As an attorney with 30+ years of experience in personal injury law, and an AV preeminent rated attorney, I am confident that I can help you prosecute your civil claim with the same level of diligence and attention to detail that I have offered to my clients in the past.
“Personal injury” is the legal term for any injury to the body, mind, or emotions. The term specifically refers to a type of tort lawsuit alleging that a plaintiff’s injury has been caused by the negligence of another. Damages may include bodily injury and the infliction of intentional or negligent emotional distress.
The most frequent personal injury lawsuits are generated by traffic accidents, work accidents, home accidents, tripping accidents, assault claims, and product defect accidents (product liability). “Personal injury” also includes medical and dental negligence or malpractice as well as conditions typically defined as industrial diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, emphysema, pneumoconiosis, silicosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational stress, contact dermatitis, and repetitive strain injury cases.
Among the types of accidents which I have helped victims recover for are:
Auto Accidents in which another motorist is at fault. These car accidents are often the result of distracted driving (which is a form of negligence) or unsafe / reckless driving. A car accident can be tragic, so it is recommended you seek representation from personal injury attorneys. Insurance companies will often try to reach settlements with you quickly before you contact an attorney, but don’t fall for this tactic. Let experienced attorneys handle your case so you can receive the full compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents in which a truck is involved as the primary cause of an accident. In addition to the truck driver, parties responsible for the safe loading and securing of truck cargo may also be found liable for injuries if an accident results from unsecure or improperly secured cargo.
Motorcycle Accidents in which you experience an accident while riding a motorcycle. These can be especially dangerous because of the primary fact that motorcycle riders have much less protection from the elements of the road than car drivers.
Bicycle Accidents in which you experience an accident while riding a bicycle. Even though they may not travel at as fast speeds, bicycle riders are exposed to the elements of the road in the same way as motorcycle riders, and can suffer significant injuries if thrown from a bicycle.
Pedestrian Accidents in which you are struck by a motor vehicle while on foot. Pedestrians are generally much more difficult to see than vehicles, but vehicle operators are still expected to navigate the streets with reasonable caution.
Cell Phone Accidents in which you are injured because a third party was distracted by his or her cell phone.
Aviation Accidents in which you were injured while a passenger on an aircraft.
Brain Injuries which are caused by third party negligence or recklessness and that cause temporary to long term consequences including reduced brain functioning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries which are caused by another’s negligence or recklessness and that causes temporary to long term consequences, usually in the form of partial to total loss of the use of a limb. Spinal cord injuries can occur after slip and fall accidents, where the property owner may be held liable under the premises liability law.
Catastrophic Injuries which are significant injuries and which will most likely result in severe, long term consequences.
Wrongful Death in which a loved one is the victim of an injury which caused death due to another person’s negligence or recklessness. The area of wrongful death law allows survivors of deceased victims to recover damages on their own behalf as well as on the behalf of the deceased.
Medical Malpractice in which an injury is caused by the negligence or recklessness of a medical professional.
Burn Injuries caused by third party negligence or recklessness and which result in temporary or long term consequences. Depending on the severity of the burn, injuries sustained may range from scarring to the partial or total loss of use of the burned area.
Failure to Diagnose in which a medical professional fails to or improperly diagnoses a patient’s ailment, and the misdiagnosis leads to injury.
Birth Injuries in which a medical professional’s negligence or recklessness causes injury and/or death to a newborn during the birthing process.
Other Medical Malpractice in which a medical professional with a duty to his or her patients causes injury. This can include doctors as they are typically imagined, but also psychiatrists, dentists, podiatrists, dermatologists, and anyone else who can be considered a medical practitioner under the law.
Nursing Home Malpractice in which a case of medical malpractice occurs in a nursing home to a nursing home patient.
Nursing Home Abuse in which the staff of a nursing home can be shown to have abused a nursing home patient, either through affirmative acts or through neglect.
Bedsores in which injuries sustained are pressure sores, which are typically a sign of malpractice and neglect when the victim is a patient under medical care.
Products Liability in which injuries are caused by defectively designed or defectively manufactured products.
Depending on the intention or negligence of the responsible party, the injured person may be entitled to compensation from that party through a settlement or judgment. The amount of compensation for any personal injury will depend chiefly on the extent of the injury. Injuries that cause serious physical suffering generally win the highest amounts.
An injured person may also be compensated for the future effect of an injury. For example, if a professional tennis player suffers a wrist injury which prevents him from playing professionally, this is called “loss of amenity.” Every state also has different statutes of limitations, laws that limit how much time you have to file a claim. Different types of injuries may have different statutes of limitations as well.
Payments are made through a settlement or a judgment as a result of a trial. Payments can be either lump-sum or structured over time. Personal injury is often covered by liability insurance such as automobile insurance. In these cases an insurance company will provide a legal defense for the defendant and may settle with the plaintiff/victim. Typically, money awarded in a personal injury settlement cannot be taxed, but there are exceptions. If the settlement replaces income, it may be taxed. If you itemize deductions, and you previously claimed medical costs that were later reimbursed by the settlement, then that amount becomes taxable.
If you have suffered a personal injury because of someone else’s negligence, seek out the services of experienced personal injury attorney Joseph Dooley. You may be awarded compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, and in some cases you may even win punitive damages. Protecting others in the future from a similar injury is another good reason for moving forward with your claim and consulting with a good Chicago personal injury lawyer. Don’t hesitate to talk with experienced personal injury attorney Joseph Dooley – today. Nothing is more important than your health and your rights. If you have questions or need legal advice, please contact my Illinois law firm by calling 312-219-5916 or filling out a form on this website to schedule a free case evaluation.