Catastrophic Injuries Attorney in Bloomington, Illinois
Did you or your loved one suffer catastrophic injuries that were caused by the negligent behavior of someone else? I’m catastrophic injuries attorney Terry Dodds, and I can help.
- I have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims in Illinois
- My law firm offers FREE, no-obligation case evaluations
- There are no attorney fees until we win your case
Dodds Law Offices, P.C. is located in Bloomington, Illinois. I proudly serve clients throughout the state, including Lincoln, Champaign, Peoria, Pekin, Urbana, and Decatur.
I am dedicated to fiercely advocating for the rights of those who have sustained life-altering injuries due to the negligent actions of others.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
A catastrophic injury is an injury that has long-term and life-altering consequences. Catastrophic injuries have a lasting or even a permanent impact on the victim and their family. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the victim may no longer be able to take care of themselves or enjoy the same activities they enjoyed prior to the injury.
In many cases, recovering from a catastrophic injury is associated with long-term medical expenses and a lifetime of rehabilitation. When a catastrophic injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, reckless conduct, or wrongdoing, the injured victim may have a right to pursue a claim to obtain financial compensation.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
- Facial scars
- Disfigurement
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of a limb
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
How Common Are Catastrophic Injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 98 million emergency department visits for accidental and unintentional injuries annually. While catastrophic injuries are fairly rare, they still affect the lives of thousands of people every year. In fact, more than 17,000 people every year develop spinal cord injuries, and tens of thousands suffer head injuries, severe burns, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries.
Given the serious nature of catastrophic injuries, no amount of money can make up for the physical limitations and the emotional toll. However, seeking financial compensation is important to alleviate the burden of medical expenses and compensate you for your injuries and any lost income.
Understanding Injury Claims for Catastrophic Injuries in Illinois
If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury, it is important to understand the personal injury claims process in Illinois, as well as state laws that might affect your ability to recover damages.
Like many other states, Illinois follows a traditional fault-based system. Damages and losses suffered by the victim are paid out by the insurance company of the at-fault party who was responsible for causing the injury.
What If Both Parties Caused the Accident?
Illinois is a modified comparative fault state. This means that the parties’ degree of fault matters when determining compensation. Under the rule, you are prohibited from seeking compensation if you are deemed more than 50% responsible for the injury. When the other party is mostly at fault for the accident, the victim’s compensation is reduced by the percentage of their own fault, if any.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Cases?
In most instances, Illinois law gives accident victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party after suffering catastrophic injuries. The two-year time limit begins on the date the victim suffered the injury. Sometimes, the amount of time victims have to take legal action may be shorter or longer, so it’s important to consult with a Bloomington catastrophic injuries attorney early on. If you wait too long to pursue damages, you could lose your right to recover compensation through the courts.
Do You Really Need to Hire a Catastrophic Injuries Attorney?
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, it is important to contact an experienced Illinois Personal Injury Attorney to analyze your legal case, and if necessary, prepare the case for a jury trial. As a personal injury lawyer with a track record of success, I will collect the necessary evidence to prove fault for your injuries, and I’ll fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Wrongful Death Suits for Catastrophic Injuries
Illinois law defines wrongful death as the death of a person as a result of someone else’s neglect, wrongful act, or default. When the plaintiff wins a wrongful death lawsuit, the court will award damages to the decedent’s estate or surviving family members. Under Illinois law, damages are paid to the deceased person’s surviving family members based on their level of dependency.
When filing a wrongful death lawsuit for catastrophic injuries, available types of damages might include compensation for:
- The medical expenses suffered by the deceased person after the accident but before the death;
- The loss of support, including lost wages, the decedent would have provided if they had survived;
- The loss of consortium and companionship;
- Funeral and burial expenses; and
- The grief, sorrow, and mental suffering of the next of kin.
While some states allow any surviving family members of the deceased person to file wrongful death lawsuits, Illinois is not one of them. Under Illinois law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate has a legal right to file a lawsuit and recover damages on behalf of survivors.
Terry Dodds was a great help to me in my case. He was able to get a couple charges dropped completely, and I got probation for the remaining charge. He was honest and let me know how the case was going at all times. Terry is a great lawyer and I highly recommend him!
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Claims
1
What Are Some Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Different type of accidents caused by the negligent or careless actions of others can result in catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Illinois include car accidents, semi-truck accidents, workplace accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, product defects, and violent attacks.
2
What Damages Can You Recover for a Catastrophic Injury?
If you suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be eligible to recover damages for the losses you’ve experienced due to your injury, and its impact on your life. As your catastrophic injury attorney, I’ll help you pursue compensation for your economic losses, including your past, present, and future medical bills, your lost wages, and other related out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, I’ll help you seek compensation for your non-economic losses, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
3
What Determines Whether an Injury Is Catastrophic?
Numerous factors are considered when determining whether an injury is catastrophic. Your lawyer will look at the type and severity of your injury, whether it is expected to heal to its pre-accident state, how the injury impacts your life and your ability to work, and the cost to treat the injury.
4
Will My Injury Case Go to Trial?
Whether your case goes to trial will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of your injury, and the willingness of you and the at-fault party’s insurance company or legal representative to reach a deal. Many cases are resolved through negotiations. However, if you cannot reach a fair settlement agreement through negotiations, your lawyer will be prepared to present your case and pursue your interests in the courtroom.
What Type of Attorney Do You Need?
In addition to providing defense against drunk driving charges in Illinois, the attorneys at Dodds Law Office, PC, represent victims of a variety of injury accident types.