Blog

Illinois is located in the geographical middle of the United States.  Because of our access to rivers like the Mississippi, lakes like Lake Michigan, and the intersection of so many well-traveled Interstate Highways and Rail lines, we’re at the center of American commerce.  The convenience and utility of our location and infrastructure is one of […]

On Monday, April 10, 2017, our Managing Partner, Jim Coogan, was invited to be a guest on the nationally-syndicated “The Norman Goldman Show.”  Norman Goldman has been hosting his own radio show since 2009, presenting a daily look at “law, civics, and politics.”  It’s a very educational show with an emphasis on how the government […]

This is serious business.  The New York Times has published a review this morning of just how dangerous the Class Action Fairness Act of 2017 is. We all know that “trial lawyers” are not always regarded very highly by the average American.  Most folks, if they’ve never had to turn to attorneys or Courts to enforce some […]

Hurt at work?  Your employer is going to take care of things, right? That clinic they send you to will do the right tests?  They’ll get you the right treatments, right? What about paying the bills while you can’t work? If the doctor wants you to rest, or if you’re too injured to be able […]

This is important news.  The AP and other outlets are reporting that the Department of Health & Human Services, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the Federal Government has issued a new rule that will prohibit pre-dispute Arbitration clauses from Nursing Home contracts.  This means that you or your loved one will not be prohibited from filing […]

[In Honor of Groundhog Day and one of it’s most memorable characters, we are re-posting this Information–Originally published August 26, 2016–and with apologies to Stephen Tobolowsky…and everyone else, here we go…] I know, I know.  First of all, no one likes to be sold to.  Second, everyone is skeptical about insurance salesmen (remember “Needlenose” Ned […]

Sometimes, the only protection available when a person is injured is legal protection.  It is frustrating that the legal process can generally only come to someone’s aid after they have already been hurt.  However, that does not mean that the protection of the law is meaningless.  On the contrary, the law is a powerful tool to change […]

May 24, 2016–Our law firm has been committed to the rights and the dignity of working people since its inception.  The founder, Patrick E. Dwyer II grew up the son of a Chicago Police Department Officer who was instrumental in advocating for benefits to take care of police officers in the State of Illinois.  We […]

Everyone knows that surgical procedures are risky propositions.  Surgery means that a physician is cutting into your skin, cutting through tissue, moving around muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and even organs.  Some procedures involve removal of body parts, while others involve placement of hardware or medical devices.  However, there is one thing that no surgery is […]

On January 26, 2016, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its opinion in the case of Klaine v. Southern Illinois Hospital Services(https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Opinions/SupremeCourt/2016/118217.pdf).  In that case, Carol and Keith Klaine sued their doctor and Southern Illinois Medical Services (the hospital where the doctor performed the medical treatment) for medical negligence causing them personal injuries.  One of the claims was against the hospital was […]

If you have experienced an injury at work, you are going through a difficult time.  The first questions are about medical coverage.  Your employer is obligated under Illinois Law to pay for your work-related medical expenses (including emergency treatment, vocational evaluation, doctors, medicine, hospital stays, surgery expenses, etc.).  However, the question quickly shifts to: what […]