When someone suffers injuries because of negligence or wrongdoing, they can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If this suit is successful, they receive what are known as “damages.”Damages are meant to serve as financial compensation for the injuries the plaintiff suffered because of the defendant’s misdeeds.

People with only a passing knowledge of personal injury law are familiar with compensatory damages or damages intended to compensate the victim for losses. However, far fewer are aware a second damages category exists – punitive damages.

Punitive Damages: The Basics

As mentioned above, damages are meant to address the injuries suffered by the plaintiff. The court, based on the evidence provided, conducts a strict accounting of the costs incurred by the plaintiff as a direct result of the defendant’s misconduct. In the parlance of the court, damages are meant to make the victim “whole again.”

Electric shocks vary in severity. Most people have received a minor shock at one point in their lives. However, some electric shocks cause permanent or fatal damage to the shock victim. If you were injured due to electric shock or your loved one was the victim of a fatal electrocution accident, you may be able to sue for damages through a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit. If the electric shock accident occurred at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

The Consequences of an Electric Shock Accident Can Be Severe

Being shocked can be a painful, traumatic experience. It can also lead to severe injuries. Electric shock can cause heart failure, electric damage to the brain, and terrible burns – both internal and external. Some electric shock victims must have limbs amputated. Others are left with disfiguring scars or loss of sensation for the rest of their lives.

Electric Shock Accidents Caused by Negligence

When used in the legal context, the term “negligence” refers to a breach of duty. Product manufacturers, for example, owe a duty to consumers. They must ensure that their products do not contain defects that could injury or kill someone who uses the product. The companies that design and distribute consumer products also owe a duty of care. Property owners such as apartment landlords are held to a similar standard. They must ensure that their property does not contain unreasonable hazards that could harm tenants or visitors.  

Concussions are unique in that they can range dramatically in terms of severity. Some people suffer a concussion and do not even realize it. Other concussion sufferers are left with debilitating symptoms that influence nearly every aspect of their lives. If you or a loved one suffered a concussion in a work accident, car crash, slip and fall, or another incident, it is important to explore your legal options with a skilled injury attorney. You could be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and more.

Concussion Symptoms are Often Insidious

Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury. They often result from an accident in which the head is forcefully struck or moved back and forth. Many people who suffer a concussion experience confusion or even loss of consciousness immediately after the accident. They may experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and light and noise sensitivity for days or weeks afterward. Concussions can even cause psychological problems like depression and anxiety, difficulty remembering, sleep disturbances, and personality changes. However, some of these symptoms appear hours or days after the initial injury. This is one reason why anyone who suffers a head injury in a car accident or other traumatic incident should seek medical attention right away.

Seeking Compensation After a Concussion

Needless to say, concussion symptoms can significantly impact a person’s life. If you suffered a concussion, you may be unable to concentrate on your work, drive a car, or care for your children. You may be unable to complete responsibilities and household chores. To add to your stress, you may also be facing steep medical bills for MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests, doctor’s visits, and medication.

Losing a spouse is one of the most heart-wrenching things anyone could ever go through. It is especially tragic when a person loses his or her spouse in a sudden accident. If your spouse died in a fatal car accident, motorcycle crash, or truck accident, it is important to explore your legal options. A wrongful death case may help your family in two major ways: First, a wrongful death claim is a means of holding the at-fault party accountable for your tragic loss. Secondly, a wrongful death claim may allow for the recovery of monetary damages.

How Do I Know if My Loved One’s Death is a “Wrongful Death?”

Any unexpected loss feels “wrongful.” However, Illinois law defines wrongful death as a death caused by negligent or unlawful actions. Negligence occurs when a party fails to uphold a legal duty. For example, drivers have a duty to remain attentive and follow Illinois traffic laws. A trucking company has a duty to ensure that its fleet of trucks is properly maintained and does not present a risk of danger to other motorists. A tire manufacturer has a duty to ensure that design defects within the tire do not increase the risk of blowouts or other malfunctions. These are just a few of the ways that negligence can lead to wrongful death.

What Do I Have to Prove to Win My Wrongful Death Case?

For a wrongful death claim to be successful, you will need to show that:

For many people, summertime is synonymous with summer vacations. Getting away from the busyness of everyday life and relaxing at a hotel or resort can seem like the perfect getaway. Unfortunately, some hotels fail to keep guests safe and what was meant to be a fun vacation turns into a nightmare. If you or a loved one were injured or fell ill because of unsafe conditions at a hotel or resort, you should know that you may be able to take legal action against the hotel. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other damages.   

Understanding Premises Liability Claims

A premises liability claim is a legal claim used to pursue monetary damages when an unsafe property causes someone to be injured or killed. The owners and managers of commercial properties like hotels are expected to ensure that the property is reasonably safe for guests. Failure to meet this expectation can lead to a lawsuit if a guest is harmed.

Unsafe hotel conditions that may lead to a premises liability lawsuit include: