A hot air balloon ride turned disasters recently when the balloon caught on fire. The balloon was tethered to the ground initially but then was released into the air as the fire began to spread. Many of the passengers were able to jump out of the basket to safety, but not all were lucky. Two of the passengers died from burns. The balloon landed on several homes destroying them.

(more…)

Frankie A. Crider filed a medical malpractice claim on August 7, 2007 after problems she experienced with her 2001 gastric bypass surgery. Crider complains of leaks after the surgery which had to be sutured and a burn in the distal gastric pouch. The problems from the surgery have led to an abdominal abscess and weight gain.

(more…)

Governor Blagojevich signed legislation making it a requirement for all Illinois hospitals to screen intensive care unit patients for staph or MRSA infections. Illinois is the first state to implement such a law, however, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have similar laws that will go into effect later this year.

(more…)

A single vehicle accident left an 18 year old Chicago man dead early Tuesday morning. Another Chicago man and a woman from Janesville were reported to be injured in the accident. It is believed the man that survived was treated and released from the hospital, however, the condition of the woman is unknown at this time. The car was found in a ditch on County A east of Church Road about 2 miles north of Footville.

Police reported skid marks approximately 50 feet in length on the road and believe the car traveled at least another 250 feet once it left the road. The family of the man killed and those injured in the accident may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. In a one car accident, many times the injured passengers can recover for injuries from the driver. The passengers of the vehicle or their families should contact an attorney to find out if they can make a claim against the driver for their injuries or death.

Theresa Thorp recently filed a lawsuit against the Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after her mother, Minnie Burger, died at the facility on May 14. Thorp alleges in her lawsuit that the facility failed to give Burger proper care that would have prevented her injuries and eventual death. Burger, who was 82, fell three days before her death and suffered a fractured hip and leg.

(more…)

The University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center thinks doctors should apologize to families and patients when mistakes are made. The Medical Center passed a disclosure policy last year where doctors apologize to patients and families when errors occur. Reports indicate that there were 40 acknowledged errors at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center last year but only one medical malpractice lawsuit filed.

(more…)

The Interstate 35W bridge collapsed in Minnesota on Wednesday killing at least seven people. Many more are feared dead. Scores of people were also injured in the collapse. Video of the bridge shows the center collapse in just under four seconds, giving victims no time to escape. Cars fell into the river below and were covered in water. Many may still be trapped in their cars.

(more…)

Peter R. Williams died after his car was struck by a bus while he was waiting for a traffic light in Newport News. While Williams was waiting the bus made a left turn and struck his car. Williams was 41 years old at the time of his death.

(more…)

It is estimated over 700 people have alleged they became ill after eating at the Pars Cove Restaurant at the Taste of Chicago during the annual event held in July. Many of the people became ill after they ate the shirazi salad and some reports say the hummus may also have bee contaminated. At least 31 people have been hospitalized.

(more…)

On May 21, 2007 the FDA released a warning concerning the type 2 diabetes drug Avandia. The FDA warned that clinical trials revealed patients using Avandia have shown an increased risk for heart attack and heart-related deaths. The FDA went on to warn that Avandia patients using Avandia for a short period, 6 months or less, may increase their risk of heart attack and other heart related events by 30-40 percent.

If you or someone you know experienced a heart attack or other heart related problems while taking Avandia, contact an attorney immediately. You may be able to take legal action against the manufacturer of Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline.