Legal Options Following a Labor Day Weekend Injury
Labor Day, the holiday recognizing America’s workers, is intended as a day of rest and relaxation and a chance to enjoy a rare three-day weekend. Barbeques, ballgames, lakeside fun in the sun – these are hallmarks of Labor Day, so it is both unexpected and tragic when the holiday is marred by an injury or death.
Unfortunately, with so many Americans hitting the road to visit friends and family, and with alcohol often being a feature of social get-togethers, accidents are inevitable. Personal injuries may be suffered on one of the nation’s highways, parks, sporting grounds, lakes and other swimming areas, or even unlikely places where you least expect it. Cuts, bruises, broken bones, post-traumatic stress, and even loss of life are among the consequences.
When harm is suffered by no fault of your own, the pain and suffering are only magnified. Besides a ruined holiday and unexpected medical care and bills, there lingers the need to hold a wrongdoer accountable for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you have suffered. Fortunately, in the civil courts of the state of Illinois, procedures are in place to allow victims to seek redress from those that have caused harm, whether intentionally or negligently.
Negligence is a Common Cause of Harm in the State of Illinois
One of the most common causes of personal injuries during Labor Day and other holiday weekends is negligence. Unlike intentional torts such as assault, battery, and false imprisonment, negligence is the breach of a duty owed that causes damages. In other words, negligence is typically a sin of omission rather commission – a failure to act or protect others from harm or danger. Examples include failure by a grocery store to post “warning: slippery when wet” signs in aisle after a liquid has been spilled, or inattentiveness (e.g. text messaging) while driving.
Whether as individuals or business owners, we owe duties to one another. When a duty, such as that of safe driving, is breached and harm such as personal injury results, monetary damages may be sought to make right the losses that have been suffered.
What To Do If You Suffered a Personal Injury on Labor Day Weekend
If you have suffered a personal injury or lost a loved one as the result of the negligence or intentionally wrongful conduct of another, contact an experienced Orland Park personal injury attorney. Call Schwartz Injury Law at 708-888-2160 to schedule a free consultation today.
Source:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-1116