What Are My Options if I’m a Tourist and Get Injured in Chicago? 

Muhammad Ramadan | February 6, 2025 | Personal Injury

Millions of tourists visit Chicago each year. The “Windy City” has much to offer tourists, including museums, historical sites, beaches, excellent dining options, and a variety of entertainment. Top attractions include Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Brookfield Zoo, and riverboat cruises. Unfortunately, with numerous choices for fun and entertainment, tourists have a risk of being injured or involved in an accident.

Common causes of tourist accidents in Chicago include, but are not limited to:

• Premises liability claims for injuries caused by dangerous property conditions
• Motor vehicle accidents, including bicycle, pedestrian, scooter, taxi, motorcycle, and truck accidents
• Injuries and accidents at theme parks, entertainment venues, sporting events, and amusement parks
• Slip and fall accidents at bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.
• Muggings, assaults, and other intentional torts
• Bus, train, airport, and other transit accidents
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Overindulging in alcoholic beverages

Illinois is a fault-based state for personal injury claims. The victim has the burden of proving the legal elements to establish liability. Liability is the legal responsibility for damages caused by a party’s negligence, intentional torts, or other wrongdoing. 

Tourists have several legal options to pursue a personal injury case if they are injured in Chicago, IL. Insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits are the two most common legal options for seeking compensation for tourist injuries.

Filing an Insurance Claim for a Tourist Injury in Chicago

If the party who caused your injury or accident has liability insurance, you can file a claim with their insurance provider. Liability insurance compensates a victim for injuries and losses when an insured causes the victim’s injuries. The insurance policy must cover the accident or incident for the company to pay the claim.

A common example of liability insurance is car insurance coverage. Illinois requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance. If a driver causes a car accident, their insurance company could be liable for damages. Another example of a personal injury insurance claim would be a slip and fall accident claim filed with a company’s insurance provider.

The insurance company investigates your claim to determine if the insured caused your injuries. If so, the company determines how much your damages are worth. Before accepting a settlement offer, discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer.

Insurance companies aggressively defend their best interests, including undervaluing damages. Therefore, it is best to have an attorney review the settlement to ensure you receive a fair amount for your claim.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Tourist Injury in Chicago

A personal injury lawsuit is litigation in civil court to resolve a dispute related to an accident or injury claim. You may file a personal injury lawsuit with or without filing a claim with an insurance company.

The common steps in a personal injury lawsuit include:

• Filing a complaint alleging the defendants (the parties you claim caused your injuries) are legally liable for your damages.
• The defendants file responses to the complaint. Most insurance companies hire attorneys to defend the lawsuit for their insured.
• Parties engage in discovery to gather additional evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, etc.
• Settlement negotiations and mediation between the parties may result in the case settling before a trial.
• Pre-trial motions to resolve questions of law.
• The parties select a jury and begin the trial. The trial includes opening statements, a presentation of each party’s arguments, and closing statements.
• Jury deliberations and return of a verdict.

The Illinois statute of limitations restricts the time to file a lawsuit. Therefore, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to avoid losing your right to file a lawsuit.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer if I’m a Tourist Injured in Chicago, IL?

A local personal injury attorney understands Illinois personal injury laws. They are familiar with local courts, judges, and clerk’s offices. Local attorneys are also familiar with local defense lawyers hired by insurance companies.

An Illinois accident attorney understands the law, including the legal elements of various personal injury claims and rules of evidence. The attorney investigates your case and gathers evidence supporting your claim, including working with expert witnesses as necessary. They also document your economic and non-economic damages to maximize how much your case is worth.

A tourist often returns home after their doctors state it is safe to travel. Your attorney handles all legal matters related to your personal injury claim. In some situations, you might not need to return to Chicago if your lawyer negotiates a fair settlement for your injury claim.

Get Help if You Are Injured as a Tourist in Chicago, IL

Being injured in a strange town can create numerous issues for the victim. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue a claim for damages. Call us to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. 

Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today

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: