Legal Articles
Analysis: Illinois Attorney General on Clergy Sex Abuse
The Illinois Attorney General recently released a report about clergy sexual abuse. It reveals the...
A Surge in Railroad Injury for Workers and Public
The Changing Landscape of American Railroads The American railroad industry has changed...
Illinois Sexual Assault Laws: One Piece of Keeping Kids Safe
Facts About Sexual Abuse in Educational Settings Perusing the online headlines sadly seems to...
Ohio Derailment: Cut Corners Increase Railroad Injury Risk
When in early December 2022, Joe Biden signed into law a measure that imposed the contract...
Difference Between Workers’ Compensation And FELA
Workers' compensation and FELA are two important laws that protect employees from suffering...
The Costs of Averting Railroad Strike 2022?
We recently read a pro union, pro railroad worker article on Maximillian Alvarez's website about...
Why is Working on the Railroad So Dangerous?
At the time of this writing the nation is just receiving word that talks mediated by the Biden...
What Kind Of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
The term "Personal Injury" can sound a bit technical even though the words themselves are fairly...
Inmate Assaulted by Correctional Officer
This week we read of the charging of a deputy arrested for assaulting multiple prisoners in a jail...
Unsafe Working Conditions and Stop Work Authority
Recently we learned of a new guide created by United Steelworkers aimed at facilitating stop work...
Hurt at Work?: Be Timely and Thorough
There have been a good number of articles written about what to do if you are an injured worker,...
There’s More to FELA Lawsuit Than Meets the Eye
A client of a FELA Injury Law Firm who had been in the Railroad Industry for decades once said...
Amazon’s Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Tornado
Not too far from Kujawski & Associates' O'Fallon, Illinois office, a large development on the...
What is Railroad Disability? Does it Affect a FELA Claim?
The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) provides the legal basis for railroad employees...
Understanding what leads to railroad accidents
To some people in Illinois, railways may seem like a blast from the past. Passengers don’t use...
Establishing negligence in FELA claims
Railroad workers in Illinois and around the country have extremely dangerous jobs, and the work...
Get help after a railroad injury with FELA
Railroad workers in Illinois may wonder what they need to do should they become injured while on...
FELA agreements do not bar unrelated claims
An agreement to release an employer against all future claims from an injury incident does not...
Sexual assault survivors criticize police record
As sexual assault attorneys in O'Fallon, IL, we know that victims of sexual assault in Illinois...
Signs that your child may have been molested
As sexual assault attorneys in O'Fallon, IL we see it all too often: children whose predators were...
Catholic order settles sexual abuse lawsuit with 11 victims
The Catholic Church’s Augustinian order settled a sexual abuse lawsuit brought by 11 survivors who...
The dangers of distracted driving in Southern Illinois
As personal injury attorneys in O'Fallon, IL, we can't help but notice that a lot of the news...
Pandemic puts victims of domestic sexual assault at increased risk
As domestic and sexual abuse attorneys in O'Fallon, IL, we know that for victims, living with an...
New Jersey inmates forced to perform sexual favors in exchange for basic necessities
New Jersey’s Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women has come under scrutiny in recent years,...
Protect yourself as a pedestrian
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, pedestrians represented nearly 15% of auto...
What does the law say about sex between an officer and inmate?
If you have been detained – in a jail, prison or by any military or law enforcement agency – you...
Recognizing abuse within sports teams
Participating in sports is a quintessential part of the middle or high school experience for many...
Frequently asked questions about FELA claims
If you or a family member have been injured working for a railroad company, you may be eligible...
Abuse in youth organizations: more common than you may expect
For many young people, participating in youth organizations is an important part of childhood....
Why do universities cover up campus sexual assault?
College campuses should be safe places for young adults to get an education, socialize and plan...
Common causes of Illinois auto accidents
Last month, the National Safety Council reported an 11% increase in fatal Illinois auto accidents...
Review Illinois bike laws before you ride
When the weather gets warm in the Midwest, biking becomes a favorite family activity. Whether you...
Teen driver-involved wrecks rise during “100 Deadliest Days”
Teenage drivers often lack the judgment and driving experience that others on the road share. So,...
Report reveals financial burdens faced by survivors of child sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is a horrific crime – which can have long-lasting impacts on survivors. But as sexual...
What survivors of sexual abuse need to know about speaking out
Sexual abuse is something no person should ever have to go through. But as sexual abuse attorneys...
Understanding the culture of cover-ups
Sexual abuse is a horrible, life-changing thing to go through. But many survivors get the support...
Starting July 1, drivers who use devices face stiffer penalties
From talking and texting to sharing photos and videos, mobile phones have made it possible to stay...
Child sexual abuse calls to hotline increase during lockdown
With much of the country under stay-at-home orders through the spring, a disturbing rise in minors...
Recovery after amputation is physical and mental
The decision to amputate a limb after a car accident is often the doctor’s. There is typically not...
Federal changes could make college accusations more difficult
You need your school to help you excel in the best of times, and support you through the worst....
Spotting signs of a head injury after a car accident
The moments immediately following a car crash are unforgettable. When the car comes to rest, and...
Boy Scouts targeted in Hawaii sexual abuse lawsuit
As Hawaii’s extension for survivors of sexual abuse to take legal action ended on April 24, eight...
Illinois woman sentenced to 75 years for sexual abuse of children
A Southern Illinois woman will spend at least 63 years behind bars after pleading guilty to two...
Sexual abuse victims to receive $34 million from Minnesota Diocese
Sexual abuse survivors in the Catholic church received a win in a recent lawsuit against the...
4 life-limiting consequences of an amputation
Motor vehicle accidents are common occurrences on roadways in Illinois. In fact, according to...
Catholic charity founder accused of sexually abusing women
An esteemed Catholic figure who sought to improve conditions for the developmentally disabled is...
Illinois removes time limit for pressing charges for sex crimes
As sexual assault lawyers practicing in O'Fallon, IL, we see that abuse can result in years of...
Deaths caused by red-light runners at a 10-year high
Traffic lights are in place to help monitor the flow of traffic and prevent drivers from colliding...
Boy Scouts file for bankruptcy after onslaught of abuse claims
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February as lawsuits...
Dissociation as a coping mechanism in sexual abuse victims
As sex abuse lawyers we know that sexual abuse victims experience post-traumatic stress throughout...
The featherweight burden of proof and other FELA provisions
As a railroad worker who sustained an injury on the job, you will want to learn about FELA and how...
Rules for civil suits may not stay in step with criminal counts
As sexual assault lawyers in O'Fallon, IL, we know that this type of abuse is a serious matter,...
Review Illinois bike laws before your spring rides
When the weather gets warm in the Midwest, biking becomes a favorite family activity. Whether you...
Lane splitting may harm you in more than one way
You probably ride a motorcycle for more than one reason. For example, not only does your bike...
What is a highway-rail grade crossing incident?
There are various ways to categorize different accidents involving railroad workers. By...
Pope Francis rescinds Vatican’s ‘secrecy rule’
Signaling a move to provide greater transparency in sexual abuse cases in the Roman Catholic...
Catholic sexual abuse review boards often favor clergy
Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States responded to thousands of accusations of...
New report outlines strategies to prevent sexual abuse against children
One in 10 children suffer from sexual abuse in some form. It is an often-silent problem that...
Top 2 tips to avoid collisions on a motorcycle
Although the weather is cooler and the chances of snow are increasing, you may still have some...
4 things to photograph after car accident
Following any car accident, you must take certain steps to protect yourself and boost your odds of...
Hundreds of accused priests remain unsupervised
An investigation by the Associated Press (AP) has uncovered nearly 1,700 priests and others in the...
The importance of witness statements after a collision
Not every car accident claim is straightforward. When the cause of the crash is alcohol, which...
Most sexual assaults go unreported to police
The statistics are disturbing. The nonprofit organization Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network...
Former coach gets 24 years for sexually abusing figure skater
A former Minnesota figure skating coach received a 24-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting...
Lawsuit claims Boy Scouts failed to report sexual predators
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) faces new charges that it failed to report hundreds of sexual...
Injured railroad workers can look to the FELA for help
Railroad work is among the most dangerous ways to earn a living, and injuries are not uncommon....
Illinois is cracking down on distracted driving
In 2010, Illinois became one of the first states to pass a law banning texting while driving....
Prepare children for these Halloween hazards
With fall around the corner, Halloween will soon be here. This night of fright and fun can easily...
Sexual assault during a spa massage: seeking justice
Two women sexually assaulted by a masseur while at a high-profile spa are one step closer to...
Hands-free calling while driving: not as safe as you might think
In a previous post, we discussed the new law in Illinois that prohibits cellphone use while...
Avoiding a dog bite: tips to teach your child
Dog is man’s best friend, so the saying goes. But a child can also develop a close bond with a...
Motorcycle accidents: understanding your risks and rights
Any motor vehicle accident can lead to serious injury. But in a motorcycle accident, you may be...
Injured by a dangerous product? 5 things to do right away
We put a lot of trust in the companies that design, manufacture and market the products we use...
Your child’s trip to school may be more dangerous than you think
Mornings on a school day are always hectic. You’re rushing your child out of bed and out the door....
Relaxing trucker drive-time rules a threat to public safety
Long-haul trucker drive-time rules and regulations exist to help prevent commercial truck drivers...
What happens if your child gets injured on a school bus?
In early May of this year, a school bus with about 40 first-grade students on board was traveling...
Can you sue over your child’s soccer injury?
When your daughter asks to join the soccer team at school, you agree. Part of you is worried she...
Common causes of trip-and-fall accidents
Trip-and-fall accidents are sadly common. Falls account for millions of emergency room visits...
Stay safe during your next Uber or Lyft rideshare
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services allow you to reach your destination without driving...
Things you need to consider before you use a ladder at work
If you perform any kind of manual labor, there is a good chance that you will need to use a ladder...
Emergency vehicles and distracted drivers
The glamor and fascination with firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and other medical first responders...
What to do as a pedestrian after you get hit by a car
A vehicle hitting you as a pedestrian is a scary experience. It can happen to anyone – in fact,...
Driving is riskier than you think
You hear so much about all the things you should do to avoid a car crash: Put down your cellphone...
Whose fault is it if a trespasser on my property gets hurt?
What happens if a trespasser on your land gets hurt? Could you be responsible for their injuries,...
How the opioid epidemic is affecting workplace fatalities
Fatal workplace injuries are on the rise, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of...
Pedestrians struck at higher rates
When you want to go out for a stroll, you need to pay attention to what is going on around you....
3 common reasons for slip and falls
Slip-and-fall accidents are more common than you may think. The National Floor Safety Institute...
Railroad workers could be entitled to compensation for illness
If asked about worker’s compensation for railroad workers, most people might think about...
Older motorcycle riders are vulnerable to serious injuries
Spring is on its way and when the temperatures warm up a bit, more motorcycles will be on the...
Resisting the urge to check your phone while driving
Smartphones have drastically changed how we—as a society—interact with each other. The majority of...
How the law recognizes the value of your romantic relationship
On Valentine’s Day, you may dedicate a little extra time to appreciating the special things about...
How to stay safe in sub-zero wind chills
As the polar vortex tears through the Midwest, 77 percent of the continental U.S. population is...
Steps railroad workers should take after suffering an injury
Railroad work can be hazardous. On-the-job injuries include burns, broken bones and much more....
During the shutdown, federal employees at higher risk of injury
This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day marks the 30th day of the partial government shutdown. For...
The link between road construction and car crashes
When you are trying to get somewhere in Illinois within a particular timeframe, road construction...
Don’t let your new year’s resolutions land you in the hospital
The new year is upon us. If you’re eager to get rid of the extra weight you put on over the...
Top Christmas safety hazards for babies
Your first Christmas with a new baby can be a joyful time. You may be looking forward to gathering...
Tips for avoiding driving while drowsy
Many people who would never get behind the wheel after a few beers never think twice about driving...
The dangers of using social media after an accident
We’ve published many posts on the dangers of using your cell phone while driving. With smartphones...
Workers’ comp and third-liability: Avoiding slips and falls
If you feel like Illinois retailers are gearing up for the holiday season earlier than before, you...
Three tips to staying safe this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just around the corner—a holiday dedicated to feasting on rich food with the...
Thanksgiving: Wonderful and dangerous
Everyone knows they’re coming. In fact, the holidays are almost here. Thanksgiving is just days...
After a car crash, settling too quickly can cost you.
You’re driving to pick up your kids after school. The roads are icy, but you’re being careful and...
Positive Train Control might have stopped a horrific crash
The December 2017 Amtrak crash in Washington State might not have happened if the train included...
How to best prevent injury in car seats
Most new parents already know the basics about transporting their babies by car: use a car seat,...
How to proceed when injured in an Uber
Distracted driving is a primary cause of car accidents in Illinois. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft...
Third party liability and your workplace injury
llinois residents who suffer an injury at work often think of workers’ compensation as their only...
What’s your legal recourse if you get injured at a cycling event?
The Spectrum Ride is a popular weekly cycling event in Sunnyvale, California. Every Saturday...
How restaurant managers can help prevent workplace injuries
In the food service industry, workers in many different roles must coordinate like a well-oiled...
3 errors to avoid after a car accident
It can be hard to think clearly in the aftermath of a car accident. The effects of such a trauma...
Steps to take after a motorcycle accident
Motorcycle accidents can be common, due to drivers not paying attention to their surroundings or...
What you should know about substance abuse among truckers
When you drive Illinois’ roadways, you have little choice other than to share the road with...
How to stay safe as a pedestrian on the road
It is rare to think that a car will not stop for you, as a pedestrian walking down the sidewalk....
IKEA recalls dressers, cites dangerous tipping hazard
You just moved into your first home. It’s exciting but also a little daunting–it’s by far the...
What types of security should you expect from a property owner?
When you go to a friend’s house, to the store or to an amusement park, you have the expectation...
Why a “professional” guardian isn’t necessarily a good guardian
There has been regular discussion in the news lately about the elder abuse problem in our nation’s...
Learn the safe way to create an at-home fireworks display
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s independence. It’s also a time of...
Injuries that can remain hidden after a car accident
Car accidents occur every day on highways and roads throughout Illinois. A recent example occurred...
How difficult is it to recover from a concussion?
You were in a minor fender bender, and although the damage was minimal, you think you can remember...
How the wrong memory foam mattress can actually hurt your health
As a society, we’re becoming increasingly protective of our health. We’ve dramatically cut back on...
Catastrophic trucking accidents: more common than you might think
Plane crashes don’t happen very often. But whenever they do, they make national headlines. Imagine...
4 summer cycling tips
Summer is one of the best times for bicycling. You can get out and enjoy the wonderful weather...
Diet affects the brain’s ability to regenerate following injury
You’re driving home after a long day at work. The weather is pleasantly cool, the wind is in your...
Could a helmet law reduce bicycle injuries in Illinois?
Compared to other states in the country, Illinois has relatively few laws concerning bicycle...
What are the most common types of motorcycle injuries?
The warmer months are finally here, and with them come more motorcycles on Illinois streets, roads...
Three common misconceptions in gauging your BAC
Drunk driving-related accidents are on the rise across the country. One issue in determining...
Slip-and-fall accidents include more than just snow and ice
Living in the state of Illinois means that you may have firsthand knowledge of the dangers of...
What to do after a hit-and-run accident
On Illinois roadways, crashes happen on a daily basis. According to the Illinois Department of...
What is your legal recourse following a hit and run?
If a driver runs into you and then speeds away without stopping to exchange insurance information,...
Injuries common among food service workers
If you find yourself among the millions who make a living working in some segment of the...
5 common railroad injuries
As a railroad worker, you face unique occupational hazards every day. When accidents occur, they...
Never dismiss minor soreness after a car accident. Here’s why.
When car accidents happen, many victims end up with critical injuries. Others are fortunate to...
How to react when you encounter a drunk driver on the road
Drunk driving has been a growing problem across the nation. It is one of the leading causes of...
Should firearms be used to protect employees in the workplace?
Stories of mass shootings have been pervading the news. In an attempt to bolster workplace safety,...
Everything you need to know about winter slip-and-fall accidents
The risk of having a slip-and-fall accident increases during the winter, especially in the...