A wrongful death claim is a civil legal action taken by the representative of a deceased person. This representative is often a surviving spouse or close family member. If your loved one passed away in a fatal car crash in Illinois, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver or other liable parties.

Damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim for fatal car accidents in Illinois include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can reimburse the deceased person’s family members for financial losses associated with the accident while non-economic damages address the non-financial suffering caused by the death.

Possible Damages in an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one is not only shocking and traumatic, but it can also bring significant financial loss. Economic damages recognize this financial suffering by providing compensation through monetary damages.

The last place a child should be seriously injured is at school. Schools should be safe environments, free of dangers that pose a risk of injury or death. However, this is not always the case. If your child was injured at school, you may have questions about your legal rights. Can you hold the school accountable by suing the school district? Can you force the school to pay for your child’s medical expenses?

Like most personal injury matters, the answer to these questions depends on the exact circumstances of the injury.  

Injuries Caused by Willful or Wanton Disregard for Safety

Suing a public school is not the same thing as suing a private organization or company. Public schools are government entities and there are special rules surrounding lawsuits against the government. To successfully sue a public school or school district, you must show that the school or staff acted with “willful or wanton” indifference toward safety. In other words, the school must have acted with extreme negligence.

Cities throughout Illinois have seen a sharp increase in the number of people using electric scooters to get around. Scooters are small, cost-effective, and ideal for navigating busy urban areas. The popularity of this mode of transportation is only growing – but so are the risks associated with riding an e-scooter.

When used properly, e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to travel short distances quickly. However, some riders may be unaware of the dangers they face while riding. They can suffer serious injuries due to scooter malfunction, rider error, or a collision with another vehicle or person.

If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you pursue a successful outcome.

Dog bites can lead to painful injuries and dangerous infections. Many dog bite victims require medical treatment such as emergency room visits, stitches, and antibiotics. Severe dog bites may require surgical intervention and physical therapy. For many people bitten by dogs, the physical injuries are just the start of their suffering. Being attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience to go through and victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and fear of dogs in the future. They may need professional mental health care to deal with these symptoms.

In Illinois, animal owners are typically liable for damages caused by their pets. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A personal injury lawyer experienced in dog-related injury claims can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Injuries Caused by Dogs?

In Illinois, a dog owner must pay for any injury the animal causes regardless of whether or not the owner knew their dog had aggressive tendencies. Dog owners must take responsibility for their pet’s actions or risk facing a lawsuit. There are only a few situations in which a dog owner is not legally responsible for dog bite injuries, including situations in which the victim was trespassing on private property or intentionally provoking the dog.

Whether you are in an urban center like Chicago or a rural area, pedestrian accidents are more common than many people realize. Even if a walker is able to spot an oncoming car and try to avoid it, they may not have enough time - making pedestrians especially vulnerable when crossing roads. Drivers must take reasonable precautions to ensure that people are protected as much as possible when traversing streets and sidewalks. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents still occur and the results are often devastating.

If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, he or she has the right to pursue compensation for damages. A pedestrian accident victim may be entitled to compensation covering medical bills, lost income from missed work, non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and more.

Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim

Pedestrians are vulnerable to careless drivers, who may mistakenly hit them while speeding, not paying attention to the road, or being distracted by a cell phone. If you have recently been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, the process of obtaining compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company can be complex and time-consuming. You will need convincing evidence that proves the driver’s negligence. You will also need evidence of the damages you suffered because of your injuries.