An injury from an accident can cause significant life disruptions, whether minor or relatively serious. It may also result in physical or emotional damage. While some people decide to represent themselves in legal matters related to personal injury, the process may be complex.
Contacting a knowledgeable attorney after you or a loved one has suffered harm could be beneficial for filing a claim or if you choose to go to court. An Aurora personal injury lawyer could assist you as you navigate the different components of a lawsuit, such as which claims qualify, negligence laws, and when to file. Schedule a consultation with our reliable legal team today to learn more.
Personal injury is a legal term used when someone is harmed because of another person’s negligent or intentional actions. An individual or an entity like a corporation can be found liable in these cases. Several forms of harm can be classified as personal injuries, including the following:
While these are some of the most common reasons for a personal injury lawsuit in Aurora, a seasoned lawyer could also help a client pursue justice for numerous other incidents – including wrongful death.
The state’s modified comparative negligence laws play a vital role in personal injury cases. If a plaintiff contributed to their injury in an accident, their damages could be reduced by the amount of harm they caused. For instance, if an injured party in a car accident were 20% liable, their damages would be reduced by this amount.
Additionally, 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5/2-1116 bars a plaintiff from recovering damages when they are more than 50% at fault. A determined personal injury attorney in Aurora could provide more information on this area of law.
Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of an injury per 735 ILCS § 5/13-202. Filings past this deadline could prevent a person from recovering compensation. This rule is subject to exceptions depending on the type of case and who is being sued.
If a claimant has decided to sue the state of Illinois or a state agency, they have one year to file the lawsuit with the Illinois Court of Claims. However, if a notice to file suit is submitted, the statute of limitations is two years, as stated in 705 ILCS § 505/22-1 and § 505/22(h). Similarly, the deadline to file when suing a local government is one year, according to 745 ILCS § 10/8-101.
Meeting with an Aurora lawyer could ensure that individuals understand these complex personal injury deadlines.
In the wake of an injury to you or a loved one, there are a lot of important decisions to be made. You are likely dealing with medical bills, emotional trauma, and rehabilitation. Contacting an Aurora personal injury lawyer could alleviate some stress after an accident.
Call our law office today to schedule an initial consultation. Our attorneys could discuss your case and help determine the best path to pursue compensation.