Case Illustration for a Personal Injury Claim
When an individual is injured in an accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of another, the injured party can file an injury claim, most frequently with the assistance of a Taylorville personal injury lawyer. This claim is intended to make the injured party whole by seeking compensation for injuries through the insurance company of the at-fault individual or company.
Personal injury claims can apply in car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, wrongful death allegations, dog bites, individuals injured by drunk drivers, and more. Product liability claims and medical malpractice claims also fall under the broad umbrella of personal injury. However, all of these areas of litigation have their own unique case law and statutory considerations.
Consider the following fictional case illustration for a personal injury claim:
Taylor brings his two German Shepherds outside to play in the front yard. He unleashes the dogs and heads inside to grab a drink. His next-door neighbor comes back from jogging and enters their shared driveway, when one of Taylor’s dogs attacks her. Taylor hears her screams and runs to her, putting the dog on a leash.
Grace is transported to the hospital with deep lacerations to her leg, severing a portion of her calf muscle. She is treated with surgical interventions to repair the torn muscle, the tissue is cleaned and stitched up, administered antibiotics, and sent home. Grace’s doctor tells her that her scarring will likely require plastic surgery evaluations once they fully mature. Grace’s ambulance and hospital bill are more than $20,000, alone. She needs extensive physical therapy and misses more than two weeks of work. Grace is told additional surgery on her leg could cost more than $15,000.
Taylor was contacted by Animal Control to ensure his dog had received its rabies vaccination—which it had. Under Illinois law, Taylor is responsible for Grace’s damages. Taylor contacts Grace to ask how she’s doing—and to ask her not to file a claim against his homeowner’s policy because his rates will go up.
While Grace feels bad for Taylor, she is facing past and future medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering damages. Rather than deal with Taylor or his insurance company directly, Grace contacts the Noll Law Office’s Taylorville personal injury lawyers. Daniel and Sarah Noll immediately begin investigating the bite and gathering the evidence to submit a claim and demand upon the homeowners insurance company. Grace can focus on healing from her injuries instead of fighting with an insurance company. The Noll Law Office can help you with any of the following personal injury issues:
- Car Accidents—According to driver-tests.org, almost 30 percent of the miles Americans travel each year are spent commuting to and from work. Twenty-five percent of the miles travelled are for recreational or social purposes, with 17 percent spent on family errands, 15 percent for shopping, and the remainder traveling to and from school or church. With more and more time spent behind the wheel, and more cars on the roadways, the number of car accidents remains high. Having a car accident can be a physically and emotionally jarring experience.
- Wrongful Death—A wrongful death and “survival” claims can be brought by the executor or independent administrator of the estate of the decedent. Normally, this is a spouse, child, or parent of the decedent. Damages are broadly construed and vary depending on the facts of the case. You should seek an experienced attorney’s assistance to guide you through the detailed estate, insurance and litigation process in wrongful death and survival claims.
- Drunk Driving Accident Victims—If you or a loved one have been hit by a drunk driver and are left with injuries, you may have a personal injury claim. Drunk drivers can be prosecuted both criminally and through the civil justice system. If the person had not chosen to drink and drive, you likely would not be dealing with your injuries. Furthermore, it is possible that the attorneys at the Noll Law Office may determine whether the drunk driver was over served at a bar, tavern, or restaurant. If so, the business’ insurance may be liable for your damages through Illinois’ dram shop law.
- Bicycle Accidents—Bicyclists are usually seriously injured when hit by a motorist. The injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, contusions, sprains and strains, and internal injuries. You should immediately seek medical care if hit while on a bicycle. Then call an attorney.
- Pedestrian Accidents—Like bicyclists, pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when hit by a vehicle. Unfortunately, some pedestrian accidents turn into a hit-and-run when the driver leaves the scene of the accident. It is important to report any information you can about the car or the driver who left the scene, to the police.
- Dog Bites & Attacks — Most dog bites occur by a dog that the injured person knows and has met before, often by neighbor’s canines, friends’ pets, or even their own family’s dog. It is important to obtain information regarding the homeowners’ insurance coverage policy following a dog bite, because the wounds often require surgery and antibiotics.
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect —Unfortunately, Illinois has a sad history of ongoing nursing home abuse and neglect. The legislature attempted to stop some of the worst violations by passing the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (“INHCA”). The focus of the INHCA is to provide nursing residents with a private right of action if he or she is abused or neglected. Because many residents suffer from dementia or other limitations, combined with limited financial resources, the legislature determined that attorneys’ fees should be paid by the Defendant (nursing home) if the Plaintiff prevails at trial. If you suspect nursing home abuse, first obtain medical care for your loved one. Then, file a complaint for investigation with the authorities and contact the attorneys at the Noll Law Office. You need assistance in filing a complaint with the authorities, the Noll Law Office provides free initial consultations where that can be discussed.
How Do I Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Me?
Choosing your Taylorville personal injury lawyers to investigate and submit a claim on your behalf can seem daunting. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to choose a local, experienced attorney who can rattle off the various issues associated with bodily injury litigation in the same way that most persons rattle off a weekly grocery list. You want an attorney who is aggressive but will be honest in giving you frank advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your case. You want an attorney who practices in Taylorville, Illinois, and provides you with individualized legal advice.
The Noll Law Office is a highly successful, central Illinois law firm with a track record that reflects their success. The lawyers routinely help their community members and neighbors faced with extremely difficult circumstances. They practice in Taylorville, Illinois, and are familiar with the courthouse procedures there. The Noll Law Office believes you deserve time—time to heal physically and emotionally from your accident, and time to meet with an attorney to fully understand your options moving forward.
How Can Noll Law Office Help?
The Noll Law Office takes pride in the positive outcomes its attorneys provide to the community. The firm believes in open, honest communication with clients while offering compassionate counsel and assistance. Your communications are kept in confidence. The law office is run by fifth-generation attorneys located in Springfield, Illinois, who often practice in Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois. Their aggressive advocacy and hands on approach for their clients makes them stand out from other law firms. As a local, central Illinois law office, this firm is from the community, for the community. Contact the Noll law Office today for help with your personal injury issue. They offer free initial consultations and do not get paid unless they obtain a settlement on your behalf.