Sometimes personal injury accidents result in injuries so severe that a person is temporarily or permanently disabled. Anytime a plaintiff is injured as a result of negligence, he or she may be able to recover personal injury damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Household services
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Additionally if the plaintiff is temporarily or permanently disabled, he or she may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits or other disability benefits provided under a disability insurance policy. In order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, the injured person must have a physical or mental medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and prevents him or her from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” If a person meets the definition of “disability” under Social Security laws, he or she may be eligible for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are available for those persons who meet certain income and asset limitations. Conversely, SSDI benefits are paid to disabled persons who have earned enough “credits” through the payment of social security taxes. If you or a loved one is injured or disabled in a personal injury accident, it is important that you consult with personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. There are strict time limitations on when a personal injury lawsuit can be filed, and you could lose your right to seek compensation in a court of law if you do not act in a timely manner. The applicable statute of limitations varies depending on the jurisdiction, the defendant, and the cause of action. In Illinois, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the accident or, in the case of medical malpractice, two years from the date that the patient became aware of, or should have become aware of, the medical error. If a personal injury accident or medical error results in death, however, the wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the decedent’s death. There are also specific procedural requirements that must be filed for seeking Social Security disability benefits. The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish focus on representing accident and injury victims, including those who were injured as a result of negligence. We can help you find the appropriate medical attention, conduct a factual investigation of the accident, file the necessary legal documents, and advocate on your behalf for maximum financial recovery from all possible sources. Contact our office at (312) 445-9084 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago personal injury lawyers. Additional Information:
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEGLIGENCE, TORTS, AND PERSONAL INJURY
- HOW PERSONAL INJURY DAMAGE AWARDS ARE DETERMINED
- RECOVERING FOR EMOTIONAL INJURIES IN PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT
Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
