Can You File a Claim for Emotional Distress After an Accident in Illinois?
April 20, 2025
Can You File a Claim for Emotional Distress After an Accident in Illinois?
If you've been in an accident, the physical injuries may be just the beginning of your suffering. Many victims in Illinois also experience emotional distress—anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even PTSD—that can impact their daily lives just as deeply. But can you actually file a claim for emotional distress after an accident in Illinois?
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The short answer is yes—but with some important qualifications. At Halliday McCall, we assist individuals in Peoria who are navigating the emotional and legal challenges that follow serious accidents. Here's what you need to know about filing an emotional distress claim in Illinois.
What Is Emotional Distress in a Legal Context?
Emotional distress refers to psychological suffering resulting from a traumatic event, such as a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury. This can include:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Fear of driving or leaving home
- Flashbacks or nightmares
Illinois law allows emotional distress damages to be claimed in both intentional tort and negligence cases, but the standards of proof vary.
Emotional Distress in Negligence Cases
If your emotional distress stems from a negligent act (like a careless driver causing a crash), Illinois generally requires that it be accompanied by a physical injury or a direct impact. This is known as the “impact rule.”
In some cases, courts may allow recovery for emotional harm without a physical injury—but this is more limited and typically reserved for plaintiffs who directly witnessed a traumatic event involving a close family member (known as a “zone of danger” case).
Emotional Distress in Intentional Tort Cases
Illinois courts are more open to emotional distress claims when the harm was caused intentionally. This includes:
- Assault
- Battery
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED)
To prevail in an IIED claim, you must prove the defendant’s conduct was extreme and outrageous, and that it caused severe emotional suffering.
Proving Emotional Distress
Whether your case involves negligence or intentional wrongdoing, documenting emotional distress is crucial. You may need:
- Medical records from therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- Testimony from mental health professionals
- Testimony from family or friends who observed changes in your behavior
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Emotional distress claims can be complex, and insurance companies often try to undervalue or dismiss them. At Halliday McCall, we work with clients throughout Peoria to evaluate the strength of their claims and pursue fair compensation for the full scope of their injuries—both physical and emotional.
If you're struggling emotionally after an accident, don’t dismiss it as something you just have to “deal with.” You may have the right to pursue compensation—and we can help.
Involved in a truck accident in Illinois? Learn who can be held liable—from truck drivers to trucking companies—and how Halliday McCall helps Peoria residents pursue compensation.
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Most dogs are friendly, and most dog owners are responsible, but dog attacks do happen from time to time. If you've been the victim of an attack, or your own dog has been involved in an incident, there are numerous issues surrounding liability and negligence. The owner or controller of the dog can be held liable in the event of personal injury or property loss. Various laws are relevant depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction of the attack. Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually. This results in 800,000 injuries that require medical attention and accounts for roughly one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims. In the majority of these situations, the person who owns the dog is held responsible. However, a third party can also be liable. If you need legal assistance in ļ»æ Peoria, Illinois ļ»æ or elsewhere in Illinois for a dog attack, please contact our legal team today. Liability for dog owners In most cases, dog owners are liable for any injuries their pets cause. This includes situations where the owner knew the dog had a tendency to cause that kind of injury, or where the injury was caused by unreasonable carelessness on part of the owner. In these cases, the victim needs to prove negligence. It also includes situations where the owner is held liable automatically, whether or not they knew the dog had a tendency to cause that kind of injury. In these cases, the victim of a dog attack does not need to prove negligence to receive compensation. Two major factors decide whether or not the victim needs to prove negligence: the details of the dog attack and the jurisdiction where it occurred. Along with these details, certain factors can remove or alter liability for the dog owner. For example, if the victim provoked the animal or was trespassing on the property, the owner may not be automatically held liable. However, the dog owner may still be responsible for paying medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Other factors can also influence liability, including dogs handled in a professional capacity as part of law enforcement or military programs. There are three types of laws that impose liability on dog owners: Dog-bite statute - Under this statute, the dog owner is held liable for any injury or property damage caused by the dog. This statute is upheld automatically, and it's not based on provocation. Violation of this statute results in strict liability rather than negligence. One-bite rule - In some jurisdictions, liability is based on history and knowledge of previous vicious incidents. However, some states have moved away from the one-bite rule, with owners held responsible for any injury regardless of history. Negligence laws - Situations that involve potential negligence can be complex, with legal support often required. The dog owner or person caring for the dog is liable when the injury occurred due to unreasonable care in the context of controlling the dog. Liability for third parties In most cases, regardless of where the attack occurred, the dog owner is legally responsible for all bites and injuries caused by their animal. However, someone else can be held liable together with the dog owner in the following situations: A third party who had care or control over the dog, including dog sitters and dog walkers A dog owner who is less than 18 years of age A property owner (dog owner's landlord) who knew the dog was dangerous but didn't act Liability for third parties is related to common law and strict liability rules. Under common law, liability is based on negligence, either from the dog owner or a third party who is caring for the dog. This also applies to strict liability cases, where dog-bite statutes define an "owner" as someone who's keeping a dog. This includes the person who owns the dog or anyone else who harbors the animal. Differences between states In the US, most jurisdictions impose statutory strict liability for dog attacks. This makes the dog owner legally liable to the victim by default. Dog-bite statutes that impose strict liability date back to the 1700s, and they're still used in the majority of states. The one-bite rule applies in just 14 states: ID, ND, SD, WY, NV, KS, NM, TX, AR, MS, VA, MD, VT, and AK. In another five states, mixed rules apply, including laws based on negligence: OR, NY, TN, NC, and GA. If you need legal assistance in ļ»æ Peoria, Illinois ļ»æ or elsewhere in Illinois, we are here to help. Please reach out to us if you were the victim of a dog attack.
When it comes to premises liability law, one of the most common types of cases filed here in ļ»æ Peoria, Illinois ļ»æ are slip and fall claims. Many people are injured yearly in accidents due to slippery or uneven surfaces, and these claims can be complicated to navigate. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, it's important to understand your legal rights and options to make the right decision for your case. In this post, you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about slip and fall claims and information about how to proceed if you have been injured. What are slip and fall claims? A slip and fall claim is a type of personal injury claim that arises when someone is injured due to a dangerous or slippery surface. These claims can be filed against private property owners and businesses and can be complex to litigate. A variety of injuries can result from a slip and fall accident, and the severity of the injuries will depend on the circumstances of the fall. Some common injuries include broken bones, concussions, back and neck injuries, and soft tissue damage. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to make a claim against the person or business responsible for the property where the accident occurred. In order to succeed in such a claim, you will need to show that the property owner was negligent in their duty to keep the premises safe. Common examples of negligence include failure to clean up spills, repair broken sidewalks, and warn visitors of potential hazards. If you can prove that the property owner was aware of the hazard and failed to take action, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. What steps should you take after a slip or fall? If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, there are a few important steps that you should take in order to protect your legal rights: 1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don't think you're injured If you've suffered a slip or fall accident, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don't think you're injured. This is because some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussion, may not immediately appear. Any delay in seeking treatment could worsen your condition and impact your legal case if you decide to pursue one. In addition, seeking prompt medical care will provide your lawyer with documentation of your injuries that will be essential for proving your case. So if you've been in a slip or fall accident, don't delay getting the medical attention you need. 2. Gather evidence from the scene of the accident After you have been involved in a slip or fall, gathering evidence from the accident scene is important. This evidence can help to establish what caused the accident and who may be at fault. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor, taking photographs of the wet floor and any warning signs can help show that the property owner was aware of the hazard and did not take steps to mitigate it. Similarly, if you fell down a set of stairs, taking pictures of the stairs can help to show that they were in disrepair and posed a danger to anyone using them. In short, gathering evidence from the scene of an accident is an important step in protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you receive compensation for your injuries. 3. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case The likelihood of winning slip and fall claims depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide whether to seek legal counsel. For example, if the accident occurred on someone else's property, it is possible that the property owner may be liable for your injuries. Similarly, if the accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the property, such as a broken step or a slippery floor, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Even if the property owner is not legally responsible for your injuries, they may still be willing to negotiate a financial settlement. Contacting a personal injury lawyer can give you a better understanding of your legal rights and options. 4. File a claim with the negligent party or their insurance company Finally, if your personal injury lawyer determines you have a case to make a claim against the negligent party, you should file the claim either directly with them or with their insurance company. If you have been injured in a slip or fall that wasn't your fault, you deserve to be compensated for the financial, physical, and emotional toll it has taken on you. What evidence do you need to support your personal injury claim? If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are a few key pieces of evidence that can help to support your claim: Evidence that establishes liability In order to prove that someone else is liable for your injuries, you will need to gather evidence that establishes who was responsible for the accident. This can include evidence from the scene, witness statements, and relevant legislation. Medical evidence Medical evidence is essential for proving the extent of your injuries and the costs of your medical care. This can include doctors' reports, hospital records, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses. Evidence of personal costs incurred You may be entitled to lost wages if you have missed work due to your injuries. However, you must provide evidence of your lost earnings, such as pay stubs or tax returns. You may also be able to recover other expenses, such as the cost of therapy or home care. Who can help you with your personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident? If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering who can help you with your personal injury claim. The answer is an experienced and qualified personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney will know how to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will also be familiar with the ins and outs of the legal system, and they will fight diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. If you're looking for help with a personal injury claim in ļ»æ Peoria, Illinois ļ»æ , get in touch for a free consultation.