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Even with advanced weather science to better predict storm conditions, Mother Nature still holds all the cards. The massive tornado that obliterated Moore, Okla., on May 20 struck just 16 minutes after the first siren was sounded. And while violent storms grab all the headlines, more common severe weather like heat waves, heavy rain and lightning cause considerable casualties. While there are no guarantees, you should know how to prepare for the worst and increase…

Robert A. Clifford, senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, recently was interviewed by Dean Gregory Mark of DePaul University College of Law. In the wide-ranging Q and A, Clifford spoke on a number of topics, reflecting on his 30 years since graduating from DePaul Law School. “Tort reform,” Clifford’s recently being named Person of the Year by Chicago Lawyer Magazine and his nearly two decades of sponsoring a two-day symposium at the law school were…

By the numbers 218,851 Injured Kids: Between 2001 and 2008, an average of 218,851 preschool and elementary-aged children were treated at emergency rooms for playground equipment injuries. Source: Injury Research, National Program for Playground Safety Four-sided Fence: Four-sided fencing around pools decreases the risk of childhood drowning by 83 percent, as opposed to a three-sided fence with the fourth side formed by the home. Source: Unintentional Drowning: Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

Summer is in full swing and kids are everywhere, wringing out every glorious minute of summer vacation before it’s back to school. And you know what that means: a whole new round of bumps and bruises! Injuries Spike During Summer Summertime fun shouldn’t be derailed by a trip to the hospital. But unfortunately, more than 3 million kids in America under 14 will be rushed to the emergency room with serious injuries this summer, and…

The summer months are a great time for children to enjoy their time off from school and play on playground equipment. The only issue is that there are quite a few unsafe playgrounds. Knowing more about playground safety and what that means can better ensure that children continue having fun and parents can worry less. What exactly ensures the greatest playground safety? Playground Safety Checklist The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a checklist of…

Agencies Provide Extensive Motorcycle Safety Resources Check out Motorcycle Safety at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for background information, the motorcycle safety guide and state-by-state fact sheets. Also visit Motorcycles at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the studies, free brochures and the latest public safety campaign material. Motorcycle Safety Foundation Encourages Rider Courses The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a wide range of training courses for motorcyclists of all skill and experience…

When flying, many passengers opt to sit as close as possible to the front of the plane, usually for the added convenience of leaving the aircraft first. Still others choose to sit over the wings of a plane with the mindset that this is one of the safest places to sit in the event of a plane crash. Where is, in fact, the safest to sit? Boeing is sure to reinforce the idea that, “One seat’s…

July 22, 2013 Bradley Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, was appointed by the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) as a Legislative Liaison of the Tort Litigation Committee. Also, Pamela Sakowicz Menaker was appointed by CBA President J. Timothy Eaton to the Public Affairs Committee. For further information, contact Clifford Law Offices’ Communications Partner Pamela Sakowicz Menaker at 847-251-4877. Pammenaker@Cliffordlaw.com www.CliffordLaw.com www.CliffordAviationLaw.com

By the Numbers 8 Million Riders: Motorcycle ridership is at an all-time high in the United States with more than 8 million registered motorcycles on the roads in 2010. Source: State Motor-Vehicle Registrations, U.S. Department of Transportation 1,829 Lives Saved: Motorcycle helmets saved 1,829 lives in 2008. An estimated 823 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had been wearing helmets. Source: Motorcycle Facts (download), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 25 Times Cars: Per…