When someone is injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault, it can completely change the course of their life. They may need to take considerable time off of work in order to recover physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, any length of recovery has the potential to result in financial troubles. If you need legal assistance after an accident, a Joliet personal injury lawyer from Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP can help.
Our law firm strives to help accident victims recover compensation for accidents that weren’t their fault. While physical injuries can be challenging to deal with, that’s often only the beginning of the struggles associated with any accident. No matter what your situation may be, we can help you take steps to hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries and losses.
Filing a claim takes time and the process can be complex, which is why it’s important to have a personal injury attorney guide you through the process each step of the way. This way, nothing will jeopardize your claim and you’ll be able to focus on healing, instead of worrying how to proceed.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Personal injury cases fall under civil law and are handled by state and sometimes federal courts depending on the circumstances. Each type of case is handled a little differently, but the majority are based on the concept of negligence. In Illinois, negligence is described as a situation where someone owes another person a duty of care but fails to follow through. As a result, they can be held liable for injuries. Some of the most common personal injury cases we handle include the following:
Traffic accidents happen on a daily basis. Most, however, only result in minor property damage. With serious accidents—especially those that happen at high speeds, involve multiple vehicles, or are between a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer—extensive damage and injuries may occur. The majority of auto crashes are the result of human error and reckless driving—which is why many car accident victims have the right to file a personal injury claim.
Nursing home abuse is far more widespread than many people realize. Unfortunately, even well-reviewed facilities have been found abusing or neglecting patients. If you have a loved one in a long-term care facility and you believe they are being harmed by staff members or other residents, a personal injury attorney can help you determine if there are grounds for a claim.
Nursing homes are not the only medical facilities were negligence takes place. Any doctor, nurse, or medical professional can commit an act of negligence that harms a patient. Often times, medical malpractice occurs in the operating room and while administering medications.
If you’ve been injured on-the-job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. While it’s true you can often apply for such benefits online and you may feel legal guidance isn’t necessary, there are numerous incidents were injured employees don’t receive the full benefits they’re entitled to. We can evaluate your situation and ensure you receive the maximum award.
In the event you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, we’re here to help your family file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. We understand how challenging it can be to lose a loved one under any circumstances, but the unexpected loss of a family member has the potential to result in serious financial problems as well. Filing a wrongful death claim has the potential to secure your family’s financial future so you can focus on mourning your loved one’s passing and taking care of one another without worrying about debt and unexpected bills.
Personal Injury Laws in Illinois
Personal injury laws vary by state, so it’s important to understand the rights and obligations that apply to your claim. Your lawyer will have a comprehensive understanding of the laws and will be sure to explain them to you in a way that makes sense.
For starters, you’ll want to ensure you file your claim within the existing statute of limitations. A statute of limitations establishes how long a plaintiff has to take legal action for their accident and injuries. In Illinois, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year time limit. While the time generally starts when the injuries are sustained, sometimes a discovery period applies. In addition to that, a statute of limitations may be paused in the event the plaintiff is a minor or legally deemed mentally incompetent. In some cases where a municipality is involved, the limitations period may be one-year to take action.
It’s also important to note that Illinois is a contributory negligence state. This means that a plaintiff’s compensation can be reduced by the percentage of the fault. In the event the plaintiff is found to be over 50% at-fault, they will be unable to recover any amount of compensation.
If you’re overwhelmed with trying to determine how Illinois’ personal injury laws apply to your claim, reach out to a Joliet attorney from Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP. Once you have understood the laws and can build and prove your claim, you’ll be on the path to receiving the compensation you need to recover.
Understanding Your Compensation Eligibility
While we recognize that money cannot repair your injuries or change what you’ve wrongfully been put through, it is how the law handles compensating personal injury victims. Essentially, monetary compensation is designed to make you whole again after an accident.
Depending on your accident, you could be eligible for different types of damages, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in rare instances, punitive damages. To calculate the value of your claim, your lawyer will add up all calculable damages, place a value on any subjective suffering, and determine if gross negligence occurred.
Economic damages are measurable because they stem from actual financial losses. Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, lost earning capacity, and future losses or expenses may be included in the compensation you receive for economic losses.
Noneconomic damages are harder to calculate because they are based on losses like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. Noneconomic damages exist to acknowledge that a personal injury victim has suffered more than what the economic damages are worth. Your personal injury lawyer will make sure that your case is worked up and presented in a manner to maximize the economic and non-economic components of compensation.
Punitive damages are different in that they are not intended to compensate the accident victim. Instead, they are used to punish the negligent party and discourage others from committing similar acts in the future. Punitive damages do not apply to the majority of personal injury claims, but your attorney will explain what will happen if they apply to yours.
Some states impose damage caps that limit how much any one person can recover—especially for noneconomic damages. But in Illinois, there are no damage caps in most situations—as the Illinois Supreme Court deemed caps unconstitutional.
Joliet: Illinois’ Fastest Growing City
Located in Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, Joliet is only 30 miles southwest of Chicago. As one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, Joliet has a rich history and Slovenian heritage that residents and visitors alike can enjoy.
With its family-friendly atmosphere and thriving downtown district, you can find something to do in Joliet every day of the week. Some of the most popular spots include the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre, Joliet Area Historical Museum, and Old Joliet Prison.
While Joliet is a city filled with excitement, it’s not immune to accidents. If you live in Joliet and have been harmed or if you’ve been involved in an incident in the city where you sustained injuries, you may have a personal injury case.
Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP is proud to represent the citizens of Joliet. With offices located throughout Illinois, including Peru, Ottawa, Morris, LaSalle, and Chicago, we’re prepared to take on your Illinois personal injury claim no matter where the incident happened.
Seek Legal Representation in Joliet
Sustaining injuries in an accident that wasn’t your fault can be hard to cope with—especially by yourself. Fortunately, a Joliet personal injury lawyer from Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP can evaluate your situation, determine if there are grounds for an injury claim, and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Because every personal injury claim situation is different, some claims take longer to settle than others. There’s also the possibility of needing to file a lawsuit in the event reaching a fair settlement isn’t a possibility. To maximize your chances of receiving full compensation, contact us as soon as possible after your accident. We will provide you with a no-obligation, free initial consultation to discuss your potential case.
We believe negligent individuals and larger entities should be held responsible where their negligent actions or inaction contribute to an accident that harms someone else. When you work with our law firm, we’ll provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to move past your accident and get your life back in order.
