Recent Blog Posts
How Can I Pursue Compensation for a Head-On Collision in Illinois?
Any kind of car accident has the potential to be dangerous, resulting in serious injuries to those involved. Head-on collisions, however, tend to be some of the most traumatic types of vehicle crashes. In these cases, the force of the impact can cause significant damage to the vehicles and serious or fatal injuries to drivers and passengers. Pursuing compensation after a head-on collision is usually fairly straightforward because of the nature of the accident. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you make sure you are fully compensated for your damages.
Causes of Head-On Crashes
Car accidents can vary in severity, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. However, head-on collisions are usually very serious, and they often occur because of driver negligence. Some forms of negligence that can lead to head-on crashes include:
USCIS Accepts Green Card Applications for Liberian Foreign Nationals
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that controls the country’s naturalization and immigration system. There have been many changes to immigration laws under the current White House administration, often garnering a lot of news coverage. For those seeking asylum in the United States, understanding the required legal process is the first step in entering the country lawfully. The USCIS recently declared that it will accept applications to adjust the status for select Liberian nationals to lawful permanent resident (LPR). This adjustment is possible according to the National Defense Authorization Act’s “Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness” (LRIF) doctrine starting for the Fiscal Year 2020.
What Are the Qualifications for LPR Adjustment of Status?
When Are Grandparents’ Visitation Rights in a Child’s Best Interests?
If you are a grandparent seeking visitation rights with your grandchild, it is important to know that there is a very specific set of circumstances that must be met to qualify for grandparents’ visitation rights. Even if such factors are met in your case, the court will also consider a variety of other aspects in its determination of whether denying visitation with you will negatively affect the child. Similar to child custody cases, you as a grandparent must prove that visitation with your grandchild is in that child’s “best interests.” Below are a few ways that you can show the value of that relationship.
Ways to Prove Grandparent Visitation Is Beneficial
Some grandparent visitation cases are quite straightforward, with one or both of the biological parents clearly not able to adequately care for their children after a divorce. However, many grandparent visitation cases are much more subtle and difficult to argue, and they can be even more difficult to judge. Ultimately, there are a few general aspects that can strengthen your case as a grandparent pursuing visitation rights, such as:
4 Common Myths About Divorce and Children
With almost half of all marriages ending in divorce, literally thousands of kids in the United States weather the fracturing of their family each year. Parents often head into their divorce with trepidation and worry, fearing the absolute worst. After all, there are so many studies and countless experts who say divorce can have a significant impact on a child’s life. However, the end of a marriage does not have to derail your kid’s childhood. It is completely possible for you and your child to make it through a divorce happy and healthy. First, you have to dispel the myths relating to how divorce affects kids. Then, you have to create a plan for handling the process. Last, you should find a skilled divorce attorney who understands the technical legalities and who can protect your child’s best interests in a court of law. Take into account the following myths as you move forward with the divorce process:
How Should I Handle My Medical Bills After an Illinois Car Accident?
Getting into a car accident can be stressful for many reasons. In some situations, the crash may have been so severe that you sustained serious injuries that require medical care. Medical treatment is not free -- it comes at a cost. Who is responsible for taking care of these expensive bills after a vehicle collision? If you can prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident, he or she might be held liable for covering the costs of your medical care, the damage to your vehicle, and any other physical or financial harm you have experienced. However, even if the other driver is ultimately liable for your medical treatment and auto repairs, that does not mean the process of claiming this compensation will be simple. That is why it is essential to seek professional legal counsel to protect your rights for seeking damages.
USCIS Releases List of Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visas
The U.S. immigration process can seem intimidating to someone who has never stepped foot in the United States before. An immigrant cannot simply come here without having proper documentation. There are many terms and designations that foreign nationals need to understand if they want to enter the country legally. A person from a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States lawfully must first obtain a visa, which is a travel document issued by the individual’s country of citizenship. There are different types of visas, so it is imperative that those going through the immigration process understand which visas are available to them. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the countries that are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs.
Who Made the Cut?
When Is a Dog's Owner Responsible for Dog Bite Injuries in Illinois?
Owning a dog is usually a very rewarding experience. Multiple studies have shown that canine companionship is good for humans of all ages, because a dog can reduce stress and promote relaxation. However, not everyone’s experience with dogs is good. Although canines can be domesticated, they do not always act in predictable ways, and they can cause serious harm if they decide to attack someone. Though dog bites can happen to any person, children tend to be most susceptible. Injuries sustained from a dog bite can range in severity from small scrapes or bruises to severe lacerations or serious infections. If you have been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.
Legal Liability for Dog Bites
In some states, owners are not liable for first-time dog bite attacks if they did not have a reason to believe their dog was capable of that behavior. Illinois is not one of those states. According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are responsible for injuries inflicted by their animals in most situations, even if it is the first time the dog has acted with aggression. Typically, the onlys way an owner would not be held liable is if the victim provoked the dog or if they were trespassing on the owner’s property.
USCIS Updates Biometrics Services and Fingerprint Waivers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy manual regarding mobile biometrics services and fingerprint waivers. USCIS mandates that all applicants, petitioners, beneficiaries, sponsors, derivatives, and others who petition for certain immigration benefits must go through biometrics testing. Biometrics refers to specific body measurements, calculations, and metrics related to human characteristics. This scientific system is used to verify identity and conduct criminal and national security background checks. Below are the updated policy guidelines that are now in effect. The goal of the updates is to enhance consistency, fairness, and efficiency in how biometrics services are handled for immigration cases.
Mobile Biometrics Services
Typically, immigration applicants can initiate the biometrics collection process by scheduling an appointment at an Applicant Support Center (ASC). In limited cases and depending on a requestor’s circumstances, USCIS provides mobile biometrics services. Those with a disability or a health issue that does not allow them to attend in person are eligible for the mobile option.
What Factors Can Affect the Cost of an Illinois Divorce?
When considering divorce, people are often concerned about two main points: the disruption that they and their children will experience in their lives and how much the divorce will cost. While one cannot overlook or discount the emotional pain that comes with the end of a marriage, financial issues can also be an important components of a divorce case. The costs involved in a divorce can vary significantly depending on the situation and the couple involved. Many circumstances, such as difficulties with the division of assets, can increase the overall cost of a divorce. Contentious divorces typically cost more than amicable ones. In short, couples who are concerned about the cost of divorce are encouraged to look for ways and opportunities to minimize their expenses.
Litigation Versus Negotiation
One of the biggest factors that can be controlled in a divorce is the choice to resolve issues as amicably as possible. Divorces that are litigated in the courtroom tend to be more costly than those that are negotiated, but even a mediated divorce can become quite pricey - especially if the negotiation process does not work out. However, in most cases, couples can reduce the costs of divorce by negotiating a settlement outside of the courtroom.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accident Injuries?
Although there are many prevention programs that aim to reduce the likelihood of car accidents, these tragedies still take place every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.7 million police-reported traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. In those crashes, more than 2.7 million people were injured, and more than 36,000 were killed. Agencies such as NHTSA have made strides in determining the causes behind car accidents and the different methods that can be used to prevent them from happening altogether.
Crash-Related Factors
Even though a car accident can occur at any time and for many different reasons, there are certain actions that can increase the likelihood of an automobile crash taking place. Listed below are a few common things that have been found to cause a fender bender: