Other Areas of Practice
Automobile Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following statistics are available for traffic crashes for the year 2013:
- There were an estimated 5,687,000 police-reported crashes, resulting in 32,719 people killed and an estimated 2,313,000 people injured.
- 21,132 occupants (passengers) died in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
- There were 3,964 people killed and an estimated 95,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks.
- An estimated 342,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes
An automobile accident can be a devastating event to happen in any family. Serious injuries or death are life-changing occurrences, that are compounded by loss of income and medical bills. Our office has handled hundreds of automobile accidents for individuals and families just like yours. We can help you to navigate medical and insurance issues as well as obtain compensation for your injuries or the loss of your family member. We understand the devastation that can occur to families when an accident disrupts your life. If you have been involved in a vehicle accident in Alton, Edwardsville or any other location throughout Madison County, please contact our office for assistance today.
Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA)
In response to the high number of deaths and tragic injuries suffered by railroad workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Congress passed the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) in 1908. Under the Act, railroad workers are not covered by ordinary worker’s compensation laws and instead are allowed to file suit against their employers, the railroads, for injuries sustained while performing very dangerous work. Under the FELA, workers must prove negligence against their employers, as opposed to the no-fault system that occurs under worker’s compensation laws. However, under the FELA, workers are not limited to the amount of compensation they may receive for their injuries.
The Act also provides standards to ensure the safety of railroad employees during the performance of their work under very hazardous conditions.
Bob Gregory has successfully represented railroad workers, including engineers, conductors, trackmen and maintenance-of-way workers, in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana over the course of his career. For many years, his practice was limited exclusively to bringing claims on behalf of injured railroad workers pursuant to the FELA, and he has achieved numerous multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. Claims brought pursuant to the FELA require significant knowledge of this very specialized area of the law, as well as the federal regulations which apply.
Railroad Crossing Accidents
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in the calendar year of 2014 alone there were 2,287 train-motor vehicle collisions, resulting in 269 fatalities and 849 injuries.
Determining whether those injured or killed in a railroad crossing accident have a valid claim involves a complex analysis of numerous facts regarding the potential legal liability of the railroad company operating the train at the time of the collision, the liability of the railroad that owns the track where the collision occurred, and potential liability of the local county or city where the collision occurred, since rail crossings are governed by both federal and state rules and regulations regarding rail grades, line of sight near the crossing, and other issues.
If you or a family member has suffered injury as a result of a railroad crossing collision, contact our office to determine whether we can assist you in a claim against those who may be legally liable for those injuries.
Jones Act/Waterway Accidents
The Jones Act is a federal law that provides the right of an injured seaman to sue his employer for personal injuries sustained in the course of his or her employment. Unlike land-based employees who receive worker’s compensation based upon a no-fault scheme of compensation for employment-related injuries, a seaman injured or killed in the course of his or her employment must prove either that the vessel owner, captain or crew was negligent or that the vessel was unseaworthy as defined pursuant to the general maritime law of the United States, and that the negligence or unseaworthiness was a cause of the injury for which he or she seeks compensation.
Our office is experienced in handling maritime injury claims occurring on the inland waterways of the United States. If you or a family member have been injured in the course of employment on a vessel in navigable waters of the United States, call our office for a confidential consultation to determine your rights.
Product Liability
On any given day, individuals come into contact with literally hundreds of manufactured products in every area of their lives, from the kitchen to the backyard, as well as the workplace. As consumers, we anticipate that the products which are sold to us have been fully researched, developed and manufactured with safety in mind. However, many corporations become aware of failures in their products, which can lead to injury and death, and fail to warn consumers of the hazards associated with their use, and fail to take steps to remove these products from the market.
Product liability cases can include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Faulty automobile parts, such as ignition switches and airbags
- Poorly designed or manufactured tools and equipment
- Unsafe foods, consumables, personal care or household products
- Poorly designed or manufactured building and construction products, such as windows and doors
- Infant and child clothing, carriers, car seats and cribs
If you feel that you have suffered injury as a result of a defectively designed or manufactured product, please call our office for assistance.
Premises Liability/Slip and Fall
Premises liability and “slip and fall” cases can occur:
- At a store or other place of business; or
- At a private residence
If you have fallen or suffered injuries because of a negligent condition which existed on premises owned by another person, you might be able to file a claim to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In order to file such a claim, there must be some negligence on the part of the owner of the premises. It is not enough that the property was simply owned by someone else. In order to succeed in such a claim, it must be proven that the owner knew, or should have known through the exercise of ordinary care, of the existence of the negligent condition.
Our office has handled numerous premises liability cases on behalf of clients over the years against restaurants, stores, and other businesses, as well as against private property owners. A crucial element to the success of any potential claim is to secure the statements of potential witnesses and obtain any surveillance videos which might support the claim. If you have been injured by a negligent condition on another person’s premises, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Animal and Dog Bites
According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), the following statistics are made available:
- Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs.
- Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
- Every year, more than 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites; at least half of them are children.
- Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
- Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.
- Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims.
By their very nature, dog attacks can be extremely damaging both physically and psychologically, as well as financially. Because we are a society which values our pets as members of the family, it is particularly devastating to young victims who are attacked while interacting with dogs or other pets. Young children particularly will require at least some counseling to overcome fear and mistrust of animals after these types of injuries. Additionally, victims of dog bites may require repeated and extensive plastic surgery or reconstruction. Physical and emotional scars resulting from animal attacks are damaging and distressful at any age.
Our office has handled numerous claims for injuries and damages resulting from dog bites over the years, and a significant number involving small children. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog or other animal attack, please contact our office for guidance. There are strict time limitations for parents who have incurred medical bills for injuries to their children.