Can You Get a Personal Injury Payout from the Government?

 Posted on August 08,2024 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

You probably know that when someone else causes an accident that injures you, you might be eligible to obtain compensation. This fact can apply to drivers, business and property owners, and other responsible parties. What if a federal, state, or local government agency plays a part in causing your accident? Can you file a personal injury claim and collect a settlement for your damages? These cases have unique challenges, but an experienced lawyer from Salvi & Maher, LLP can help you overcome them.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim Against Government Agencies in Illinois?

Various government agencies are responsible for providing proper design and maintenance of things like:

• Government buildings, including offices, libraries, courthouses, and post offices

• Public parks, parking garages, swimming pools, playgrounds, and other similar spaces

• Public schools and universities

• Roads

• Traffic signs and signals

• Lighting in and around government properties and along certain sections of roads

• Government-owned and operated vehicles

When accidents or crimes injure people because the responsible government agency or a government employee is negligent, the injured victim may be able to obtain compensation. However, these agencies have immunity in some cases. There are also many other challenges with these claims that make them more complex. You will benefit from the legal knowledge and experience of a competent personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Challenges Can You Face in Claims Against a Government Agency?

Government agencies do not make it easy to file claims against them. These cases have strict protocols and shorter deadlines than other personal injury claims. The requirements and eligibility differ depending on whether the agency is federal, state, or local. For instance:

• The statute of limitations, or filing deadline, for claims against a government agency in Illinois is one year from the date of the injury. The state’s general personal injury filing deadline is two years. If you do not file a civil lawsuit before the applicable statute of limitations expires, you will likely lose the opportunity to receive any compensation. Some exceptions may apply.

• In many personal injury claims, you might qualify to receive non-economic damages for things like losing your ability to enjoy life, pain and suffering, and permanent disabilities. Claims against a government agency typically do not provide this type of compensation.

• Most personal injury claims in Illinois do not have damage caps, which refer to maximum compensation amounts. However, caps may apply when your claim is against a government agency.

Because of these and other potential challenges, you have a much better chance of seeing a positive outcome for your case if you have effective legal representation from Salvi & Maher, LLP.

Request Your Free Consultation Today With Our Skilled Waukegan, IL Personal Injury Lawyers

When you are recovering from your injuries, you do not have the time or energy to figure out how to jump through the legal hurdles posed by a claim against a government agency. At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we have over 100 years of combined experience and understand how these claims work. We can help you overcome these challenges. Call us at 847-662-3303 to schedule your free consultation with a well-qualified Lake County, IL personal injury attorney. Pay no fees unless we win. Spanish and Korean speakers are welcome.