Personal Injury
Assessing Who is at Fault

Figuring out who is responsible for an accident or injury is an important first step.  However, fault (or "liability") can be a relative theory- sometimes an accident or injury can be caused by more than one person.  

Perhaps you contributed to the accident or injury in some way?  Don't be discouraged.  Illinois law allows for fault to be divided among more than one person or entity.  If you are in some way responsible for part of your own injury you can still recover.  However, in such case your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault.  For example, if your damages are worth $100,000, but you were determined to be 10 or even 20 percent at fault, you can still recover $90,000 or $80,000, respectively.

 

To determine liability in your case your lawyer at Harter & Schottland may look to any number of sources.  For example, in auto accidents we may prove negligence by demonstrating that the other person violated some traffic law.

We will review police reports, accident reports, witness statements, tickets that were issued or Illinois traffic laws.  We will even accompany you to traffic court if tickets are issued to you or if you are a witness against the other driver.

 

In a medical malpractice case, we have expert witnesses available for consultation as to the generally accepted standard of care.  Comparing the standard of care to what steps were taken in your case will help us assess liability against whoever injured you.  In a slip and fall case we  might conduct an on-site visit or hire accident reconstruction experts.
 

In any case, the most import first step is to meet with your attorney from Harter & Schottland.  Call now and get on the road to recovery and the compensation you justly deserve for your accident or injury.