For law enforcement officers, exposure to stressful and traumatic events is not uncommon. Police officers may witness drug overdoses, violent car accidents, child abuse, or any number of grisly scenes. Many officers are injured or killed in the line of duty, which can also have a profound psychological impact on the entire police force.

Fortunately, Illinois law allows police officers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder caused by trauma they experienced on the job to receive compensation through workers’ compensation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Can Be Debilitating

When most people think about workers’ compensation coverage for a work injury, they imagine broken bones or back injuries. However, some of the worst injuries are invisible. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that a person can develop after experiencing or witnessing a shocking or traumatic event.

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is a shocking and frightening experience to go through. A car crash is already traumatic, but when the other driver flees the scene, it can make the victim feel as if he or she has no options.

If you or somebody you care about was hurt in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to secure financial compensation for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and other damages – even if the other driver is never identified.

A personal injury attorney advocates on behalf of injured individuals. If you are facing medical bills and other expenses, a lawyer experienced in hit-and-run accidents can help you understand your options for seeking compensation, and fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Personal injury cases can be complicated and emotional, and it is important to understand the types of damages that may be available. Damages are the monetary compensation awarded to the plaintiff in a personal injury case for the harm they have suffered. Therefore, if you have suffered a personal injury, it is essential to understand what damages may be relevant to you and your case. Remember, an experienced personal injury attorney can be highly beneficial during this time, as they can explain your legal options while ensuring your rights stay protected.

Types of Damages That May Be Relevant to Your Case

• Economic damages – Economic damages are the monetary losses that result from the injury. Economic damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages – Non-economic damages are intangible losses that result from the injury. These damages are meant to compensate the plaintiff for any emotional or psychological harm they have suffered as a result of the injury. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages – These damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. Instead, they are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter them from participating in similar activities in the future. Therefore, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the accused party’s conduct was incredibly obscene and reckless.
• Loss of consortium – Loss of consortium damages are awarded to compensate the spouse or family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship, affection, and support they have suffered due to the injury.
• Wrongful death damages – Wrongful death damages are awarded to the surviving family members of a person who has died due to the defendant’s actions. These damages can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support.

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Lawyer

Suppose you have been injured as a result of someone else’s actions. In that case, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, our experienced Will County personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured clients receive the compensation they may be entitled to. For more information about our firm’s services, call us at 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.

Source - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/non-economic-damages/

If you have been involved in an accident or have suffered an injury, it is essential to understand that; chances are, the insurance company would prefer you not hire an attorney. Insurance companies may try to convince you that you do not need one or that an attorney will only complicate matters. However, the truth is that hiring a lawyer can help you protect your legal rights and maximize compensation. Today, we will discuss why the insurance company would prefer you not employ legal counsel. Remember, if you have been in an accident or have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is an essential first step in ensuring your rights remain protected, respected, and advocated for. 

Reasons Why the Insurance Company Wishes You Do Not Lawyer Up

There are many reasons why the insurance company hopes you do not lawyer up after your accident or injury, including:

• Reduced payout – Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out large settlements. Therefore, they will often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. If you do not have a lawyer representing you, you may be offered a far less settlement than you deserve. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries, damages, and losses. 

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Sustaining a personal injury can be a traumatizing experience with significant financial and emotional implications. Personal injury claims are usually filed to recover various types of damages, such as medical costs, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. However, costly mistakes can jeopardize the chance your personal injury claim will be successful. Today, we are going to discuss what some of those mistakes are and how to avoid making them. 

If you have experienced a personal injury, contact a knowledgeable attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Mistakes to Avoid Making Regarding Your Personal Injury Claim

Having your personal injury claim denied can be a terrible setback, especially since you are already dealing with an injury. To help ensure your claim is accepted, avoid making these mistakes: