Posted on November 27, 2019 in Personal Injury

At some point throughout the day, every person is a pedestrian. In urban areas, such as Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, walking can play a big role in how we get from place to place. Being a pedestrian can leave you in a rather vulnerable situation, however, because of the innate lack of protection from cars and other vehicles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 6,000 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2017. Though many pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent drivers, there are some things you can do to protect yourself while you are a pedestrian in Illinois.

Being a Proactive Pedestrian

At some point during the day, you are likely to be out of your vehicle and walking from one location to another. Although being a pedestrian victim of a car accident can happen to any person at any time, there are actions that can be taken to help avoid an injury. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe near roadways:

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 Posted on November 27, 2019 in Family Law

If you share children with your spouse and have made the choice to divorce, one of the most important legal decisions you and your partner will have to make is which guidelines to include in your parenting plan. Under Illinois law, a parenting plan is a written agreement that designates certain decision-making responsibilities to each parent, outlining specific parameters that provide structure as to how children should be raised. Parenting plans also govern parenting time (visitation), which is a crucial piece of your family’s new structure following the divorce.

Responsibilities to be Discussed When Creating a Parenting Plan

With so many points to cover in your new parental dynamic, the details can be overwhelming to sort out, especially if there is tension between you and the other parent. If you are unsure of where to begin or what will be expected of you as a divorcing parent, familiarizing yourself with the responsibilities that will be allocated can help you organize your thoughts and concerns. Here are some foundational caretaking functions that will be addressed in a parenting plan:

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 Posted on November 22, 2019 in Immigration

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a United States federal law that provided funds toward the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and allowed civil redress in unprosecuted cases. In addition, the Act formed the Office on Violence Against Women within the Department of Justice. Unfortunately, many undocumented immigrant women are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. These crimes can take place in their home countries or when they try to enter the United States. However, there are forms of relief available.

Immigrants Who Are Victims of Abuse

Immigrant women can be the victims of domestic violence when they enter the country, while working, and even within their own homes. Female immigrants who are victims of abuse often fail to report such crimes for fear of deportation. Fortunately, federal immigration law provides relief in several forms of protection for immigrant women.

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 Posted on November 21, 2019 in Personal Injury

As December fast approaches, temperatures are dropping, and the snow is falling. While winter wonderlands are perfect for the holiday season, they can also be dangerous. Slip and fall accidents can be quite common around this time of year due to unsafe conditions on the streets, sidewalks, and other walking surfaces. These types of accidents may seem trivial, but they can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, bruising, and traumatic brain injuries. Illinois property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and free from hazards, but there are some steps that you can take to prevent a winter slip and fall accident.

1. Watch Out for Black Ice

Black ice can be one of the most dangerous winter conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. Due to its ability to blend in with the color of the pavement, black ice can be difficult to spot, especially at night. It is important to be cautious when crossing roadways in the winter. In addition, it is recommended to slow down, take your time, and avoid running or walking at a quick pace.

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 Posted on November 19, 2019 in Family Law

The moment a couple decides to end their marriage, both spouses may face what feels like an endless list of challenges, especially if children are involved. Divorcing parents must address an entirely new set of concerns as they begin to navigate through different family structures and dynamics after the separation. Moving through the divorce process with children in the picture can be especially daunting, even for parents who are able to interact on a positive and productive level. The range of emotions experienced can be amplified in the wake of additional changes, such as relocation after the divorce.

Relieving Children’s Stress

No matter how amicable the decision to separate may be, it is inevitable for everyone involved to feel saddened by the dissolution of their family unit to some degree. For children who are used to living in the same home with both parents, it can be difficult for them to suddenly move. Deciding to relocate as a newly divorced parent is far from easy, but under certain circumstances, it may be necessary. Psychology experts report that the negative effects of divorce on children can be limited, depending on the other factors that are involved. Research shows that parents have the power to limit the extent of psychological harm to their kids after the divorce by choosing words and actions that support their children’s best interests.

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 Posted on November 15, 2019 in Immigration

The opportunity to work in the United States is a dream for many people all over the world. In some cases, qualified workers wish to share their knowledge and experience with American employers. The United States immigration system allows for some immigrants to enter the country on a work visa. An employment-based visa can be an ideal way to obtaining a Green Card and eventually permanent residence status. Not only does it take significantly less time than family-based immigration, but employers willing to sponsor foreign nationals have access to resources that can help pave the way for a successful immigration application. These employment-based visas can be for individuals who work in a variety of fields or industries. The application process can be intimidating, so it is important to seek professional legal counsel to ensure you are completing the necessary paperwork.

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 Posted on November 12, 2019 in Personal Injury

Driving or riding in a car is something that almost all Americans do every single day. With something that is such a common occurrence, we often forget how dangerous motor vehicles can be if they are not driven properly or if someone is not paying full attention to the task at hand. Auto accidents often result in damage to vehicles, but they can also easily cause injury to occupants involved in the collision. Getting into a car accident can be extremely unnerving for most people. Receiving compensation for your injuries or other damages is not impossible, but you need sufficient evidence to prove your case in order to prevail.

Take Photos at the Scene of the Crash

Photographs are one of the most valuable forms of evidence. These serve as visual evidence that can allow you to prove your point when pursuing compensation for a car accident. At the scene of the accident, try to document as many things as you can such as:

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 Posted on November 12, 2019 in Family Law

As you begin to navigate the divorce process, the tasks you must face can seem daunting. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by what likely seems to be a never-ending to-do list, but the upside to this challenge is that the more organized you are, the more you improve your chances of experiencing a smoother, less stressful divorce from start to finish. If you and your spouse share children, topics such as the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody) and parenting time (visitation) can be especially taxing as you organize the next chapter of your lives, as these topics tend to be highly emotional for both parties. However, a thorough parenting plan will help better facilitate your post-divorce parenting arrangements and ultimately support your child’s best interests.

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 Posted on November 08, 2019 in Immigration

Many people around the world wish to enter the United States lawfully to start a new life. Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a person can sponsor an individual for a family-based Green Card, which is also referred to as U.S. lawful permanent residence. In the majority of these most cases, an Affidavit of Support for that person must be filed using USCIS Form I-864. Sponsoring a friend or loved one to come to the United States is a serious responsibility that must not be taken lightly. It is important to understand the legal ramifications of this immigration undertaking.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

Any person wishing to be a financial sponsor for an immigrant must meet several qualifications to be approved for this role. Each sponsor must be all of the following:

• A U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
• At least 18 years old
• Reside in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession

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 Posted on October 31, 2019 in Personal Injury

The harsh weather conditions that can be associated with a Midwest winter may leave motorists wishing they did not have to travel. While it is true that every season produces different driving hazards, winter may be considered the most dangerous. Freezing rain, ice, sleet, and snow can all cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, leading to a potentially serious injury. Regardless of the weather conditions, a driver is still responsible for his or her actions behind the wheel. To keep yourself, your family, and other motorists safe on the road, here are a few tips that can reduce the likelihood of a car accident:

Prepare Your Vehicle

Maintaining proper safety equipment in your vehicle can make winter driving more manageable. To do so, you should check your tires, battery, headlights, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in proper working order. Traction issues resulting from worn or “bald” tires could lead to a head-on collision or a rear-end accident. Furthermore, a simple headlight outage or a windshield wiper malfunction could significantly decrease a driver’s visibility. Frequently checking the status of your car and its fluids could save your life.

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