Paralysis injuries are life-altering and can create many unforeseen obstacles in the life of the person affected. When the injury was due to the negligence of another person, it can amplify feelings of anger and helplessness. With the help of a Lake County paralysis injury lawyer, though, you may be able to begin piecing together a case and recovering compensation for your injuries.
A paralyzing injury can lead to lost wages, decreased quality of life, limited employment opportunities, and many other compensable losses. If you are suffering from similar damages due to a paralysis injury, fighting for compensation with a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney’s assistance could help you begin putting your life back together and create peace of mind.
Preparing for a Paralysis Injury Case
After connecting with a Lake County paralysis injury lawyer, a potential plaintiff would attend an initial consultation. The purpose of this meeting is to give the attorney more insight into the injury, so they can begin crafting the case.
The accident victim would likely be asked questions regarding how the paralysis happened, the nature of their injury, their current diagnosis, and their prognosis for recovery. From here, the attorney would likely ask about costs of care, wage losses, and any other legal issues pertinent to the case, with the goal of connecting negligence by the defendant to the injury in order to prove the victim’s right to compensation.
Proving Fault in Lake County Paralysis Injury Cases
735 ILCS 5/2-1116 defines “fault” in the context of civil injuries as stemming from a willful, negligent, or wanton act or failure to act. State courts apply a modified comparative negligence rule, which states that victims cannot be 51 percent or more at fault for their injury, to such cases in Illinois.
Under this rule, compensation is adjusted according to fault. For example, victims that are deemed 40 percent responsible for their injuries are only entitled to 60 percent of their total damages. Since the defense almost always argues that the victim was at least partially at fault, compiling a comprehensive and compelling case that also contests any allegations of wrongdoing by the plaintiff should be a top priority for individuals suffering from paralysis injury.
Statute of Limitations for Paralysis Injury Cases
735 ILCS 5/13-202 states that victims of paralysis injuries due to another person’s negligence must file any lawsuit they wish to pursue within two years of the date of their injury. This same time limit applies for injuries related to medical mistakes as well, although in these cases the time can be extended if the injury is discovered after the date on which it actually occurred. However, malpractice lawsuits have a strict four-year time limit regardless of the discovery date, as per 735 ILCS 5/13-212.
Speaking with a Lake County Paralysis Injury Attorney
Struggling with a paralysis injury can understandably make it hard to find the energy to deal with legal matters. By reaching out to a Lake County paralysis injury lawyer, though, you could obtain the help you need to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today to set up a consultation and get started on your case.
