Individuals who suffer personal injuries often face substantial medical costs and other damages they may not have anticipated. Thankfully, our attorneys can assist you in filing a claim to obtain the compensation needed for your recovery.
Even a seemingly straightforward case requires solid evidence to establish the other party’s liability and the extent of your damages. Our legal team has the expertise to build your claim, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. We will gather accident reports to bolster our arguments concerning the defendant’s negligence. If there were witnesses to your accident that you did not have a chance to speak with, the accident reports might include their contact information. With enough evidence in hand, we can negotiate a settlement that addresses damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
To schedule a free, private case assessment, call our Chicago personal injury lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices today at (312) 578-8502.
When You Should Start Your Personal Injury Claim in Bartlett, IL
One aspect that injured victims often overlook is the timeframe for filing a personal injury claim. While it is understandable that you might need some time to gather the necessary information and prepare your case, waiting too long can be detrimental. It is common for plaintiffs to delay submitting their cases to the courts, but it is crucial to strike a balance and not let too much time slip by.
The “statute of limitations” sets a specific time frame, often referred to as a limitation period, within which plaintiffs must act. In Illinois, according to 735 I.L.C.S. § 5/13-202, individuals pursuing personal injury claims have just two years from the date of the accident to file their case. If this two-year window closes without filing, you risk losing your right to pursue the claim, and any chance of obtaining compensation will slip away permanently.
If you are running out of time, it is a good idea to consult with our personal injury lawyers about the possibility of tolling the limitation period. When the limitation period is tolled, the countdown on your time is effectively paused. This option is often available in situations where plaintiffs were children at the time of their injury or legally disabled.
According to § 5/13-211(a), the limitation period can be paused until a minor reaches the age of 18, which allows them to file a claim until they turn 20. If you were under a legal disability, such as a mental condition that hinders your ability to file a case or understand your rights, the limitation period is also suspended until the disability is resolved.
However, there are caps on how long this period can be extended. Under § 5/13-211(b), the limitation period cannot be tolled for more than 10 years for any legal disability.
Types of Personal Injury Claims Our Lawyers Handle in Bartlett, IL
With decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases, our team is well-equipped to assist you with a wide range of legal matters. Whether you were injured in a car crash, on a train, or in an aviation incident, our attorneys can help. In essence, no case is too complicated for us. Below are some of the common claims that we help accident victims in Bartlett pursue:
Vehicle Accident Claims
Vehicle accidents are among the most common reasons lawsuits are filed. Bartlett, as a suburb located just outside of Chicago, experiences a significant amount of traffic, which can complicate car accident claims more than people often realize.
In some situations, we may only need to file a lawsuit against a single driver. However, if the accident involved a commercial driver, we might also be able to include their employer as a defendant. On the other hand, if the commercial driver is an independent contractor, like those working for Uber, Lyft, or Amazon delivery services, we typically cannot pursue a claim against the employer. Nonetheless, there may be other parties that can be held liable, such as regional shipping companies. In cases involving multiple vehicles, our team generally sues each driver to prove each driver’s share of fault.
Aviation Accident Claims
Our firm takes pride in being one of the few dedicated to helping victims and their families secure compensation for an aviation accident or death. While air travel is generally much safer than other forms of transport, mistakes can and do occur, and it is important that someone is held accountable. For instance, many aviation accidents stem from pilot errors. Injuries can occur during a faulty takeoff or a careless reentry. In some situations, a pilot might fail to adapt their flying or adjust their route in response to hazardous weather conditions.
Additionally, numerous aviation incidents happen because of mechanical failures within the aircraft’s systems. In such cases, we might need to pursue legal action against the aircraft mechanic, the manufacturer of the faulty part, or even the aircraft designer.
We also examine the actions of air traffic control to determine if their errors contributed to the crash. While pilots can manage the aircraft they operate, they have limited influence over the overall air traffic control system. If an air traffic controller improperly clears an aircraft for takeoff or directs it to the wrong runway, they can be held liable for their role in the incident.
Train Accident Claims
Many residents of Bartlett rely on trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for their daily commute. You might find yourself injured while at the station or on the platform. For example, you could slip and fall on a freshly mopped platform without warning signs. Alternatively, injuries can occur on the train itself due to the conductor’s actions, such as operating at excessive speeds or making sudden stops at the station. There’s also the possibility of being hurt because of defective tracks. Our team is well-versed in the additional regulations involved in suing a state agency like the CTA, helping you navigate these complexities effectively.
Contact Our Bartlett, IL Personal Injury Lawyers Today for Help Getting Compensation for the Losses You Suffered
Contact the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case assessment with our personal injury attorneys.
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