Dangerous “Swatting” Callers Targeting More Than Just Hollywood Stars

On January 23, 2013, in Community, Safety, by K. Lindsay Rakers

The latest form of prank calling has grown into a very dangerous form of play. “Swatting”, as defined byWikipedia, attempts to direct response units of different types (police, fire, even SWAT) to a false incident location. The serious prank gets its name because more often than not, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams are dispatched to the scene. In most states, it is a misdemeanor or felony to report a false incident to EMS authorities. The trouble is, with this … Continue Reading >

Driving Drunk Leads to Criminal Charges for Young Man

On January 23, 2013, in Auto Accident, by K. Lindsay Rakers

Every day, motorists are arrested for driving under the influence. When you drink, do drugs, or participate in any activity that may make you less than coherent behind the wheel, you are endangering yourself, your future, and those with whom you share the road. Driving under the influence can lead to more than just the DUI charge itself, if you injure someone, you may be facing serious jail time.

In Hillsboro, Keith Buehler, a 17 year old drunk driver, was … Continue Reading >

Hurt by a VA Doctor? You Can File a Claim Against the Government

On January 23, 2013, in Federal Tort Claims Act, by K. Lindsay Rakers

If you’ve suffered injury as a result of medical malpractice of a government doctor, from a military hospital or veteran affairs hospital, you may have a case against the government. Those who receive health care in a federally funded facility are protected from such injury and given the ability to sue under the Federal Torts Claims Act (or “FTCA”) (U28 U.S.C. sect. 2674). The FTCA provides that the government is liable for such personal injuries and medical malpractice as if … Continue Reading >

Injuries Caused by Governmental Employees May Lead to FTCA Claim

On January 23, 2013, in Federal Tort Claims Act, by K. Lindsay Rakers

Injured by a government employee? The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) might be able to provide you with compensation for your injuries. Sovereign immunity typically applies to bar citizens from suing the government in an effort to protect the monarchy, but in recent history, acts such as the FTCA allow for certain lawsuits to be filed against federal employees while acting within the scope of their employment. The FTCA was passed shortly after a B-52 bomber crashed into the Empire … Continue Reading >

5 Years Later, Where are the Kids and Cars Safety Act Protections?

On January 23, 2013, in Auto Accident, Safety, by K. Lindsay Rakers

A recent blog post by Scott Greenfield, New York criminal defense attorney, caught my eye. I was stunned to learn that the Kids and Cars Safety Actwas made law 5 years ago and we still do not have the protections it calls for. The post discusses a tragic accident in 2003 where a pediatrician father backed over his 2 year old son in the driveway and killed him. The father didn’t know the boy was there and more importantly to … Continue Reading >

I Make a Better Car Crash Lawyer than Victim

On January 23, 2013, in Auto Accident, by K. Lindsay Rakers

A recent blog post by Eric Turkewitz (a New York personal injury attorney) caught my eye. In the blog post, he relives a car accident that he and his family were involved in over the Thanksgiving holiday. I have been in two car accidents. My Edwardsville, Illinois car accident was in 2008. A driver ran a red light and t-boned the car I was riding passenger in. In 2011, I was broadsided by a semi truck driver who ran a … Continue Reading >

What We Have Suspected Has Been Confirmed – Women with Breast Implants Beware!

On January 23, 2013, in Community, by K. Lindsay Rakers

Women are finally realizing possible long term complications of breast implants with the recent release of the FDA’s warning regarding the potential link between breast implants and a rare type of cancer called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Although less than 80 cases of implant related cancer have been reported, it is still a prevailing medical issue that women should be aware of if making the decision to go under the knife.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (or ALCL), can develop throughout … Continue Reading >

Blitz Can Manufacturer Closing Doors Ensures Safer Products

On January 23, 2013, in Product Liability, by K. Lindsay Rakers

The Institue for Legal Reform, in an effort to combat what they consider to be excessively “frivolous” claims, has started speaking out against the consequences of potentially abusive lawsuits. Will “tort reform” really keep us safer? These suits, however, provide much needed monetary compensation to injured persons, and continue to bring awareness to products that may be potentially harmful to the general public. Blitz, an Oklahoma gasoline can manufacturer, is one such company showcased by the lobby group in an … Continue Reading >

Toddler with Brain Injury Starting to Make Strides

On January 23, 2013, in Traumatic Brain Injury, by K. Lindsay Rakers

I continue to follow the story of little Tripp Halstead and his loving family. The above photo was taken of Tripp the day before his injury. If you haven’t heardTripp’s story, please check it out. The short version is that he was involved in a tragic accident at his day care when a tree branch fell and hit him in the head, resulting in a severe brain injury (TBI).

Although I have been practicing personal injury law in Illinois and … Continue Reading >

Safety Risks of Officers Extends Past Criminal Action

On January 23, 2013, in Auto Accident, by K. Lindsay Rakers

The tragic death of Illinois State Trooper Kyle Deatherage reminds us all that our local police officers put their lives on the line daily. His family has recently released a statement. When people think of police officer safety, most worry about the dangers officers face as they deal with armed and dangerous criminals. But the dangers of being shot or otherwise wounded by criminals are certainly not the only dangers our officers face. Police officers face the same dangers every … Continue Reading >

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