Catastrophic Injuries Attorney in Bloomington, Illinois

An unexpected accident can alter the course of your life, leaving you with debilitating injuries and mounting medical bills. As a victim of an accident that resulted in catastrophic injuries, you might wonder how to recover damages for these injuries. You might wonder what lies ahead for you and your loved ones.

As a personal injury attorney at The Dodds Law Office, PC, I am committed to representing people whose lives have been altered by devastating accidents. If you suffered a catastrophic injury, I am here to help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. With a law office 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.

Female doctor providing first aid to woman injured in car accident.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated nearly 98 million emergency department visits for accidental and unintentional injuries annually. Catastrophic injuries account for at least some of these visits.

A catastrophic injury is considered 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.

Like many other states, Illinois follows a traditional fault-based system. It means that 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. Some of the examples of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Facial scars
  • Disfigurement
  • Eye injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of a limb
  • Severe burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Brain damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis

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.

Personal Injury Claims 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. Here is a brief overview of Illinois personal injury laws:

  • Modified comparative negligence. 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.
  • Statute of limitations. In most instances, Illinois law gives accident victims two years to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. The two-year limit begins on the date the victim suffered the injury.

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, it is important to contact a skilled Illinois Personal Injury Attorney to prepare your legal case, and if necessary, prepare the case for a jury trial. A personal injury lawyer will collect the necessary evidence to build a strong case and 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.

Catastrophic Injury Attorney Serving Bloomington, Illinois

If you or someone you care about has suffered a catastrophic injury, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your case. As a catastrophic injury attorney centrally8 located in Bloomington, Illinois, I am dedicated to fiercely advocating for the rights of those who have sustained life-altering injuries due to the negligent actions or wrongdoing of someone else. Get a one-on-one case review today by reaching out to my office.

Client Testimonials

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!

Holly McCue
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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.

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