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Law Firm News
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7.1.11
Quinn Signs Changes to Workers' Comp into Law
This week, Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn signed into law significant changes to Illinois' Workers' Compensation. Many of the new measures go into effect as soon as Sept. 1.
Among the changes are cuts in payments to hospitals, physicians and other healthcare professionals for workers' compensation cases as well as new guidelines for treatment, the development of a preferred physician network, and limits on carpal tunnel syndrome benefits.
Because of the reduced medical fees, fewer physicians are expected to handle as many workers' comp cases as in the past. In a Chicago Sun-Times article, Illinois State Medical Society president Wayne V. Polek stated, "We predict injured workers will wait longer for care, thus triggering higher medical care costs and delays in their return to work."
Learn More!
Not an LOL Matter!
New Law: No Texting While Driving!
As of January 1, 2010, it is no longer legal to text while driving. The law reads as:
"A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message"
By electronic communication device, the State of Illinois means:
" 'Electronic message' includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site."
Additionally, it is now illegal to surf the internet while driving. The ban on surfing, texting, e-mailing and IMing while driving includes PDAs, cell phones and computers, but does not extend to the use of GPS or navigation systems. One exception to this law is using devices in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. Fines start at $75.
No Cell Phones in School Zones Law
Illinois allows local cities and villages to enact their own ordinances regarding cell phone usage while driving. However, as of January 1, 2010, cell phone usage in school zones is against the law throughout the State of Illinois. The only exceptions to this law are for highway maintenance or construction crews, emergencies and when a device is in voice-activated mode. Also, remember, that Chicago is a hands-free city, meaning that cell phone usage is illegal while driving, with the exception of using a hands-free device.
Recent Product Recalls
07.20.11 CIRCO STUDENT DESK/TASK LAMP: Potential fire and burn hazard.
06.28.11 NEW CRIB SAFETY STANDARDS GO INTO EFFECT: Learn More >>
05.05.11 DOREL ASIA WOODEN BUNKS: 400,000 bunk beds have been recalled for a potential fall and impact risk.
02.17.11 IKEA SNIGLAR CRIBS: About 20,000 cribs were recalled for a entrapment and suffocation risk.
02.16.11 BURLINGTON BASKET BASSINETS: Bassinets may fall over, injuring infants. About 500,000 bassinets have been recalled.
01.27.11 JARDINE CRIBS: Sold at major retailers carrying baby and toddler furnishings, including Toys R Us and Babies R Us, the wooden slats on the crib can break, creating a gap that poses an entrapment and strangulation hazard for infants and toddlers.
Click here for older mass recalls and warnings.
Workers' Comp & Personal Injury Resources
Illinois Workers' Compensation Resources
Safe Driving in Illinois
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