Recent Blog Posts
Three Ways to Maximize Wrongful Death Compensation
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. While there is no amount of money that can truly compensate for the loss, seeking a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party can be financially beneficial in various ways.
In the aftermath of a loved one's death, family members often wonder how best to maximize the compensation that may be available to them. Contact a lawyer to ensure you and your family can strategically pursue compensation related to your loved one's wrongful death.
Best Strategies for Maximizing Wrongful Death Compensation
Investigate the Cause of Death Thoroughly
The foundation of any wrongful death claim is a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the death. As a result, it is crucial to gather all relevant evidence related to the death, which can then be used to add credibility to your claim that the death was wrongful. Evidence may include:
How Illinois Condominium Associations May Be Affected by New Accessible Parking Requirements
The Illinois legislature recently passed a bill that updates the Illinois Condominium Property Act (ICPA) to place requirements on condominium associations to provide parking accommodations for unit owners with disabilities. Condo associations and boards will need to understand their requirements under the new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2025.
New Requirements Regarding Accessible Parking
Condominium associations must adopt policies that will provide reasonable accommodations to unit owners who require accessible parking due to disabilities. These policies must detail the procedures followed when a unit owner submits a request for a parking space that is accessible. They should also specify the timeframes that will be followed when a condominium board reviews these requests. These timeframes must be reasonable, and the review period cannot be longer than 45 days. New or updated policies must be adopted by condominium associations by April 1, 2025.
Three Reasons Why Homeowner Associations Exist
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are organizations that manage and maintain the common interests of homeowners, ensuring that neighborhoods remain pleasant, orderly, and inviting. While some may view HOAs as restrictive, they serve essential purposes that contribute significantly to community living. If you represent an HOA and are seeking legal guidance, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Essential Roles of Homeowners Associations
Maintaining Order and Harmony
One of the most important functions of an Illinois HOA is maintaining proper order within a community. By establishing rules and regulations—often called covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)—HOAs help create a sense of community and promote friendly living.
Understanding the Surge in Condominium Insurance Premiums
Condominium associations across the country are facing a financial strain due to a substantial increase in insurance premiums. A surge in natural disasters, increased litigation, rising construction costs, and inflation largely drive these hikes. This spike in premiums is a significant concern as it directly impacts the budgets of these associations and the dues paid by unit owners. Understanding the issue is important, as is learning more about how condominium associations can benefit from the assistance of a qualified attorney in Illinois.
Why the Increase in Insurance Premiums is a Big Deal
Here is why the increase in insurance premiums matters:
CAI Sues to Exempt Community Associations from Corporate Transparency Act
In a groundbreaking decision last month, the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Board of Trustees approved the filing of a lawsuit aimed at exempting community associations from the strict requirements detailed in the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA has brought with it an avalanche of obligations that the CAI firmly believes are overburdensome for community associations.
The CAI represents the rights and interests of homeowners, condominium associations, and other community associations worldwide. To ensure that their rights are not trampled upon, attorneys representing the CAI are standing firm, ready to shield the community association housing model and the interests of its members.
Exploring the Role of Lawyers for Condominium and Homeowner Associations
In the dynamic world of condominium and homeowner associations, having the right to legal support is not just a luxury but a necessity. Legal issues, ranging from compliance with federal laws to the intricacies of contract reviews and complex legal proceedings, require seasoned legal guidance.
Illinois condominium and homeowner association attorneys offer valuable services that can safeguard your association's interests, ensuring smooth operations and legal compliance. Here are some key areas where lawyers can offer guidance that can make a positive difference.
Compliance with Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Compliance with federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is critical for any association. FHA ensures non-discriminatory practices in housing, while ADA mandates accessibility for people with disabilities. An experienced lawyer can ensure your association's policies and practices are in line with these laws.
Do Injuries from a Medical Device Constitute Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, occurs when a healthcare professional provides substandard care that results in harm to the patient. With the rise in the use of various medical devices in modern healthcare, the question of whether injuries from these devices fall under the realm of medical negligence has become an increasingly common question. The short answer is yes – injuries caused by medical devices can indeed constitute medical negligence, but the specifics may involve several different factors. If you were harmed by a medical device and are interested in taking legal action, our Illinois lawyer can help.
The Role of Medical Devices in Modern Healthcare
Medical devices range from simple tools like scalpels to complex machinery like pacemakers and MRI scanners. They play a critical role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating medical conditions. However, when these devices fail to be appropriately used, they can cause severe injuries or complications. Determining liability in such cases often requires carefully examining the situation's circumstances.
In this Climate of Non-Compliance, What is an Association to Do?
In today’s environment, homeowner associations (HOAs) face increasing challenges related to non-compliance with community rules and regulations. This disruptive climate of non-compliance raises serious questions and concerns for the management and harmony of communities across Illinois. It is critical for HOAs to develop strategies to address these issues in order to maintain a cohesive living environment for all. Contact an attorney to learn more about how HOAs in Illinois can navigate these obstacles of non-compliance using both legal and practical measures.
Understanding the Legal Landscape for HOAs
HOAs in Illinois operate under the Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA), which provides a framework for managing and enforcing community rules, including:
What to Know About the FTC Ruling Banning Noncompete Clauses
In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken a significant stand against the often common practice of noncompete clauses. This announcement is expected by many to pave the way for a new era of economic growth and help maximize innovation. But what will it mean for businesses across Illinois and the nation? For questions regarding how the banning of noncompete clauses will affect your Illinois business, contact an attorney.
At Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd., our team of attorneys takes pride in staying up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape of business law. Possessing over 150 years of combined experience, our firm can handle your case from beginning to end while providing guidance every step of the way.
Installation of License Plate Readers: An Invasion of Privacy? Yes or No?
The installation of license plate readers has sparked debates on privacy concerns and security measures within homeowner associations. As these associations try to maintain a balance between safety and privacy, the decision to implement such technology requires careful consideration. If you are a part of a homeowner association and are seeking assistance on a matter such as this, a trusted attorney is ready to help you.
At Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd., our firm features over 150 years of combined experience and is home to an exceptional group of skilled lawyers ready to represent and assist your homeowners' associations through various matters and help make important decisions, such as whether the installation of license plate readers is an invasion of privacy.
Navigating Privacy vs. Security
Homeowner associations face the challenge of navigating the fine line between ensuring residents' safety and respecting privacy rights. License plate readers offer a valuable tool for enhancing security by monitoring motor vehicle activity, discouraging crime, and helping aid law enforcement efforts. That being said, concerns regarding privacy infringement arise as license plate readers collect and store sensitive data.