The loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging things a family can endure. When the death was the result of someone’s negligent actions, it compounds things. Families often question whether legal action can be taken or should be taken against the responsible party. While it’s understandable for families to have reservations about the legal process, it is sometimes the only means of holding those who wrongfully caused a loved one’s death responsible and securing a comfortable future for those who have been left  behind.

If your family is considering filing a wrongful death case, you may be wondering how the amount to be awarded is determined. The process of establishing the amount to be awarded in a wrongful death case is complicated. There are a number of factors to consider. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that the compensation awarded is meant to hold the at-fault party responsible for the value of the lost income/wages/earning capacity (known as pecuniary damages) as well as the value of the loss of love, companionship, guidance, consortium and the grief and sorrow (known as non-pecuniary damages) caused by the wrongful conduct of the responsible party.

If there is evidence that the individual who died had conscious pain and suffering before their death, there may also be damages for their pre-death pain and suffering. These pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages must be fully evaluated and developed in a way to ensure that the maximum compensation can be obtained for each element of available damages.

Krzak Rundio Law Group is pleased to announce that Michael S. Krzak has been recognized in the 26^th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America by his peers for his exceptional work in the practice of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. This is the third consecutive year that Michael has received this honor.

“Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer-review survey comprising more than 8.2 million confidential evaluations by top attorneys. Our founding principle remains unchanged since 1983 and forms the basis of our transparent methodology: The best lawyers know who the best lawyers are.”

For more information on the methodology used in the award selection, please see here.

Krzak Rundio Law Group, LLC proudly welcomes Attorney Terence Naughton, who goes by “Terry”, to our team. A Chicago native, raised in the South Side, Terry has always called our city home, and now he protects its injured citizens as a personal injury trial attorney.

Terry’s past work as a defense attorney is an asset to our clients in injury cases. He has spent time working on the opponent’s side, so he understands how the defense operates and any potential tactics they might utilize. With him on our side and in our client’s corner, our firm is further strengthened in the fight for the rights of those who have been wrongfully injured.

As part of our law group, he represents victims of serious injuries in wrongful death, product liability, construction negligence, workplace accidents, and transportation negligence cases. Not only does it help us that he was a defense attorney prior to working with us, but it also helps that he specifically worked with construction companies and other similar businesses. His in-depth knowledge of both sides of these cases will help us better serve victims of these types of accidents.

In cities like Chicago, bicycle commuters have increased by 150 percent between 2000 and 2012. In that same timespan, there were over 9,000 bicycle crashes that resulted in injuries in Chicago, alone. With more people riding bicycles to exercise, save money or be environmentally friendly, bicycle safety is more important than ever.

Excitement is in the air as temperatures rise and kids get out of school. No matter how long you’ve lived in the Chicago area, there’s always something new to checkout during summer.  That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to summer fun in the city. Whether you’ve looking to check out a festival, dine on a rooftop, learn something new on walking tour, or want to hang out on Chicago’s Riverwalk, you can use this guide to make plans with friends and family.

Chicago is aiming to make transportation within the city easier. This summer, they will be introducing electric scooters, to see if they’re a viable transportation option for the citizens of Chicago. It will start on June 15 and continue until October 15. While the e-scooters are coming to some areas like Avondale, Austin, Pilsen, and South Lawndale, the scooters will not be available in the Loop or Lakefront communities.

This is because they’re testing a small, concentrated area to see how the electric rental scooters affect it. It’s part of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s mobility task force. Halsted Street, Irving Park Road, and Harlem Avenue will outline the area that will get the scooters. The electric scooters will operate similarly to Chicago’s bike sharing programs. You use an app to find and pay for a scooter and then take it to your destination.

It’s common to hear about the importance of obeying the speed limit when driving. The warning often relates to speeding because traveling at higher speeds reduces your ability to slow down and stop and is overall a reckless driving decision. However, there’s another side of disobeying the speed limit – driving too slowly. Slow drivers can also pose a significant danger and risk to that driver and others on the road.

The Dangers of Driving Slow

When someone is driving too slowly, they force others around them to have to adapt to their speed. If a slow driver is in the left lane on a multilane route, then people may choose to pass them in the right lane. This is a dangerous move and can lead to accidents. If a slow driver is in the center lane on a multilane roadway, it impacts traffic in all lanes. Slow drivers can also make other drivers around them constantly brake and speed up. This repetitive stop-and-start motion could potentially lead to a major accident. If there’s a long line of traffic, it could create a multi-vehicle pileup.

Flying is generally the fastest and most efficient form of travel. Statistics also show that it is the safest mode of transportation. Unfortunately, like any other modes of transportation, accidents are possible.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015 there were 32,166 fatal motor vehicle accidents that led to just over 35,000 deaths. Calculated out, that is about 1.13 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled by vehicle. Put another way, 11 people for every 100,000 United States Residents.

You’re driving down the road and out of nowhere, you see it. There’s a hole in the road and you’re heading right for it and—you hit it.  Potholes are a common issue in roads all over the country, and Chicago is no exception.  While many may think of potholes as a nuisance, they can be much more than that. Potholes also a cause car accidents, which can lead to severe injuries and damages.

How Do Potholes Cause Car Wrecks?

When the temperature drastically changes between seasons and there’s constant pressure from thousands of vehicles every day on a road, asphalt naturally develops weak spots. Parts of it will crack and chip away, eventually forming a pothole. Areas that consistently have high amounts of traffic and have poor drainage are more susceptible to developing potholes. These can range from small issues that you may not even notice if you drive over them to wide and deep potholes that can cause damage to your vehicle.

Krzak Rundio Law Group is proud to announce that Michael Krzak and Matthew Rundio have made the exclusive list of talented attorneys in the magazine Leading and Emerging Lawyers. Michael has been recognized for his work in the areas of Aviation and Personal Injury and has been named a Leading Lawyer every year since 2011. Matthew’s recognition is for his work in General Personal Injury and Nursing Home. The magazine will be published in April.

Leading Lawyers is a unique legal award organization that helps people find potential legal representation. The organization also aims to provide accurate information about trustworthy and skilled attorneys so those who are seeking legal aid know the people they’re researching are well-qualified.