Springfield Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injuries can happen in many different kinds of accidents in the Springfield area, and they often result from another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. When someone else’s careless or reckless behavior causes injuries, whether in a car crash or a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek advice from an attorney about filing a claim. Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim or to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. A lawyer can help you to determine liability and to get started on your claim. Contact our experienced Springfield personal injury lawyer today.

Types of Springfield Injury Cases We Handle

Personal injury claims arise when individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of others. In Springfield, IL, personal injury cases can cover a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and more. Understanding what to do after an injury, the types of compensation you may be entitled to, and the legal process involved can help you navigate these challenging situations. Patel Law, PC is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. We represent injured people in a wide range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to the following:

Most Common Injuries

Personal injury cases can involve various types of injuries, depending on the nature of the accident. Common injuries include:

Whiplash: Often sustained in rear-end collisions, whiplash involves the sudden jerking of the head and neck, causing strain and injury to the muscles and ligaments.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of an accident or fall can lead to fractures in different parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions and more severe brain injuries can occur from impacts to the head, resulting in long-term cognitive and physical effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, with significant implications for mobility and quality of life.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from accidents can vary in severity and may require stitches or other medical treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as sprains and strains, can result from various types of accidents.

Common Locations of Injury in Springfield, IL

Personal injuries can occur in a variety of settings. In Springfield, common locations where injuries may happen include:

Roadways and Intersections: Car accidents are prevalent on major roads like Wabash Avenue, South Grand Avenue, and around busy intersections in downtown Springfield.

Retail Stores and Restaurants: Slip and fall accidents can occur in stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate maintenance.

Public Parks and Recreational Areas: Injuries can happen in parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, often due to unsafe conditions or poorly maintained equipment.

Workplaces: Occupational accidents can occur in various industries, including construction sites, factories, and offices, leading to injuries such as falls, machinery accidents, and repetitive strain injuries.

Medical Facilities: Medical malpractice cases can arise from errors or negligence by healthcare professionals, resulting in injuries or worsened conditions.

What to Do After an Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident, taking the following steps can help protect your health and legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is crucial for identifying and treating any underlying issues.
Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and damage to property. This evidence can be important for your case.
Report the Incident: File a report with relevant authorities or management if the accident occurred in a commercial setting. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Collect Information: Gather contact and insurance information from other parties involved in the accident. Get names and contact details of any witnesses.
Avoid Admissions of Fault: Stick to the facts when discussing the incident. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
Consult with an Attorney: Contact Patel Law, PC before discussing the incident with insurance companies or accepting any settlements. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

Potential Compensation

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life resulting from the injury.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to personal property, such as a vehicle involved in an accident.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or wrongful conduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Illinois Personal Injury Claims Process

In Springfield, IL, personal injury claims are subject to specific statutes and legal procedures:

Statute of Limitations: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe may bar you from recovering damages.

Comparative Negligence: Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally based on your degree of fault.

Lawsuit Process: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, you may need to file a lawsuit. The process involves filing a complaint, discovery (exchange of evidence), pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial. An experienced attorney can guide you through each step and represent your interests in court.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Springfield, Illinois

Most types of personal injury cases in Springfield are brought under a theory of negligence. In other words, for most of the types of cases above, you will need to prove the elements of a negligence claim, which are:

Duty of care (the defendant owed you a duty of care);
Breach of the duty of care (defendant breached the duty of care they owed by behaving negligently);
Defendant’s negligence caused your injury; and
You suffered damages as a result.

Negligence, or a breach of the duty of care, generally means that the defendant failed to act as a reasonable person would have under the circumstances. The elements of a negligence claim can vary slightly depending on the specific type of personal injury case.

In some personal injury cases, such as product defect and dog bite cases, a defendant can be strictly liable for injuries. With strict liability, there is no need to prove negligence. The mere fact of the defendant’s connection to the case, and the resulting injuries, can be enough for liability.

Statute of Limitations for an Injury Lawsuit in Springfield

Personal injury lawsuits of all types have what is known as a “statute of limitations,” or a time window in which a lawsuit can be filed. For most personal injury lawsuits in Illinois, there is a two-year statute of limitations. The “clock” will start to tick on the date of the injury. A lawsuit only needs to be filed (not completed) before the clock runs out. If the clock does run out, the claim will typically become “time-barred” under Illinois law, and the injured person will not be eligible to obtain damages.

Serving all of Springfield, IL

Downtown Springfield
Lake Springfield
West End
Lincolnshire
Sherwood
Chatham
Historic Enos Park
North End
Southwind Park

Contact Springfield Personal Injury Lawyers at Patel Law, PC Today

If you sustained an injury in any kind of accident or incident, it may be possible to seek compensation by filing a claim with help from an attorney. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced Springfield personal injury attorney at Patel Law, PC today for assistance with an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit.

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