There are many factors that can cause a car accident, such as drunk or distracted driving, weather or road conditions, and speeding. In some cases, a vehicle crash could be caused by a combination of those things, which can lead to confusion when recognizing the at-fault party. However, determining liability is important if anyone got hurt. Victims of automobile collisions can suffer injuries that impact them for days, months, or even years. That is why it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible about the accident, including how it happened as well as how it has impacted you. The more proof there is to support a claim for injuries or damages/losses, the better chance you have of receiving a fair settlement.

Documentation Is Key to Proving Negligence

The immediate aftermath of a crash can be chaotic and disorienting, filled with adrenaline and emotions. Drivers and passengers alike may be frightened, angry, and in pain. The first thing to do is call 911 if paramedics are needed and then call the police so they can fill out an official report of the accident.

Although Illinois drivers are required to carry auto insurance policies in the event of an accident, insurance companies typically only pay for vehicle damage and rental car fees if a car is totaled. A civil lawsuit or claim can alleviate the financial burden caused by physical and emotional injuries. However, as a plaintiff, you are responsible for proving another party’s negligence caused the accident and your subsequent damages, including lost wages if you are unable to return to work. In some cases, the other party involved may be driving for work, so it is important to get the name of his or her employer.

The Midwest is known for having four seasons, winter, spring, summer, and winter. The winters can be especially harsh, with blizzard-like weather conditions and temperatures plummeting to single digits and even below freezing. For outdoor sports enthusiasts, heavy snowfall means skiing and snowboarding. Although Illinois does not have mountains like other states such as Colorado or Utah, they do have big hills that are still ideal for winter activities. After all the restrictions put in place this past in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may be clamoring to get outside, even in the cold. However, as with any sport, there is an element of risk involved in snow sports. If you or your family member was hurt in a skiing or snowboarding accident, it is important to understand your legal options for pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim. In some cases, a negligent party may be held accountable for any damages you incurred.

Common Injuries from Snow Skiing

Skiing can be a great form of exercise, whether downhill or cross-country. Snowboarding has gained popularity in recent years, especially among the younger generation. Still, skiers and snowboarders can range in age from 5 to 80 years old. In some cases, the participant’s age can play a role in the severity of his or her injury, as an older person’s bones might be more brittle than an adolescent. Regardless, injuries sustained in this kind of accident or mishap can range from minor to serious and even fatal, often due to the fast speeds at which an individual is traveling downhill with little protection if he or she loses control. Recreational downhill skiers may average a speed of 20-40 miles per hour. If a skier or snowboarder cannot stop, he or she could crash into a building, a tree, or even strike another person. The force of the impact can cause catastrophic and debilitating injuries.

Here are a few of the typical types of injuries that people can suffer while skiing or snowboarding in the winter:

Americans like to eat out, and it is likely you have a favorite dining establishment that you or your family frequent on a regular basis. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, many local restaurants have been allowed to continue carry-out and seat patrons inside or outside using social distancing guidelines. Whenever you eat food that someone else cooks, however, it is important to make sure it is prepared and cooked thoroughly. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a victim of a foodborne illness, or what is commonly known as food poisoning. This type of illness is typically caused by food that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. If you became sick after eating food that was prepared by a restaurant, you may end up in the hospital and unable to work. A personal injury attorney can help you explore your legal options for obtaining compensation for medical bills and lost income.

Symptoms of Foodborne Illness

The most common causes of food poisoning are infectious organisms or their toxins. The effects of the illness can show signs as soon as a few hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Food poisoning symptoms may include but are not limited to the following:

• Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Most cases of food poisoning are fairly mild and resolve without medical attention. However, you can become dehydrated quickly, so it is important to get adequate hydration and seek medical treatment if symptoms persist. In some situations, the food poisoning can lead to other complications, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Accidents often occur when people least expect it. Depending on the situation, a person can suffer minor bumps and bruises to severe and long-lasting complications. Injuries can happen even when safety precautions are taken. However, they can also take place due to another party’s negligence. A common shoulder injury is a torn rotator cuff. Although typical in sports-related accidents, tears in the rotator cuff can occur as a result of falling onto hard pavement after slipping and falling or sudden impact such as from a car accident. It is important for anyone who is involved in those types of accidents to seek medical attention and then consult a personal injury attorney to determine liability for your pain and suffering.

Signs and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allows an individual to lift and rotate his or her arms. There are two different types of rotator cuff tears. A partial tear is when the muscle that forms the rotator cuff becomes damaged. A complete tear pulls the tendon off of the shoulder bone.

It is not uncommon for a torn rotator cuff to be mistaken for a pulled muscle at first. In some cases, a person may experience the following conditions:

Many people own pets such as dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 67 percent of American households, or approximately 85 million families, own a pet. Although dogs are mostly known for their friendly nature and companionship, they can attack for various reasons, such as when they are startled, provoked, or protecting their puppies. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 4.4 million people are bitten by a dog in the United States each year, resulting in an estimated 885,000 wounds that require medical attention. A dog bite injury can cause debilitating consequences for the victim. In some cases, a negligent pet owner may be held liable for any injuries his or her dog inflicts on another person.

Complications from a Dog Attack

Being bitten by a dog can result in minor to serious and even fatal injuries. Physical scars from stitches may eventually fade, but certain injuries can cause permanent damage that surgery or physical therapy may not be able to fix. For example, bacterial infections such as Rabies affect the central nervous system. Damage to a victim’s spinal cord can lead to nerve damage and paralysis.

In addition, psychological scars such as anxiety or panic attacks can last a lifetime. A victim may resist going out in public for fear of being attacked again. Below are a few of the common injuries and complications that a victim of a dog attack may experience:

Burns to the skin can be caused by many different things, including sun exposure, explosion, chemical spill, and more. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that burns cause approximately 180,000 deaths each year in the United States. Burns can range from minor to severe and even fatal. In the hot summer months, many people fail to use sunscreen with the proper sun protection factor (SPF). Commonly referred to as a sunburn, this is usually treated at home with a topical cream. However, a third-degree burn from a flame can lead to life-threatening complications. In some cases, negligent actions by a property owner or a driver can cause an auto accident in which a victim sustains a burn injury to his or her skin.

Degrees of a Burn Injury

The signs and symptoms of a burn injury can vary depending on the severity of the skin damage. It is important to note that symptoms may not develop for a couple of days. Burn injuries are typically categorized by degrees as follows:

• First-Degree Burn: Considered a minor burn, this only affects the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, causing discomfort and redness.
• Second-Degree Burn: This type of burn impacts the second layer of skin, known as the dermis. It can cause swelling with red or white splotches on the skin. Blisters can develop, and the victim may experience severe pain.
• Third-Degree Burn: This burn travels to the fat beneath the skin, which can damage nerves and cause numbness. Affected areas may be black, brown, or white in color.

Accidents that Can Lead to Skin Burns

There are many different scenarios in which an individual may be at risk of a burn injury. This can include being involved in a car crash that causes the vehicle to catch on fire and/or explode. In other cases, a person may be burned when scalding water is spilled on them in a restaurant. Certain types of employees may be at risk of exposure to hazardous substances that can lead to a workplace accident that irritates the skin if they are not provided the proper protective gear (PPE). In all of these situations, another party may be held liable for negligence depending on the circumstances.