You should not have to bear the consequences of another person’s negligence. If you have been injured in an accident, our team is here to help you hold the responsible party accountable by filing a lawsuit against them.
To take the first step, share the details of your personal injury case with our attorneys. Understanding the specifics of your incident is essential to pinpointing who is liable and how we can effectively build your case. Our team is well-equipped to handle various personal injury matters, including vehicle collisions, aviation accidents, and more. No matter your situation, it is important to act promptly, as you typically have only two years to file your claim. Our team can gather crucial evidence to support your claims, including collecting information from the accident scene, obtaining witness testimonies, and securing other relevant evidence to strengthen your case.
For a confidential case assessment free of charge with our personal injury attorneys at the Rhatigan Law Offices, contact us at (312) 578-8502.
Personal Injury Practice Areas We Handle in DeKalb, IL
With years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases, our knowledgeable team is ready to help you navigate a wide range of legal issues. Whether you have been injured in a car accident while traveling by train or injured or lost a loved one in an aviation incident, our personal injury attorneys are here to guide and support you throughout the legal process. Regardless of the specifics of your situation, you can count on our commitment to stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve in your case.
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents are one of the most prevalent reasons for filing lawsuits. As a suburb just outside of Chicago, DeKalb sees its fair share of traffic, making car accident claims more complicated than many people realize. In some instances, we may only need to file a lawsuit against one driver. However, in cases involving multiple vehicles, our team usually takes the approach of suing each driver to establish their individual share of fault.
If the accident involves a commercial driver, we may also have the option to include their employer as a defendant. Conversely, suppose the commercial driver is an independent contractor like those driving for Uber or Lyft or delivering packages for Amazon. In that case, we generally cannot pursue a claim against their employer. Still, there could be other parties who can be held responsible, such as regional shipping companies.
Aviation Accidents
Our firm is one of the few in DeKalb or throughout the state capable of helping victims and their families get compensation for an aviation accident or death. While air travel is statically much safer than other forms of transportation, especially driving, negligence can take many forms, and it is important that someone is held accountable.
Many aviation accidents occur because of some type of pilot error since pilots are trained and in control of the aircraft. Injuries often result from problematic takeoffs and negligent reentries. In other situations, pilots might not adjust their flying techniques or alter their route in response to air traffic reports of dangerous weather conditions.
Many other aviation incidents occur because of mechanical failures in a particular part or technical malfunctions within one of the aircraft’s systems. When this happens, legal action might be necessary against the aircraft mechanic, the manufacturer of the faulty component, the aircraft designer, or every party potentially responsible for determining where the negligence occurred.
We will also look into the actions of air traffic control to see if their mistakes played a role in the crash. While pilots can effectively manage their aircraft, they often have limited control over which routes they are directed to fly and the broader air traffic control systems. If an air traffic controller mistakenly clears an aircraft for takeoff, directs it onto the wrong runway, or directs them on a route that puts the aircraft in dangerous airspace, they should be held accountable for their part in the incident.
Train Accidents
Train accident claims can be quite complex. Residents of DeKalb frequently use local metro trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), leading to a higher likelihood of accidents. Injuries can occur at the station, such as slipping on a freshly mopped platform without warning signs, on the train because of excessive speed, abrupt stops by the conductor, or even from defective track conditions.
However, suing a state agency like the CTA involves specific rules, and you typically have a limited time to file a claim. If you have been injured on a train, start your claim as soon as possible so our team can file your claim before any limitations period passes.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents happen more often than you might think, but getting the compensation you deserve can be tough. Fortunately, our team is here to assist you in filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, which can provide quick coverage for your losses without establishing fault. Even if your own error caused the accident, we can still help you secure the benefits you need since Workers’ Compensation is a type of “no-fault” insurance.
We can also explore whether you can circumvent the Workers’ Compensation system and file a lawsuit against your employer or coworker. Generally, employers are protected from liability under Workers’ Compensation. However, suppose your employer intentionally caused your injuries, disregarding safety regulations or exposing you to hazardous materials. In that case, they can typically be held liable for additional compensation that Workers’ Compensation insurance does not cover.
If a third party, like a contractor on your worksite, caused your accident, you can file a lawsuit against them without restraint. However, Workers’ Compensation will still be available as long as the accident happened while you were working, giving you multiple options in third-party workplace accidents.
Contact Our DeKalb, IL Personal Injury Attorneys Today for Help
Call our personal injury lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices today at (312) 578-8502 to schedule a free initial case review.
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