Can I Sue the Government for My Catastrophic Injury in IL?

 Posted on September 05, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

A traffic light pole that was apparently rusted recently fell at the intersection of Morgan and Washington in Chicago’s West Loop. Although no one was injured in that incident, the government agency responsible for maintaining that pole would likely have been liable if someone had been hit when it fell.

Suppose you sustained a catastrophic spinal cord injury because a defective traffic light fell on you as you were walking through an intersection. Would you be able to get compensation through a personal injury claim? What kinds of damages would you be eligible to receive? Call for your free consultation with an experienced attorney from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, to discuss your case.

Why Are Spinal Cord Injuries Considered Catastrophic?

Catastrophic injuries are more severe than others, with the physical wounds frequently producing long-term consequences that can permanently impact the victim’s quality of life. If you have spinal cord damage, you may be temporarily or permanently paralyzed. In some cases, you might retain some limited functions while others are impaired. This disability can affect you financially, mentally, and emotionally. You may have to adjust to a new way of life.

Is the Government Liable for Your Damages in a Public Area?

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining traffic lights and other infrastructure in Rockford, IL. This department must inspect traffic lights to ensure their structural integrity and stability. Visual inspections do not always reveal the extent of potential damage, so more thorough inspections are sometimes warranted.

If corrosion, rust, improper stabilization, or other negligent maintenance led to the traffic light falling on you, the city is potentially liable for your damages. If a vehicle involved in a collision hit the pole and caused it to fall, that driver is probably responsible for paying your damages. Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, cannot give you a definitive answer before we discuss and investigate your accident. Whoever is liable, we will fight to see you get the compensation you deserve.

It is important to note that claims against a government agency are more complex than most due to sovereign immunity and the strict procedures and protocols you must follow. You have one year from the date of your injury to file a notice; if you miss this deadline, you probably cannot get any compensation.

What Damages Might Be Available for a Spinal Cord Injury?

When you choose Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we will meticulously calculate your damages, but we cannot tell you how much your settlement might be until we begin working on your case. You may qualify to receive reimbursement or compensation for things like:

• Current and future medical expenses, care, and lost wages

• Property damage

• Home renovations and vehicle modifications to accommodate your new disability

• Pain and suffering

• Losing your ability to enjoy life

• Depression

Amounts depend on factors that are unique to your situation. Rest assured that your legal team from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, will work to see you get every penny you are due.

Call for Your Free Consultation With Our Determined Rockford, IL Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries may affect you for the rest of your life, and you deserve compensation from whoever caused them. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we are not intimidated by taking on a government agency; instead, we will not back down from fighting to protect your best interests. Call us at 815-215-7561 today to speak with one of our highly effective Winnebago County, IL personal injury attorneys.