Chicago is one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. The US Census Bureau estimates 2,696,555 Chicago residents as of July 2021. With that high a population, accidents and injuries are unfortunately bound to happen.

There are many reasons why people get hurt in Chicago. If you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in the “Windy City,” it would depend on the type of injury that you sustained. Here are some of the most common personal injury cases in Chicago:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury in the U.S., and it’s no different in Chicago. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 73,024 persons injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020, including 8,557 serious injuries and 1,193 fatalities.

Many factors contribute to car accidents, but the most common include speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.

While car accidents are the most common type of personal injury, they’re not the only ones. Other vehicular accidents also include accidents on buses, boats, trains, and airplanes.

Workplace-Related Accidents

Workplace accidents are quite common. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 106,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Illinois in 2020.

While most job sites can present dangers to any employee or visitor, some occupations are more dangerous than others, especially in high-risk industries with an increased risk of injuries and fatalities. These include construction work, manufacturing, and transportation.

The most common types of workplace accidents include:

  • Falls
  • Being struck by an object
  • Overexertion
  • Repetitive stress
  • Chemical and fire burns
  • Electric shock
  • Exposure to toxic materials

There are many ways to get injured at work, but most of these accidents are caused by:

  • Lack of safety equipment
  • Improper safety training
  • Faulty machinery

Workers’ compensation benefits cover many injuries that occur in the workplace. If your case is not eligible for these benefits, you may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Medical Malpractice Cases

This year alone, 60 counts of medical malpractice payment reports have been made as of March 31st. Medical malpractice occurs when a health care professional deviates from the standard of care, resulting in an injured patient.

The most common types of medical malpractice cases include:

  • Surgical errors
  • Anesthesia errors
  • Birth injuries
  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
  • Medication errors

Premise Liability Accidents

A premise liability claim arises when you’re injured on someone else’s property. The property owner must ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, and if they fail to do so and you get hurt, they can be held liable for your injuries.

Many types of accidents can happen on another person’s property. The most common ones include:

  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Restaurant accidents
  • Elevator injuries
  • Amusement park injuries

Most premise liability accidents are caused by:

  • Wet, slippery, or broken floors
  • Lack of proper lighting
  • Lack of security
  • Lack of or blocked emergency exits

Wrongful Death Cases

A wrongful death claim is filed when someone dies due to someone else’s negligence. The surviving family members can file a suit against the at-fault party to recover damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.

There are many ways a person can die due to someone else’s negligence. The most common causes of wrongful death include:

  • Car accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Workplace accidents
  • Criminal acts
  • Product liability

Animal Bite Accidents

Being bitten by an animal can be a traumatic experience leading to severe injuries, scarring, and even death. If you were bitten by someone else’s dog or another animal, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the animal’s owner.

To win an animal bite case, you must prove that the animal’s owner was negligent. This means they knew or should have known that the animal was dangerous but failed to take proper steps to prevent the attack.

Product or Manufacturing Defects

When a product is not manufactured correctly, it can pose a serious danger to consumers. If you were injured by a defective product, the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or seller may be held liable.

To win a product liability case, you must prove that the product was defective and caused your injuries. Three types of defects can lead to a product liability claim:

  • Design defects
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Labeling defects

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Case

Now that you know the most common types of personal injury cases in Chicago, it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney who will investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.