Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, the unthinkable happens – an injury, a medical mistake, or a moment of negligence that forever changes our life through no fault of our own. These moments bring more than physical pain. They bring emotional heartbreak, sleepless nights, and overwhelming questions about the future.
Understanding your rights and options under Illinois law can be the first step in finding some peace of mind. That’s where this guide can help. Below, we’ll walk through the most common types of personal injury claims involving children, birth control IUD injury, and medical malpractice in Belmont Cragin.
Medical malpractice can affect anyone – children and adults alike. While the birth of a child should be a time of joy, some children are born with defects or sustain injuries during birth due to medical errors.
These can include misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, or errors during delivery. If a birth defect or injury is caused by negligence, Illinois law allows parents to pursue a lawsuit under the Medical Malpractice Act to seek compensation for medical expenses, future care costs, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Adults can also fall victim to medical negligence, such as surgical errors, improper diagnoses, or inadequate care. Additionally, while birth control is meant to prevent pregnancy, some devices, like IUDs, can fail. If an IUD is improperly inserted or if risks are not fully disclosed, victims may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim or a product liability lawsuit.
Whether you’ve been harmed by a misdiagnosis or surgical mistake, you have the right to hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions. Consulting a medical malpractice lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights.
Accidents can happen anywhere, from the school playground to the home. While some injuries are unavoidable, others result from negligence or unsafe conditions. In these cases, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Common injury claims for children and teens include:
In daycare-related injury cases, whether it's a slip, a fall, or something more severe, seeking compensation is vital for covering immediate medical expenses. While many injuries heal over time, others can leave permanent scars, both physical and emotional.
Additionally, permanent disabilities resulting from an injury can affect a child’s future in significant ways. A back injury, for example, might leave a child unable to participate in sports or other activities that are vital to their well-being and social development.
Once your child is born, you may find it necessary to rely on caregivers, such as daycare centers, babysitters, nannies, or au pairs, after-school programs, and even at home with family members. Unfortunately, not all caregivers are as responsible as they should be, and some may neglect or mistreat children under their care.
Caregiver negligence can come in many forms, such as:
In the case of home-based daycares or babysitters, an individual caregiver may be liable for any harm done. However, if the caregiver works through an agency or is employed by a daycare center, you may also be able to pursue a claim against the agency or institution for failing to properly screen or supervise their employees.
When hiring young babysitters, it’s important to note that minors often cannot be held fully responsible for legal or financial liabilities. Parents or guardians of minor caregivers are typically held liable for any negligence or harm caused.
When your child suffers an injury, the impact goes beyond medical bills and physical healing. Non-economic damages address the profound ways an injury affects your child's emotional well-being, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Illinois law recognizes these invisible losses and lets families seek compensation for them.
Children and teenagers may experience significant emotional challenges following an injury. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For instance, a child involved in a car accident might develop a fear of riding in vehicles, impacting daily routines and family life.
An injury can prevent your child from participating in activities he or she once loved. For example, a young child may not be able to snuggle up for his or her favorite cartoon anymore.
A teenager who was an avid soccer player now unable to play due to a severe leg injury may miss out on team camaraderie and potential scholarships. Such a loss not only affects a kid’s present happiness but can also alter his or her future opportunities.
Injuries don’t just change what you do – they can change how you see yourself and how you connect with others. A teen who identified as “the star player” might feel lost on the sidelines. For injured youths, even the simplest chores or hugs can feel different.
When a child or teen is injured, whether in an accident or as a result of negligence, parents are often left scrambling for legal recourse. Illinois law allows parents and guardians to pursue legal action when their child is injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Children under the age of 18 cannot file lawsuits on their own, so it’s up to the adults in their lives to pursue the case.
For most medical malpractice cases, including those involving birth defects, you must file the lawsuit within 2 years from the date of the injury or from the discovery of the injury, but not more than 4 years after the alleged act of malpractice. In certain cases, the statute of limitations may be extended for minor victims.
At Collins Law Firm, we know how devastating personal injuries can be. A personal injury can affect your confidence, independence, and peace of mind. While we can't undo the past, we're here to help you and your family reclaim the future by holding those responsible accountable and getting you the maximum compensation available.
In addition to medical malpractice and birth control injury claims, we also handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
From the first phone call to the final settlement, we’re here to make sure the process is clear, simple, and focused entirely on you.
Your life shouldn’t be on hold while your claim unfolds. While we handle the legal heavy lifting, you can focus on healing and getting back to daily routines – whether that’s returning to work, enjoying time with family, or simply sleeping through the night without pain. Call (630) 527-1595 now to schedule your free consultation.
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