Barney & Karamanis, LLP

Barney & Karamanis, LLP Barney & Karamanis, LLP 2026-07-28T06:31:10Z https://www.barneykaramanis.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1204479/2021/02/cropped-faviconexample-1-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[Can a “Low-Speed” Crash Still Cause Serious Injuries?]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48905 2026-07-28T06:31:10Z 2026-07-28T06:30:55Z

Your car barely has a scratch, but your neck aches and the headaches will not stop. It can feel confusing to hurt this much after such a small collision. Low-speed crashes can cause real injuries, and Illinois law may give you options.

Why a small crash can still hurt you

Modern bumpers absorb crash energy to protect the vehicle. That design can leave the car undamaged while your body absorbs the force. Even at speeds under 10 mph, your head and neck can snap back and forth. Your spine was not built to handle that sudden motion. The impact does not need to break anything to cause harm. Muscles, ligaments and discs can all suffer damage in a minor collision.

Injuries that may not appear right away

Adrenaline can mask pain for hours or even days after a crash. Symptoms often surface 24 to 72 hours later as inflammation builds. Watch for these common low-speed crash injuries:

Whiplash: Strained or torn neck muscles caused by rapid snapping motion.
Concussions: The brain can jolt against the skull without any direct blow to the head.
Herniated discs: Compressed vertebrae can leave spinal discs bulging or damaged.
Soft tissue damage: Injured ligaments and tendons that can cause lasting pain and stiffness.

A prompt medical examination can identify these conditions before they deteriorate, and contemporaneous records establish the connection between your symptoms and the collision.

What Illinois law says about your claim

Illinois is a fault-based state. The driver who caused the crash may owe you compensation for medical bills and other losses. Many low-speed collisions are rear-end crashes. The Illinois rules of the road under 625 ILCS 5/11-710 bar drivers from following too closely. Courts often find the rear driver negligent, even at very low speeds. You also confront a statutory deadline, as 735 ILCS 5/13-202 generally affords you two years from the date of the collision to commence litigation. Insurance adjusters may invoke the minimal vehicular damage to contend that your injuries are exaggerated or unrelated, a tactic that thorough medical documentation can help counteract.

Why acting early protects your health and your claim

A small dent does not mean a small injury. Whiplash, concussions and disc damage can surface days after impact, and Illinois sets firm deadlines for pursuing an injury claim. Taking your symptoms seriously now can protect both your recovery and your rights. If your injuries prove serious or the insurer disputes your claim, an attorney's input may help you weigh your options.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[“It’s just a mole”: How dermatologists miss Melanoma and what you should do if you’re dismissed]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48904 2026-07-11T02:31:49Z 2026-07-11T02:31:49Z

How standard skin checks miss melanoma Doctors sometimes miss skin cancer during routine visits. A missed diagnosis often stems from specific clinical errors. Dermatologists might make the following errors during an exam:

Performing brief visual exams: The doctor looks at the skin quickly without using a dermatoscope for a closer look.
Ignoring patient reports: The provider does not act when a patient reports that a mole has changed shape or color.
Misreading pathology reports: The clinic receives a biopsy result but fails to read the signs of cancer correctly.

These errors leave dangerous cancers unchecked. To counter these mistakes, patients can use facts to discuss their condition with a doctor.

Tracking lesion changes with photographs

When a doctor claims a mole is normal, visual evidence becomes a powerful tool. Melanoma often alters the appearance of the skin over weeks or months. The spot may display irregular borders, multiple colors or rapid growth. Patients can take clear photographs of the suspicious spot next to a common object, such as a coin, for scale. Taking pictures every two weeks creates a timeline. This proves the spot is growing, bleeding or changing shape. This record allows a doctor to review physical changes rather than relying on a quick scan. It helps individuals request proper tests.

Advocating for a diagnostic skin biopsy

A patient has the right to request better care when a doctor ignores a changing mole. Many people feel uncomfortable questioning a doctor in the exam room. However, direct communication leaves no room for doubt. Patients can use specific phrases to request proper testing:

"I have documented changes in this mole, and I want a biopsy today."
"Please note in my chart that I requested a biopsy and it was not performed."
"I need a referral to an oncologist for a second opinion."

Using this direct language clarifies the patient's requests. When a doctor fails to act, the patient faces severe medical harm.

Legal rights after a delayed diagnosis

A delay in identifying melanoma allows the disease to spread to deeper tissues and lymph nodes. Late-stage skin cancer requires aggressive chemotherapy or radiation. These treatments cause physical harm and reduce survival rates. Illinois law holds doctors liable when they breach the standard of care by failing to order biopsies or perform complete exams. Patients who suffer because a dermatologist missed a changing mole can pursue compensation. They can seek funds for medical expenses, future treatment costs and lost earnings. Proving fault requires gathering medical records, pathology reports and evidence of the unaddressed symptoms. This indicates the doctor did not provide acceptable care.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[5 signs your baby’s brain injury was caused by medical negligence]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48897 2026-06-10T15:23:21Z 2026-06-10T15:23:21Z

Going to the hospital to have a baby is an experience that most parents look forward to. While the majority of them go home to enjoy their precious bundle of joy, others may not have that same experience. Some women have a difficult birth, but there are times when these situations were avoidable. When medical negligence plays a role in a birth injury, the parents may opt to pursue a compensation claim that can help with the financial damages and other effects of the birth injury. Part of the case will hinge on being able to prove that negligence was the cause of the baby’s injuries. There are some signs that can signal that the proper standard of care wasn’t met.

1: Fetal distress isn’t properly addressed

Electronic fetal monitoring may show that there’s a change in the baby’s heart rate. While it’s not fully uncommon, persistent abnormalities can signal that the baby isn’t tolerating labor, which could mean that swift intervention is necessary or the baby is at risk of suffering a lack of oxygen.

2: Necessary C-section is delayed

C-sections are sometimes needed because of an emergency with the baby or mother. If labor stalls, fetal distress continues or an emergency develops, it’s critical that a C-section is done without delay.

3: Forceps or vacuum devices were misused

Assistive delivery tools are necessary for some deliveries, but they must be used properly. Concerns may arise when multiple attempts are made without progress. Excessive force, multiple failed attempts and poor placement are all events that can lead to a birth injury.

4: Baby didn’t receive needed urgent support

Babies sometimes need urgent support. Low Apgar scores, seizures and breathing problems are all signs that something is amiss. Those are signs that the baby is in distress and may require transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit.

5: Explanation doesn’t match medical record

Medical records show what the care team knew and what they did with the information. Various components of the medical records, such as physician notes, fetal monitoring strips, delivery records and cord blood gas results are all things to check because they can show what happened. Not every birth injury is the result of medical negligence. It’s critical to look at the situation and determine if a compensation claim is in order. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial. ]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[Who pays when motorists crash while driving for Uber or Lyft?]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48896 2026-05-18T17:25:41Z 2026-05-18T17:25:41Z

Different rules apply at different times Rideshare drivers do not have access to workers’ compensation even if they get hurt in a crash. They are independent contractors, not employees. Therefore, they likely rely on their own insurance, the other driver’s insurance or on the rideshare company’s insurance to cover their losses. The policy that applies depends in part on when the crash occurs. If the driver is offline, they may only be able to file a claim against the policy of the driver who causes a crash or their own standard car insurance policy, as the wreck didn’t occur while they were technically working or using their vehicle for commercial purposes. Crashes that occur while someone is active on the app and transporting a passenger may be eligible for compensation through the commercial insurance policies carried by Uber and Lyft. Coverage availability changes if the collision occurs during a pickup before the driver started the ride or during a drop-off after they technically ended the trip. In those cases, the commercial driver’s rideshare policy might apply. Additionally, the injured rideshare driver might be able to hold the other driver accountable for their losses. When the rideshare driver is not the party at fault, the insurance carried by the driver who caused the crash could help replace their lost income or pay to repair their vehicle. Those dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare collision often need help assessing liability and evaluating insurance options. Discussing a crash with an attorney can help those involved in rideshare collisions avoid significant financial losses.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[3 ways surgical consent forms may cover up serious medical errors]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48894 2026-06-30T10:36:17Z 2026-04-30T08:17:34Z

now provides guidance on how to make surgical consent forms more understandable for patients. Those reviewing consent documents may want to check carefully for the presence of certain common terms that individual surgeons and modern hospitals may use to try and deny accountability for egregious acts of medical malpractice.

1. Lists of known and accepted complications

A surgical consent form may include a laundry list of potential complications and side effects, some of which are only likely in scenarios where the team performing the operation makes a major mistake. Forms may include excessive blood loss, significant tissue damage, infections and even death as known and accepted risks that the patient must acknowledge to undergo the procedure.

2. No guarantees or assurances have been made

Health care providers sometimes explain side effects and common complications to patients. Other times, they hand patients a pamphlet and tell them that the surgery is straightforward, so there's no real reason to worry about potential complications. Despite medical professionals often providing blanket assurances to coax patients into consenting to surgical procedures, the consent paperwork signed before the procedure may claim that the patient is aware that there is no implied guarantee of success or assurances regarding the outcome of the procedure.

3. Additional procedures may be deemed necessary

When major surgical errors occur, such as leaving an item behind inside a patient's body, the patient may need to undergo a revision procedure. By including a blanket statement that additional care may be required, medical facilities and professionals seek to sidestep the potential financial and legal liability that comes from committing an error that later requires a revision procedure. Overly-broad and confusing surgical consent forms may not truly protect medical professionals. Especially when they claim that side effects were not a concern or asserted that they have a perfect track record of success before the patient's operation, the misleading information that they provided and the failure to disclose the risks involved accurately could give the patient reason to take legal action. Those who were truly unaware of the potential risks involved in a surgery may not be able to provide informed consent to undergo a surgical procedure. Reviewing communication records and key paperwork with a medical malpractice attorney can help those affected by errors during operations explore if a malpractice lawsuit might be an option.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[How failure to treat sepsis in a hospital can cause brain injury]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48893 2026-06-30T10:36:23Z 2026-04-13T02:08:23Z

Hospitals should have sepsis protocols in place Any infection can lead to sepsis, which is why everyone working at a hospital should know the early warning signs. Proper sepsis protocols help ensure accurate diagnosis and early treatment before the condition worsens. Patients need care for the symptoms of sepsis, as well as the underlying infection, often within the first hour of the condition developing. Having assessment and reporting tools available to all hospital workers can help ensure that the patient receives treatment in time before the sepsis progresses to full-blown septic shock. There are limited windows of opportunity for different interventions, making early diagnosis and treatment critical for patients with sepsis. Although symptoms present somewhat differently for each person, nurses, physicians and other care providers should be able to identify sepsis even in its earliest stages. When medical professionals overlook key warning signs or fail to communicate their concerns to others, the patient may not receive timely treatment. Their condition may worsen, resulting in brain damage and other lasting consequences. In those circumstances, another medical professional could likely have prevented that poor outcome. The failure to diagnose and treat sepsis often involves a clear deviation from best medical practices, which in turn makes it a form of medical malpractice. Patients adjusting to life with a sepsis-related brain injury or family members supporting a patient who experienced septic shock may need to consult with an attorney. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can compensate affected patients and their families for lost wages, increased medical expenses and other damages caused by medical negligence in a hospital.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[When road construction companies cause Chicago-area crashes]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48892 2026-04-12T12:01:14Z 2026-04-12T12:01:14Z

Negligent work practices increase risk Drivers often fail to recognize how dangerous construction zones actually are. Hundreds of vehicle occupants every year die in crashes that occur in road work zones. In some cases, those collisions might be the result of negligence on the part of roadwork professionals rather than mistakes made by other drivers. Road construction crews have an obligation to make the work zone reasonably safe for the public. They must manage the flow of traffic carefully to limit the risk of wrecks. They must ensure the work locations are easily identified, control traffic as it approaches the road work zone and clean up debris so that it doesn’t damage vehicles or prompt drivers to swerve. Negligence on the part of roadwork crews can make them liable for crashes nearby. For example, the failure to properly mark upcoming lane sifts for approaching vehicles can lead to traffic congestion and dangerous, last-minute maneuvers from those approaching the work site. A lack of flaggers might lead to head-on collisions when road work constricts traffic to a single lane. Failing to clean up debris before it interferes with vehicles or address nighttime hazards, such as equipment left too close to active lanes of traffic or uncovered trenches, can also make road crews liable for collisions. When road construction crews fail to follow best practices, drivers who end up in collisions caused by debris or other ignored risks may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit. Reviewing what caused a motor vehicle collision with a skilled legal team can help injured parties understand their options. If road construction crews are negligent, it may be possible to hold them accountable for property damage and injury-related expenses.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[The silent but deadly epidemic of major diagnostic errors]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48819 2026-01-29T11:28:34Z 2026-01-29T11:28:34Z

How common are diagnostic errors? According to a review of nationwide data, roughly 795,000 patients every year become permanently disabled or die because doctors fail to properly diagnose them. The number of patients who deal with diagnostic errors in general is much higher, with some research showing as many as 12 million documented diagnostic errors annually. Thousands of patients every day experience diagnostic errors that have permanent consequences. Those patients may then need support as they seek to hold doctors and hospitals accountable.

When are patients most vulnerable?

There are certain situations that may increase the risk of diagnostic errors. Seeking care at an emergency room or urgent care facility during times of high demand may increase the likelihood of medical professionals rushing through the diagnostic process and reaching the wrong conclusion. Patients experiencing certain medical conditions are more vulnerable than others. Major medical events, such as strokes and heart attacks, present differently in men and women, leading to frequent diagnostic errors when women seek emergency medical care. Cancer is also a commonly misdiagnosed medical condition. Early warning signs are similar to the symptoms of much less serious medical conditions. Delays in diagnosis can have profound implications. Doctors may also struggle to diagnose neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, digestive issues and reproductive health conditions, such as endometriosis.

How can patients protect themselves?

Patients can reduce their risk of diagnostic errors by coming to appointments properly prepared. Establishing a thorough list of symptoms, including times and the severity of the symptoms, can be helpful. Patients also need to be ready to ask their doctors questions. Those questions may include:

Is there a test to validate this diagnosis?
Are there other conditions that could cause these symptoms?
Will my medical records reflect this conversation about my symptoms?

These key questions can prompt a doctor to think more carefully about the situation. They can also theoretically result in a patient's records supporting their claim of malpractice later. Patients who have experienced diagnostic errors may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Reviewing medical records and the impact of diagnostic errors with a skilled legal team can help people hold doctors and medical facilities accountable for misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose a patient resulting in harm.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[Chicago business incorporation: DIY or hire a lawyer?]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48820 2025-09-10T04:47:10Z 2025-09-10T04:47:10Z

DIY incorporation: What you can do yourself Many small business owners handle basic incorporation tasks independently. These steps can save money, but must be done carefully. Common DIY tasks include:

File articles of organization or incorporation: Submit forms to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN: Get a federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
Register for local business licenses: Complete the city or county permits needed to operate legally.
Maintain compliance: Track state and local requirements, such as annual reports and fees.

Some situations, like forming a multi-member LLC to protect assets or creating complex agreements, may be too complicated for DIY and need a lawyer’s help.

Risks and common mistakes of DIY

DIY incorporation carries risks. Choosing the wrong business type, such as a sole proprietorship instead of an LLC, can affect taxes and liability. Missing deadlines, leaving out required documents, or ignoring state rules can lead to penalties, delays, and extra costs. Even small mistakes early on can become expensive. Carefully weigh the consequences before moving forward.

When hiring a lawyer makes sense

Some situations require a lawyer. Multi-member LLCs or businesses with complex agreements need professional help. A lawyer sets up the entity correctly, drafts sound agreements, and meets compliance rules. Even on a tight budget, legal help early can prevent higher costs later.

Making the right choice for your business

Your choice to DIY or hire a lawyer will shape your business’s future. Simple single-member businesses may succeed without a lawyer. Complex or high-risk ventures benefit from professional guidance. By weighing risks, time, and costs, you can start your business on a solid foundation. A lawyer can help protect your interests and support long-term success.]]> On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLP <![CDATA[10 common mistakes people make in contract disputes]]> https://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=48559 2025-07-18T13:33:42Z 2025-07-18T13:33:42Z

Contract dispute mistakes Refrain from making these common errors when protecting your business interests:

Lacking a written agreement: Oral agreements can be difficult to prove. Illinois law requires some contracts, such as those for land sales or agreements lasting over a year, to be in writing.
Ignoring contract terms: People often do not fully read or understand their contract. The document outlines everyone's duties and rights.
Acting without legal counsel: Making demands or taking action without a lawyer's advice often worsens the situation. A legal professional understands proper procedures.
Destroying or hiding evidence: All relevant documents, emails and communications are vital. Destroying them can hurt your case and create legal problems.
Delaying legal action: Waiting too long to address a dispute can mean losing rights. Statutes of limitations in Illinois set deadlines for filing lawsuits.
Communicating poorly: Sending angry emails or making unrecorded phone calls can be damaging. Keep all communications professional and documented.
Letting emotions control decisions: Disputes often feel personal, but focusing on facts and legal strategy yields better results. Emotional responses can hinder the ability to make smart choices.
Underestimating dispute complexity: Contract disputes involve specific legal principles and procedures. People often think they can handle these matters alone.
Failing to understand remedies: Parties should know what damages or actions the law allows for a breach of contract. Illinois courts offer various remedies.
Settling prematurely or refusing a settlement: Some people rush into a bad settlement, while others refuse reasonable offers. Both choices can lead to greater losses.

In general, avoiding these common errors gives you a better chance of resolving a dispute favorably. You protect your business and its future when you manage these situations correctly.

Legal guidance is essential

Contract disputes rarely resolve themselves. They require informed action and precise legal understanding. Seeking legal help from an experienced attorney can protect your interests. An Illinois contract dispute lawyer can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.]]>