Muhammad Ramadan | March 28, 2024 | Personal Injury
Millions of people travel to Chicago each year for pleasure or business. Unfortunately, tourists may be injured as they tour the city and enjoy its museums, entertainment venues, restaurants, and attractions. If you were injured while visiting Chicago, you could have several options for recovering compensation for your damages.
Common Tourist Accidents and Injuries in Chicago, IL
Many situations could result in a tourist injury in Chicago.
Common accidents and situations that could result in a tourist being injured in Chicago include:
- Car accidents, including accidents involving taxis, rideshare vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and semi-trucks
- Slip and fall accidents at hotels, restaurants, sports facilities, entertainment venues, etc.
- Premises liability claims involving bed bugs at a hotel, exposure to hazardous substances, etc.
- Injuries and accidents at amusement and theme parks
- Accidents and injuries at the airport
- Food poisoning
- Assaults and muggings
- Train, bus, and transit accidents
If you are injured while out of town, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Medical records are essential evidence to prove that the accident caused your injuries.
You may also want to consider contacting a Chicago personal injury lawyer while you are in town. You want to hire a local attorney if you are injured in Chicago for several reasons.
Why Should I Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer if I Am a Tourist?
Navigating a personal injury claim can be challenging if the accident occurred near your home. However, pursuing a claim has additional challenges if you are injured while traveling.
Reasons to hire a personal injury attorney in Chicago for help with a tourist injury case include:
Licensed to Practice in Illinois
Jurisdiction refers to a court’s authority to make decisions regarding a legal matter. The court must have jurisdiction over the person and the subject matter. Therefore, if you are injured in Chicago and it involves a Chicago person or business, you must file a legal claim in Illinois.
Attorneys must be admitted to the Illinois State Bar to practice law in the state. Therefore, an attorney in another state would need to hire local counsel or go through the process of being approved to file a lawsuit in Illinois.
Jurisdiction is a complex issue in claims involving tourist injuries. Talk with a Chicago accident lawyer to determine if you must file a claim in Illinois.
Knowledge of State Laws and Courts
A local personal injury attorney understands Illinois personal injury laws. They are familiar with the courts. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, experience is essential. Working with an experienced lawyer gives you a better chance of receiving a fair settlement.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence
You must prove the legal elements of your case to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Therefore, you must have evidence proving the other party caused your injuries.
If you are injured in Chicago, a personal injury lawyer in Chicago is close to the accident scene. They can gather and preserve evidence quicker and with less cost than an out-of-state attorney.
You May Not Need to Return to Chicago
Most personal injury cases begin with an insurance claim. Even if your attorney files a lawsuit, the case might not go to trial. A Chicago personal injury attorney will handle all aspects of your case. You may not need to return to Chicago when you have local representation.
What Damages Could I Receive if I’m Injured in Chicago as a Tourist?
Illinois personal injury laws provide for non-economic and economic damages. These damages compensate you for your financial losses, pain, and suffering.
Examples of damages you could receive in a tourist accident claim include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Impairments and disabilities
- Lost wages and benefits
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Reduced earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Diminished quality of life
You may have medical bills and expenses when you return home. Your attorney will assist you in documenting all damages to include in your personal injury claim.
Being injured while out of town is stressful and frustrating. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may remain in Chicago for an extended period. If so, your expenses and losses could be staggering. If you need help filing a personal injury claim, call a Chicago lawyer for a free consultation.
Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
Learn about your legal options if you’re injured as a tourist in Chicago, IL. Contact our personal injury lawyers if you need help with a claim for damages.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 929-2884