When a large company’s negligence leads to someone suffering an injury, it can feel like there is no realistic way to hold them responsible. After all, corporations have legal teams and vast resources at their disposal that most individuals simply do not have access to. However, Illinois law does allow injured people to file personal injury lawsuits against corporations, and many of these cases result in meaningful compensation nonetheless.
If you were injured because of a corporation’s actions, it is important to learn about how these claims work and what steps you can take to protect your legal rights. Continue reading to learn more.
When Can I Sue a Corporation for an Injury?
You can sue a corporation in Illinois when it either directly causes or contributes to your injury.
This legal right may apply across a wide range of situations, including:
- Injuries caused by a defective product
- Unsafe property conditions on a commercial premises
- Harmful medical devices
- Negligent hiring of employees
In most of these scenarios, the injured person must generally show that the corporation owed them a duty of care, that the company breached that duty, and that the breach led to actual harm. These are the basic elements of a negligence claim under Illinois law, and they apply to corporations just like they do to individuals.
While some cases might be based on a different legal theory, such as strict liability, the vast majority are founded on negligence and will follow that general formula.
How Is Suing a Corporation Different From Suing an Individual?
While the legal principles are similar, suing a corporation does come with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest differences is the discovery process. Corporations often possess large volumes of internal records and data that may be relevant to your case. Getting access to this information can take time, but it is often critical to building a successful claim.
Another key difference is that corporations almost always have experienced legal teams ready to fight back against personal injury claims. Having a trusted attorney on your side can help you level the playing field and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of.
It is also worth mentioning that Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence law that will apply to these cases (as it would to almost any personal injury case). You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the incident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 15% responsible, your total recovery would be reduced by that same amount.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Case Against a Corporation?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These are known as “compensatory damages” taken together.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages address the more personal impact of your injury, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Mental anguish
In rare cases that make it to trial, punitive damages may also be available. These are meant to punish especially egregious corporate behavior and serve as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but they might apply when a corporation knowingly puts people at risk.
Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help With Your Case
Taking legal action against a corporation can feel virtually impossible, but it’s more than possible to win your lawsuit with the right strategy and legal representation. Contact an Illinois personal injury attorney at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today to get started with a free consultation.
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and their surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8816342, -87.6327395
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Rockford Office
318 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107
Phone:(815) 662-0330
Hours: Open 24/7
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Wheaton Office
1761 S Naperville Road Suite 202, Wheaton, IL 60189
Phone: (630) 690-1919
Hours: Open 24/7
