Author: Jennifer Gulbrandsen

The Law Firm of Parente & Norem, P.C. and partner Matthew J. Coleman, are proud to be “Double Eagle” sponsors at the Center for Independence’s 24^th Annual Benefit. 

The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children with physical disabilities gain independence. The Center does this by developing their motor functions in a manner that creates positive self-esteem, self-direction and an “I Can!” attitude. Since 1998, the Center for Independence has served more than 1000 children and young adults and provided over $14,000,000 in charitable services. No child has ever been turned away, nor program hours reduced, due to insurance or income limitations.

Parente & Norem is proud to introduce Tiki, a guide dog sponsored by partner and head of our Work Injury department, Matthew Coleman. Tiki is a guide dog with the Guide Dogs of America. She is an adorable Lab who is just about to be 18 months old, and has passed all of her ‘puppy kindergarten’ training. 

Guide Dogs of America is an organization that transforms lives through partnerships with service dogs. They breed, raise, and train guide dogs for individuals who are blind/visually impaired, and provide service dogs for veterans and children with autism. They also place facility dogs with professionals in hospitals, schools, and courtrooms. Guide Dogs of America’s highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient.

This past December, Tiki was selected as a breeder for Guide Dogs of America! This is quite an honor because only the top 2% of dogs being puppy raised are selected for this special program! We hope Tiki will deliver many generations of successful service/guide dogs. Way to go, Tiki! We think you’re pretty PAWESOME!!! ?

Meet Parente & Norem trial attorney, Taylor Matichak. As a fearless advocate and supporter of workers’ rights, Taylor R. Matichak focuses her practice exclusively on work injuries. Her relentless support of workers’ rights began in early childhood after her father, an ironworker with Local 444, suffered serious and permanent injuries on a jobsite in a construction accident. Experiencing first-hand the many challenges that injured workers and their families face is the reason Taylor decided at a young age to pursue law school. Her own experiences allow her to clearly understand and effectively communicate the needs of our clients. She truly cares for the injured workers she represents and commits herself to every case with compassion and diligence. For more information on Taylor and our other attorneys, click here.

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. is proud to announce that we were a dinner sponsor at this week’s Annual Will & Grundy Building Trades Council Golf Outing at the Wedgewood Golf Club in Joliet. 

The event brought together several businesses, unions, and professionals for a day of fun on the links, networking, and camaraderie. The Parente and Norem team was well represented by our attorneys Dennis Lynch and Taylor Matichak, as well as paralegal Esmeralda Ruiz.

When you’ve been injured, a lot of times it can be difficult to determine whether or not you need a personal injury attorney. In the moment, you could have complete trust in the insurance companies to act in your best interests. Maybe you don’t think your injuries or losses are enough to have a long term impact on you and your loved ones’ lives. Here at the Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. our experienced trial attorneys are here to fight for your rights and get you the care and compensation you deserve. Here are five reasons why you need a personal injury attorney after you’ve been injured. 

The Insurance Companies Are Not Working In Your Best Interests

It’s always best to remember that while insurance companies have to operate within certain laws and guidelines; at the end of the day they are a business that isn’t concerned with you as an individual more than they are concerned with their bottom line. They also have teams of attorneys in their corner managing negotiating the lowest settlement possible for a claim. It simply isn’t a fair fight if you go it alone. You deserve to have a competent trial attorney in your corner who will not only level the playing field, but also work tirelessly for your rights. 

The Damages You’ve Sustained May Be More Serious Than You Think

When an injury occurs, no one has a crystal ball to see into the future of how that injury will impact your life for years to come. While you may feel fine today, issues can pop up at any time down the road, and you should receive appropriate care and compensation to treat your injuries. There are laws that protect victims of another’s negligence to receive compensation for intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. The personal injury attorneys at Parente & Norem can best assess these damages and work to get you the best relief possible. 

Our Biggest Priority Is Your Recovery

The Law Offices of Parente & Norem will be there to guide you through the recovery process from the moment you seek medical attention for your injury through negotiations with the at-fault parties to get you fair compensation. If the offer isn’t favorable to our client, we take the case to trial. That’s what we mean when we say experience, dedication, and proven results. 

Sometimes Liability Is Unclear

There are times when an incident with injuries occurs, and who is at fault or negligent can seem ambiguous. If liability is unclear, you will need someone willing to compile a substantial amount of evidence to prove your innocence and that the other party was negligent. In the case of a car accident, for example, police records, photos of the accident, the official accident report, medical records, and eyewitness testimony are all pieces of evidence you must collect, organize, and use to make your case. This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner is so vital when it comes to seeking justice. 

Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Saves You Time

Your life after being injured should be solely focused on recovery. It takes hours upon hours to collect things like medical records, police reports, accident/incident reports, interviewing experts, and dealing with insurance adjusters. Let the professionals handle this process so you can focus on recovering and returning to the life you had before getting injured. 

As you have read, there are several reasons to hire a personal injury attorney.  Between insurance negotiation, knowing how to look out for injuries, and having a deep understanding of the law, a personal injury lawyer is much better equipped to earn you your due care and compensation. Call or text Parente & Norem today at 312.641.5926 for a free case evaluation. At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. your path to justice begins with us. 

This article is strictly informational and should not be considered legal advice.

Memorial Day kicks off the summer travel season. This year’s volume on the roads is expected to be especially high as COVID-19 restrictions are rolled back and people are anxious to get out and see the world again after two years of staying close to home. 

According to the NHTSA, over 9,000 fatal motor crashes occurred between the months of June through August in 2019. While not every motor vehicle accident is preventable, there are some things you can do to lessen the chances of an unfortunate incident occurring. Here are five summer travel safety tips to get you safely to your destination this summer. 

Buckle Up

Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Be sure every passenger is restrained in their seat in an age appropriate manner. Children under thirteen should not ride in the front seat. Be sure to have all car seats, boosters, and other devices properly installed and secured. Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and when the vehicle is not in use be sure to keep the doors locked and keys out of reach of children so they aren’t tempted to play inside the car. 

Stay Alert and Avoid Risky Behaviors

Be sure that all licensed drivers are well rested and ready to drive. Leave plenty of time for stops so you can stretch, walk around, eat, and answer emails, calls, and texts. Do not text and drive or drive distracted. It is always illegal to drive impaired on any substances whether they are legal or not. Always pull over if you are not feeling alert and up to driving. 

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Up to Date On All Services

Before hitting the road, be sure your vehicle is up to date on all services including oil changes and emissions. Check for any recalls your vehicle may have, and have those addressed as well. Always drive with the gas tank close to full whenever possible, and check the condition of your tires and tire pressure often. 

Complete a Vehicle Safety Checklist Before You Leave

Make sure the following items are running well before you take off on your trip:

• Battery
• Lights (Including brake lights and turn signals)
• Cooling System
• Oil Levels
• Belts and Hoses
• Wiper Blades
• Air Conditioning
• Floor Mats (these can bunch up under the gas and brake pedal if not installed properly)

Communicate Your Route And ETA With At Least Two People

Phone service and wifi isn’t consistently available in rural areas, so be sure to let at least two people know what route you are taking, how long you plan to take on your drive, and check in with them each time you stop to give any updates or changes to your plans. That way if something goes wrong, they will have an idea of where you might be and how long it’s been since they last spoke to you. 

We at the Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. hope all of you have a safe and happy summer travel season. Be sure to save our number, 312.641.5926 into your phone should you need our services at any time. 

Parente & Norem Trial Attorney, Dennis Lynch, explains what you need to do if you’re involved in an accident involving a commercial truck. 

At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C., your case is about a person who needs justice. You are never only a file or a number. In this video, trial attorney Cole Munvez, explains why he believes getting justice for those impacted by a Wrongful Death is so meaningful.

In this video, Parente & Norem trial attorney, Dennis Lynch, explains why it is imperative to have a personal injury attorney on your side when you’ve been injured. 

What does it mean when you choose a law firm with Experience, Dedication, and Proven Results? Partner Chris Norem explains why this sets The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. apart from the rest.