Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Questions Answered by Steve McCann
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Do Chicago tenants have legal right to break lease if heat keeps breaking & landlord offers only temporary fixes?

Do tenants in the city of Chicago have the legal right to break their lease if the unit heat keeps breaking down in winter, & the landlord is only offering temporary fixes? The unit has heat in only living room and no heating unit in the kitchen. It is extremely cold in the apartment. What... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 31, 2019

Yes, it is certainly possible to break the lease and/or receive compensation based on the facts provided. That said, the viability of such a course of action depends on specific facts that are not provided here, such as whether or not the apartment you are renting is subject to the Chicago... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: How do I get help finding a civil litigation attorney to help me file a lawsuit against a psychologist. I have proof to

Sink the psychologist it’s a slam dunk case. I’m willing to do all work to start it then hand it over to an attorney to litigate it for me

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 21, 2019

It depends on the nature of your claims against the psychologist. That being the case, I recommend organizing everything in your possession related to this matter, including your medical records, and consulting with civil litigation attorney immediately. Many of us offer free consultations, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Construction Law, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: are electricity bill is $629.00 and our house is still freezing and the land Lord is a jerk no ceiling in the bathroom

and you can see light through the roof do we have any options my husband is on ssd

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 14, 2019

You are likely entitled to a remedy, but the best course of action is dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the location of the apartment, and whether or not it is subject to the RLTO.

In any event, I recommend organizing everything in your possession relevant to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: What legal rights do we have against a Contractor?

We hired a contractor almost 2 years ago to do work within our home, they did the work and within 3 months the same issues came back. We’ve reached out and they do patches, we’ve requested a refund and they said they’d send someone out to do the work. They’re no longer responding to our... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 7, 2019

Your legal rights are dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the precise terms of the contract and the nature of the issues you are having with your home. That being the case, I recommend you organize everything in your possession related to this matter, including the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Contract for deed void because of missing and wrong info on contract? It's also only a 4 year contract.

My mother in law sold her house on a contract for deed sale in Coles Co. Illinois. It was signed in June of 2015 and wrote out as monthly payments for 48 months and then a lump sum balloon payment. The girl who helped her write the Contract did it like crap.

Contract says original purchase... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Dec 20, 2018

There are several issues based on the facts presented. Illinois has very strict requirements when it comes to contracts for deed, or installment land contracts. If all of the requirements are not met, it can be deemed voidable by the court, which could entitle the previous buyer to all funds paid... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Do I have the right to pull his fence on my property?

Neighbors cattle fence to the N, W, and S are on my property 3-4 feet in places. Survey was done. This farmer has seen the stakes and survey, but says survey is not clear. I have spent over $2000 already to make a clear point. Really don't want to drag this to court. He will no longer talk to... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Dec 5, 2018

Assuming the survey clearly shows the fence is on your property, you have every right to remove it off of your property. That said, there are practical considerations to take into account when dealing with a neighbor. Thus, I recommend organizing everything in your possession relevant to this... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Illinois on
Q: If I develop depression as a result of being bed-ridden after two surgeries from a car accident, is that something I can

sue for as emotional distress?

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Nov 26, 2018

Yes, you can certainly sue for damages based on depression so long as your attorney can prove it is proximately caused by the accident in question. Therefore, I recommend seeking treatment related to the depression if you have not done so already.

After seeking treatment, I recommend you...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Illinois on
Q: I was involved in a car accident 10/19/2018. No liscence or insurance...

On 10/19/2018 I was driving down Butterfield Rd at approximately 50Mph (Road speed limit 50) this road is a 2 way only with cars being able to pull out from right hand side to make either a left or a right hand turn. I was reaching dupage Pkwy when a car decided to fail to yield to a stop sign and... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Oct 29, 2018

I am terribly sorry to hear this. First and foremost, you and all of the passengers in the vehicle should seek all necessary medical attention immediately. Next, you should consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss details surrounding this matter. An attorney would have to view far more... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Wrongful Death for Illinois on
Q: If my wife got injured due to another driver's negligence, can that guy's estate sue her for wrongful death?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Oct 29, 2018

You wife can certainly be sued, but the estate's chances of recovery is very slim if your wife was not negligent. If your wife was not negligent, and still sustained injuries as the result of an accident, I suggest you consult with a personal injury attorney immediately to discuss her options... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: What type of evidence should I try to preserve after a multi-car accident that caused me injuries?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Oct 29, 2018

If you were involved in a multi-car accident and sustained injuries, you should first and foremost obtain all medical treatment necessary. Next, you should hire a personal injury attorney. Do not make any statements until you are represented by an attorney.

Many of us offer free...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: My mom wants to sell a condo and my sister doesn't. They both own the condo. How do we solve this issue?

Mom and daughter are not getting along well.

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Oct 25, 2018

The answer to your question is dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the type of deed, the names on the deed, who has made majority of the payments, etc... As such, I recommend you organize everything in your possession regarding this matter, including the property... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Illinois on
Q: I signed my lease and never got a copy of it?

I singed the lease October for the 8th and i never received a copy of it. I’ve asked multiple times for a copy and still haven’t gotten one. What do I do?

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Oct 16, 2018

You have a couple of options based on the facts provided, but the most suitable option is dependent on facts that are not provided here, such as your goals in the matter (i.e. if you want to terminate the lease, etc...) and if your lease is subject to the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice for Illinois on
Q: What types of injuries qualify as medical malpractice rather than just risks assumed by a procedure you undergo?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Oct 11, 2018

This is a very fact specific determination that cannot possibly be answered with specificity based on the limited facts provided. Thus, if you believe you have sustained injuries as a result of medical malpractice, I recommend organizing all medical records and bills, and consult with an attorney... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: A contractor took my deposit over 10k and never performed work, will not provide refund, said he no longer wants to talk

The contractor verbally promised a 10% discount and build date within 60-90 days if I signed a contract and provided down payment that day. I agreed and signed a contract. The contract did not list the build date. After multiple calls and text messages over the course of 8 months (the contractor... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Sep 20, 2018

You have a couple of options, but the best option is dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the terms of the contract, and details about the contractor's company. That being the case, I recommend you organize everything in your possession regarding this message,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: I was sold a vehicle which I was told had no damage . i later found out in had frame damage.Can I sue for product liab?

I was involved in an accident. I hit a parked car , however the entire vehicle flipped causing me to be hospitalized, I lost wages at work, etc. I later found out the car had frame damage which played a huge role in why the car flipped instead of staying upright.

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 29, 2018

It is certainly possible you have a viable cause of action, as well as the ability to recover for the personal injuries sustained. However, the chances of recovery are dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the details around the collision and the applicability of various... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Hi I was wondering if a tenant has to leave his apartment because of a pest control issue and someone burglarizes

The apartment doesn't a landlord or the police have to contact the tenants who live in the apartment ????

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 28, 2018

It is certainly possible a tenant can leave an apartment due to pest control issues and burglaries, as there is an implied warranty of habitability in every lease in Illinois. In addition, there may be added protections to the tenant if the apartment is in Chicago and subject to the Chicago... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: My husband passed away and legally left me his business. Do I still need a lawyer to sell the building?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 28, 2018

There are a variety of scenarios that are possible based on the limited facts provided, but all solutions should begin with consulting an attorney to ensure the transaction is done correctly and efficiently. There can be probate implications, contractual implications and the like. Many of us... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Illinois on
Q: Is contingency allowed for a 22.1 disclosure negotiable, or timebound? Does buyer have an out on this basis til closing
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 24, 2018

It depends on the language in the contract and the basis for justifying the buyer terminating the contract based on the 22.1 disclosures, as it is a fact specific determination. I recommend asking the attorney representing you in this transaction for his or her opinion on this matter, as they are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: What action can I take against a general contractor who did not get the permits he promised me for our home remodel?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 20, 2018

Your options are dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the terms of the contract with your GC and the representations your GC made regarding obtaining the requisite permits. That being the case, I recommend organizing everything in your possession regarding this matter,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Illinois on
Q: If you are injured in a motorcycle accident but weren't wearing a helmet can that hurt your case?
Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Aug 10, 2018

It certainly possible that not wearing a helmet in a motorcycle accident, but the affect of that fact is dependent on specific facts that are not provided here, such as the nature and extend of your injuries.

More importantly, do you have an attorney representing you in this matter? If...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.