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In an instant, a severe injury can devastate your life. An accident could lead to hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. It could also cause you unrelenting pain, which could prevent you from working or even participating in activities that you have always loved.
If someone else caused your injury, you may be feeling angry, anxious, or overwhelmed. Let a dedicated attorney walk you through your legal options for holding the negligent person responsible and recovering the financial compensation you need for your losses. A Jersey County personal injury lawyer could answer your questions and advise you on the best strategy for you and your family.
Common Reasons for Injury Claims in Jersey County
A claimant is eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit if the negligent, reckless, or willful misconduct of another person or company causes them to suffer an injury. An experienced local attorney could help bring a personal injury claim for the following scenarios, among others:
- Car crashes
- Medical or surgical malpractice
- Premises liability incidents, such as pool accidents, dog bites, and slip and falls
- Sporting or recreation accidents
- Defective or dangerous products or drugs
- Construction site or other workplace accidents
- Intentional violence
Investigating a Personal Injury Claim
A dedicated attorney in the area could investigate the incident that led to the injury. This would involve gathering and examining all relevant evidence, including police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, and product manufacturing records. They could use their knowledge to determine what caused the injury and if another person or company’s negligence caused it to occur. A skilled personal injury lawyer understands the local laws and regulations and could use this to a claimant’s advantage.
Recoverable Damages for a Personal Injury
If an Illinois court determines that another person was to blame for an accident, a claimant could collect damages from the at-fault person or their insurance company. Illinois allows claimants to collect economic damages, which means damages that can be calculated in precise dollar figures. These may include:
- Medical bills
- Transportation expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
Courts also allow claimants to collect non-economic damages, which are harder to quantify. Non-economic damages awards include payment for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, and disfigurement.
Limitations on Recovery for Injury Lawsuits
Fortunately, there are no statutory limits on recoverable damages in Illinois. However, a court will consider if the claimant bears some responsibility for the accident. Because Illinois operates with a modified comparative fault standard, a court could reduce a claimant’s damages based on their degree of fault in causing the accident.
For example, say that a case involves a car crash. If the evidence shows that the claimant was driving 10 miles above the speed limit when a drunk driver hit them at an intersection, a court may conclude that the claimant was 10 percent responsible for the incident and the drunk driver was 90 percent to blame. The claimant would then be entitled to 90 percent of the damages.
However, if a claimant is more than 50 percent at fault for their injuries, they will be barred from collecting any compensation at all. It is crucial for injured victims to work with a seasoned Jersey County attorney to increase their chances of a favorable damages award.
Let a Jersey County Personal Injury Attorney Help You
If somebody else’s actions or inactions caused you to suffer an injury, you should not have to worry about how you can pay for your medical bills. Let a Jersey County personal injury lawyer handle your case while you focus on your physical and emotional healing. A diligent local attorney could fight tirelessly to get you the compensation that you are due, so reach out today for a consultation.
