Orland Park Personal Injury Attorneys

Skilled Lawyer in Orland Park for Negligent Acts That Cause Injuries

All it takes is a few seconds for negligence or recklessness to change the life of an injured victim. A person who has been seriously hurt may be unable to work, care for their family members, or even do the things they once enjoyed. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we know how devastating it can be for a family to deal with a serious injury or the death of a loved one. We also recognize the financial burdens that families often face in these situations. If you or a member of your family has been injured by the recklessness or negligence of another party, our firm is dedicated to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Personal Injury Matters in Oak Forest and Palos Heights

Accidents happen all the time and in just about any location. Sometimes, accidents occur despite everyone involved doing the right thing and being as careful as possible. In other situations, however, an accident is caused by negligent behavior by one or more parties. When negligence is part of the problem, a personal injury lawsuit could be the solution.

Attorney John S. Fotopoulos is an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands how to handle complex injury cases. He and his team are equipped to help with all types of personal injury matters, including:

• Traffic accidents: Each year, thousands of people are hurt and hundreds are killed in motor vehicle accidents on Illinois roadways. Our firm represents victims injured in car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, pedestrian accidents, bicycle crashes, and other types of traffic accidents.
• Construction-Related Accidents: The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work. Accidents on construction sites can cause catastrophic injuriesand even death. If you have been injured while performing construction work or while visiting a worksite, we are here to help.
• Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Customers who shop at retail stores or other businesses or people who enter property open to the public may experience serious injuries if hazards cause them to slip or trip and fall down. In these cases, a property owner may be held liable for a victim’s injuries through a premises liability claim.
• Medical Malpractice: Doctors and other medical professionals must be held accountable for negligent mistakes that cause injury to their patients. Our firm handles surgical malpractice, birth injuries, misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, medication errors, and all other types of healthcare-related professional negligence.
• Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse: When your loved one lives in a long-term care facility or a nursing home, you have the right to expect quality care. Unfortunately, nursing home residents may be injured by intentional abuse or negligence by staff members. We can help address nursing home injuries caused by issues such as understaffing, abuse, neglect, or other forms of negligence.
• Defective and Dangerous Products: Poorly designed or defective products present a danger to consumers who use them. The companies that make and distribute such products may be financially liable when injuries occur as a result of their negligence. We help victims seek compensation under Illinois’ product liability laws.
• Dog Bites/Animal Attacks: These attacks can result in severe physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma for victims in the Chicago area. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we understand that Illinois law holds pet owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals, particularly in dog bite cases. Our attorneys are well-versed in Illinois’ Animal Control Act and will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your attack, including the animal’s history of aggression and the owner’s compliance with local leash laws and ordinances.
• Sexual Abuse by Priests and Clergy: At our firm, we believe that victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy should be entitled to compensation. It is impossible to put a price on the horrors that these victims have endured, but financial considerations may be appropriate in helping them rebuild their lives.
• Wrongful Death: Wrongful death cases are among the most emotionally challenging and complex legal matters we handle at our law firm. When families lose a loved one due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, the impact is devastating and far-reaching. We understand that while no amount of compensation can truly make up for your loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help provide financial stability and a sense of justice for surviving family members.

Injuries that Often Occur from Personal Injuries in Orland Park

Personal injury accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries that may have long-lasting or permanent effects on victims’ lives. Our law firm has extensive experience helping clients who have suffered various types of traumatic injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These catastrophic injuries can occur from vehicle crashes, falls, or any blow to the head. TBIs may cause cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, and difficulties with speech or motor function. Recovery often requires extensive rehabilitation, and some victims face lifelong disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries/Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally changing a person’s mobility and independence. These devastating injuries typically require ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, and modifications to living spaces. Many victims need lifelong assistance with daily activities.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: While some breaks heal relatively quickly, complex fractures may require surgery and extensive physical therapy. Severe breaks can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and arthritis. Some victims experience permanent impairment even after the bones have healed.
• Whiplash/Soft Tissue Injuries: Common in car accidents, these injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Though often dismissed as minor, severe whiplash can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and headaches. Recovery may take months and require ongoing physical therapy.
• Burns and Disfigurement: Severe burns can require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and lengthy rehabilitation. Beyond physical pain, burn victims often face emotional trauma and social challenges due to visible scarring. Recovery typically involves both physical and psychological treatment.
• Internal Organ Damage: These serious injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding, organ rupture, or damage can require emergency surgery and result in long-term health complications. Victims often need ongoing medical monitoring.
• Psychological Trauma: Many accident victims develop PTSD, anxiety, or depression following their injury. These invisible wounds can be as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting work, relationships, and daily life. Professional counseling and therapy are often essential for recovery.
• Loss of Limb/Amputation: The loss of a limb is a life-altering injury that affects every aspect of daily living. Victims face extensive rehabilitation, prosthetic fittings, and the need to relearn basic tasks. Many require ongoing medical care and assistance with daily activities.

Damages Recoverable in an Orland Park Personal Injury Claim

When pursuing a personal injury claim in Orland Park, there are several types of damages you may be entitled to recover:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses, including current and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage repair or replacement
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
• Medical equipment and home modifications
• Transportation costs to medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Disfigurement and permanent scarring
• Loss of quality of life

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages serve to:

• Punish particularly reckless behavior
• Deter similar conduct by others
• Send a message about unacceptable actions

Factors that May Affect Compensation in a Personal Injury Case

Several key factors can significantly influence the amount of compensation you may receive in a personal injury case. Here are the main elements that attorneys and insurance companies consider when evaluating claims:

• Severity of injury: The extent and permanence of your injuries play a crucial role in determining compensation. More severe injuries typically result in higher settlements due to increased medical costs and long-term care needs. Life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries generally warrant substantial compensation to cover lifetime care requirements.
• Impact on earning capacity: Your ability to work and earn income following the injury is carefully evaluated. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your ability to work entirely, you may be entitled to significant compensation for lost future earnings. The calculation considers factors such as your age, skill set, education, and pre-injury income level.
• Comparative negligence: Illinois follows modified comparative negligence rules, which can affect your compensation based on your share of fault in the accident. If you are found partially responsible, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the incident.
• Insurance policy limits: The available insurance coverage often sets practical boundaries on recoverable compensation. The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits can cap your potential recovery, regardless of your damages’ actual value. Multiple insurance policies or additional defendants may need to be identified to ensure full compensation.
• Quality of evidence: Strong evidence supporting your claim can significantly increase your chances of maximum compensation. This includes detailed medical records, expert testimony, accident reports, witness statements, and clear documentation of expenses. Weak or incomplete evidence may result in reduced settlement offers or difficulty proving the full extent of damages.

Proving Liability in an Orland Park Personal Injury Claim

To successfully establish liability in a personal injury case, you must prove four essential elements. Each of these elements must be clearly demonstrated to build a strong foundation for your claim:

• Duty of Care: The defendant must have owed you a legal duty of care at the time of the incident. This means they had an obligation to act in a reasonably safe manner to prevent harm to others. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, property owners must maintain safe premises, and medical professionals must provide care that meets the accepted standards of their profession.
• Breach of Duty: Once a duty of care is established, you must prove the defendant failed to fulfill this duty through their actions or inactions. This could involve showing how they acted negligently, recklessly, or intentionally in a way that violated their duty. Examples include a driver running a red light, a store owner failing to clean up a hazardous spill, or a doctor deviating from standard medical procedures.
• Causation: The breach of duty must be directly linked to your injuries. This means proving that your injuries would not have occurred if not for the defendant’s actions or negligence. You must demonstrate both actual cause (the defendant’s actions directly led to the injury) and proximate cause (the injury was a foreseeable consequence of the defendant’s actions). Expert testimony and medical evidence often play crucial roles in establishing this connection.
• Damages: Finally, you must prove that you suffered actual losses or damages as a result of the injury. These can include both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Detailed documentation of all injury-related expenses, medical records, and expert testimony about long-term impacts are essential in proving damages.

Our legal team will go to work immediately to thoroughly analyze the specific factors of your case and put together the evidence necessary to prove that the responsible party was liable for your injuries.

Contact Our Reputable Orland Park Personal Injury Attorney

At Fotopoulos Law Office, we work hard every day to protect the rights of injury victims. Our clients’ best interests are our top priority. If you have been injured and would like to know more about how we can help you, contact our office. Call 708-942-8400 for a free personal injury consultation and review of your case. We represent clients in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Joliet, Oak Forest, Alsip, Palos Heights, Homer Glen, Mokena, Will County, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.