Suing for Amputations, Burns, and Other Catastrophic Injuries in Illinois

 Posted on August 15, 2025 in Personal Injury

Amputations, severe burns, and other catastrophic injuries can alter the course of a person’s life permanently. These injuries often result in extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and significant loss of income. When another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct causes such harm, legal action may be appropriate. A Chicago, IL severe catastrophic injuries attorney can provide the guidance necessary to determine liability and pursue rightful compensation.

Common Situations That Lead to Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits in Illinois

Several types of accidents and incidents in Illinois commonly lead to catastrophic injury claims. These include:

• Motor vehicle collisions: Crashes involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles often leave victims with permanent injuries. In these cases, the party responsible for the crash is also liable for damages resulting from injuries.

• Workplace accidents: Construction, manufacturing, and warehouse environments expose employees to dangerous conditions. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, 820 ILCS 305, provides benefits, but lawsuits may also be filed against third parties who share responsibility.

• Defective products: Unsafe machinery, defective medical devices, and hazardous consumer products can cause catastrophic harm. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-621, you can hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries through a product liability claim.

• Medical malpractice: Surgical mistakes, anesthesia errors, and failures to diagnose or treat illnesses can result in permanent disabilities, amputations, or fatalities. According to 735 ILCS 5/13-212, you have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to hold the at-fault parties responsible.

Legal Grounds for Filing a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Illinois

To succeed in a catastrophic injury lawsuit, it must be shown that another party’s negligence or intentional conduct directly caused the injury. This involves proving that a duty of care existed, that the duty was breached, and that the breach resulted in measurable harm. A driver who ignores traffic signals or a property owner who neglects fire safety standards may be examples of legally responsible parties.

Illinois law imposes deadlines for filing these claims. Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the incident. Failure to act within this period can bar recovery, regardless of the severity of the injury.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Case in Illinois?

Compensation in catastrophic injury cases is designed to reflect the true scope of the damage suffered. Medical costs often extend beyond initial hospital bills to include rehabilitation, long-term treatment, and specialized equipment such as prosthetics or mobility devices. Income losses are also significant, both from time missed at work and from the reduced earning capacity.

Courts also recognize the pain and suffering caused by permanent injuries and the loss of enjoyment of life that follows. In cases where a defendant’s conduct is especially reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be considered. The goal of these forms of compensation is to provide relief for both the financial and personal consequences of catastrophic injuries.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Chicago, IL Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

If you or a family member has sustained an amputation, burn, or other catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, our Chicago, IL catastrophic injury lawyers at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC can help. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you are entitled to under the law. Our firm is also proud to have Spanish-speaking team members available to ensure that language is never a barrier to quality legal representation. Call us today at 312-605-8800 to schedule your free consultation.