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A catastrophic injury involves serious and permanent harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and spinal cord injuries. In the aftermath of an accident that leaves you with lifelong pain or disabilities, a qualified personal injury attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Unfortunately, catastrophic injuries happen every day in motor vehicle crashes, slip and falls, and other accidents. No matter the cause of your injury, a Chicago catastrophic injury attorney could help you pursue a claim.
Under state law, an injured person has up to two years after the date of injury to pursue a claim. A lot must be done in the aftermath of an injury to maximize the chances of success in pursuing a claim. Among other tasks, a lawyer can:
Opposing counsel and automobile insurers will attempt to get injured people to make statements against their interests or accept a settlement far lower than they deserve. A Chicago catastrophic injury attorney could ensure an injured person is not taken advantage of or lowballed.
One of the most common causes of catastrophic injury is falls. Slip and falls can occur almost anywhere, on either private or public property. No matter where someone was injured, a lawyer could determine who is responsible for the injury and what the injured person is entitled to.
Slip-and-falls are often due to property owner negligence, such as spills being left unattended, deteriorating or defective flooring or poor lighting, among other causes.
Under the state’s Premises Liability Act, the property owner is liable for the damages if a person is injured due to a property owner’s negligence, such as a management company, security service, or subcontractor. When multiple parties are at fault, they may share liability.
The responsible party has many ways to avoid paying what they owe. Insurance company claims representatives, for example, often start an investigation with the explicit goal of proving their client is not responsible, regardless of the facts.
Another common insurance company tactic is quickly offering the injured party a lowball settlement. This can be extremely tempting, considering the trauma of a catastrophic injury and the amount of work it can take to recover damages. A talented Chicago catastrophic injury lawyer can advise whether a settlement is fair and prevent the injured person from closing off other avenues for their claim.
Being in a catastrophic accident can have long-term effects on your mobility, your ability to care for yourself, your earning potential, and your quality of life. A Chicago catastrophic injury lawyer can help you through the insurance and legal process so you can take the time to focus on healing and rehabilitation. Contact our office today to schedule a private consultation.