Britax Recalls 14,000 Infant Safety Seats

Britax Child Safety Inc. is recalling certain Chaperone restraint systems for infants because the harness adjusters may detach from the seat.  The affected seats were built between September 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011 – 14, 220 of which were sold in the United States. If the adjusters – which are used to tighten and loosen belts to keep the child in the seat – were to break, the child would not be properly restrained during a crash.  These types of defects have the potential to be serious and even fatal. If you own one of these sets, please discontinue use and find appropriate contact information for the company here.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a product defect, contact us at 888-354-9880 or here  to see how we can help. G. Grant Dixon III, attorney and founder of Dixon Law Office, has the experience  to ensure that your case is handled properly.

Car Crash with Chicago Fire Department Engine Injures Nine

An 18-year-old has been charged with a DUI after crashing into a Chicago Fire Department engine on Tuesday night. The crash happened at South Halsted and 128th Place and sent nine people, including three children, to the hospital.  Christopher Caston was charged with failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, failure to stop at a stop sign, and driving with no proof of insurance. The children and two adults are hospitalized (four at Advocate Christ Medical Center and one at Stroger Hospital in Chicago) in critical condition. The four firefighters were treated at MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island and are in good condition.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, Dixon Law Office can help make things right. Our office has the experience to see your case to a just resolution. Contact us at 888-354-9880 or here to see how our attorneys can assist you in your case.

Triple Eight Distribution Recalls Bicycle Helmets

Triple Eight Distribution, Inc. has recalled  children and youth bicycle helmets because users could suffer head injuries after a fall.  The helmets, sold from August 2006 through November 2011, do not comply with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for impact resistance.   Dixon Law Office represents bicyclists who suffer serious injuries in bicycle crashes.  “Consumers rely on bicycle helmets to protect them from
harm. When a manufacturer sells a defective helmet, they are putting the
lives of consumers at risk,” said Dixon Law Office founder G. Grant Dixon  III, an avid cyclist himself.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident or as a result of a product defect, call Dixon Law Office at 888-354-9880 or contact them here.  We have the experience to help.

Sports Injuries – Rules Prevent Injuries, Paralysis, Death

The name Jack Jablonsky may mean nothing to you but it the latest in a long line of injuries to kids who play sports.  Each year, more than 38,000,000 children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the US according to the US Government.  About 7,000,000 of those will suffer injuries this year.  In fact, injuries are the leading cause of death to children 19 and younger.

“Many sports injuries are the result of someone not following the rules,” said lawyer, G. Grant Dixon III.  Grant and his firm, Dixon Law Office, represent families who have suffered the tragedy of a sports injury to their child.  He continued, “in nearly every case, a sports injury is the result of a league, coach, or player not following the rules.”

If you or your child has been injured in a football game, soccer game, baseball game, or other sporting event, call Dixon Law Office at 888-354-9880 or contact them here.  They have the experience to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.  Call today.

 

Race for ACES

Friends,

Dixon Law Office is one of the title sponsors for the First Annual Le Tour de Burbs Rally to raise money for ACES. When teens need counseling and support, there is often a gap in available, affordable services even when insurance covers the visits.  ACES—Adolescent Counseling, Education and Support—is a non-profit organization that helps fill that gap.  The organization’s objective is to provide resources that may prevent adolescents from making decisions that could derail their futures when they are most vulnerable. They serve adolescents in Cook County’s Lyons and south Proviso townships.

The RACE for ACES will be held the afternoon of September 18, 2011 and is open to everyone.  Families, teams and individual cyclists are welcome but you don’t even have to ride to participate. There will be games, food and fun for everyone.  There will be bike decorating for kids, warm up exercises and a free bike safety check for riders.  As part of the event, the La Grange Theater is showing the classic movie, “Breaking Away” at 7:00 p.m.  There will be a great raffle with major prizes including a new bike from the Wheel Thing. Come out and support us!

To sign up go to our website www.raceforaces.com.

Thank you for your support!

Riding Bicycles on Crosswalks, Sidewalks

Child Forced to Ride in Street

“Most States allow bicycles to be ridden on sidewalks,” said G. Grant Dixon III, founder of Dixon Law Office and an avid cyclist.  Grant continued, “The restriction is usually that the bike rider has to watch out for pedestrians.”  Illinois has such a law.  625 Ill.Comp.Stat. § 5/11-1512.  That law allows bikes to be operated on sidewalks and crosswalks unless the traffic signs say they cannot.  Some cities try and limit that right, forcing bicycle riders – even young children – into the street.  “The street is the place of the most danger for all bicyclists, particularly young children,” Grant said.

If you or your child has been injured in a bicycle accident, please email us or call our office at 888-354-9880 to schedule an appointment with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.   We are here to help you get the compensation you and your family deserve.

allow bicycles to be ridden on sidewalks,” said G. Grant Dixon III, founder of Dixon Law Office and an avid cyclist.  Grant continued, “The restriction is usually that the bike rider has to watch out for pedestrians.”  Illinois has such a law.  625 Ill.Comp.Stat. § 5/11-1512.  That law allows bikes to be operated on sidewalks and crosswalks unless the traffic signs say they cannot.  Some cities try and limit that right, forcing bicycle riders – even young children – into the street.  “The street is the place of the most danger for all bicyclists, particularly young children,” Grant said.

If you or your child has been injured in a bicycle accident, please email us or call our office at 888-354-9880 to schedule an appointment with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.   We are here to help you get the compensation you and your family deserve.

Bicycles Riding on Roads – Is Right Right?

As young children, we are taught to ride our bikes on the right side of the road.  Generally that is the right answer but not always.  “Most States have laws that allow bicycles to ride in other places at certain times,” said G. Grant Dixon III, founder of Dixon Law Office and an avid cyclist.  For example, the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code requires bikes to ride on the right side of the road only when moving slower than the normal speed of traffic.  625 Ill.Comp.Stat. § 5/11-1505.  If the bicyclist is passing someone, preparing to make a left turn, or avoid something in the road, the bike can operate anywhere in the lane.  Grant concluded, “Motorists often ignore cyclists and that usually ends badly for the cyclists.”

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, please email us or call our office at 708-354-9880 to schedule an appointment with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.   We are here to help you get the compensation you and your family deserve.

Soccer Goal Safety Law Prevents Tragic Injuries, Death

Eight years ago, a moveable soccer goal tipped over onto the head of Zach Tran, killing him.  A new Illinois law will prevent serious injuries and deaths like Zach’s.  The new law is called the Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act and was recently signed into law.

The new law requires current owners of moveable soccer goals to create a soccer goal safety and education policy that outlines how the organization will specifically address the safety issues associated with movable soccer goals.  It also requires all soccer goals sold in the future be tip resistant.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a tipping soccer goal or any defective product, call us at Dixon Law Office at (888) 354-9880 or contact us by email here.  We are here to help.

Dangers of Acetaminophen to Kids

The dangers of acetaminophen in children has been known for years but parents often don’t know there is any risk.  They assume that because the medicine is available over-the-counter, it is safe.  Often labels are so confusing it is difficult to determine the right dose and even when they do, the labels frequently don’t explain the risk.  Overdosing of acetaminophen can cause simple problems like an upset stomach.  In serious cases, overdosing can cause nausea, vomiting, kidney failure, even death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently published a guide on the safe use of acetaminophen in kids.  “The need for this guide shows what a poor job the drug companies do at informing consumers,” said G. Grant Dixon III, founder of Dixon Law Office.  Grant has spent decades holding drug companies responsible for the defective products they sell.  Most recently, he was one of the few lawyers in the country to take on the manufacturer of Zicam.

The results speak for themselves. Dixon Law Office has secured millions of dollars in compensation for victims and their families from corporations big and small. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a defective product, or a product that was not properly made, designed, or maintained, contact Dixon Law Office by email or call (888) 354-9880. We can help.

When a Dog Attacks

At Dixon Law Office, we recently met with the family of a young girl who was at the home of a friend.  She was just sitting on the couch.  Suddenly, the dog of the family she was visiting, got lose.  The dog then attacked the young girl.  The vicious attack left her permanently scarred physically.  She will likely bear emotional scars for the rest of her life as well.

According to State Farm Insurance Company, more than 60% of all victims of dog bites are children.  The State Farm report also notes that attacks
are not limited to a particular breed.  As one of the largest insurance companies in the world, State Farm says, “We believe there are good dogs and bad dogs within every breed, just as there can be responsible and irresponsible owners of each breed. Under the right circumstances, any dog might bite.”

Dixon Law Office founder, G. Grant Dixon III, agrees.  “Most of the victims of animal attacks are innocent children,” he said.  He continued, “we have represented people attacked by all types of dogs.  Pit bulls get the most attention but terriers, Labradors, and all sorts of breeds have all caused serious injuries to clients we have represented.“

If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, call us at Dixon Law Office.  We have years of experience handling animal attack cases and can get you and your family the compensation you deserve.  We are here to help.

Target Recalls Step Stools Due to Fall Hazard

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Target have announced a recall of over 200,000 wooden step stools.  The stools are made of wooden and have two steps with storage under one of the steps.  The recalled stools are called “Circo” and “The Do Your Room.”  The stools have been reported to break and collapse when people stand on it.

Target has received 26 reports of the stools breaking or collapsing. Fourteen of the victims were children, seven were adults, and five incidents were reported where the user’s age was unknown. Two adults fractured their wrists, and of those victims, one also fractured her hip and pelvis. Additionally, six children and one adult suffered scrapes and bruising.

If you have one of these step stools, stop using it right away and return it to any Target store for a full refund.  For more information about the recall, you can see the recall notice here.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured because of this step stool or any defective product, call us at Dixon Law Office at (708) 354-9880 or email us here.

Serious Injuries from Bus Crash, Serious Results

When a pedestrian is crossing the street, they assume they are safe.  “This woman was doing exactly what she was supposed to do.  She was crossing with the light and in the crosswalk.  The bus driver just blew it,” said G. Grant Dixon III of the Dixon Law Office.   The bus driver made a left turn into the crosswalk, striking the woman. Witnesses described how the woman went flying and laid unconscious on the ground.

Sadly, the woman was very seriously injured.   She was hospitalized for days, missed three months of work, endured more than two years of therapy, and left with permanent pain.  Her entire life became ruled by pain.

After retaining Dixon Law Office, the staff immediately began its work of showing how terrible the conduct of the driver was.  Investigation revealed the driver was fired after the incident and had a number of prior problems with her employer.

After a lawsuit was filed, the work continued.  “We filed motions claiming that the lawyers and witnesses for the bus company  had hidden evidence four times in this case alone,“ Grant said.  They continued to fight the case all the way through trial.

The trial result was impressive.  Grant and his team were able to secure a verdict of more than double the last offer.  Grant continued, “all my client wanted was to be sure her medical bills were paid and some compensation for her life of pain.  I am proud that we were able to do that even though the bus company fought us every step of the way.”  She and her husband were so happy with the representation, they recorded a video for Dixon Law Office, available here.

Dixon Law Office staff has tremendous experience in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving bus accidents.  We understand the severe injuries caused by these accidents, and we know how to handle the insurance companies. Please call our office at 708-354-9880 to schedule an appointment or contact us online. Your consultation is free.

Thankful

We at Dixon Law Office are a thankful bunch.

We are thankful to live without pain.  Every client comes to us with a story.  That story always ends the same: pain.  Inevitably, someone did something seriously wrong.  That wrong caused our client to get hurt.  It may have been the driver that ran a red light and hit the bicyclist.   It may have been the truck driver who was speeding.  It may have been the doctor who did not run that test.  It may have been that employer who removed the guard from the machine.  In each case, the victim ends up hurt or killed.  For those that survived, that hurt leads to a life lived in pain.  We are thankful to live without pain.

We are thankful to work where we do.  Every day, we have the privilege of helping clients who work in very difficult conditions.  Many of our worker’s compensation clients are forced to work in dangerous places.  The construction site is not safe because the boss will not supply safety equipment.  The manufacturing plant is full of tripping hazards.  The office worker is forced to work in a chair that is painful to her back.  They all have bosses that illegally threaten them if they refuse or complain.  Many work on but end up with serious injuries.   We are thankful to work where we do.

We are thankful for today.  For all of our clients, the day they were hurt just another day.  They neither expected nor believed that the day would end any differently than the day before.  But it didn’t.  For them, the day ended very differently.  For them, that day ended like no other.  A catastrophic injury.  Amputation.  Pain.  For some, death.  We are thankful for today.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed because of the fault of someone else, call us at Dixon Law Office.  We have the training and experience to get you the compensation you deserve.  Our results prove it.  Call us today at 708-354-9880 or contact us by email.  We are here to help.

Truck Crashes – Trucks Must Follow the Same Rules of the Road

Some of the most horrific and tragic crashes involve large trucks and semis.  Many of these trucks weigh more than 80,000 and cause tremendous damage when involved in a crash.

Well-established regulations require trucks to follow the same rules of the road as other drivers.  Section 392.2 of chapter 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations is part of the Federal regulations that govern trucks.  It says:

Every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated. However, if a regulation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes a higher standard of care than that law, ordinance or regulation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulation must be complied with.

That means that truckers have to follow the driving rules of the State in which they are driver OR the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, whichever is HIGHER.  According to G. Grant Dixon III, founder of the Dixon Law Office, “these strict rules are there to make sure trucks are operated safely and when they are not, the driver and his employer are held responsible.”

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident, call us at Dixon Law Office.  Our expert staff has years of experience handling all kinds of trucking crash cases.  We will hold the company responsible and fight to recover the compensation you need to pay medical bills and to cover lost income and other expenses.  For a free consultation, please call 708-354-9880 or contact us online.

Huge Recall of Defective Bicycle Helmets

More than 31,000 Bell Exodus bicycle helmets have been recalled.  Bell Sports of Scotts Valley, California, has recalled ALL Bell Exodus bicycle helmets sold between August of 2009 and March of 2011.  The helmets were sold in the US, mostly at Wal-Mart or on-line at Amazon.  “This recall represents a very real danger to users because the chin strap that holds the helmet on is known to fail,” Grant Dixon said.  As founder of Dixon Law Office, Grant has years of riding experience.   In fact, his abilities in the courtroom and bike were featured in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.   “If your child has one of these helmets, they should stop using them right away and return them to Wal-Mart or the retailer where you got them.  Bell should be responsible and give you a new helmet to replace the defective one,” he said.

At Dixon Law Office, we help bike accident victims recover the compensation they need. We have extensive experience with cases involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death. For a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, please call 708-354-9880 or contact us online.

Bicycle Deaths

Everyone knows that riding a bicycle is great exercise and a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors.

It can also be deadly.  According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 630 people died in bicycle-related accidents in 2009.  “Many times drivers just don’t look for bicyclists,” Dixon Law Office founder G. Grant Dixon III said.  Grant has four decades of bicycle riding experience and has represented many victims of bicycle accidents.  “Bicycles and cars are a dangerous combination for sure,” he said.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, call Dixon Law Office.  We have the experience to handle your case
and get you the results you deserve.

Powerless

This past Monday, a strong thunderstorm rolled through the Chicago area leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.  Hundreds-of-thousands of people were left without electricity, telephone, or cable television.  We at Dixon Law Office were not spared from the damage.  Electricity and our internet connection were severed for two days.  Because of advanced planning, we had a back-up generator that kept the phones and computers running.  Still, the storm reminded us of how much of a disruption to our normal lives a storm like this can cause.

During that time, we were reminded that what brings clients to our door is a storm of a different type.  For nearly all our clients, they did nothing to cause the trauma in their life.  They were victims of another person’s poor choices.  Our clients walked out their doors that day thinking it was just another day.  For most of them, that day ended with pain and trauma.  Sadly for many others, they never came home again.

When speaking with our clients, they often express how they feel powerless.  If they had the power to stop the pain, they would.  If they had the power to bring back that amputated limb, they would.  If they had the power to turn back time, they would.  If they had power to alter the course of that car or change that doctor’s actions, they would.  But they are powerless.

One of the greatest privileges we have at Dixon Law Office is to help those powerless people.  While we cannot stop the pain, regrow a limb, turn back time, or change that doctor’s actions, we can hold those who do wrong accountable.  The system is not perfect.  But when we can look at our client and say we have held the wrongdoer responsible, we know we have given power to the powerless.

If you or a loved one has been left powerless because of the wrongs of another, call us at Dixon Law Office.  We can help give power back to the powerless.

Once Every 10 Minutes

In 2009, more than 51,000 people suffered an injury while riding a bicycle that was serious enough to require a trip to the emergency room.  That means about every 10 minutes, someone is injured in a bicycle accident.   The same study revealed that of those injured, about 17% were children under the age of 14.  “What is scary is that many of those involve drivers not paying attention.  The bicyclist is doing what they should, the driver is not,” Dixon Law Office founder G. Grant Dixon III said.    If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, call Dixon Law Office.  We have the experience to handle your case and get you the results you deserve.

Car Seat Safety – Children Under 1 Year Old

Before you take your new baby on the road, make sure you have a safe car seat.  According to the National Highway Transportation Safety
Administration, children less than 12 months old should be in a rear-facing car seat.  Seats that are removable or have multiple positions  may
not be fit to use on your small child.   NHSTA recommends referring to the owner’s manual of the seat to see if your child will fit.  When installing your seat, consult both the manual of the seat manufacturer as well as your car.  Also, many local police and fire departments will help you install the car seat properly.   If you have any questions about car seat safety, call us at Dixon Law Office.  We are here to help.

Pool Safety – Drain Covers Recalled

Summer is pool season.  Whether you swim in a neighborhood pool or one in your backyard, you assume the pool has been designed and maintained properly.  Sadly, that is frequently not the case.  The Consumer Products Safety Commission has announced a recall of more than 1,000,000 pool drains and covers.  The recalled drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a possible entrapment hazard to swimmers and bathers.  “The flow through these covers is so strong, just being next to them can suck a swimmer in and cause them to be trapped.  Once trapped, the swimmer can drown and die,” Dixon Law Office founder G. Grant Dixon III said.  Grant should know.  As a trial lawyer, he has represented injured victims for nearly his entire career and successfully handled nearly every kind
of case imaginable.  If you or a loved one has been injured or killed at a swimming pool, call us at Dixon Law Office.  Our experience will get you the compensation you deserve.

June is National Safe Driving Month

June is National Safe Driving Month. At Dixon Law Office, we have represented hundreds of clients who have been injured in automobile accidents.  In 2009 alone, nearly 5,500 people died from accidents caused by distracted driving.  Every single one of these deaths is preventable.  If you pledge to not drive distracted – keep your eyes on the road and use Bluetooth devices – Motorola will give you 50% off any device of theirs that you buy. Great program!

Dixon Law Office adds DuPage County Office

Dixon Law Office has recently added a second office, expanding into DuPage County, Illinois.  Grant Dixon, founder of the firm, said, “It was important to us that we have an office that is easy for our clients in DuPage County to get to.”  The new location is at 3 Golf Avenue in downtown Clarendon Hills.  It is conveniently located near all the train station.  The new office serves all communities in the area including Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Willowbrook, Wheaton, and Lombard just to name a few.  Grant continued, “Helping clients in DuPage County and around the country is our mission.  We hope this new location will let us be of service to even more people.” 

If you or a loved one is in need of an aggressive and tough lawyer to handle your case, call Dixon Law Office at 888-354-9880 or stop by one of our offices.  We are here to help.

Consumer Safety Website Launches

The US Consumer Products Safety Commission has launched a new website to help consumers. The website is called www.SaferProducts.gov.  With the new website, “consumers will have open access to product safety information that they have never seen before and the information will empower them to make safer choices,” said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum, chairperson of the CPSC. On the Report tab, consumers report any problems they have with a product they already own. On the Search tab, consumers can check products to see if there are any reported problems or recalls.  “This website makes more of the amazing data the CPSC has available to the public and hopefully will encourage manufacturers to report unsafe products more quickly,” Dixon Law Office founder Grant Dixon said. 

The website can be found at www.SaferProducts.gov

Doing Good: Stranger donates kidney to save life of young boy

When Chris Doing saw Nathan Saavedra’s face, he knew he had to help.   Little Nathan is just a toddler but suffers from prune belly syndrome, a severe birth defect that leaves its victims without the normal stomach wall and is accompanied with a host of medical problems.  In Nathan’s case, he needed a kidney or he would die.  Chris Doing didn’t know Nathan but helped anyway.  Chris gave a kidney to the little boy who will now see this Christmas and many more.  That is Doing Good.  Read the full story at  http://www.happynews.com/news/12232010/stranger-kidney-boy-life.htm

Seattle Bike Supply Recalls Bikes for Headtube Failures

Seattle Bike Supply of Kent, Washington announced it was recalling all of its Redline D640 Bicycles.  The company has received reports of the headtube (the vertical tube where the handlebars enter the frame) separating from the frame during use, causing injuries.  The bike has “REDLINE” written down the frame’s tube.  The high-end bicycles were sold at specialty bicycle shops nationwide from December 2007 to May 2010.  If you own one of these bikes, return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement.  For additional information, contact Redline Bicycles at (800) 283-2453 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.Redlinebicycles.com