Chicago
Case Types We Handle
Personal Injuries
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Construction Accidents
Nursing Home Abuse
Wrongful Death
Slip and Fall Accidents
Daycare Injury & Abuse
Edwardsville
Case Types We Handle
Personal Injuries
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Nursing Home Abuse
Wrongful Death
Slip and Fall Accidents
Daycare Injury & Abuse
Premises Liability
St. Louis
Case Types We Handle
Personal Injuries
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Construction Accidents
Nursing Home Abuse
Wrongful Death
Slip and Fall Accidents
Daycare Injury & Abuse
Dangerous Drugs
Defective Products
Chemical Exposure

Best Personal Injury Lawyer Chicago | Call (312) 313-2273

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Tor Hoerman

Attorney Tor Hoerman, admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association since 1995 and The Missouri Bar since 2009, specializes nationally in mass tort litigations. Locally, Tor specializes in auto accidents and a wide variety of personal injury incidents occuring in Illinois and Missouri.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at TorHoerman Law and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Tor Hoerman, you can do so here.

TorHoerman Law does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

The #1 Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer: TorHoerman Law

Were you injured due to someone else’s negligence in Chicago?

Contact the personal injury lawyer Chicago trusts, TorHoerman Law, at (312) 313-2273 if you have suffered a personal injury in Chicago, Illinois (IL).

You can also use our website chat for a free instant case evaluation.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at TorHoerman Law help people who have been injured at no fault of their own seek compensation and justice from those responsible.

Reach out to the best personal injury lawyers Chicago has to offer — TorHoerman Law.

On this page, we’ll discuss the role of a Chicago personal injury attorney, the process for personal injury claims in Chicago, how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you secure maximum compensation for your injuries, and much more.

Best Personal Injury Lawyer Chicago; Best Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer; TorHoerman Law the Best Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
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Do You Need Help from the Top Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers? Contact Us Today

Personal injury cases, whether stemming from car accidents, workplace injuries, slip and falls, or other incidents, can have profound impacts on victims’ lives.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand the challenges personal injury victims face and are committed to delivering compassionate, results-driven representation.

Our firm has a track record of success and significant results in fighting for justice on behalf of individuals in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Trusting your personal injury case to an experienced, dedicated lawyer is the first step toward recovery and regaining control of your life.

Contact TorHoerman Law today if you’re in need of experienced personal injury representation in Chicago, the greater Chicagoland area, or in the state of Illinois.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident due to the negligent actions of another person, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and seek compensation.

Contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify to file a personal injury lawsuit instantly.

Personal injuries can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life, from their health and livelihood to their sense of security.

A dedicated personal injury lawyer plays a crucial role in helping victims rebuild by advocating for their rights and securing the compensation they deserve.

TorHoerman Law represents personal injury victims and accident victims across Chicago and Illinois.

Reach out to us today. We’re here to help you.

Best Personal Injury Lawyer Chicago; Best Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer; TorHoerman Law the Best Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers

What types of Chicago personal injury claims can TorHoerman Law assist me with?

TorHoerman Law can assist you with various types of personal injury cases throughout Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area.

Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident on Lake Shore Drive or are dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case, our Chicago injury and accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process in Illinois courts.

We know that each personal injury case is unique, and our local legal team is committed to securing the best possible outcome for every Chicago area client.

Some of the personal injury claims our Chicago injury and accident lawyers at TorHoerman Law can help you with include (but are not limited to):

Car Accident Lawsuits

Car accidents remain one of the most common causes of personal injury throughout Chicago, particularly on busy thoroughfares like Lake Shore Drive, I-90 (Kennedy Expressway), and I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), often resulting from distracted driving, speeding, or impaired drivers.

These collisions can cause serious injuries including whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys work to establish fault and gather evidence such as police reports from Chicago Police Department, witness statements, and traffic camera footage from Illinois Department of Transportation systems.

TorHoerman Law can help handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses you may have endured at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, or other local medical facilities in the Chicago area.

TorHoerman Law has vast experience successfully representing individuals needing legal assistance following a car accident in Chicago – types of car accident lawsuits we can assist with include, but are not limited to:

Truck Accident Lawsuits

Commercial truck accidents on major Chicago area highways like I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), I-355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway), and the I-90/I-94 interchange typically result in more severe injuries than standard vehicle collisions due to the size and weight difference between trucks and passenger cars.

These cases often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers operating throughout the Illinois freight corridor.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers investigate driver logs, maintenance records, and federal trucking regulations to build a strong case.

We work to hold all responsible parties accountable for damages including medical bills, rehabilitation costs at local facilities, and long-term care needs.

Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits

Motorcycle riders face heightened risks on Chicago area roads, particularly during Illinois’ unpredictable weather seasons, due to reduced visibility and lack of protective barriers compared to enclosed vehicles.

These accidents frequently occur on scenic routes like Lake Shore Drive, busy intersections in the Loop and River North, and construction zones throughout the Chicagoland area.

We examine factors such as road conditions maintained by the City of Chicago and Cook County, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior to determine liability.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys fight against common biases that unfairly blame motorcyclists and work to secure full compensation for your injuries and losses.

Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits

Pedestrian accidents often occur at crosswalks and intersections throughout Chicago neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and the Loop, as well as in busy areas near Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile – leaving victims with severe injuries due to the lack of protection against oncoming vehicles.

These cases may involve driver negligence, poor road design, or inadequate traffic signals and signage maintained by local Chicago municipalities.

TorHoerman Law’s experienced pedestrian accident lawyers investigate the accident scene, review traffic patterns specific to Chicago area roadways, and consult with accident reconstruction experts familiar with Illinois traffic laws when necessary.

Our goal is to hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable while securing compensation for medical treatment at local hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Uber Accident Lawsuits

Rideshare accidents involving Uber vehicles present unique challenges throughout the Chicago metro area due to the app-based nature of the service and varying insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status.

Coverage may differ based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request in areas like the Loop or Lincoln Park, en route to pick up a passenger at O’Hare International Airport or Midway Airport, or actively transporting someone to destinations throughout Cook County.

Our Uber accident attorneys examine the specific circumstances of your Chicago area accident to determine which insurance policies apply under Illinois law.

We handle the complicated insurance claims process to ensure you receive proper compensation regardless of your role as passenger, pedestrian, or occupant of another vehicle.

Lyft Accident Lawsuits

Similar to Uber cases, Lyft accidents throughout Chicago involve multiple insurance layers and require careful analysis of the driver’s activity at the time of the collision.

The company’s insurance coverage varies based on whether the app was on while driving through neighborhoods like Lakeview, if the driver had accepted a ride to areas like Oak Park or Evanston, or if passengers were in the vehicle traveling to Chicago destinations.

We work to identify all available insurance policies and determine the highest level of coverage applicable to your situation under Illinois insurance regulations.

Our Chicago Lyft accident legal team handles negotiations with multiple insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your injuries and related expenses.

Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

Bicycle accidents often result from driver inattention, failure to yield right-of-way, or inadequate infrastructure designed to protect cyclists on Chicago area bike paths – including the Lakefront Trail and routes through Grant Park and Lincoln Park.

These collisions frequently occur on busy Chicago streets like Michigan Avenue, State Street, and in areas with heavy traffic near University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University campuses.

We examine Illinois traffic laws, road conditions maintained by local authorities, and driver behavior to establish liability in your case.

Our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys work to overcome common misconceptions about cyclist responsibility and pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages related to your accident.

Other Injury and Accident Lawsuits

TorHoerman Law also handles a wide range of additional personal injury cases throughout Chicago and surrounding Cook County Illinois – these include, but are not limited to:

These cases often involve property owners, care facilities, or institutions throughout the greater Chicagoland region that failed to maintain safe conditions or provide appropriate care standards.

We thoroughly investigate each situation to identify all liable parties and gather evidence of negligence or misconduct under Illinois law.

Our Chicago injury and accident legal team works to hold responsible parties accountable while securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Whether your case involves unsafe property conditions, institutional negligence, or the tragic loss of a loved one – TorHoerman Law is here to provide dedicated legal representation tailored to your specific circumstances in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Meet Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers

Our legal team of experienced personal injury attorneys and support staff is composed of Chicago-area natives who deeply understand the legal landscape of and process for Illinois personal injury cases.

We’re more than just personal injury attorneys—we’re advocates who know the specific challenges that Chicago personal injury victims face.

Our attorneys have a proven track record of success, achieving substantial results in personal injury claims across Illinois.

We are recognized members of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Trial Lawyers.

The Chicago personal injury legal team is led by Eric Terry, an experienced attorney known for his meticulous approach to advocating for clients who have been harmed through no fault of their own.

His leadership ensures that every client receives personalized attention and a strong legal strategy tailored to their specific needs.

When you work with TorHoerman Law, you’re choosing a team dedicated to serving the people of Chicago with skill, integrity, and a commitment to justice.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers include:

  • Jake Plattenberger: Jake Plattenberger is a dedicated personal injury attorney with deep roots in the Chicago area. Known for his client-centered approach, Jake has built a reputation for securing significant settlements and verdicts in complex cases.
  • Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed at no fault of their own. Steve’s deep commitment to justice is reflected in his extensive litigation experience, making him a powerful advocate for car accident victims in the region.
  • Eric Cracken: Eric Cracken works in our Chicago office as a member of our trial team that focuses in nationwide, complex litigations representing clients who have been injured by the actions of large corporations and organizations.
  • Chad Finley: Chad Finley brings a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge to TorHoerman Law, with over a decade of experience in assessing the long-term impacts of injuries on clients. His expertise in understanding the medical ramifications of accidents enables him to accurately assess damages and secure comprehensive compensation for victims. Chad’s dedication ensures that every client’s suffering is fully recognized and justly compensated.
  • Tyler Schneider: As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success. With more than a decade of experience, Tyler’s strong leadership and deep connections within the St. Louis community underscore his commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients.
  • Rachal Rojas: Rachal Rojas leads TorHoerman Law’s support staff and intake team with dedication and expertise, ensuring that every client receives attentive and compassionate care from their first contact with our firm. Her leadership in intake management helps streamline the process, making it easy for clients to access the legal support they need.

Our Founder and Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, the founder of TorHoerman Law, is an experienced personal injury attorney who has dedicated his career to pursuing compensation for people harmed through no fault of their own.

Tor Hoerman grew up in the Chicago area, where he began his legal career defending clients in insurance cases before shifting his focus to advocating for plaintiffs in personal injury and pharmaceutical litigation.

With years of experience handling complex litigation, including pharmaceutical cases and medical malpractice, Tor has developed a reputation for his strategic approach to securing compensation and meaningful results for victims of serious injuries.

He has been instrumental in securing major settlements, including landmark cases against large corporations.

Tor’s leadership has guided TorHoerman Law to become a respected advocate for personal injury victims across Illinois, bringing not only financial recovery to clients but has also pushing for accountability from powerful defendants.

Through the work of Tor and our other personal injury attorneys, THL has been recognized for its compassionate, client-centered approach and proven results.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney from THL?

Most personal injury lawyers, including the attorneys at TorHoerman Law, work on a contingency fee basis.

This means that clients only pay if their case is successfully resolved and they receive compensation.

At TorHoerman Law, we believe that financial concerns should never prevent someone from seeking justice after an injury.

By working on a contingency fee basis, we ensure that clients can pursue their claims without upfront costs or hourly fees.

Our fees are taken as a percentage of the settlement or award, allowing clients to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process.

This approach aligns our success with yours, making your peace of mind our priority.

With no risk of unexpected bills, clients can trust that we are fully committed to achieving the best outcome for their case.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at TorHoerman Law

At TorHoerman Law, our team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, each requiring a specific and nuanced approach.

Our attorneys are experienced in investigating the specifics of each claim, securing evidence, and building a case strategy tailored to the client’s circumstances.

From severe accidents to complex medical malpractice claims, we handle cases that demand careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of Illinois law.

Each area of personal injury law comes with unique challenges, and we are prepared to advocate on behalf of our clients.

We dedicate ourselves to achieving results that provide our clients with the compensation and support they need to recover.

Here are the personal injury cases we handle:

The Legal Process for Filing a Personal Injury Case in Chicago, IL

In Chicago, a personal injury claim is handled through a structured framework according to specific Illinois laws.

Each personal injury case may have a unique timeline, requiring a tailored approach that addresses the specific details and challenges of the incident.

Our team understands that no two cases are the same and tailors each step of the legal process to the needs of the client and the challenges of their situation.

An individualized approach helps us secure the best possible outcome, whether negotiating a fair settlement or preparing for trial.

Throughout the legal process, we prioritize transparency and effective communication to keep clients informed and supported.

Here’s an overview of the typical steps in a Chicago personal injury case:

  1. Initial Consultation: We meet with the client to discuss the details of the injury, gather preliminary information, and assess potential legal strategies.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our team investigates the incident thoroughly, collecting evidence such as medical records, witness statements, photos, and expert opinions.
  3. Filing the Claim: Once we have a strong case, we file the personal injury claim with the appropriate Illinois court, ensuring all required documents are complete and filed timely.
  4. Negotiation and Settlement Discussions: We enter into negotiations with the insurance company or opposing party, working toward a fair settlement that compensates the client fully for their injuries.
  5. Discovery Process: In the discovery phase of a personal injury lawsuit, both sides exchange relevant information and documents, allowing us to gather additional evidence and strengthen the case.
  6. Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare for trial by organizing evidence, developing arguments, and preparing witnesses.
  7. Trial and Resolution: At trial, we present the case before a judge or jury, advocating vigorously for our client’s rights. If successful, the case concludes with a verdict, bringing justice and compensation for the client.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202.

This means that individuals generally have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries caused by accidents, negligence, or other wrongful acts.

Certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors, where the time limit might be extended until the minor turns 18.

Claims against government entities in Illinois often have shorter deadlines, sometimes as brief as one year.

Failing to file within the statute of limitations typically bars the injured party from pursuing legal action or recovering damages.

It is essential to get into contact with an experienced Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer to understand the potential deadlines in your case.

Contact TorHoerman Law today to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago and to understand your legal options.

What to Do If You've Suffered Harm or Personal Injuries in Chicago

If you’ve suffered harm or personal injuries in Chicago, knowing the immediate steps to take can help protect your rights.

Personal injury situations can vary widely, from car accidents to injuries on unsafe premises, but there are general actions that apply across cases.

Each step can contribute to building a strong foundation for any potential personal injury claim, helping lay the groundwork to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Acting promptly and carefully can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Here’s a general timeline to follow after suffering a personal injury in Chicago:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor, to document the injury and begin necessary treatment.
  2. Report the Incident: Notify the appropriate authorities or property owners about the incident. For car accidents, this involves calling the police; for workplace injuries, report to your supervisor.
  3. Document Evidence: Take photos, collect witness information, and keep records of anything relevant to the incident, as this evidence can be crucial to building your case.
  4. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced attorney who can review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and begin protecting your rights.
  5. Avoid Discussing the Incident Publicly: Refrain from discussing your injuries or potential legal action on social media or with others, as statements can be used against you in your claim.

Do You Qualify for a Chicago Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Personal injuries can turn a person’s life upside down, affecting not only their health but also their financial stability, career, and relationships.

Families often bear a significant burden too, as they step in to support their loved ones emotionally and financially during recovery.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a difference by fighting for the resources needed to rebuild and regain a sense of security, helping families focus on healing without the constant worry of financial strain.

If you’ve suffered harm in a personal injury accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a personal injury claim.

Gathering Evidence for a Personal Injury Case

Any successful personal injury claim is built upon strong evidence that demonstrates the extent of the injuries, the cause of the accident, and the liability of the responsible party.

By gathering detailed documentation, you strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Working with an experienced attorney can also help ensure that all relevant evidence is collected, preserved, and used effectively to support your case.

Evidence in a Chicago personal injury case may include:

  • Medical Records and Bills: Document injuries, treatments, and costs to demonstrate the impact on your health and finances.
  • Photographs and Videos: Capture images of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage to illustrate the incident visually.
  • Witness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from anyone who saw the accident to corroborate your account.
  • Police or Incident Reports: Obtain official reports that record details and assign preliminary fault if available.
  • Employment and Wage Records: Show lost wages or diminished earning capacity due to the injury.
  • Expert Testimonies: Consult with experts in fields like accident reconstruction or medical analysis to provide professional insights.
  • Personal Journal or Diary: Track your pain, emotional distress, and daily limitations since the injury to demonstrate ongoing impacts.

Common Damages in a Chicago Personal Injury Case

In a personal injury case, “damages” refer to the financial compensation sought by the injured party to address the harm they have endured.

These damages are designed to cover the direct and indirect impacts of an injury, from immediate medical expenses to lasting emotional and physical challenges.

Damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible effects, like pain and suffering.

Both types of damages are essential in fairly addressing the full scope of what an injury has cost the victim.

An experienced personal injury lawyer helps calculate and pursue these damages.

Damages in a personal injury case may include:

  • Medical Bills: Covers past, current, and future medical treatments related to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: Compensates for income lost during recovery as well as any reduction in the ability to earn in the future due to the injury.
  • Property Damage: Reimburses for repair or replacement of any personal property, such as a vehicle, damaged in the incident.
  • Pain and Suffering: Accounts for physical pain, discomfort, and ongoing suffering directly resulting from the injury.
  • Emotional Distress: Addresses the psychological impact of the injury, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensates spouses and family members for loss of companionship, care, or support resulting from the injury.
  • Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Covers damages for permanent physical changes, disabilities, or impairments that affect the quality of life and ability to function independently.

TorHoerman Law: Your Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm

TorHoerman Law understands the profound impact a serious injury can have on your life, and we’re committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

With a deep knowledge of Illinois law and a history of successful case results, our attorneys are ready to support you every step of the way.

If you’ve suffered a serious or catastrophic injury as a result of an accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and seek financial compensation.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping Chicago residents seek compensation for injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents, premises liability accidents, nursing home and daycare abuse cases, and much more.

If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney who can effectively recover compensation for your serious injuries, we are here for you.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Chicago personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a personal injury lawsuit today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Chicago, Illinois?

    Most personal injury lawyers, including the attorneys at TorHoerman Law, work on a contingency fee basis.

    This means that clients only pay if their case is successfully resolved and they receive compensation.

    At TorHoerman Law, we believe that financial concerns should never prevent someone from seeking justice after an injury.

    By working on a contingency fee basis, we ensure that clients can pursue their claims without upfront costs or hourly fees.

    Our fees are taken as a percentage of the settlement or award, allowing clients to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process.

    This approach aligns our success with yours, making your peace of mind our priority.

    With no risk of unexpected bills, clients can trust that we are fully committed to achieving the best outcome for their case.

  • What personal injury claims can TorHoerman Law help me with?

  • What types of car accident lawsuits can TorHoerman Law help me with?

    TorHoerman Law has vast experience successfully representing individuals needing legal assistance following a car accident in Chicago – types of car accident lawsuits we can assist with include, but are not limited to:

  • What is the goal of a personal injury lawsuit?

    The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to secure financial compensation for individuals who have suffered harm due to another party’s negligence.

    This compensation aims to address the financial, physical, and emotional toll of an injury, covering medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

    Personal injury lawsuits also seek to hold the responsible party accountable, providing a sense of justice to the injured person and their family.

    By pursuing fair compensation, a personal injury lawsuit helps a victim manage the ongoing effects of an injury and supports their recovery.

    Ultimately, the goal is to restore as much stability and normalcy as possible in the victim’s life.

  • How is personal injury compensation determined?

    Personal injury compensation is determined by evaluating both economic and non-economic damages caused by the injury.

    Economic damages include measurable losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

    Non-economic damages account for more subjective impacts, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and more.

    Personal injury compensation is influenced by the severity of the injury, the extent of financial losses, and the ongoing effects on the victim’s quality of life.

  • Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?

    Losing a loved one to an accident or negligence is a devastating experience, and Illinois law allows certain individuals to seek justice and compensation on behalf of the deceased.

    The Illinois Wrongful Death Act outlines specific family members and representatives who are permitted to file a wrongful death claim to address the financial and emotional losses resulting from their loss.

    According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, those who can file wrongful death cases include:

    • Immediate Family Members: Spouses, children, and parents of the deceased.
    • Personal Representatives: An executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate, appointed to represent the interests of the family and distribute any compensation awarded.
    • Dependents: Family members financially dependent on the deceased, under certain circumstances.
    • Adult Children: In cases involving the loss of a parent, adult children may be eligible to file a claim.
    • Parents of Minor Children: If the deceased was a minor, their parents are permitted to file a claim.
  • What is considered medical malpractice in Illinois?

    In Illinois, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to harm or injury to a patient.

    This negligence could involve a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistake, or a failure to provide timely and appropriate care.

    Medical malpractice attorneys examine whether the provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care that another professional in the same field would have provided under similar circumstances.

    To pursue a claim, the injured party must demonstrate that the provider’s actions directly caused harm that resulted in measurable damages, such as medical costs or loss of income.

    Illinois law also requires an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical expert, attesting that there is a reasonable basis for the malpractice claim.

  • What are punitive damages in a personal injury lawsuit?

    Punitive damages in a personal injury lawsuit are financial awards intended to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and also deter future negligence.

    Unlike compensatory damages, which cover the victim’s losses, punitive damages are designed to deter similar misconduct in the future.

    Courts may award punitive damages when a defendant’s actions display extreme negligence or intentional harm, such as gross disregard for safety.

    Punitive damages are not awarded in every case and are generally reserved for situations where the conduct was especially harmful.

    In Illinois, there are limitations on when and how much can be awarded in punitive damages.

Additional Resources

“2015 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics.” Illinois Department of Transportation, Office of Planning & Programming, Bureau of Data Collection, May 2017, www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf

“Fatal Work Injuries in Illinois – 2017.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor, 13 Feb. 2019, www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_illinois.htm

“Injury Prevention Topics of Interest Daycare Safety and Injury Prevention.” Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, www.injuryfree.org/safetytpc_display.cfm?PermanentId=89A1F820-7831-400C-884171EF38A74C2A

“Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2017.” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Mar. 2019, www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/safety/data-and-statistics/452366/ltcbf-2017-early-release-3-13-2019.pdf

Levy, Sandra, and Leslie Kane. “Medscape Malpractice Report 2017.” Medscape, Medscape, 15 Nov. 2017, www.medscape.com/slideshow/2017-malpractice-report-6009206#7

“Slip and Fall Quick Facts.” National Floor Safety Institute, nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/

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About TorHoerman Law

At TorHoerman Law, we believe that if we continue to focus on the people that we represent, and continue to be true to the people that we are – justice will always be served.

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Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

In this case, we obtained a verdict of $495 Million for our client’s child who was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis after consuming baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.

$20 Million
Toxic Tort Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $20 Million for our client after they suffered a Toxic Tort Injury due to chemical exposure.

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In this case, we were able to successfully recover $103.8 Million for our client after they suffered a COX-2 Inhibitors Injury.

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Traumatic Brain Injury

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $4 Million for our client after they suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury while at daycare.

$2.8 Million
Defective Heart Device

In this case, we were able to successfully recover $2.8 Million for our client after they suffered an injury due to a Defective Heart Device.

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