When another person’s negligence leads to your injuries, you can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. If you have a valid case, you may be able to recover compensation to cover the costs you’ve incurred from your injuries.
These costs can include your medical bills, income you lost as a result of being injured, property damage, mental anguish, and other damages. Here is a look at the most common types of personal injury cases with a legal overview of what is involved in each.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving motor vehicles are among the most common personal injury cases. Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents all occur due to negligence. In many scenarios, it’s due to distracted driving. Other negligent behaviors behind the wheel may include speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, and driving under the influence.
The more vehicles involved in a crash, the more complicated it can get. Additionally, in Illinois, comparative negligence laws could mean that you may be partially at fault for these events. If you are given more than 50% of the blame, you will not be able to recover compensation.
Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases involve accidents that cause injuries on someone else’s property — whether it’s public, private, or commercial. All property owners must uphold a duty to keep their premises safe for invited guests. Failure to fulfill this duty could be deemed negligent and allow the injured party to file a claim.
Slip and fall accidents are among the most well-known premises liability cases. These are common in stores, restaurants, and hotels. In Illinois, snow and ice accidents occur frequently as well. However, it’s difficult to prove negligence without evidence, which is why injury victims should seek legal representation to validate their claim.
Product Liability Cases
When a product is defective in its design, manufactured with a defect, or comes without proper directions or warnings, it can leave someone suffering injuries. Product liability cases are incredibly complex and often involve car parts and dangerous supplements. If you or a loved one were hurt by a defective product, speak to an attorney.
Workplace Accident Cases
Accidents in the workplace are more common in certain professions, though they can happen in any type of setting. Generally, workers’ compensation is supposed to cover your medical bills and some of your lost wages. This coverage is meant to prevent tons of lawsuits from being filed and protects your employer. However, in cases where employers have been grossly negligent or a third party was involved, you can file a personal injury claim.
Dog Bite Cases
If you were invited onto someone’s property or out in a public place and a dog bites you, Illinois law follows strict liability practices. This means that the owner is responsible for paying for your injuries. If you provoke the dog or are trespassing, you do not have a valid claim.
Medical Malpractice Cases
When you visit a healthcare facility, you trust medical professionals to take care of your health. While most doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers work tirelessly to ensure they do what is best for you, there are some who may make medical errors that cause injuries. Birth injuries, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and medication errors are among the most common of these cases. Medical malpractice cases can be tricky and may require expert witnesses to give their testimony.
How Does a Personal Injury Attorney Help Injury Victims?
With any personal injury case, an attorney can help injury victims by taking over all the responsibility. Essentially, they become your legal representative who will conduct negotiations on your behalf.
In the event that your injuries are severe, it’s ideal that you work with a lawyer. Gathering the evidence you need to prove the other party was negligent is one of the most important steps. If you are stuck in the hospital from your injuries, the evidence may wash away on the roads, surveillance footage may be erased, and key witnesses may move away or simply forget the details. Your attorney can do this and make sure everything is filed on time to start your case.
Read Also: Why You Should Hire A Car Accident Lawyer
