Articles

What to do if someone sues you in Chicago or Cook County

As an Illinois lawyer practicing in Chicago, I answer many questions for friends who work outside of the legal industry. One of the most common things I’m asked is what to do if someone sues you. This article will answer that question. Have you actually been sued? In many cases people incorrectly think… Read more →

Cook County Tenants Rights

Throughout my years as a Chicago tenants’ rights lawyer I have had many consultations with tenants from suburban and unincorporated Cook County. These phone calls would inevitably end in frustration and disbelief when I told tenants that although Chicago has excellent tenants rights protection, those rights did not apply outside of Chicago because… Read more →

Can a Landlord Increase My Rent in Chicago?

Historically, tenants have had much less power than landlords in the landlord-tenant relationship. This is especially true when it comes to rent increases. Many landlords know that moving is expensive and very inconvenient. Once they have a tenant settled in an apartment, they can often increase rent above market rates because moving is… Read more →

Cook County Security Deposit Law

The landlord-tenant relationship is fraught with potential disagreements commonly related to property conditions, rent increases, unlawful entry and more. However, in my experience as a tenants’ rights lawyer, security deposit disputes are far and away the most contentious. Everyone has had the experience of being a great tenant, leaving no damage, and still… Read more →

Making a Personal Injury Claim Against a Landlord: Chicago Law

In Chicago many tenants suffer injury due to landlord negligence. Though this is a complex area of law that requires professional guidance, this publication will provide a general understanding of a tenant’s right sue for personal injury on a rental property. To talk to a professional, click here to request a consultation. In… Read more →

Are Public Entities Immune From Responsibility for Injuries that Occur in Parking Lots Adjacent to Recreational Properties?

In Illinois, cities and other public entities are not responsible for injuries that occur on property intended primarily for recreational use. However, it isn’t always clear whether that immunity extends to nearby spaces such as sidewalks and parking lots. In the case of Rexroad v. City of Springfield, the Illinois Supreme Court considers… Read more →

Is an Employer Responsible when a Delirious Employee Bites a Nurse?

It is common for employees to become ill or injured at work. Sometimes, these maladies are severe enough for the employee to seek medical treatment at a clinic or hospital. In the case of Widlowski vs. Durkee Foods, the Illinois Supreme Court considers whether employers can be held liable when their employees seriously… Read more →

Are Cities Responsible When Distracted Pedestrians Are Injured by Falling on Poorly Maintained Sidewalks?

It is common for public sidewalks to fall into disrepair, especially when they are located near large trees with extensive root systems. This can cause the walkways to crack, buckle, become uneven, and otherwise pose a danger to pedestrians. In the case of Bruns v. City of Centralia,the Illinois Appellate Court considers whether… Read more →

Can Companies Be Held Responsible When Their Employees’ Family Members Become Ill as a Result of an Employee’s Asbestos Exposure?

Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was a common building material in Illinois and throughout the United States. As the public learned of the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, however, safe alternatives took its place. Unfortunately, a substantial number of workers were routinely exposed to asbestos prior to this shift. As a… Read more →

Retail Stores Can Be Responsible for Injuries Caused by “Obvious” Dangers When the Store Should Anticipate Victims Will Become Distracted, Forget a Known Risk, or Fail to Protect Against It

It is common for customers to purchase large, bulky merchandise from mass retailers such as Kmart and Walmart. It is also common for shoppers to carry these purchases out of the building and into the store parking lot. This can be awkward at best; at worst, it may lead to serious injury because… Read more →

Client Testimonials

• Excellent and professional lawyer

  I was struck by two cars while standing on a sidewalk. This was a horrible and traumatic experience. Luckily, I was represented in my civil case by Mr. Brabender. He was compassionate, persistent, and thorough. He did a wonderful job of keeping me informed, staying on top of my case, explaining all of the details of the case to me, providing feedback any time I needed it (he was always available for my questions or concerns), and pushing the case forward so that it could close in a timely manner. I have recommended Mr. Brabender (we call him Andy because he is so friendly!) to my friends and I would use him again. He is intelligent and has a wealth of skills; however, he is also down-to-earth and sympathetic to a client's feelings, specifically he understands how traumatic these events are to the client. My case was closed in a timely manner and successfully. I truly believe this occurred because Andy worked so diligently on my case. I walked away (literally and figuratively!) from my case with a positive experience and impression of lawyers.

  Posted by Sara, a Car Accident client, about 1 month ago.

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