A single moment in time could forever change your life. Events such as car accidents, slips and falls, or even assaults may inflict injuries that affect your physical health, your mental wellbeing, or even your finances.
While it may seem clear that the other party carries blame for your injuries, it is always the responsibility of the plaintiff to demonstrate fault in settlement talks or at trial. This may involve proving simple negligence, but in some cases, the state utilizes special statutes that change how liability is defined.
If you suffered a personal injury because of the actions of another party, a Naperville personal injury lawyer could help fight for your interests. A dedicated attorney’s goal is to bring you the compensation you deserve with as little stress as possible.
The Basics of Personal Injury Cases
Most personal injury cases revolve around accidents. Even if someone does not mean to cause harm, Illinois state law affirms that their reckless or careless behavior may create liability if it leads to an accident, and they could be held responsible for a victim’s losses even if criminal laws do not justify an arrest. Some common examples of personal injury cases include:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle wrecks, including those that involve pedestrians
- Animal attacks
- Accidents on private property, including slipping, tripping, and falling incidents
- Unreasonably dangerous consumer products
In most of these claims, the plaintiff needs to prove that a defendant was negligent. This means that the defendant had a legal duty to provide protection, failed to do so, and caused injury to the plaintiff as a result.
The other source of personal injuries is intentional conduct. For example, victims of assault, kidnapping, or sexual battery may be able to pursue civil claims for compensation. Criminal and civil cases are separate matters, but a criminal conviction may serve as powerful evidence of a defendant’s civil fault.
While personal injury cases will all differ in terms of relevant facts and the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, they all share one thing in common. 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/13-202 gives plaintiffs in personal injury cases only two years from the date of injury to make a claim, so victims and their personal injury attorneys in Naperville must act quickly to protect their rights to compensation.
Recoverable Damages
The center of any personal injury claim is a physical harm. In fact, a case cannot proceed without medical evidence of a physical injury. These injuries do not need to threaten a person’s life, but they do need to require medical attention.
A complete personal injury claim can demand compensation for the full impact of the injury on the plaintiff’s life, including medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced work capacity. A comprehensive claim should include all potential sources of compensation in this regard.
Additionally, a claim should account for the emotional impact of the injury. Pain and suffering, a loss of quality of life, and even general mental anguish can all comprise a significant portion of a plaintiff’s damages. A Naperville personal injury lawyer could help clients measure the full value of their case and pursue full compensation.
Contact a Naperville Personal Injury Attorney Today
Suffering through a personal injury is never easy. Even if your wounds eventually heal, you may require medical treatment, endure a loss of earnings, and experience significant pain. More serious injuries could leave you with scarring, a temporary loss of physical function, or even permanent disabilities.
No matter the severity of your injuries, the responsible party may owe you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish. A Naperville personal injury lawyer could help you to pursue a cases by investigating the incident, placing the evidence within the context of the law, and demanding full repayment through either settlement talks and in court. Call today to discuss your case.
