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# David M. Duree and Associates, P.C.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.dmduree.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Blog

- [Blog](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/)
- [Cross-Border Car Accidents: What Drivers Need to Know After a Crash in Another State](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2026/07/cross-border-car-accidents-what-drivers-need-to-know-after-a-crash-in-another-state/) - Most Chicago drivers heading out on I-90 toward Indiana or down I-55 into Missouri don't give much thought to what happens if they get into a crash once they cross the state line. You're driving your Illinois-registered car, carrying your Illinois insurance card, and suddenly you're dealing with a wreck in Wisconsin or Kentucky. The
- [Is a Franchisee a 'Consumer' Under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA)?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2026/06/is-a-franchisee-a-consumer-under-the-missouri-merchandising-practices-act-mmpa/) - This question comes up more than you might expect, and the answer is genuinely complicated. Franchisees who feel they were misled during the sales process often want to know whether Missouri's consumer protection statute gives them a path to recovery. It's a reasonable question, and the legal analysis is more interesting than a simple yes
- [When the Honeymoon Ends: Top 5 Reasons Franchise Disputes End Up in Litigation](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2026/05/when-the-honeymoon-ends-top-5-reasons-franchise-disputes-end-up-in-litigation/) - Starting a franchise can feel like stepping into a business opportunity with a proven system already in place. Franchisors provide branding, operational guidance, and ongoing support, while franchisees invest money and effort into building a local business. However, disagreements can arise when expectations differ or business conditions change. Business owners in Missouri and Illinois often
- [Missouri vs. Federal Trademark Registration: Which Is Right for You?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/12/missouri-vs-federal-trademark-registration-which-is-right-for-you/) - Trademark registration gives your business legal ownership of its name, logo, or slogan. It grants your business clear rights that can prevent others from using similar designations or designs that could confuse customers. Registration gives you the right to take legal action against anyone who tries to use or copy your name, logo, or slogans
- [What Is Construction Arbitration?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/11/what-is-construction-arbitration/) - The complexities and financial stakes of a construction project can lead to legal issues or disputes between parties, including property/project owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. In construction law, parties who have a dispute may agree to submit their case to arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution that seeks to save time and money compared
- [Can Engineers Be Held Liable in Missouri Construction Disputes?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/10/can-engineers-be-held-liable-in-missouri-construction-disputes/) - What happens when engineers bear responsibility for construction defects that cause problems on your property? Some construction faults may occur due to errors in building plans and specifications. However, construction engineers handle the development of the plans and specifications that contractors must follow on a project. As a result, what liability might engineers have in
- [How to Handle Delays in Commercial Construction Disputes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/09/how-to-handle-delays-in-commercial-construction-disputes/) - Delays in commercial construction projects frequently lead to legal disputes between project/property owners and contractors. Parties may have various legal rights and options under construction law for handling delays in commercial construction that cause disputes. Understanding the steps you can take when a delay in a construction project occurs can help you protect your rights
- [What Are the Major Types of Construction Bonds in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/08/what-are-the-major-types-of-construction-bonds-in-missouri/) - Learn about the main types of construction bonds in Missouri, including bid, performance, payment, and warranty bonds, and how they protect projects.
- [3 Successful Elements of a Construction Contract in Missouri](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/08/3-successful-elements-of-a-construction-contract-in-missouri/) - Learn 3 key elements of a Missouri construction contract—scope of work, payment terms, and dispute resolution—to protect your rights and avoid legal issues.
- [How to Take Legal Action Against Another Contractor in Missouri](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/07/how-to-take-legal-action-against-another-contractor-in-missouri/) - Learn how Missouri contractors can take legal action against peers over contract breaches, negligence, or unpaid work with steps for building a strong case.
- [How Do Subcontracts Work in Missouri Construction Law?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/06/how-do-subcontracts-work-in-missouri-construction-law/) - Learn how Missouri construction law governs subcontracts, from key contract terms to lien rights and dispute avoidance strategies for contractors.
- [What Happens If a Contractor Does Not Pay a Subcontractor in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/05/what-happens-if-a-contractor-does-not-pay-a-subcontractor-in-missouri/) - Unpaid in Missouri? Learn your legal options if a contractor doesn't pay a subcontractor—mechanic’s liens, lawsuits & prompt payment laws.
- [What Is the Relevance of Variation in a Construction Project in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/03/what-is-the-relevance-of-variation-in-a-construction-project-in-missouri/) - Learn how construction variations impact contracts, costs, and disputes in Missouri. Get legal guidance on managing changes. Contact our firm today.
- [When Can a Missouri Construction Contract Be Terminated?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/03/when-can-a-missouri-construction-contract-be-terminated/) - Missouri construction contracts can be terminated for breach, non-payment, or contract terms. Learn legal grounds, processes, and potential consequences.
- [How to Protect Your Rights in a Missouri Construction Contract](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/02/how-to-protect-your-rights-in-a-missouri-construction-contract/) - Protect your rights in a Missouri construction contract. Learn key contract terms, legal protections, and dispute resolution options. Contact us today.
- [What Are Change Orders and How Are They Handled in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/01/what-are-change-orders-and-how-are-they-handled-in-missouri/) - Need help with construction change orders in Missouri? Protect your project and rights. Contact David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. for expert guidance today.
- [The Specific Complications of Franchise Construction Disputes in Missouri](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/01/the-specific-complications-of-franchise-construction-disputes-in-missouri/) - Many businesses in Missouri operate as franchises of larger corporations. When a franchise involves a brick-and-mortar location, the franchisee usually must build out their location to the specifications set by the franchisor—an arrangement that may involve various complexities and challenges that lead to legal disputes. Understanding the potential issues that can arise in franchise construction
- [The Role of a Construction Attorney in Contract Negotiations](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2025/01/the-role-of-a-construction-attorney-in-contract-negotiations/) - Protect your business in construction contract negotiations. Contact David M. Duree & Associates for experienced legal guidance today.
- [Can you sue for damages when construction delays occur?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2021/04/can-you-sue-for-damages-when-construction-delays-occur/) - Dive into the legal aspects of construction delays. Learn when you can sue for damages, understanding your rights and possible compensations.
- [5 Ways to Promote Safety and Avoid Accidents on Construction Projects](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/12/5-ways-to-promote-safety-and-avoid-accidents-on-construction-projects/) - Discover 5 essential strategies to promote safety on construction sites and prevent accidents. Learn how David M. Duree can help protect your team today.
- [Commercial Construction: How to Handle and Dissolve Disputes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/11/commercial-construction-how-to-handle-and-dissolve-disputes/) - Resolve commercial construction disputes with negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Contact David M. Duree & Associates for expert guidance.
- [What Are My Options if an Engineering Defect Is Found on My Construction Project?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/10/what-are-my-options-if-an-engineering-defect-is-found-on-my-construction-project/) - Learn your options for addressing engineering defects in construction. Contact David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. for legal guidance.
- [What is Construction Arbitration in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/10/what-is-construction-arbitration-in-missouri/) - Learn about construction arbitration in Missouri and how disputes are resolved. Contact David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. for legal guidance.
- [What Are the 4 Most Common Construction Injuries?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/09/what-are-the-4-most-common-construction-injuries/) - Learn about the four most common construction injuries and your legal options. Contact David M. Duree for a free consultation today.
- [What is a Material Breach Of Contract in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2023/12/what-is-a-material-breach-of-contract-in-missouri/) - Learn how to remedy a material breach of contract in Missouri with our expert legal guidance. Contact us for a free consultation.
- [Bonds in Missouri Construction Projects Explained](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/08/bonds-in-missouri-construction-projects-explained/) - Learn about Missouri construction bonds, including bid, performance, and payment bonds, their importance, and legal requirements for projects.
- [How Much Can You Sue for Breach of Contract in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/07/how-much-can-you-sue-for-breach-of-contract-in-missouri/) - Learn about breach of contract types, Missouri’s statute of limitations, and compensation options. Contact David M. Duree & Associates for legal help.
- [10 interesting facts about slip and fall accidents](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/09/10-interesting-facts-about-slip-and-fall-accidents/) - Slip and fall accidents are all too common and can lead to minor and devastating injuries, and sometimes, even death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatalities associated with slip and fall accidents differed between men and women, with 5% of falls leading to death for women as compared to 11% for men. Overall,
- [What Is the Missouri Prompt Payment Act?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/05/what-is-the-missouri-prompt-payment-act/) - Missouri Prompt Payment Act protects contractors on public works projects with timely payments and 1.5% monthly penalty interest for late payments.
- [What Is the Construction Retention Law in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/01/what-is-the-construction-retention-law-in-missouri/) - Missouri Construction Retention Laws: Secure Your Payments with David M. Duree & Associates, P.C.
- [What is the Statute of Limitations for Construction Defect Claims in Missouri?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2023/09/what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-for-construction-defect-claims-in-missouri/) - If you discover your recent home improvement or building project has a defect, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. In construction law, this is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to abide by this time limit can keep you from recovering compensation for a defective construction project. Statute of Limitations If you discover your recent home improvement or building project has a defect, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. In construction law, this is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to abide by this time limit can keep you from recovering compensation for a defective construction project. Statute of Limitations
- [What Is the Difference Between Conflicts and Disputes in Construction Law?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/02/what-is-the-difference-between-conflicts-and-disputes-in-construction-law/) - Learn the difference between conflicts and disputes in construction law. Contact our experienced Illinois and Missouri construction lawyers for guidance.
- [Missouri Lawyers Weekly Names David M. Duree Influential Appellate Attorney for 2023](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/03/missouri-lawyers-weekly-names-david-m-duree-influential-appellate-attorney-for-2023/) - David M. Duree recognized as Influential Appellate Attorney by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for 2023. Learn more about his achievements.
- [What Are the Three Types of Bonds That Can Be Required from a Contractor?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/03/what-are-the-three-types-of-bonds-that-can-be-required-from-a-contractor/) - Explore essential construction bonds—bid, performance, & payment bonds. Learn how they safeguard projects and ensure compliance with a Missouri law attorney.
- [What Are the Main Causes of Legal Disputes in Construction Contracts?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2024/04/what-are-the-main-causes-of-legal-disputes-in-construction-contracts/) - Legal disputes can arise during a construction project even when you feel you’ve done everything possible to protect yourself. Understanding some of the most common sources of contract disputes can help you anticipate these issues and create a plan to resolve them, potentially saving you the time, money, and energy associated with a legal challenge. Explore common causes of construction contract disputes, including unclear terms and payment issues, and how to prevent them effectively.
- [The difference between patent and latent construction defects](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/09/the-difference-between-patent-and-latent-construction-defects/) - Explore the key distinctions between patent and latent construction defects. Unearth how they impact property values, safety, and legal implications.
- [What is the Economic Loss Doctrine in Missouri](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2023/10/what-is-the-economic-loss-doctrine-in-missouri/) - The Economic Loss Doctrine, a pivotal legal concept in Missouri, holds significant implications for construction cases. Understanding this doctrine is paramount for anyone navigating the intricacies of construction law, especially in disputes concerning financial damages. Recovery Theories Construction law is a multifaceted area that offers various recovery theories for aggrieved parties. One of these theories, The Economic Loss Doctrine, a pivotal legal concept in Missouri, holds significant implications for construction cases. Understanding this doctrine is paramount for anyone navigating the intricacies of construction law, especially in disputes concerning financial damages. Recovery Theories Construction law is a multifaceted area that offers various recovery theories for aggrieved parties. One of these theories,
- [The Impacts and Complications of Burn Injuries](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2023/08/the-impacts-and-complications-of-burn-injuries/) - The statistics are startling; approximately 486,000 fire or burn injuries were treated in emergency departments between 2011 and 2015, and there were 3,390 civilian deaths from fires in 2016 alone. If you or someone you love has suffered a severe burn, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Missouri Burn Injuries: Impacts and
- [What might happen when contractor/client disputes arise?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2021/02/what-might-happen-when-contractor-client-disputes-arise/) - Contractors and their clients may sign a detailed agreement for new building constructions, renovations, and other types of projects in Illinois. Things might not work out between the contractor and the client as initially inspected. Sometimes, the client has a legitimate claim against the contractor. That said, the contract binds the client to terms, as
- [Common causes of construction accidents](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/05/common-causes-of-construction-accidents/) - One errant piece in a construction project can lead to enormous extra costs. When someone doesn’t meet the terms they agreed to, it doesn’t have to be you that pays the price. Private construction in the U.S. is worth over $1 trillion every month. Contracts are essential with that kind of money, and every crew
- [Resolving construction disputes in Illinois](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2022/02/resolving-construction-disputes-in-illinois/) - Construction disputes are a common occurrence in the construction industry. Contractors and construction companies often experience disagreements about projects, contracts and other factors. If construction disputes arise, there is a risk that the construction project may get delayed or even stop. If you are involved in a construction dispute, it is important to take action
- [What options do homeowners have in construction defect cases?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/07/what-options-do-homeowners-have-in-construction-defect-cases/) - It’s one of those moments when your heart seems to stop: When you realize that the new home construction has a serious defect. The home for which you saved, prepared and spent so much of your own income has a serious problem that will cause possibly years of extra construction and costly repairs. What is
- [Steps to take if injured in a car accident](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/03/steps-to-take-if-injured-in-a-car-accident/) - Getting into a car accident is scary, especially if you’ve never been in one before. It can be downright overwhelming if you have suffered an injury. You’ve likely talked about this situation in the past but never thought you’d be in it — ever. Now, you’ve suffered an injury in an Illinois car accident and
- [Can I sue if my cosmetic product injures me?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/03/can-i-sue-if-my-cosmetic-product-injures-me/) - The beauty industry in the United States is big business. According to a video produced by Money magazine and reported on by various media outlets, the average woman, whether in St. Louis or elsewhere, will spend an estimated $15,000 on beauty products over the course of her life. Lipstick and mascara are among the most
- [Early season motorcyclists must prepare](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/03/early-season-motorcyclists-must-prepare/) - In some parts of Illinois and the St. Louis metro-area, motorcyclists are already out on the road, enjoying the freedom, the wind in their hair, the camaraderie with fellow riders and the chance to travel on familiar or unexplored paths. Each spring, rising temperatures bring about such a rite of passage. Yes, ’tis the season
- [How you can protect intellectual property in an electronic world](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/04/how-you-can-protect-intellectual-property-in-an-electronic-world/) - More and more companies are using digital technology, user interfaces, computer code and many other technologies to improve daily operations and customer service. But, is your business protected in today’s digital world? You need to be careful with protecting your company’s ideas and investments or risk losing them to copycats. That’s where intellectual property comes
- [What is the Uniform Commercial Code?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/04/what-is-the-uniform-commercial-code/) - Commercial litigation is a very important aspect of the legal world. It allows people to file lawsuits for various commercial issues that could affect their lives. Commercial law governs the distribution and sale of various goods. It also governs the financing of specific transactions. Commercial law is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which
- [Subcontractor Awarded Pre-judgment Interest](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/04/subcontractor-awarded-pre-judgment-interest/) - The Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed an award of pre-judgment interest to a successful subcontractor at the statutory rate of 9% in G & G Mechanical vs Jeff City Industry, on March 20,2018. #ConstructionLaw.
- [Protect yourself by researching prospective contractors](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/04/protect-yourself-by-researching-prospective-contractors/) - The outdoor deck where you’ve hosted plenty of lively and fun-filled family and neighbor gatherings is in need of major repairs. Portions of the wood have broken or rotted. It needs painting, and water has leaked from it into your kitchen located just beneath it. It’s time to find the right contractor, someone or some
- [Discussing some of the common construction industry disputes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/04/discussing-some-of-the-common-construction-industry-disputes/) - The construction industry is an important one when it comes to the economy of Illinois and the country as a whole. The more construction that occurs, the better the economy. Construction can include new homes, new businesses, new stores, new restaurants or remodels of all the above. Today, we will discuss the common causes of
- [What to expect when involved in commercial litigation](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/05/what-to-expect-when-involved-in-commercial-litigation/) - When it comes to running a business, there is so much to do. You will have daily responsibilities that take up most of your time. Even with a large number of employees, you could still run into issues that you will need to handle yourself. One such issue is that of commercial litigation. Here’s what
- [One killed in horrific three-car crash in Illinois](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/05/one-killed-in-horrific-three-car-crash-in-illinois/) - One person was killed and a child was ejected from a vehicle in a three-vehicle crash on I-57 in Illinois earlier this week. The accident occurred in Monee, Illinois, on Interstate 57 near Manhattan-Monee Road. The accident claimed the life of a 29-year-old man from Glenwood and a child was ejected from another vehicle that
- [How can construction disputes be resolved?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/05/how-can-construction-disputes-be-resolved/) - The construction industry has millions of workers across the country that rely on various jobs to keep them busy throughout the year. Some of those jobs could turn into problems when construction disputes arise in O’Fallon, Illinois. It can be easy for you to just turn your head and accept that there was a problem
- [Apps to fight distracted driving](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/05/apps-to-fight-distracted-driving/) - Distracted driving is a problem here in Illinois and across the country. With phones, smartwatches and even smart cars on the road, our attention is more divided than ever. This habit is destructive and a danger to all motorists. Luckily, some applications are giving you tools to fight back. Here are a few apps trying to
- [The most common types of motorcycle accident injuries](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/05/the-most-common-types-of-motorcycle-accident-injuries/) - iding a motorcycle in Illinois can be exhilarating. Whether you love to ride in the fall, spring or summer, you need to be as safe as possible. There are plenty of precautions you can take to make sure that your bike is ready for a ride. There’s also plenty of safety apparel you can wear
- [Explaining the Bureau of Consumer Protection](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/05/explaining-the-bureau-of-consumer-protection/) - Consumers are constantly being bombarded with scams and other poor business practices everywhere they turn. This is not how the business world should act. That’s where the Bureau of Consumer Protection comes into play. This agency operates under the realm of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help protect consumers from poor business practices, scams,
- [What are some scaffolding safety tips to follow?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/06/what-are-some-scaffolding-safety-tips-to-follow/) - The next time you head to work on a construction site, you will likely take note of any scaffolding present. Scaffolding is an important piece of equipment used on thousands of construction sites across Illinois. Even if you’ve worked on scaffolding before, you still might want to review some safety procedures. So, what are some
- [Tips for resolving engineering disputes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/06/tips-for-resolving-engineering-disputes/) - The engineering field is an important one to the development of O’Fallon and the rest of Illinois. Like all other industries, disputes can arise in the engineering field that can lead to projects stalling or even being nixed. Should you find your firm in a difficult engineering dispute, you should consider some of the resolution
- [Witness Wanted For Crash East Bound I-270 on Aug. 8, 2015](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/06/witness-wanted-for-crash-east-bound-i-270-on-aug-8-2015/) - Witness wanted: Anyone who witnessed a collision between a Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck and a pedestrian on East Bound I-270 near Granite City in Madison County, Illinois (near the cross over for Illinois State Route 3/Mile Post 2) on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at about 11:46 a.m., please contact David Duree, the attorney for the
- [Steps to take if injured on the job in Illinois](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/06/steps-to-take-if-injured-on-the-job-in-illinois/) - Getting injured on the job in Illinois is never easy. Even though you will have time to recover from the injury, you really don’t want to miss a lot of time at work. Doing so will cause you to incur a lot of debt due to unpaid medical bills and other financial issues. Workers’ compensation
- [How can my company protect against intellectual property theft?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/06/how-can-my-company-protect-against-intellectual-property-theft/) - Running a company takes quite a bit of effort. If you are part of the management team, you likely have a lot of stress and make a lot of decisions. You are an important asset to the company that is responsible for not only personnel but also issues that arise on the job. One of
- [Important tips for preventing a forklift accident on the job](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/06/important-tips-for-preventing-a-forklift-accident-on-the-job/) - Suffering an injury on the job is never easy. You will need to be medically evaluated, complete a bunch of paperwork, file a report and then file for workers’ compensation. You could miss quite a bit of time at work or you could wind up never returning to work. It all depends on the severity
- [Do you know how to identify your company’s intellectual property?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/07/do-you-know-how-to-identify-your-companys-intellectual-property/) - Intellectual property is vital to the success of any company. This property can be thoughts, ideas, plans, products, services and just about anything else an employee creates while on the clock. One of the most important questions you need to ask is if you actually know how to identify your company’s intellectual property. If you
- [Common mistakes after a car accident](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/07/common-mistakes-after-a-car-accident/) - Being in a car accident is a disorienting experience. Your adrenaline is racing, your head is pounding, and all of your senses are hazy and sharp at the same time. Needless to say, you won’t be thinking clearly. Because of this, many people make mistakes after an accident that can be easily avoided. It pays
- [Medical malpractice: Standard of care is important in these cases](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/07/medical-malpractice-standard-of-care-is-important-in-these-cases/) - A medical malpractice lawsuit isn’t always easy to prove. In fact, there are many times in which these cases are difficult because they hinge on proving that a doctor didn’t provide a patient with treatment that meets the standard of care. This can be a challenge because the medical community usually won’t stand up against
- [Common types of business disputes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/07/common-types-of-business-disputes/) - Business disputes are a common aspect of running a company. You can do everything possible to avoid these issues, but they can still crop upon occasion. When you run into a dispute, it’s important to resolve it as soon as possible in order to avoid lengthy problems. Disputes can be with other companies, employees and
- [Tips for protecting yourself as a consumer](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/07/tips-for-protecting-yourself-as-a-consumer/) - Everyone is a consumer. It’s a fact of life that cannot be avoided. Even when you put gas in your car or truck, you are considered a consumer. Anytime you buy anything, you are labeled a consumer. Consumers can also be victims. Thieves prey on consumers in stores and on the internet. Here are some
- [Reporting a workplace injury in Illinois](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/08/reporting-a-workplace-injury-in-illinois/) - When you head out the door for work each morning you likely aren’t thinking about suffering an injury. Safety needs to be on your mind at all times because accidents are lurking around every corner when on the job. Should you suffer an injury at work you need to report it as soon as possible
- [Consumer protection bureau urged to continue protecting military](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/08/consumer-protection-bureau-urged-to-continue-protecting-military/) - A federal consumer protection agency has made it known that it could very well reduce its efforts to protect members of the military from lenders who operate using predatory practices. In response to this news, some 49 senators have signed a letter that requests the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau continue to protect the troops that
- [How an injury can take over your life](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/08/how-an-injury-can-take-over-your-life/) - Being involved in any type of accident can change your life forever. Whether it’s a car accident, motorcycle accident, workplace accident, swimming accident, slip-and-fall accident or any other accident; the injury could take over your life. Many victims of personal injury accidents refrain from filing a claim because they are under the impression that it’s
- [Man awarded $3,000,000.00](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/08/man-awarded-3000000-00/) - Expert testimony that a minivan driver had active THC (marijuana) in his system was speculative and inadmissible. A jury verdict of $3,000,000.00 to the minivan driver against a tractor-trailer driver was affirmed by the California Court of Appeal on July 25, 2017. In the case of David vs. Hernandez, 13CAL.App. 5th 692.
- [How to keep young children safe while driving](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/08/how-to-keep-young-children-safe-while-driving/) - Parents know that no matter what you do your children always manage to get into things they aren’t supposed to. That is why childproofing is so important when you have young ones padding around the home. You childproof the cabinets, electrical outlets, staircases, pointy counter edges and everything else a curious child might encounter. Not
- [How do I prevent a construction dispute before it happens?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/08/how-do-i-prevent-a-construction-dispute-before-it-happens/) - Entering into a construction contract is an exciting time, especially when you are building your dream home or are constructing your new office. Things can quickly turn sour when you and the contractor get into a dispute. So, how do you prevent a construction dispute before it happens? One of the best ways to avoid
- [Co-employee liability under Workers Compensation Act](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/09/co-employee-liability-under-workers-compensation-act/) - The Missouri Workers Compensation Act does not prevent an injured employee from suing a supervisory co-employee who intentionally removed a safety guard then directed the injured employee to clean the running machine. Brook vs. Dunne, Missouri Court of Appeals, ED, 2018.
- [A mild traumatic brain injury can destroy your career](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/09/a-mild-traumatic-brain-injury-can-destroy-your-career/) - We like to think that who we are as people is something built into us on some fundamental level, but over the last several decades, advances in the understanding of the brain have shown that even minor brain damage can seriously affect how we act and what we think, often to an alarming degree. If
- [Always go to your doctor after a car accident](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/09/always-go-to-your-doctor-after-a-car-accident/) - Car accidents of all kinds are often much more damaging than the people in the car realize at the time. Even modest car accidents may result in injuries that a driver or passenger may not feel in the immediate aftermath of the accident, giving them the false impression that they survived the accident injury-free. Unfortunately,
- [2019 law change for car seat requirement](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/09/2019-law-change-for-car-seat-requirement/) - At the start of 2019, an amendment to the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act will go into effect, requiring children under the age of two to ride in a rear-facing car seat. Violating this law puts a child at risk for injury in case of an accident and can result in a $75 fine for
- [Why is intellectual property so important for our business?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/09/why-is-intellectual-property-so-important-for-our-business/) - Intellectual property has been around for hundreds of years. It just wasn’t recognized as such until a much later date. This property is anything that is created, thought of, patented and developed by an individual or a business. It can be trademarked and legally protected from theft. So, why is intellectual property so important for
- [Medicare Set-Off Disallowed in Medical Malpractice case against the United States](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/medicare-set-off-disallowed-in-medical-malpractice-case-against-the-united-states/) - The United States District Court for Southern Illinois has disallowed a set-off requested by Medicare in a medical malpractice case against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Illinois law applies under the act. Under the Illinois Collateral Source Rule the $31,000,000 received by the Plaintiff could not be decreased by the benefits
- [Attorney Fee Awards offset by student loan, tax and child support obligations](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/attorney-fee-awards-offset-by-student-loan-tax-and-child-support-obligations/) - Federal Law allows judges to award attorney fees to the prevailing party in a civil action against the United States. Attorneys would not take such cases without the prospect of being paid out of the attorney fee award. But such attorney fee awards may be offset, requiring that they be paid to the U.S. Treasury,
- [How job interruptions affect the quality of the work being done](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/how-job-interruptions-affect-the-quality-of-the-work-being-done/) - Many construction disputes center around a low quality of work. In some cases, it is more cosmetic than anything. The crew installs the kitchen counters but does not take the time to level them, for instance. They still work, but they do not look as good as they should and it detracts from the aesthetic
- [Warrantless use of drug-detection dog is an illegal search](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/warrantless-use-of-drug-detection-dog-is-an-illegal-search/) - The use of a drug-detection dog at the door of an apartment in an unlocked apartment building, without a search warrant, is an illegal search in violation of the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ruled the Illinois Supreme Court. The Court had previously ruled that the warrantless use of a drug-detection dog at the apartment
- [Pickup trucks collide in Illinois, taking one life](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/pickup-trucks-collide-in-illinois-taking-one-life/) - Rural roads in Illinois were the site of a recent collision between a pair of pickup trucks. One of the drivers was killed in the accident. According to reports, the accident happened near Sink Hollow Road on IL 2. The first emergency crews to get the call were the Lee County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD). Officers
- [Award for Personal Injury Due Former Spouse For Child Support](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/award-for-personal-injury-due-former-spouse-for-child-support/) - A personal injury award for pain and suffering, disability and broken ribs was subject to the Plaintiff’s obligations to pay child support to a former spouse under the Illinois Dissolution of Marriage Act. In Re Marriage of Plowman (Ill. App. June 19, 2018).
- [Prudent planning can help prevent business disputes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/prudent-planning-can-help-prevent-business-disputes/) - Starting a new business means taking on any number of important tasks before even officially launching the new venture. Structuring the company, setting hiring practices, working with vendors and many other pertinent decisions have to happen up front, which can mean a high propensity for error in the planning process. As you take on a
- [Study offers shocking insight on how little doctors listen](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/10/study-offers-shocking-insight-on-how-little-doctors-listen/) - When you’re dealing with a medical issue, especially before you know exactly what is going on, you think about it constantly. You talk to loved ones. You look up information on the internet. It just grabs your attention. You know that your doctor may not be as emotionally invested as you are, but you still
- [Charges filed in Illinois motorcyclist’s death](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/charges-filed-in-illinois-motorcyclists-death/) - An Edwardsville, Illinois, man has been charged in the death of a motorcyclist. The 35-year-old woman was driving her motorcycle on July 12 at about 8:30 in the evening when she was hit by a 2004 Buick Rainier. She was wearing a helmet but passed away a few hours later from her injuries. The driver
- [Termination of A Public Official for Political Reasons Violates the First Amendment](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/termination-of-a-public-official-for-political-reasons-violates-the-first-amendment/) - Two park commissioners organized a coup to terminate the employment of the park district’s executive director, as retaliation. because she supported the election of a board member they opposed. They also broke into her office and stole her personnel file. The U.S. District Court acknowledged that breaking into the office and stealing the file were
- [Landlord’s Failure to Stop Tenants from Attacking Lesbian Violates the Law](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/landlords-failure-to-stop-tenants-from-attacking-lesbian-violates-the-law/) - The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating against any person with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin. The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently ruled that the Act also establishes liability for landlords which have actual
- [Failure to Read Insurance Policy was Devastating](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/failure-to-read-insurance-policy-was-devastating/) - Homeowners purchased insurance from American Family Insurance in 2012 because of a promise that the policy would be equal to or better than their previous policy with Travelers Insurance Co, which provided liability coverage for defamation. The American Family policy did not provide coverage for defamation. More than 2 years later (the policy was renewed)
- [2 tips for motorists that will prevent injury and death](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/2-tips-for-motorists-that-will-prevent-injury-and-death/) - There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get from A to B without being involved in a serious auto collision — that is, if everyone else on the road were attentive, defensive and law-abiding motorists. Unfortunately, no matter how safe and careful we are on the road, there will be an unlimited number
- [Biometric Information Privacy Act Does Not Require Poof of Harm](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/biometric-information-privacy-act-does-not-require-poof-of-harm/) - The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (2008) prohibits the collection of consumers’ fingerprints, iris scans, voice and facial data without permission. Penalties for violations included liquidated damages of $1,000 for each violation, or actual damages if greater, plus attorneys fees. Proof of specific harm is not required because there is no real recourse once the
- [Arbitrators May Award More Than Permitted By Law](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/arbitrators-may-award-more-than-permitted-by-law/) - Most Consumers contend that arbitration awards favor large corporations that insert arbitration clauses in consumer and employment agreements, in part because the Arbitration Organizations and arbitrators receive all their repeat business from the Corporations, not the consumers and employees. If the arbitrators ruled consistently in favor of the consumers and employees the Corporations would eliminate
- [Zoo ban on guns still unresolved by Mo Court of Appeals](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/zoo-ban-on-guns-still-unresolved-by-mo-court-of-appeals/) - The Misssouri Court of Appeals reversed a Judgment in favor of the St. Louis Zoo, ruling that disputed questions of fact exist precluding summary judgment on the Zoo’s ban on firearms at the Zoo. The Zoo had obtained a permanent injunction against an Ohio guns rights activist. The Court of Appeals ruled that disputed facts
- [Is that ad really a bait and switch?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/11/is-that-ad-really-a-bait-and-switch/) - A bait and switch is essentially when a company advertises one product to get you into the store but then tries to sell you another product at a higher price. However, simply trying to convince you to buy something that costs more money is not a bait and switch. You must have no other choice.
- [5 reasons you need a contract, not a handshake deal](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/5-reasons-you-need-a-contract-not-a-handshake-deal/) - You sit down with a potential business partner and the two of you come to an agreement. You shake hands. You agree to work together. That’s when you suggest writing up a contract, but your new partner says you won’t need one. The handshake is enough, they claim. They promise to uphold their end of
- [Lawyer Does Not Qualify as Innocent Spouse for Tax Purposes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/lawyer-does-not-qualify-as-innocent-spouse-for-tax-purposes/) - The IRS determined that a husband-wife attorney team owed $207,000 in back taxes and $77,000 in penalties. The husband was a tax attorney. The wife had a law degree and taught school. After the Tax Court affirmed the decisiosn of the IRS, the wife, an attorney with MBA and Doctorate degrees in addition to her
- [Prenuptial Agreements are Invalid if Unconscionable, or if Assets are not Disclosed](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/prenuptial-agreements-are-invalid-if-unconscionable-or-if-assets-are-not-disclosed/) - The Illinois Prenuptial Agreement Act provides that prenuptial agreements are not enforcible if they are unconscionable (unfairly one-sided), or if a party fails to reasonably disclose his/her assets before marriage, unless the right to disclosure is waived in writing. However, a wife’s attack on a prenuptial agreement was rejected where she voluntarily signed the agreement
- [What is a phishing scam?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/what-is-a-phishing-scam/) - Consumers face a battery of different scams and unethical behaviors. Some have been around for decades or even centuries. Others have sprung up with the growth of the internet. Either way, it is important for consumers to know what these scams look like and what to watch out for. One of the most common scams,
- [Who pays for a construction defect in a residential property?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/who-pays-for-a-construction-defect-in-a-residential-property/) - A new home owner has a reasonable expectation of entering into a house that is free of egregious defects. Unfortunately, such defects occur from time to time. A construction defect can be the result of shoddy workmanship, inferior materials, poor engineering or architectural planning, or it can be the result of a natural phenomenon such
- [3-car crash closes highway and leads to serious injuries](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/3-car-crash-closes-highway-and-leads-to-serious-injuries/) - Authorities had to close down the northbound lanes of I-270 in St. Louis County after a serious car accident. Three different vehicles were involved in the crash, leading to significant injuries, and authorities had to block the road to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. Reports indicate that the accident happened right around 1:00
- [Employer not liable for Penalties after failing to Withhold Wages for Child Support Because Employee Made Some Payments Directly to his Ex-Wife](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/employer-not-liable-for-penalties-after-failing-to-withhold-wages-for-child-support-because-employee-made-some-payments-directly-to-his-ex-wife/) - The Illinois Income Withholding for Support Act imposes a penalty of $100 per day, in addition to liability for the amounts not withheld, on Employers which “knowingly” fail to withhold a percentage of wages to meet child support obligations of their employees. The Appellate Court recently refused to impose the penalty (but not liability for
- [Missed construction deadlines: 4 common reasons](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2018/12/missed-construction-deadlines-4-common-reasons/) - One of the biggest reasons for a construction dispute is when the project goes well over its estimated deadline. This can often cost a lot of people a lot of money on commercial projects, and it can leave prospective homeowners without anywhere to live. To get around these issues, it’s important to know why projects
- [Negligence-related incidents demand compensation for the victims](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/negligence-related-incidents-demand-compensation-for-the-victims/) - When you file a personal injury lawsuit, there are many factors that have to come together. You have to show the defendant’s negligence led to the accident that caused your injuries. You also need to show that the damages you suffered were caused by the negligence-related incident. All of this can be complex, but that
- [Illinois Concealed and Carry Statute Overrides Company Policy Prohibiting Firearms on Company Property](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/illinois-concealed-and-carry-statute-overrides-company-policy-prohibiting-firearms-on-company-property/) - Illinois law permits people to carry concealed firearms after obtaining a valid license. Ameren has workplace policies which prevent employees from threatening or intimidating co-employees, and from having unauthorized firearms on its property. After an employee engaged in heated arguments with his supervisor, a consensual search disclosed a gun in the Employee’s vehicle.l He had
- [Tips for keeping a contractor on schedule](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/tips-for-keeping-a-contractor-on-schedule/) - Are you planning an update to your O’Fallon, Illinois home? Are you building a brand new home? Either way, you will be working with a contractor for the project. Are you worried that the project will take too long to complete? If so, you need to try your best to keep the contractor on schedule.
- [Compensation after a crash comes with many considerations](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/compensation-after-a-crash-comes-with-many-considerations/) - When you are struck by another vehicle, you might face very serious injuries. These may require you to seek medical care, which might even include hospital stays. It is wholly possible that you will have high medical bills resulting from this situation. Paying for those might be a challenge. If your injuries were the result
- [CONVICTED FELON QUALIFIES FOR GUN PERMIT](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/convicted-felon-qualifies-for-gun-permit/) - Illinois law allows for gun permits (FOID Cards) if the applicant (a) isn’t likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety (b) issuance of the permit would not be contrary to the public interest and (c) granting the permit would not be contrary to Federal Law. The Federal Gun Control Act generally prohibits
- [Don’t let anyone steal your intellectual property](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/dont-let-anyone-steal-your-intellectual-property/) - Works that you create are your intellectual property. This can include things like songs, poems, books or choreography. If you have any of these, you might be interested in protecting them so that others can’t just take them. Unfortunately, there might be times when there are people who do try to steal your works. In
- [Practice safe driving through the rest of the winter](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/02/practice-safe-driving-through-the-rest-of-the-winter/) - Driving during the winter months is a challenge for many motorists. It is important that you continue to use the safety practices that can help you get home safe. Unfortunately, not all drivers will do the same. You can’t control them, but you can control what you do, so be sure to remember these points
- [Minimize the damage you have from a business lawsuit](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/minimize-the-damage-you-have-from-a-business-lawsuit/) - Owning a business comes with a lot of responsibilities. It is imperative that you make decisions based on what is best for the company. Unfortunately, there might come a time when you have some difficult choices to make if your company is facing a lawsuit. The goal, in this case, is going to have to
- [Is it really a big deal if you do not wear your seat belt?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/is-it-really-a-big-deal-if-you-do-not-wear-your-seat-belt/) - When you rush out of the house to go to work, pick up the kids from practice or get to the store before it closes, you might not always click your seat belt. Especially if you are staying close to home or not getting on the highway, you might think it is not a big
- [Facebook sues Chinese companies for bad-faith domain names](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/facebook-sues-chinese-companies-for-bad-faith-domain-names/) - Facebook is taking aim at four Chinese companies over their use of multiple websites designed to mimic Facebook’s holdings. The lawsuit, which was filed in the United States Federal Court, alleges that four companies and three individuals are behind a cybersquatting scam that’s meant to fool consumers. Cybersquatting is the practice of scooping up an
- [Prisons Must Give Inmates Meat that meets their Religious Dietary Restrictions](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/prisons-must-give-inmates-meat-that-meets-their-religious-dietary-restrictions/) - The Federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (“the Act”) requires prisons to provide their inmates with meat that does not substantially burden their ability to practice religion. In the case of a muslim inmate, serving 225 years for murder, this means providing him with Kosher meat, which he has accepted as an alternative
- [Shift the financial burden to the person liable for the accident](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/shift-the-financial-burden-to-the-person-liable-for-the-accident/) - A personal injury claim can help innocent victims shift the financial burden of the incident from themselves to the party that is liable for the accident. This is important because many people don’t have the money that it takes to get the medical care needed after a serious accident. Most won’t have the funds to
- [Vindictive Ex-GirlFriend Ordered to Pay $7,600,000.](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/vindictive-ex-girlfriend-ordered-to-pay-7600000/) - An ex-girlfriend (Lee) was ordered to pay $7,600,000 to her former boyfriend (who sued as John Doe) after she created false social media accounts in Doe’s neame, then published highly offensive material directed to hundreds of Doe’s relatives, clients, bosses and professional associates. She also slipped into Doe’s secure building behind and unsuspecting resident and
- [Are you the victim of a romance scam? You’re not alone](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/are-you-the-victim-of-a-romance-scam-youre-not-alone/) - There are a seemingly endless number of online dating sites to help people find the loves of their lives — or just someone with whom to connect. Unfortunately, however, the people you meet online aren’t always what they seem. So-called “romance scams” are more prevalent than any other kind of consumer fraud by a wide
- [Murder Conviction Reversed After Police Officers Resuse to Testify About Torture](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/murder-conviction-reversed-after-police-officers-resuse-to-testify-about-torture/) - The Illinois Appellate Court reversed the Circuit Court a second time, and transferred the case to a new trial judge, after two Chicago police officers refused to testify on whether the Defendant was tortured before his admission that he was present when two murders were committed in 1989. The Defendant was convicted and sentenced to
- [Peloton facing lawsuit alleging failure to license music](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/03/peloton-facing-lawsuit-alleging-failure-to-license-music/) - Peloton has become a premier name in home fitness in the seven years since it was founded. Its appeal isn’t just its machines, like its stationary bikes, which sell for about $2,000. It’s the classes you can watch on the machines as you work out for a $39 monthly membership fee. Of course, a key
- [What are common reasons construction companies get sued?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/04/what-are-common-reasons-construction-companies-get-sued/) - Construction companies should always remember that if they build something, then they can get sued. A lawsuit may be filed against them if the building that they construct deviates from the original design or if different materials are used from what was originally specified. One can even be filed against them if a project isn’t
- [Lobbyists succeed in weakening smart speaker privacy bill](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/04/lobbyists-succeed-in-weakening-smart-speaker-privacy-bill/) - While many of us have become increasingly dependent on our digital smart speaker devices like Amazon’s Echo and Google Assistant to play our favorite music, create our shopping lists and basically be at our beck and call, there have been questions about just how much these devices actually “hear” and who may be listening. Just
- [Is it too late to sue for a home construction defect?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/04/is-it-too-late-to-sue-for-a-home-construction-defect/) - Many homeowners fret over flaws they notice in their house such as cracks in the plaster or a little water in the basement. But for some, the nightmare scenario is finding a truly expensive or even dangerous defect in the construction of their home. And some homeowners do face genuine defects noticed as their house
- [New product-recall app extends the reach of CPSC information](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/new-product-recall-app-extends-the-reach-of-cpsc-information/) - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is now offering a new mobile app that provides a simple way to search for product recalls on a smartphone or other mobile device. The free app is aimed at consumers who want to know if a product they’ve bought, or are thinking of buying, has been the
- [Mizzou BioJoint malpractice case continues amid multiple motions](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/mizzou-biojoint-malpractice-case-continues-amid-multiple-motions/) - Plaintiffs in a medical malpractice case against a Missouri medical facility prevailed in one legal battle recently — the release of patient outcome data that the facility was fighting to keep from being released. The case involves the Mizzou BioJoint Center at the University of Missouri (MU). Attorneys for the defendants, which include the director
- [Why texting behind the wheel is so dangerous](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/why-texting-behind-the-wheel-is-so-dangerous/) - When they’re asked about texting while driving, most people say they know it’s dangerous. In one survey, over 90 percent of people acknowledged that. However, many people do it nonetheless. Teens have the worst reputation for texting behind the wheel. It’s estimated that texting while driving is the cause of over 3,000 teen fatalities annually.
- [Lawmakers seek to keep out-of-state cases out of Missouri courts](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/lawmakers-seek-to-keep-out-of-state-cases-out-of-missouri-courts/) - Missouri has long been the venue of choice for business litigation with a lot of money at stake — even when the litigants have no connection to the state. Missouri lawmakers are trying to put an end to that. Both the Senate and the House recently passed a bill that would minimize the number of
- [Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting intellectual property](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/cybercriminals-are-increasingly-targeting-intellectual-property/) - You’ve taken a multitude of steps to protect your company’s intellectual property (IP). You have nondisclosure agreements in place. You’ve trained your employees on the risks of disclosing information to those not authorized to have it. However, your IP could still be at risk of theft by cybercriminals continue to target intellectual property. Companies are
- [Digital billboards may be dangerous for drivers](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/digital-billboards-may-be-dangerous-for-drivers/) - Safety experts and advertisers are sometimes at odds when it comes to the use of billboards along the road. This is especially true with newer, digital billboards. After all, the goal of a billboard has always been to attract eyes. The more people who read it, the better exposure it gets and the more sales
- [You can help ensure employees protect your intellectual property](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/05/you-can-help-ensure-employees-protect-your-intellectual-property/) - As a business owner, you have to trust your employees with your intellectual property (IP) for them to do their jobs. Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) can outline what information the people who work for you are required to keep confidential. They can also help you take legal action against anyone who fails to protect your IP.
- [Songwriters’ heirs suing CBS over use of iconic theme song](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/06/songwriters-heirs-suing-cbs-over-use-of-iconic-theme-song/) - When you think of The Andy Griffith Show, you can’t help but hear the iconic whistled theme song in your head. Watching an episode of that series without the theme song just wouldn’t feel right. However, relatives of the song’s two writers, Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer, contend that CBS Television Distribution doesn’t have the
- [How can you make the most of an injury settlement?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/06/how-can-you-make-the-most-of-an-injury-settlement/) - These days, most new dads what to share the responsibilities of caring for their newborn child with the child’s mother. Some companies are recognizing the importance of these shared parenting responsibilities and are granting equal amounts of leave to parents of newborn or newly adopted children regardless of the employee’s gender. However, that’s not always
- [Three tips for driving in the rain](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/06/three-tips-for-driving-in-the-rain/) - Warm weather means the arrival of the rainy season in Illinois. The span from May through August is when most of the state’s rain will fall. Acts of nature like rain, wind and storms also pose potential hazards for all drivers. Heavy rains can cause your vehicle to hydroplane, which occurs when your vehicle loses
- [Why are fatal falls increasing among seniors?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/06/why-are-fatal-falls-increasing-among-seniors/) - Americans are living longer and remaining active well into their senior years. However, too many suffer serious — and often fatal — falls. According to a new study based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics, fatal falls among seniors over 75 have more than doubled between the years 2000 and 2016. The
- [St. Louis police officer files federal lawsuit over shooting](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/06/st-louis-police-officer-files-federal-lawsuit-over-shooting/) - A St. Louis police officer was left permanently disabled and is now “drowning in bills,” according to his attorney, after being shot by a fellow officer while off-duty. Officers were trying to apprehend three suspects who had reportedly shot at them while fleeing in a stolen vehicle. The officer has filed a federal lawsuit against
- [When can a business owner sue for defamation?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/07/when-can-a-business-owner-sue-for-defamation/) - If you own a business, your reputation is likely one of your most valued assets. These days, it’s all too easy to damage a business’s reputation — often anonymously. Many times, competitors will take to Twitter or other social media sites to make derogatory and possibly false statements about a business. When are these negative
- [What to do after a breach of contract](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/07/what-to-do-after-a-breach-of-contract/) - As a business owner, when you enter into a contract, you expect the other party to carry their end of the bargain. However, this is not always the case, and the other party may breach the contract. It’s not an uncommon situation, but after it happens, you may be unsure of what options exist to
- [Why modified stretch limos can be deadly](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/07/why-modified-stretch-limos-can-be-deadly/) - Americans hire limousines for everything from high school dances to weddings to a night on the town. They can make people feel special, and also allow partygoers to indulge in alcohol (often provided in the limo) without risking a DUI. Modified stretch limousines are particularly popular, and are often used as party buses. These vehicles
- [How to avoid legal problems with your company’s dress code](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/07/how-to-avoid-legal-problems-with-your-companys-dress-code/) - Workplaces have become more relaxed in recent decades when it comes to what kind of clothing employees are allowed or required to wear. Gone are the Mad Men days where men wore suits and ties, and women wore dresses and skirts. Casual Fridays have given way to full-time casual dress in many offices where employees
- [Who is responsible when a bridge collapses?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/07/who-is-responsible-when-a-bridge-collapses/) - Bridge collapses can occur for any number of reasons. One thing that’s certain is that they can cause multiple serious injuries and fatalities. One collapse that many of our readers may recall occurred close to the northern tip of the Mississippi River in Minnesota almost exactly a dozen years ago. The I-35 bridge collapsed and
- [Intellectual property protection requires more than strong NDAs](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/08/intellectual-property-protection-requires-more-than-strong-ndas/) - As a business owner, you probably rely on nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to help protect your intellectual property (IP). Well-drafted, strictly enforced NDAs are certainly a good first step. However, technology has created many more ways in which IP can get into the wrong hands. People who aren’t bound by NDAs can access your company’s proprietary
- [My kids should be safe in the back seat, right?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/08/my-kids-should-be-safe-in-the-back-seat-right/) - Most parents require their children to sit in the back seat of the family vehicle. Usually, this is because old wisdom says that the back seats are the safest seats in the event of a collision. However, a recent study indicates that this may no longer be true. The study found that those sitting in
- [Elevator malfunctions can cause physical, emotional injuries](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/08/elevator-malfunctions-can-cause-physical-emotional-injuries/) - If most people could see just how elevators are suspended by cables, they’d probably think twice before stepping on one. However, we take for granted that they’re going to get us to our destination safely — whether it’s the top of a St. Louis high rise office building or the second floor of a department
- [Missouri officials warn of phony DNA tests](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/08/missouri-officials-warn-of-phony-dna-tests/) - There have been significant advancements in genetic testing in recent years. With a simple swab of the cheek, people can learn whether they have genetic markers that could make them prone to developing serious and potentially fatal diseases, such as certain types of cancer. However, officials with the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) are
- [What are 3 common causes of child injuries?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/08/what-are-3-common-causes-of-child-injuries/) - Parents and caregivers in O’Fallon need to keep a close eye on children no matter what age they are. When they don’t, it puts them at serious risk of injury or death. There are several ways that minors get hurt when left unattended by their adult caregivers. Data from the National Institutes for Health (NIH)
- [80 people indicted by feds for romance scams, other fraud](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/08/80-people-indicted-by-feds-for-romance-scams-other-fraud/) - Earlier this year, we discussed “romance scams” and how older people, in particular, are victimized by online scammers claiming to be interested in pursuing a relationship. They convince their victims to send them money to help them travel to see them or for some other bogus reason. Last year, as we noted, romance scams cost
- [What parents of new drivers need to know](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/09/what-parents-of-new-drivers-need-to-know/) - If you’re the parent of a teen who’s going to be taking driver’s ed and getting their license this school year, you’ll likely be spending some hours in the front passenger seat with them. They’ll want and need plenty of behind-the-wheel practice before they take their road test. It’s probably been at least a couple
- [When kids drink on prom night](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/09/when-kids-drink-on-prom-night/) - You remember it like it was yesterday. Picking out a dress or a tuxedo, maybe having it altered (at the last minute), getting ready and meeting your date. It felt like the most important night of your life, and, at the time, maybe it was. It’s tough to imagine that, for many teens, prom night
- [Why does LeBron James want to trademark ‘Taco Tuesday?’](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/09/why-does-lebron-james-want-to-trademark-taco-tuesday/) - The term “Taco Tuesday” is used in homes, school cafeterias and restaurants throughout the country. Therefore, some people have considered basketball superstar LeBron James’ recent move to trademark it to be somewhat audacious. The trademark request was filed last month by LBJ Trademarks LLC to protect the term’s use in a variety of forums, including
- [Actress’s sentencing reignites issues of race, wealth](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/09/actresss-sentencing-reignites-issues-of-race-wealth/) - When actress Felicity Huffman received a two-week federal prison sentence this month for her role in the college admissions scandal, many people expressed outrage. She was also fined $30,000 and has to do 250 hours of community service. However, Huffman’s 14-day sentence reignited the issue of sentencing inequalities between wealthy, mostly white defendants and poorer
- [Don’t neglect the dangers of autumn driving](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/09/dont-neglect-the-dangers-of-autumn-driving/) - While fall weather in Illinois and Missouri is certainly more moderate than what we endure in the winter, it can carry some serious driving hazards. If drivers get complacent, they can cause accidents. Fallen leaves are a hazard that many drivers don’t consider. You should always be cautious when driving through them or avoid them
- [Understanding the steps for appealing your civil case?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/10/understanding-the-steps-for-appealing-your-civil-case/) - Bringing your dispute to court was probably not your first choice. Whether you were facing a construction dispute, a business matter or any other type of civil claim, you likely devoted considerable time and money to building your case and presenting your side to the judge or jury. If the ruling of the Illinois court
- [Daughter revives lawsuit that Stan Lee dropped before his death](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/10/daughter-revives-lawsuit-that-stan-lee-dropped-before-his-death/) - Before he died late last year, the late comic creator Stan Lee filed a $1 billion lawsuit against POW! Entertainment. The man known worldwide a creator of a multitude of Avengers characters claimed that executives with the company took advantage of his declining health. He said they induced him to sign away rights to his
- [Some common errors cause most lawsuits against engineers](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/10/some-common-errors-cause-most-lawsuits-against-engineers/) - You spent many years in college and graduate school to become an engineer. Unfortunately, one lawsuit can threaten your professional future and your financial security. One engineering consultant who has testified as an expert witness in professional liability cases says that most lawsuits against engineers fall into one of three categories. Let’s look at these.
- [Tips to keep your kids injury-free this Halloween](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/10/tips-to-keep-your-kids-injury-free-this-halloween/) - If your kids are still young enough to go trick-or-treating, you or another adult is probably going with them this Halloween. However, you still want to make sure that your children (and others you may be in charge of for the night) follow important safety precautions. The American Red Cross provides some valuable tips to
- [Anheuser-Busch sues rival for illegally obtaining its recipes](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/10/anheuser-busch-sues-rival-for-illegally-obtaining-its-recipes/) - For many people who live in and around St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the quintessential brewer. Now, Anheuser-Busch InBev, the company behind Budweiser, Michelob and other popular brands, is wrangling in court with its rival MillerCoors. The battle started this March when MillerCoors sued Anheuser-Busch over a commercial that aired during the Super Bowl. The ad
- [What impact does car size have on the severity of a crash?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/11/what-impact-does-car-size-have-on-the-severity-of-a-crash/) - If you ever have wondered why motorists often buy sports utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks and other large vehicles, you’re probably aware that one reason that they assume that it will protect them better than if they’re struck riding in a small passenger car. Size does matter when a motorist driving a larger vehicle crashes into
- [What happens during the discovery phase of a civil trial?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/11/what-happens-during-the-discovery-phase-of-a-civil-trial/) - Are you about to become involved in a civil trial? Perhaps you have reached your last options for obtaining payment from a delinquent customer. Maybe you are in the middle of a dispute with a partner, business associate or competitor who has violated your trust. You may be seeking compensation from someone whose actions resulted
- [Workers’ compensation ‘legacy claims’ in acquisitions](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/11/workers-compensation-legacy-claims-in-acquisitions/) - If your company is considering or in the process of acquiring another company, you may not have given much thought to that company’s workers’ compensation program — or to the company’s safety culture in general. This may be more relevant in industries where workplace injuries are common than in those where they aren’t. However, employees
- [Why is Byron Allen going before the Supreme Court?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/11/why-is-byron-allen-going-before-the-supreme-court/) - If you only know Byron Allen as a television (TV) personality from your youth, you may be surprised to find out that he’s become a media mogul. His company Entertainment Studios, which he started 25 years ago, is involved in movies, TV and digital media. Now Allen is facing off against cable giant Comcast Corp.
- [How your company can avoid becoming the victim of ‘greenmail’](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/11/how-your-company-can-avoid-becoming-the-victim-of-greenmail/) - A person, group or business entity purchases enough shares of your company’s stock to enable a hostile takeover or at least to have a say in your operations and management. They offer to let your company buy back the shares, but at a much higher price. In exchange, they won’t continue with the attempted takeover
- [Intellectual property you should protect as a restaurant owner](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/11/intellectual-property-you-should-protect-as-a-restaurant-owner/) - Among the many keys to success in the restaurant business is differentiating yourself from your competition. That means not just having good food and the right ambiance for the customers you want to attract. It means protecting the things that make your restaurant(s) unique. Much of that can be protected under intellectual property (IP) laws.
- [Improving your chances of a positive outcome after an accident](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/12/improving-your-chances-of-a-positive-outcome-after-an-accident/) - If you know anything about motor vehicle accidents, you know you will be dealing with three things: pain, inconvenience and expense. From the moment another car collides with yours, your plans for the foreseeable future go to the back burner, and your attention turns to recovering your health and getting your life back on track.
- [What is ‘trade dress?’](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/12/what-is-trade-dress/) - One form of intellectual property (IP) that causes considerable confusion is “trade dress.” In the past, it tended to refer to the way a product was packaged and displayed when it was sold. Its label, box and point-of-sale (POS) displays unique to a product were considered its trade dress. However, it’s been more broadly defined
- [How to avoid employee lawsuits](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/12/how-to-avoid-employee-lawsuits/) - No one starts a business expecting to eventually be mired in costly litigation. Unfortunately, too many business owners end up fighting — and sometimes losing — court battles than can cost them dearly in money and reputation. Many of these lawsuits, particularly those involving employees, can be avoided by simply knowing the law and making
- [Why you shouldn’t settle an accident claim too soon](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/12/why-you-shouldnt-settle-an-accident-claim-too-soon/) - Often people who are injured in a car accident don’t realize how serious their injuries are for some time. Sometimes, they don’t realize they’ve been injured at all. The shock of being in a crash may prevent you from noticing symptoms of a problem. You may be so relieved to be safe and alive that
- [Why isn’t Disney cracking down on unauthorized Baby Yoda images?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2019/12/why-isnt-disney-cracking-down-on-unauthorized-baby-yoda-images/) - Even many adults who don’t have children are obsessed with “Baby Yoda.” The star of the Disney Plus show The Mandalorian isn’t even called that in the series. He’s referred to only as “The Child.” However, his resemblance to the iconic Star Wars character is unmistakable. The adorable creature, who has been compared to a
- [Even a crash at low speeds can lead to serious injuries](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/even-a-crash-at-low-speeds-can-lead-to-serious-injuries/) - When many Illinois residents think of serious car accidents, they often have thoughts of flipped vehicles, mangled metal, ambulances and such. However, some accidents themselves can seem relatively minor but still cause serious injuries to those involved. As a result, it is important to seek medical attention after any type of car accident. You may
- [Products sold on Amazon may not meet safety standards](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/products-sold-on-amazon-may-not-meet-safety-standards/) - If you’re still taking dozens of Amazon Prime boxes to the recycling bin that recently contained toys you bought for your children or other kids in your life, you need to know that many toys sold through the popular online retailer don’t meet federal safety standards. The biggest culprits are toys made by small third-party
- [Why you need insurance if you decide to sell your products online](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/why-you-need-insurance-if-you-decide-to-sell-your-products-online/) - You’ve turned your hobby of making candles or pet toys for friends, family and the occasional craft fair into a small business. You’re selling your products through an online marketplace like Amazon or Etsy. You’ve probably never considered that anyone might sue you, but you can never be sure. What if the squeaker in one
- [Online retailer pulls back in actions to protect its trademark](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/online-retailer-pulls-back-in-actions-to-protect-its-trademark/) - Many Americans who love the outdoors enjoy venturing in to the “backcountry,” which refers to undeveloped wilderness and rural areas. However, a quick Google search of the word brings up the popular online retailer Backcountry.com, which specializes in gear and clothing for the outdoor enthusiast. The company trademarked its name, and it takes that trademark
- [Navigating a truck accident claim can be complicated](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/navigating-a-truck-accident-claim-can-be-complicated/) - If you travel any distance on Illinois or Missouri highways, you know you will likely encounter a big rig. In fact, you may find yourself wedged between several of them as you make your way to your destination. This is not always a comfortable situation because you can’t be certain whether the driver of the
- [What you need to know when opening a pop-up shop](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/what-you-need-to-know-when-opening-a-pop-up-shop/) - Pop-up shops are becoming increasingly popular. There’s plenty of empty retail space out there that landlords would rather lease out for even a limited time than continue to lose money on it. Pop-up shops are a great way to turn a hobby into a money-making proposition. You can sell those Christmas or Halloween decorations you
- [When can whistleblowers disclose trade secrets?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/when-can-whistleblowers-disclose-trade-secrets/) - Whistleblowers are afforded a number of protections under state and federal law in order to allow them to report alleged wrongdoing without suffering retaliation by their employers. Among these protections is immunity under certain circumstances from civil or criminal liability for disclosing trade secrets. This immunity is outlined in the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA),
- [Who may be putting your life at risk by driving drowsy?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/01/who-may-be-putting-your-life-at-risk-by-driving-drowsy/) - Experts recommend that you get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. If you just laughed a little to yourself because that seems impossible, you aren’t alone. Sleep often seems like a luxury, considering all of your daily obligations. More than likely, you have driven when, realistically, you were probably too tired to
- [How to avoid unscrupulous tax preparers](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/02/how-to-avoid-unscrupulous-tax-preparers/) - The last couple of years have brought a lot of tax changes thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The TCJA, signed in to law at the end of 2017, prompted a lot of people to seek the help of a professional in preparing their taxes for the first time. When life changes
- [Did John Bolton steal Lin-Manuel Miranda’s song title?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/02/did-john-bolton-steal-lin-manuel-mirandas-song-title/) - When former National Security Advisor John Bolton announced that his memoir would be published soon, the news was met with considerable media hoopla. The title alone — The Room Where It Happened — created a lot of buzz on Twitter. People wondered how Bolton could use the title of the most popular song from the
- [Some drivers may be addicted to distractions](https://www.dmduree.net/2020/02/some-drivers-may-be-addicted-to-distractions/) - Car accidents happen every day. Most people hope to avoid this outcome, but more and more people put themselves and others at risk of serious injuries by using their cellphones or participating in other activities while driving that take their attention away from the road. You have undoubtedly witnessed your fair share of drivers who
- [Wells Fargo ends mandatory arbitration in sexual harassment cases](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/02/wells-fargo-ends-mandatory-arbitration-in-sexual-harassment-cases/) - One of the outgrowths of the #MeToo movement has been calls for employers to stop requiring alleged victims of sexual harassment and assault to take action via arbitration rather than in court and then to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent them from speaking publicly about their experience or their settlement. Among those speaking out
- [Not all crash injuries are immediately apparent](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/02/not-all-crash-injuries-are-immediately-apparent/) - You were in a car crash a few days ago or maybe even a week or more ago. You thought you escaped uninjured — aside from feeling shaken. Maybe you broke a bone or two, and you thought that was the extent of your injuries. Now you’re starting to experience some troubling symptoms. You wonder
- [Walking and cycling become increasingly dangerous activities](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/02/walking-and-cycling-become-increasingly-dangerous-activities/) - What’s the best way to help control traffic congestion, pollution and weight gain? Get out there and use your own two feet or a bicycle to get around. These low-cost exercises have numerous health benefits, and many people, perhaps you included, are already taking advantage of them. The problem is that walking and cycling continue
- [Illinois college student sues for excessive force, false arrest](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/03/illinois-college-student-sues-for-excessive-force-false-arrest/) - It was just over a year ago when the swim team from East Illinois University (EIU) was returning to the Charleston campus after a championship tournament in South Dakota. The bus the team was riding on pulled off Interstate 80 near an East Moline rest stop. When one swimmer got off the bus to take
- [Former tech exec files for bankruptcy after $179 million judgment](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/03/former-tech-exec-files-for-bankruptcy-after-179-million-judgment/) - A former executive with Google who went on to work for Uber has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after he was ordered to pay Google $179 million for sharing trade secrets and other contract violations. An arbitration panel hearing the case had recommended an award of $127 million to Google. However, a court added legal
- [The consequences of terminating a franchise agreement](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/03/the-consequences-of-terminating-a-franchise-agreement/) - The benefits of buying into a franchise are numerous. You are a small business owner in Illinois with the support of a corporation behind you. Your chances of success are higher because you are working with a proven brand with well-established practices for success. The franchise you choose may offer you all the training you
- [Bank accused of fraudulently opening customer accounts](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/03/bank-accused-of-fraudulently-opening-customer-accounts/) - Many of our readers remember the scandal involving Wells Fargo back in 2016. Employees were opening millions of fake accounts for real customers in an effort to meet sales goals, which are typically tied to compensation. That was just one of the allegations of fraud against the bank. At the end of 2018, Wells agreed
- [Katy Perry wins latest round of copyright infringement battle](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/03/katy-perry-wins-latest-round-of-copyright-infringement-battle/) - Six years after a copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against her, Katy Perry has won a victory thanks to a federal appeals court. However, this likely isn’t the end of the saga. Back in 2014, Christian rapper Marcus Gray, perhaps better known by his stage name Flame, alleged that Perry and her co-songwriters plagiarized a
- [Deaths involving recalled children’s products jumped last year](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/04/deaths-involving-recalled-childrens-products-jumped-last-year/) - There’s considerably more attention paid to the safety of children’s products today than when most of us were kids. However, the number of fatalities is still alarmingly high. According to a study by a Chicago-based nonprofit advocacy group, Kids in Danger (KID), 38 children died in 2019 due to injuries suffered from recalled products. The
- [How charity scammers can take your money](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/04/how-charity-scammers-can-take-your-money/) - It seems like we’re always being asked to donate to one good cause or another. We see TV ads featuring sad animals and sick children. Donation requests are everywhere on social media. When a natural disaster or some other calamity hits, these calls for assistance increase. Most of us want to help worthy causes, even
- [Some injuries have a delayed reaction. Watch for these signs](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/04/some-injuries-have-a-delayed-reaction-watch-for-these-signs/) - Out of nowhere, your vehicle violently jolts. You hear the crunch of metal, and even with your seat belt on, you feel as though the impact threw you around your vehicle. When you and your vehicle finally come to rest, it may take you a few seconds, or even a few minutes, to realize what
- [3 reasons why thorough car accident follow-up is important](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/09/3-reasons-why-thorough-car-accident-follow-up-is-important/) - After a driver strikes your vehicle, you may feel pulled in several different directions. You will have to take actions at the accident scene to ensure anyone with severe injuries gets help. At the same time, you must think about gathering enough information in case you want to file a claim later. But being thoughtful
- [What types of damages could you receive in a car accident lawsuit?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2020/12/what-types-of-damages-could-you-receive-in-a-car-accident-lawsuit/) - After a car crash, injured people face significant burdens. Medical care and time away from work can strain their finances. The stress of an accident’s aftermath can impact every aspect of their life. Worst of all, a crash may leave them without a loved one. During this difficult time, a personal injury lawsuit can offer
- [4 common issues that can lead to a construction dispute](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2021/07/4-common-issues-that-can-lead-to-a-construction-dispute/) - Construction projects can have a widely varied scope from a home remodel to erecting a brand-new building from the ground up. No matter the size of the project, there are numerous scenarios when the developers, contractors, subcontractors or property owners might find themselves at odds. Whether it is a residential construction project or a commercial
- [Distracted driving is far too common](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2021/08/distracted-driving-is-far-too-common/) - Whether driving down a highway or residential street, there will be distractions along the way either created by others on the road or created by the driver themselves. It’s important to know how to avoid distractions to prevent potentially serious car accidents. Types of distractions For decades, the most common distractions while driving were listening
- [5 things not to do after a car accident](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2021/10/5-things-not-to-do-after-a-car-accident/) - Car accidents happen every day in Illinois, but they are usually rare events for the people involved. Most people are totally shocked when they get into a car accident, and people often don’t know what to do. Here are five things that you should definitely not do after this type of incident. #1: Don’t leave
- [The types of car accident damages](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2021/12/the-types-of-car-accident-damages/) - Auto accident victims in Illinois face common obstacles in the aftermath of what is often a pivotal moment in their lives. Even the families of those injured can find themselves dealing with the same or even worse circumstances. There are some typical damages that apply in every injury situation, and also some potentially available damages
- [When can I sue over construction project delays?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2022/04/when-can-i-sue-over-construction-project-delays/) - Construction projects in Illinois never seem to meet their intended completion date. However, what is the difference between unforeseen delays and those where contractors were negligent in performing their duties? What type of construction delays are open to lawsuits? Construction delays are fraught with pitfalls Delay claims are some of the most misunderstood issues in
- [How can you pay for medical expenses after an accident on the job?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2022/08/how-can-you-pay-for-medical-expenses-after-an-accident-on-the-job/) - An accident on the job can leave injured workers with significant medical costs for appointments, medication, surgery, physical therapy or other treatment. This can leave families wondering how they can address the cost of that care, especially if those injuries keep the injured person away from their work. What should injured workers know about paying
- [What to avoid after a car wreck](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2022/08/what-to-avoid-after-a-car-wreck/) - A car accident may result in serious injuries or property damage. If you are struck by a negligent motorist while traveling in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation to pay medical bills or to repair a damaged vehicle. However, there are key mistakes that you’ll want to avoid after a crash to minimize the
- [Top 5 workplace injuries to look out for in Illinois](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2022/10/top-5-workplace-injuries-to-look-out-for-in-illinois/) - Back injuries Back injuries are some of the most common workplace injuries, and they can occur from lifting heavy objects to sitting in an uncomfortable position for long periods. Symptoms of a back injury if you experience pain, stiffness or numbness in your back. Prevent some injury by using ergonomic chairs, moving frequently and using
- [When can you sue a contractor for delays in Illinois?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2022/12/when-can-you-sue-a-contractor-for-delays-in-illinois/) - Construction jobs of any kind involve some level of unpredictability. This is why you should always make a comprehensive and formal agreement before breaking ground on the project in Illinois. You can't predict everything But even with the most airtight construction…
- [Workplace injuries and seeking compensation](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2023/02/workplace-injuries-and-seeking-compensation/) - If you are suffering from an injury at work in Illinois, you may be entitled to financial compensation for damages you have incurred because of your injury. This can include various types of damages, each aimed at helping you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injury. Some of the most common
- [What are the leading causes of fatal accidents?](https://www.dmduree.net/blog/2023/04/what-are-the-leading-causes-of-fatal-accidents/) - Although cars become safer every year, the incidence of motor vehicle accidents in Illinois remains constant, with fatal accidents continuing to climb. About 13 accidents occur every minute, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While drivers cannot entirely prevent accidents, they can drive defensively and be aware of the most dangerous driving situations. Fatal

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- [David Maxwell Duree](https://www.dmduree.net/attorney/david-maxwell-duree/) - David M. Duree has more than 40 years experience in handling Personal Injury Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Arbitration Litigation,Construction Litigation, Consumer Litigation, Franchise Litigation and Engineering Litigation. With offices in St. Louis, Mo. and O'Fallon, Ill., he also handles cases in numerous other states Areas of Practice Construction and Engineering Law 35% Personal Injury 20% Commercial

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