Tourist injuries in Chicago can happen in many ways, from rental car crashes to slip-and-fall accidents at top attractions. They even include incidents on cruise ships departing the city. As a visitor, unfamiliarity with the area can make you more vulnerable, so it is important to understand your legal rights.
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Fortunately, a personal injury lawyer can handle the legalities on your behalf. Look for one with experience representing out-of-state visitors. Call Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 for help with Chicago vacation injuries.
Legal Considerations for Tourist Injuries in Chicago
In 2024, more than 55 million visitors traveled to Chicago. If you are injured as a tourist, Illinois law generally governs your claim. Personal injury cases typically get filed in the jurisdiction where an accident occurred.
Liability and Illinois Law
You may be eligible for compensation if negligence contributed to your accident. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. It means you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, although your compensation goes down by your percentage of fault. You cannot recover damages if you are 50% or more at fault.
Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and travel costs, including those associated with extending your stay for medical care. A personal injury lawyer with experience representing tourists can be an asset as you seek to establish fault and recover damages.
Common Types of Tourist Accidents
Common sites and accident types for Chicago vacation injuries include:
- Slips and falls at museums, hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions. For example, a slip and fall at a top attraction, such as Navy Pier or Millennium Park, may lead to serious injuries.
- Transportation accidents, including a crash in a rental car and collisions involving rideshare vehicles, taxis, or buses.
- Recreational accidents, such as being injured on a cruise ship that departs from or docks in Chicago.
- Assaults in hotels or entertainment venues that are unsafe or poorly maintained.
Do You Need to Stay in Chicago During Your Injury Claim?
You should not need to stay in Chicago during your injury claim. Usually, a personal injury lawyer can handle the legal processes on your behalf.
How a Lawyer Can Handle Things for You
Your lawyer can file paperwork with the courts, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in hearings or settlement discussions.
In many cases, you do not need to appear in court. If your testimony is necessary, remote appearances via video call may be possible. That said, there might be exceptions where you might need to return temporarily to Chicago. They include court testimony if your case goes to trial, independent medical examinations requested by the defendant’s insurance company, and depositions that must be in person. Even then, your lawyer can often minimize your travel obligations.
For example, with independent medical examinations requested by the defendant’s insurance company, your lawyer may be able to arrange an examination in your home state with a doctor that both parties agree on, or limit the number of return trips to Chicago, or request reimbursement for travel costs if you must return.
What to Do After Returning Home
Getting hurt as an out-of-state visitor can add nuances to your recovery.
Seek Treatment Locally
Even if you got treatment in the Chicago area right after your accident, follow-up care when you are home can strengthen both your recovery and your legal case. For one thing, consistent medical documentation may illustrate the severity and ongoing impact of your injuries.
Keep Thorough Records
Keep copies of medical bills and records, travel receipts, documentation of missed work and lost wages, and any correspondence with insurance companies or the business where the accident occurred. These records help your personal injury lawyer build a strong case.
Choose a Lawyer and Stay in Contact
Many visitors who suffer tourist injuries in Chicago do not enlist lawyers until they are back home. Vetting lawyers from a distance can be relatively easy due to tools such as video calls, phone calls, and emails. Make sure your lawyer explains how often they will be in contact. Ask your lawyer if you do not understand something. Stay in contact so you are aware about the progress of your case and the next steps.
Keep the Long Term in Mind
Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, and broken bones, may affect your life long after your trip ends. Discuss with your attorney whether you should pursue damages for future medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, and long-term rehabilitation. Insurers often pressure people to settle early for much less than the amount they need.
Ankin Law can offer guidance on your next steps after tourist injuries in Chicago. Contact us today.
FAQs About Tourist Injuries in Chicago
What Should I do if I’m Injured as a Tourist in Chicago?
Get medical attention immediately. When possible, report what happened to the business or authorities (such as a hotel manager or police officer). Document the scene with photos, get witness information, and contact a personal injury lawyer who understands Illinois law.
Can I File a Claim if I was Partially at Fault?
Under Illinois modified comparative negligence, you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation decreases by your percentage of responsibility.
Do I Need to Hire an Illinois Lawyer if I Live in Another State?
Since your accident happened in Chicago, Illinois courts have jurisdiction. Working with a Chicago personal injury lawyer should ensure that your lawyer understands the applicable laws, courts, and procedures.
