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Illinois was one of 16 states that did not allow for the recovery of punitive damages in wrongful death cases – until now. Last year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB 219, which amended the former law to allow punitive damages to be recoverable in wrongful death cases. The new law makes Illinois the…

A sharp rise in deaths from heavy truck crashes, which are up almost 50 percent in the last 10 years, has federal officials more eager than ever for solutions. Many know what needs to be done and have a federal Administration willing to cooperate, but a lack of consensus prevents any real movement forward. The…

CHICAGO, IL, December 11, 2023 – Carla Colaianni, a plaintiff’s personal injury trial lawyer at Smith LaCien LLP, was among a group of elite women lawyers who were honored by Law Bulletin Media at a reception at the Westin Hotel in downtown Chicago on November 28. The 2024 honorees were selected based on their legal experience…

Despite having one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, the U.S. currently has the highest pregnancy-related death rate among developed nations. Maternal deaths rose 40% in 2021 from the previous year. Black women are particularly vulnerable, dying at significantly higher rates than other groups. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services…

Chicago, IL, November 8, 2023 – Jason Williams, an attorney at Smith LaCien LLP, served as chair of a highly intensive two-day conference –“Mastering the Medicine: Birth Injury and Medical Negligence” – hosted by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) on Nov. 2 and 3 at the Waldorf Astoria Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga. A prominent…

CHICAGO/November 2, 2023 – Smith LaCien LLP -Trial Lawyers has been recognized by Best Lawyers as a Tier 1 “2024 Best Law Firm” in two practice areas: Aviation Law and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. The firm also ranked high in mass/class action, medical malpractice and product liability. They served as co-lead counsel in the…

Last year, over 7,500 pedestrians tragically lost their lives while walking on roads. The number of fatalities shot up a whopping 77%, hitting a 40-year high. What’s behind this disturbing trend? One major factor is the proliferation of massive trucks and SUVs. They are bigger and bulkier than their predecessors, making them harder for drivers…

Falls are a major cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S., affecting the elderly more than any other age group, according to our Chicago brain injury lawyers.  Seniors lose their balance more easily and fall off a ladder or slip on the ice more readily and lose the spring in their step. Some…