PERSONAL INJURY
Accident & Injury Law
In Illinois, personal injury cases can arise from a wide range of situations where an individual suffers harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. The most common types of personal injury cases in Illinois are car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, dog bites, premises liability, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and traumatic brain injuries.
As with any other personal injury case, the Law Offices of Jacobson & Tchernev is happy to provide you with a consultation regarding your claim free of charge.
Table Of Contents
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DOG BITES
Dog bite injuries can result in serious physical and emotional harm. Illinois follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are generally held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Also, the person in control of the dog at the time of the bite, if different from the owner also carries potentially the same strict liability as the owner. The only exceptions to this rule are if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or engaging in some other unlawful act at the time of the incident.
Dog bites can leave permanent scars and disfigurement, which can impact the victim’s quality of life and self-esteem. Compensation may be available for these types of damages as well.
Dog bite injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma. Victims may seek compensation for their pain and suffering.
Usually, dog bite injuries by small or medium dogs can be covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. However, most homeowner’s insurance policies exclude dogs of certain breeds that have been deemed too large or too aggressive by the insurance companies. While not exhaustive, the following breeds tend to generally be excluded:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Akitas
- Chow Chows
- Siberian Huskies
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Presa Canarios
- Alaskan Malamutes
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from various accidents and incidents, including motor vehicle accidents and falls. A leading cause of TBI is car accidents, especially ones involving pedestrians, cyclists, or large trucks. With pedestrian and cyclist injuries, the victim is not offered the same degree of protection as if they were in their own car. Thus, what could be small accident between two vehicles, becomes much more dangerous when it involves an unprotected pedestrian or cyclist. Similarly, large trucks present a different problem due to their sheer weight when traveling at highway speeds. Even if the victim is in a car, the force of the impact could produce a brain injury.
If you suspect you have a TBI you should immediately consult with your physician and go to your nearest emergency room. It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a traumatic brain injury. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve outcomes, or rule out severe or life threatening conditions. Treatment may include imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, medication to reduce swelling or prevent seizures, rehabilitation therapy, and cognitive therapy.
If a traumatic brain injury occurs due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for their damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. It’s important to consult with our personal injury attorneys who have experience in handling TBI cases to understand your legal rights and options.
Symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury. The most common symptoms of a TBI may include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cognitive difficulties, such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, depression, angry outbursts, or emotional disturbances
- Sensory changes, such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness in severe cases, or death
- Balance and coordination issues
If a traumatic brain injury occurs due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for their damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. It’s important to consult with our personal injury attorneys who have experience in handling TBI cases to understand your legal rights and options.
PRODUCT LIABILITY
Product liability cases involve injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. This can include defective automobiles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, household appliances, kid’s toys, and other consumer goods. Product liability claims in Illinois may be based on defects in design, manufacturing, or marketing.
PEDESTRIAN INJURIES
In Illinois, drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming pedestrians. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle due to the driver’s negligence, the injured pedestrian may be entitled to compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability.
Pedestrian injuries resulting from vehicle strikes are a serious concern in Illinois, as they are in many urban and suburban areas. Pedestrian accidents involving vehicle strikes can occur due to various factors. Driver negligence is the most common reason for pedestrian strikes. This can include distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, running red lights or stop signs, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, low light conditions, inclement weather, and obstructed views can reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents involve hit-and-run drivers who flee the scene of the accident. In such cases, injured pedestrians may still be able to seek compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if they own a vehicle.
BICYCLE INJURIES
In Illinois, as in many other states, the leading cause of bicycle injuries is often collisions with motor vehicles. These collisions can occur for various reasons, amongst which are:
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way – One common cause of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles is drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, particularly at intersections, crosswalks, and driveways. Drivers may fail to see cyclists or may misjudge their speed, leading to collisions.
- Dooring Accidents – “Dooring” accidents occur when a motorist or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision. These accidents often happen in urban areas where cyclists are riding alongside parked cars.
- Unsafe Passing – Cyclists are sometimes injured when motor vehicles pass them too closely or unsafely, causing the cyclist to lose control or be forced off the road. Illinois law requires motorists to pass cyclists at a safe distance of at least three feet.
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving, can significantly increase the risk of accidents involving cyclists. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they may fail to see cyclists or react in time to avoid a collision.
- Speeding – Excessive speed is a factor in many bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to unexpected events, such as a cyclist suddenly entering the roadway.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws – Both cyclists and motorists are required to obey traffic laws, including traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings. Violations of these laws by either party can increase the risk of accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions – Inadequate road maintenance, potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can pose hazards to cyclists, leading to accidents and injuries.
Don’t wait another day to protect your rights after a serious personal injury accident. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer. There is no obligation — and no fee unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.