Personal injury claims are some of the most frequently filed claims in the U.S. legal system. Although the term “personal injury” is used to refer to any number of accidents, the one common element that they all share is that someone sustained an injury that affects their physical or mental wellbeing, and the negligent act or conduct of another party is to blame.
If you are suffering from injuries due to an accident, you could recover financial compensation for the resulting losses. To discuss your claim with a knowledgeable legal professional, reach out to a Joliet personal injury lawyer.
Like many other types of legal claims, personal injury claims must be filed within a certain time limit in order to be valid. In Joliet, an injured party has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the at-fault party under Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5/13-202.
In addition to the statute of limitations, state law also imposes restrictions on the compensation awards to plaintiffs who are partially responsible for causing their injuries. For example, if a jury finds that an injured party is more than 50 percent at fault for the harm they sustained, 735 ILCS 5/2-1116(c) bars them from recovering any damages whatsoever. If the contributory fault of an injured party is 50 percent or less, they could still recover damages, but the award they receive will be reduced by an amount proportionate to their percentage of fault.
Due to these restrictive and time-sensitive limitations placed on personal injury claims, retaining effective legal representation early on in the process will be critical for an injured party to succeed in their lawsuit. With assistance from a dedicated attorney in Joliet, a plaintiff could mitigate their losses and improve their chances of effectively filing and pursuing their personal injury claim for financial compensation.
Several factors will determine the nature and severity of an accident that someone sustains. An accident could harm any part of the body but the most injuries in these cases – and those that come with expensive medical treatments – include:
Depending on how severe the injury is, the after-effects that a person might endure for the rest of their life can take a toll on their physical and mental health. In some cases where a catastrophic accident occurs, the injuries may prove fatal and lead to a wrongful death suit. In this case, the deceased’s family members should speak to a personal injury litigator in Joliet to learn more about filing a claim for compensation on their loved one’s behalf.
When an accident occurs due to the at-fault party’s negligent actions, the resulting consequences can drastically impact the lives of those who were hurt, as well as their families. Additionally, the effects of someone’s injuries could last a lifetime and significantly alter their lifestyle.
If the injuries you are suffering from were directly caused by a liable party’s negligence or recklessness, you could seek to recover monetary damages from them. To develop a more comprehensive understanding of your claim, call today to speak with a Joliet personal injury lawyer.