull, causing damage to brain tissue. This is referred to as a rotational or acceleration-deceleration injury.

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 Posted on August 02, 2023 in Car Accident

Car accidents tend to occur more often during the summer for a number of reasons. The combination of increased traffic, weather conditions, and human behaviors significantly contribute to this trend. The weather warms up and people tend to travel more frequently and participate in outdoor activities, which can lead to a higher number of accidents on the roads. The following are some of the factors that can contribute to summertime car accidents.

Higher Traffic Volume

Summer is the season for vacations, road trips, and outdoor events. This leads to a significant increase in the amount of traffic on the roads. This higher traffic volume means more drivers are sharing the road, which also increases the risk of crashes, especially in congested areas.

Tourists and Inexperienced Drivers

Popular summer destinations attract tourists who may not be familiar with local roads or driving conditions in these areas. Inexperienced drivers or those unfamiliar with the area may make errors in judgment or navigation, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

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 Posted on July 27, 2023 in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face unique challenges and risks on the road, especially since they lack the protection around them that other vehicle operators have. Not only do they face potential dangers from other vehicles, but there are also road hazards they may encounter that can pose significant risks to their safety. It is critical for anyone who rides a motorcycle to understand these hazards and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the risk of suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Potholes and Uneven Surfaces

Potholes and uneven roads can be problematic for motorcycle riders. Hitting a pothole or encountering uneven pavement can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes, resulting in serious accidents. Motorcyclists should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, allowing them enough time to identify potential hazards and adjust their speed or position accordingly.

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 Posted on July 16, 2023 in Car Accident

In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced world, it is not uncommon to witness the reckless act of texting while driving, despite all the data that shows just how dangerous this activity is. Some surveys have found that almost 40 percent of drivers admit to texting while driving, even though they are aware of the potential consequences, as well as the fact that it is illegal.

Just Seconds Can Result in Devastation

The need to stay connected and multitask has unfortunately become so ingrained in our society that drivers ignore the fact that texting while driving diverts attention from the road and greatly increases the risk of crashing. A split second of distraction can result in a catastrophic collision, causing irreversible injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

In one major study conducted by Virginia Tech, researchers found that out of all the distracted driving activities, texting kept the driver’s attention off the road for the longest – an average of 4.6 seconds. In order to understand the stark reality of those seconds, the study explained that a driver operating at 55 mph would travel the length of an entire football field in just 4.6 seconds.

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 Posted on June 27, 2023 in Car Accident

Being injured in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to go through the recovery process from your injuries, but there are often financial issues that you are suddenly forced to deal with, such as high medical bills and lost wages if you are unable to work while you recover. Although you are not legally required to retain an attorney to pursue a car accident claim, statistics show that injured parties have a much better chance at obtaining the financial compensation they are entitled to if they have an attorney advocating for them.

The following are some of the key reasons why a car accident attorney can help you get the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of your case.

Legal Expertise and Knowledge

Car accident attorneys specialize in personal injury law and have in-depth knowledge of the legal intricacies involved in such cases. They understand the relevant laws, regulations, and insurance policies that apply to your situation. Their expertise allows them to navigate the complex legal system and advocate for your rights effectively.

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