Unfortunately, some individuals who have suffered an injury in an accident due to someone else’s negligence may not believe that their claim (potential for a case) is legitimate. Here are some common myths posed by accident-victims about why they might not think they have a case:
“I was injured, but I did not miss work.” Perhaps you were unable or unwilling to take time off of work following your injury and simply worked through the pain; this does not prohibit you from earning compensation. In fact, much of the compensation awarded to victims in personal injury cases is not for lost wages, but rather for their pain and suffering and the permanency of their injuries.
“There weren’t any witnesses of my accident.” While having witnesses present to validate your testimony will strengthen your case, their support is not a necessity; if nobody clearly witnessed the accident, no such support can be created from nothing. Your own testimony of the accident will suffice in most cases.
“I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but I suffered no physical injuries.” Psychological/psychiatric injuries can be as serious, or more so than physical injuries, and result in similar substantial forms of compensation.
“I didn’t call an ambulance following the accident.” It is not uncommon for some individuals involved in an accident to feel fine at the scene, only to feel the severity and any associated symptoms of an injury in the hours or days following the accident. While it is recommended to call an ambulance after the initial incident, it is essential for your potential personal injury claim that you seek medical attention as soon as possible and acquire any documentation of your injuries.
“I did not suffer any broken bones.” Traffic accidents cause many types of injuries which can be more serious than bone fractures, such as torn tendons, torn rotator cuffs in shoulders, and injuries to the Achilles heel or menisci in the knee. Just because you did not break a bone does not at all mean your injury claim is insufficient.
“I slipped and fell in snow or ice after a snowstorm.” There is some debate regarding these slip-and-fall accidents, as snowstorms are natural occurrences. While Illinois law regarding snow removal from property is relatively lenient, some cities, such as Chicago, have more specific rules for certain properties, such as commercial properties.
Generally speaking, property owners do have a duty of care to business invitees, so you should not doubt your own case simply because inclement weather played a part in your accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
