Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

Happy Thanksgiving from the attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll! We wish you all a safe and fun holiday!

Every month, Chicago personal injury lawyer Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, "Lawyers must remain civil, courteous", Jeff discussed how attorneys can disagree with out being disagreeable. Here is an excerpt from his article:

The preamble to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct notes that a lawyer has an "obligation zealously to protect and pursue a client's legitimate interests, within the bounds of the law, while maintaining a professional, courteous and civil attitude toward all persons involved in the legal system." Ill. Sup. Ct. R. Prof'l Conduct, Preamble [9]. Having practiced law throughout Illinois, and in other states, I know that some struggle to live up to this obligation.

We have all heard the horror stories of lawyers acting uncivilly and rudely. Inappropriate personal attacks in a written motion, loud and obnoxious behavior in the courtroom, nasty letters, outrageous phone calls, even blatant disrespect of judges. The anecdotes are endless and eye-popping.

While I obviously do not condone such absurd behavior, I am more concerned about the sad state of lawyers' interactions with each other on a daily basis. Due to current economic woes, civility among lawyers seems to be devolving at a dangerously rapid pace.

I remember one particular episode in my younger days when, knowing that I could not timely file a brief, I picked up the phone and politely asked my opponent for an extra week to file. My opponent graciously extended me the courtesy. To my dismay, the very next day, he filed an emergency motion. Upon confronting him on his two-faced tactic, he decried, "It wasn't me; my client made me do it." I learned a lot from that experience. (First and foremost, document everything in a letter with certain attorneys.)

After practicing law for about two decades, I have met a lot of attorneys and worked with many firms in Chicago and around the country. My internal catalog of ungracious acts by attorneys as well as stories of out and out spite perpetrated on others is sadly larger than it should be.

Now, just by gazing at the return address on an envelope containing a new opponent's appearance in a case, I have a good idea what tone the case will take. Sometimes just the firm's name will lend a clue: I'm going to have an opponent that I can cordially work with or I'm going to send a lot of "cover my butt" letters on this one.

Like an individual attorney, a firm's reputation precedes itself and not always in a good way. A firm with a "scorched earth" policy may win cases, but the lawyers there do not make many friends or allies. It is a round world and we all need favors from time to time.

I do not hold in high esteem excuses such as "I was just zealously representing my client" or "my client made me do it." It's fine — it's great in fact — to be a tough opponent, but not to be duplicitous. Acting professionally and civilly do not equate to being a pushover, just as being a successful advocate and acting kindly are not mutually exclusive qualities. Zealousness is not a synonym for bullying.

Illinois' Rules of Professional Conduct provide one possible answer why attorneys may act so badly at times: "Virtually all difficult ethical problems arise from conflict between a lawyer's responsibilities to clients, to the legal system and to the lawyer's own interest in remaining an ethical person while earning a satisfactory living." Ill. Sup. Ct. R. Prof'l Conduct, Preamble[9]. Many lawyers today work under the edict that time is money. In my opinion, these stray arrows have most likely failed to attentively read the Rules of Professional Conduct and deny that their behavior presents an ethical problem that upsets and provokes others.

There are all kinds of lawyers in this world, some nicer than others. There will always be divisive jerks out to vex you, wear you down. (You thought you escaped the playground!) Pause before retaliating. That lawyer may win the battle, but eventually he will lose the war. The practice of law, especially litigation, is not for the thin-skinned. It can be, and often is, a battle. But, it's not a battle to the death, folks. Life and the practice of law is short. Enjoy it.

To read the entire article, click here.

Continue reading "BALANCING LIFE AND THE LAW" »

Every month, Chicago personal injury lawyer Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's Halloween-themed article, "Halloween illustrates element of surprise at trial", Jeff discussed embracing the element of surprise at trial, instead of fearing it. Here is an excerpt from his article:

"When it comes to jury trials, most attorneys strive to eliminate the possibility of surprise. Anyone that has ever presented testimony in court has most likely encountered a witness who provided a different version of the incident on the stand than they had during preparation. You know what, even with proper preparation, sometimes "stuff" happens.

"But, what if trial attorneys learned to embrace the element of surprise at trial, instead of fearing it? Personally, I do not like to give away all the strengths of my case during pretrial discovery. Often, I forgo the long, extended deposition of a particular witness if I believe that I am going to try the case. Sometimes, if I know that I am going to conduct cross-examination of a particular witness at trial, I want another attorney in the office to take the discovery deposition. See, a trial surprise doesn't have to be eerie, so long as you are the one introducing it, not your opponent.

***

"Now, I understand that the purpose of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213 is "to avoid surprise and to discourage tactical gamesmanship." Sullivan v. Edward Hospital, 209 Ill. 2d 100, 111 (2004). I am in no way advising that trial attorneys ignore the all-mighty (and potentially frightening) Rule 213. Disclose everything — every opinion and their bases, every document, every potential piece of evidence — and on time.

"Yet, cross-examination is a different ghost. Rule 213(g) states: "Without making disclosure under this rule … a cross-examining party can elicit information, including opinions, from the witness." Ill. Sup. Ct., R 213 (2011). The committee notes further explain, in part: "Parties are to be allowed a full and complete cross-examination of any witness and may elicit additional undisclosed opinions in the course of cross-examination." Id., Committee Comment to March 28, 2002, Amendment, Paragraph (g). See also, Stapleton v. Moore, 403 Ill. App. 3d 147, 156-157 (1st Dist. 2010) ("holding that Rule 213(g) does not require a party to disclose journal articles that the party intends to use while cross-examining the opposing party's opinion witness"). This, my friends, is why I love cross-examination.

"In fact, cross-examination can be the place to really shock your opponent. Take a recent 1st District Appellate Court case, Van Gelderen v. Hokin, 2011 Ill. App. LEXIS 785 (1st Dist. 2011). There, the plaintiff was injured when he fell down a stairwell upon exiting the side entrance to the defendant's home. At trial, the defendant testified that he had not changed anything about the side entrance and that no one since the plaintiff had been injured by falling down the stairwell. 2011 Ill. App. LEXIS 785, *22. The plaintiff, in turn, properly impeached the defendant by introducing evidence of a baby gate that had been installed after the incident. By testifying that no one had been injured and no changes had been made, the defendant opened the door to allow evidence of the installation of the baby gate, permitting otherwise inadmissible evidence of a subsequent remedial measure to be introduced at trial. Id., see also, Herzog v. Lexington Township, 167 Ill. 2d 288, 302 (1995) (evidence of subsequent remedial measures may be admissible for the purpose of impeachment). I do not know whether or not the plaintiff's attorney expected the defendant's response that "no changes had been made," but the fact that the attorney had the evidence of the subsequent remedial measure available at trial is commendable."

To read Jeff's entire article, click here.

Continue reading "BALANCING LIFE AND THE LAW" »

Jeffrey J. Kroll was interviewed by award winning attorney and host Karen Conti for a segment on “Legally Speaking” on Chicago Superstation WGN (AM 720). The show airs on Sunday nights from 8-9pm. Jeff’s segment will air on Sunday, October 23rd, from 8:30 – 9:00pm. Karen and Jeff discussed Bullying and Hazing and how parents and schools can handle this problem in our society.

Every month, Chicago personal injury lawyer Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, "Cross-examining defense experts requires a plan," Jeff discussed tips that every plaintiff's lawyer should consider before taking the deposition of a defense medical expert.

Jeffrey J. Kroll has practiced personal injury law for over twenty years. He is known by his peers to be a leader in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

Chicago personal injury lawyer Heather A. Begley regularly contributes to the Irish American News in her column Safe Home. Heather has been an associate at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll since the personal injury firm's inception. She has been actively involved in the recovery of over $12 million in verdicts and settlements in personal injury matters at the firm.

In this her recent article, "Board the Bus Safely," Heather discusses the importance of safety and the school bus. Children, even middle-schoolers and teens, must be reminded of safety rules around buses. Sadly, children can be injured by their own school buses if the driver fails to see them. Parents and children should plan to arrive at the bus stop several minutes before pick up, keeping a safe distance from the curb (at least 6 feet). Read Heather's bus safety article for more safety tips.

Heather A. Begley is known to be an up-and-coming leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death law. She was recently named one of the "40 under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch" by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. As a guest columnist for the Irish American News, she writes about tips for keeping your home safe, drawing from her professional and personal experiences.

Every month, Chicago personal injury lawyer Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, "Direct examination can be as easy as playing catch," Jeff discusses the importance of the attorney-client relationship when it comes to delivering an impactful and effective direct examination at trial.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

Every month, Chicago personal injury lawyer Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, "Nuances of emotional damages," Jeff discussed emotional injury in personal injury cases.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In last month's article, "Maximizing recovery for even the little losses," Jeff discussed the concept of maximizing damages for unexpected loss, no matter how minimal.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

Happy 4th of July from the attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll! Have a safe and fun holiday!

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, Weighing the value of life, death and work, Jeff discusses how trial attorneys should approach the issue of compensation for the loss of society when presenting wrongful death cases to jurors.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

On Thursday, May 19th, Jeffrey J. Kroll will speak on the subject of “Expert Witnesses Use of Demonstrative Evidence.” The meeting will take place at One South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Jeff will address the Chicago Chapter of the Forensic Expert Witness Association. Jeff has lectured nationally on how trial attorneys can work effectively with expert witnesses.

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column "Balancing Life and the Law."

In this month's article, The "Pulp Fiction" approach to trying cases, Jeff discusses how the inevitability of the nonlinear structure of trials makes the opening statement so important.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

This month marks the one year anniversary of Jeffrey J. Kroll's monthly column "Balancing Life and the Law," in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Last April, Jeffrey kicked off the series with a look into issues that arise when proving psychological damages at trial. The article highlighted a difficult Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) case that Jeff and his associate, Heather, took to trial last year. Their client, a victim of the July 11, 2006 CTA subway train derailment, suffered PTSD after the incident. Jeff and Heather obtained a verdict of $135,000 for their client. The verdict was featured in the "2010-2011 Illinois Jury Verdicts" magazine published by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

[S]cientific research suggests that "moments of overwhelming terror can alter brain chemistry for decades." Katy Butler, Psychotherapy Networker, "The Biology of Fear" (July/Aug 1996).

Recent technological advances in the study of the human brain have contributed to the treatment of PTSD victims. A new approach, called "brain-based therapy," combines "neuroscience, developmental psychology, psychotherapy research, and complexity theory." John Arden and Lloyd Linford, Psychotherapy Networker, "The Rise and Fall of PaxMedica" (Jan/Feb 2010). In short, therapists are now treating victims of PTSD by blending new information about brain development with talk therapy.

Thus, when trying a PTSD case, it is critical to have an independent psychologist and a treating therapist testifying at trial. The experts as well as the plaintiff must explain to the jury how the development of the therapeutic relationship led to the diagnosis of PTSD and how it assists the plaintiff in coping with the disorder.

Since it is possible to suffer from PTSD for a lifetime, the costs associated with maintaining such therapeutic relationships must be explored and presented to the jury.

Jeffrey J. Kroll, Dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, April 20, 2010.

Several years back, Jeff obtained a $2.58 million verdict in a case involving two women who were involved in a car accident on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago. As a result of the serious collision, one of the women died and the other woman suffered from significant post-traumatic stress.

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In last month's article, Where have all those happy lawyers gone, Jeff discussed the highs and lows of the practice of law.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In last month's article, A degree of medical uncertainty, Jeff discussed the degree of uncertainty in medical opinions.

Jeffrey J. Kroll is known by his peers to be a leader in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death. As a guest columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, he writes about balancing the demands of the practice of law with the demands of personal life.

On December 14, 2010, Jeffrey J. Kroll and Heather A. Begley, settled a matter involving a serious injury for $5 million dollars. With regard to the settlement, Jeff Kroll stated, “I am satisfied that this young man, who has worked so hard to continue on with his life, will be financially secure as a result of this settlement to provide him with stability and the necessary medical care.”

On January 4, 2011, Jeffrey J. Kroll and associate, J. Patrick White, also settled a matter involving a serious foot injury for $1.5 million dollars. A railroad worker was injured when the outrigger pad on a crane slipped on to the railroad worker’s foot, causing serious injury. A suit was brought against the railroad company and the crane company.

On January 5, 2011, Jeffrey J. Kroll and associate, J. Patrick White, obtained a settlement for over $3 million dollars for an injured police officer. The $3,065,000.00 settlement occurred after 15 depositions were taken. The police officer sustained a left ankle fracture and a fracture of his left knee.

Check out our recent newsletter for more news from the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll is sponsoring a networking event tonight, January 27th, for the attorney and non-attorney friends of the Mother McAuley Law Society at O'Callaghan's, 29 W. Hubbard from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Proceeds will support the MMC Mock Trial Club and the law society's endowment.

Chicago personal injury attorney Jeffrey J. Kroll will be a featured panelist at the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education course entitled “The Professional Lawyer: The Civil Pursuit of A Noble Profession.”

The course will explore professionalism and issues of civility in the practice of law. It will take place on March 4, 2011, from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the UBS Tower and Conference Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, Build a Better Blog, Jeff writes about building your law firm's web presence via blogging, posting, and tweeting.

Every month, Jeffrey J. Kroll contributes to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in his column Balancing Life and the Law.

In this month's article, Build a Better Blog, Jeff writes about building your law firm's web presence via blogging, posting, and tweeting.

Last week, the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll settled an automobile accident case for more than $3 million. The $3,065,000.00 settlement results from a motor vehicle collision which took place on December 30, 2008. The Plaintiff, who was represented by Jeffrey J. Kroll and J. Patrick White, was a police officer for the Village of River Forest and was responding to an armed robbery. He was traveling eastbound on Division Street at or near its intersection with Park Avenue in the Village of River Forest. The defendant was traveling northbound on Park. Plaintiff alleged that the defendant failed to stop at a stop sign, thereby causing injuries to the Plaintiff. Defendant contended that the plaintiff was traveling at an excessively high rate of speed.

The 38-year old police officer sustained fractures of his left knee and ankle. Defendant disclosed a vocational rehabilitation expert alleging that plaintiff was employable as an evidence technician or 911 operator. Plaintiff's medical bills totaled $202,083.63.

Chicago attorney, Jeff Kroll, will be teaching a deposition practicum course this spring at The John Marshall Law School. The course will provide law students with experience in preparing for the discovery depositions. The course will focus on defining deposition goals, perfecting questioning techniques, understanding the rules, forming objections and tactical considerations crucial to taking and defending depositions. Having taken hundreds of depositions in his career as a trial attorney in cases ranging from car accidents to construction injuries, Jeff is looking forward to sharing his legal experience with his students.

Jeff taught this course last spring and previously taught Trial Advocacy at Northwestern University Law School.

Jeffrey J. Kroll and Heather A. Begley of the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll settled a matter involving a serious injury for 5 Million Dollars. With regard to the settlement, Jeff Kroll stated, “I am satisfied that this young man - who has worked so hard to continue on with his life - will be financially secure as a result of this settlement to provide him with stability and the necessary medical care.”

Heather A. Begley, an associate with the personal injury law firm of the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, was selected as one of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company's Top 40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch.

The "40 Under 40" Committee received over 900 applications for this honor. Fellow attorneys recommended nominees and the “up-and-comers” chosen demonstrated “intelligence, passion, scores of successful verdicts, hard work for their clients, a desire to help the community and willingness to work hard at one of the country's most important professions.”

Begley practices personal injury and wrongful death law and represents clients in trucking negligence litigation, railroad disasters, medical malpractice, car crashes and construction negligence.

In our first three years, our personal injury and wrongful death law firm has accomplished the following:

-Obtained in excess of $19 million in settlements and verdicts.
-Given 45 speeches and presentations nationally and in the State of Illinois.
-Kroll was also recently the youngest lawyer selected for inclusion into Best Lawyers in America 2011 for Personal Injury in Illinois.
-Underwent a beautiful office renovation.
-Further, Jeff Kroll was named an Illinois Leading Lawyer (2007-2010) and an Illinois Super Lawyer (2007-2010).
-Kroll taught a deposition practicum course at John Marshall Law School.
-Kroll was selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the State of Illinois by American Trial Lawyers Association.

We are excited to celebrate our accomplishments from the past three years, but feel as though we have only just begun. The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll cannot wait to tell you about what our fourth year brings with regard to helping those in need and contributing to the legal profession.

Chicago personal injury attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll, Founder of the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2011. Jeff Kroll was selected in the field of personal injury litigation and was the youngest member selected in the Chicagoland area. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. More than 3.1 million evaluations of lawyers were filled out by lawyers from across the country. As lawyers are not required, nor allowed, to pay a fee to be included, a listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded within the legal profession as a singular honor, conferred on the lawyer by his or her peers.

Like all of the personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, Chicago attorney Heather Begley feels strongly about seat belt and car seat safety and encourages everyone to buckle up. Check out Heather's article in the Irish American News regarding the laws in Illinois on seat belt safety and the guidelines for proper car seat installation.

Continue reading "BUCKLE UP: ATTORNEY HEATHER BEGLEY'S ARTICLE IN THE IRISH AMERICAN NEWS ON SEAT BELT SAFETY" »

Chicago trial attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll has been selected as a member of the "Task Force on Expert Witness Code of Ethics" for the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation. The Section of Litigation provide valuable benefits to the members of the American Bar Association.

Chicago personal injury attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll, was interviewed and quoted in Chicago Lawyer Magazine on the topic of social media. The article was titled, “Lawyers Enter the Twitterverse” and was written by Robert Loerzel. Jeff was quoted as saying that the firm “tweets” and uses Facebook to “keep our clients up to date on what is going on in the legal world.” He also recognized that “using the social sites has allowed me to develop relationships.”

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll is a Chicago-based personal injury law firm representing victims of transportation and construction negligence and medical malpractice. Please contact our office today at (312)676-7222 if you have any questions.

Happy 4th of July from the attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll! Have a safe and fun holiday!

A verdict received by trial attorneys, Jeffrey J. Kroll and Heather A. Begley was featured in the "2010-2011 Illinois Jury Verdicts" magazine published by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. John Kirkton, the editor of the Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter explained that the verdict summaries in the magazine were "selected by the staff of the Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter for maximum reader interest."

The verdict selected for inclusion in the publication was the $135,000 award received in the matter of Martinez v. Chicago Transit Authority. This case was the first to go to trial of the 65 pending lawsuits stemming from the CTA Blue Line Subway Train derailment and fire.

Jeff Kroll's verdict for $1.3 Million in a slip-and-fall case was included in last year's 2009- 2010 Illinois Jury Verdicts" magazine.

Chicago personal injury attorney Heather Begley will be speaking to nurses about the importance of "Health Literacy" on June 23, 2010. Health literacy involves the ability of consumers to understand and obtain health care services. Anyone who has been treated in a doctor's office or hospital is familiar with the confusion that is associated with receiving medical treatment for you or a loved one. Clear communication between medical personnel and patients reduces errors, confusion and malpractice.

On Thursday, June 24th, 2010, Chicago trial attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll with be speaking at the 19th Annual National Expert Witness Conference in Rosemont, Illinois. Jeff is the only Chicago lawyer speaking at the program and will be discussing “Demonstrative Evidence and Expert Witnesses.” Mr. Kroll will explain how attorneys use demonstrative evidence with expert witnesses to persuade a judge and jury. Mr. Kroll has received successful verdict and settlements on behalf of injured plaintiffs around the country.

Jeff Kroll, the founding partner of the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, has once again been named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in Illinois by the American Trial Lawyers Association. In 2010, Mr. Kroll was been named as one of the Leading Lawyers in Illinois and has also been selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, a Chicago based personal injury firm is best known for its success in fighting for victims of automobile, truck, railroad and bus accidents. He has also achieved record settlements and verdicts in other personal injury and wrongful death matters, including workplace accidents and medical malpractice.

Jeffrey J. Kroll will speak at a seminar tomorrow in Las Vegas on the topic of "Knowing, Understanding & Appreciating What the Adjuster & Insurance Claims Department Needs, Wants & Has to Have in Order to Settle the Case (and Why Clueless Plaintiff Lawyers Always Leave Significant Dollars on the Table)." The "Torts Made Perfect" seminar is being held at the Wynn. Holocaust Survivor and champion of human rights, Elie Wiesel, is also speaking at the event.

Jeff Kroll joined Jan Jeffcoat and David Novarro on this morning's "Good Day Chicago" to discuss the possible legal consequences for adults who provide underage drinkers with alcohol. Check out the segment here:

Chicago personal injury attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll, will be a guest on Fox's "Good Day Chicago" tomorrow morning at 7:20 a.m. to discuss prom safety tips for parents and teens. Check it out!

Heather Begley, an associate with the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, was featured in the Q & A segment of the Chicago Lawyer Magazine Blog, "Around the Water Cooler."

Read the post here: http://h20cooler.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/q-a-with-heather-a-begley/

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll wishes you a Happy Easter!

Jeffrey J. Kroll, an Illinois "SuperLawyer" and "Leading Lawyer," is speaking on the topic of "Maximizing Your Discussion with the Jury: Opening & Closing Statements" at the Law Bulletin Seminar, "Juror Deselection, Jury Management" on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at the Swissotel in Chicago.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll now has a fan page on Facebook.com. Visit the Chicago personal injury firm's page on Facebook for news updates and become a fan!

Jeffrey J. Kroll has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer for 2010. Jeff has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since its inception in 2005. Attorneys recognized on the list were nominated by lawyers from across the state.

Jeff Kroll from the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, Jennifer Fernicola, an attorney and CPA who now writes and blogs for Chicagonow.com and Chicago Bar-tender.com, and Rob Johnson, a news anchor for CBS 2 will be panelists at a Chicago Bar Association (CBA) program on Thursday, January 28, 2010. The title of the program is

The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin shared the details of the program in their Monday, January 11, 2010 CBA Report. See the article here.

The seminar will be held at the CBA Building at 321 S. Plymouth Court. To register online, visit www.chicagobar.org.

Happy Holidays to you and your family from the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll!

An $135,000 verdict was awarded by a Cook County jury in the first case to go to trial arising out of the July 11, 2006 CTA Blue Line derailment. The plaintiff, who was represented by the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, suffered psychological injuries after riding in the eighth car of the train that derailed in the tunnel between the Clark and Lake Street station and the Grand and Milwaukee station in Chicago. The plaintiff's medical bills were approximately $13,000.

Judge Susan Zwick entered the judgment order today in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Jeffrey J. Kroll was featured in a segment about trick-or-treating safety on this morning's Fox News' "Good Day Chicago" with David Novarro and Jan Jeffcoat. Here are some tips for keeping your residence safe for trick-or-treaters, ensuring that costumes are safe and staying safe as a pedestrian on Halloween.

Products liability attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll, will speak at the ABA Section of Litigation Regional CLE Workshop: Women in Products Liability on Thursday, October 15, 2009. Kroll will be a member of the panel discussing "See It, Hear It, Feel It, Sense It! Handling Trial Themes in Difficult Cases." Jeff and the panel will discuss the development and use of themes at trial.

I want to thank Chicago Lawyer Magazine for featuring me and my firm, the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll in a profile in the October, 2009 issue. Thank you also to the author of the article, Ina Silvergleid. Read the article here.

The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll wish you a wonderful and safe Labor Day!

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll wishes you and your family a very happy and safe 4th of July holiday weekend!

On May 22, 2009, Chicago personal injury attorney, Jeffrey J. Kroll, was a panelist on a program entitled “Key Word Searches: Have We Lost Our Way?” The program was presented by the American Bar Association, Section of Litigation. This is the Third Annual National Institute on e-discovery. The program addressed practical solutions for dealing with Electronically Stored Information.

Jeff addressed recent judicial opinions questioning the practice of searching for ESI based on a unilaterally-creative list of key words. Recent opinions show a change in the way searches are and should be conducted.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll has been involved with a number of complex cases involving e-discovery. Many product liability and medical malpractice cases are ripe with e-discovery issues.

With the warmer temperatures and sunnier days, many homeowners are starting to work on their gardens and spruce up their lawns. Unfortunately, with the annual rush to get yards in shape too often, there is also a rush... a rush to the emergency room to treat an injury. In 2007, there were 78,773 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for the use of lawnmowers. Chainsaws accounted for 26,669 injuries. Even the handheld trimmers and small powered garden tools accounted for close to 20,000 emergency room visits. Therefore, homeowners need to be careful. The tools and equipments used to make lawn care maintenance easier can be hazardous when not used safely. These products all require special care.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission offers safety tips for the use of outdoor power tools and equipment. For example, here are some of the tips they recommend:

1. Never allow young children to operate or play on powered equipment;

2. Always turn off the machine before leaving it unattended;

3. Always turn off the machine when refueling;

4. Always turn off the machine when clearing debris from in or around the machine;

5. Use caution when refueling. Ensure the fuel is kept in an appropriate, child-resistant container.

6. When using a ride-on lawnmower, mow up and down slopes and not across the slopes. This will help prevent tip-overs.

7. Eye and hand protection are essential to safeguard against stones, sticks and other flying debris.

Continue reading "CHICAGO PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY WISHES YOU A HAPPY EARTH DAY WITH TIPS FOR SAFE YARD CARE" »

The personal injury law firm, The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll, has settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the widow of a man who was killed in the tragic "Toys for Tots" incident that occurred at the intersection of Cornelia and Western in Chicago on December 5, 2004. The decedent, Frank Griseto, a DuPage County sheriff's deputy, was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in the charity event when he was struck by a car.

"Toys for Tots" is an annual event involving motorcycle riders that parade from Western Avenue from Dan Ryan Woods to the 4th Marine Corps Division at Foster & Troy carrying presents to donate for needy children at Christmastime. Sadly, Mr. Griseto was killed while involved in this charitable event.

A DuPage County judge recently approved the wrongful death settlement.

Continue reading "$1.47 MILLION WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENT IN 'TOYS FOR TOTS' TRAGEDY" »

A Cook County jury awarded a verdict for $1,310,624.40 to clients from the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll. The trial involved a bond trader who was walking through Ogilvie Train station in Chicago and slipped and fell on water. No warning signs were displayed to indicate that the water was present. The plaintiff shattered his knee cap when he fell, which required extensive surgeries and physical therapy to rehabilitate. The roof on the premises had a history of leaking water when there was precipitation outside for at least seventeen years.

The jury apportioned the majority of fault to the leasing agent, MB Real Estate Services LLC (MB), who had knowledge of the leaks. Testimony showed that MB did not want to use certain methods of protecting its invitees from the leaking water, such as not placing out garbage cans to collect the water.

Also found to be at fault was the company providing janitorial services to the building, ABM Lakeside, for their failure to clean up the leaking water.

There was no offer of settlement made by either defendant.

The trial was presided over by Judge Carol Pearce McCarthy.

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On January 3rd, Jeffrey J. Kroll spoke to a group of lawyers from around the country on the topic: “One Tale at a Time: Has Technology Changed Storytelling?”. The speech was for the 26th Annual National CLE Conference held in Vail, Colorado. Jeff discussed the interplay between technology and a lawyer’s ability to “tell a story” to jurors. Jeffrey J. Kroll has given a number of speeches on using demonstrative evidence at trial, using technology at trial and using themes and analogies to persuade jurors.

For further information on the program, please see the Colorado Bar Association's website.