P&N BLOG | The 5 Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Accidents are an unfortunate part of life, and when they happen due to someone else’s negligence, the consequences can be devastating. From mounting medical bills to emotional and physical recovery, personal injury victims often face overwhelming challenges. Fortunately, Illinois law offers pathways for victims to seek compensation through personal injury claims.

Understanding the most common types of personal injury cases can help you protect your rights and know when it’s time to contact an attorney. Let’s take a closer look at the top five.

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in Illinois. Whether it’s a car crash, motorcycle accident, or truck collision, these events often result in serious injuries, property damage, or even fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Illinois reports thousands of injury-related accidents every year — with over 1,000 of them resulting in fatalities. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and more.

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can happen anywhere: grocery stores, restaurants, sidewalks, or apartment buildings. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If someone trips over uneven flooring, slips on a wet surface, or falls due to poor lighting, the property owner could be held liable for failing to address known hazards.

These cases fall under premises liability and often require proving that the property owner knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition.

3. Medical Malpractice

When we seek medical care, we expect a standard level of treatment. Unfortunately, medical errors are more common than many realize. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence results in harm to a patient. This can include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

• Surgical mistakes

• Medication errors

• Birth injuries

These cases can be complex and require expert testimony, but successful claims can lead to compensation for long-term care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

4. Product Liability

Consumers have a right to expect that the products they buy are safe to use. When defective products cause harm, manufacturers, designers, and distributors may be held legally responsible.

Common examples of product liability cases include:

• Faulty appliances

• Unsafe children’s toys

• Contaminated food products

• Defective medical devices

Injuries caused by such products may result from poor design, manufacturing errors, or lack of proper safety warnings.

5. Dog Bites

Dog attacks can cause serious physical and emotional trauma, particularly in children and the elderly. In Illinois, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their pets cause; even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.

Victims of dog bites may be eligible for compensation for medical treatment, scarring, emotional distress, and more. Often, these claims are covered under the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy.

Know Your Rights 

Suffering a personal injury can turn your life upside down. But understanding the legal remedies available to you is the first step toward recovery. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether in a car accident, a fall, or another type of incident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone.

If you’ve been injured due to negligence, contact The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. today at 312.641.5926, or fill out a contact form on our website for a free case evaluation.