Sault Ste. Marie, MI Personal Injury Law Firms & Lawyers

You would have to prove that the apartment complex was negligent. Negligence is the failure to exercise that ordinary care that a reasonable person would exercise under the circumstances. In my opinion, apartment complexes normally would not be expected to spread salt each time there is inclement weather. However, whether an act is negligent is a question of fact for a jury to determine and a jury might disagree with me.

If the injury occurred in Illinois generally under the workers compensation laws you are entitled to have all the medical bills paid, your weekly compensation benefits paid at a set rate (tax free) while you are off work recovering from your injury and also a lump sum award after you are finished with your medical care. The lump sum at the end of your medical care is to compensate you for your permanent impairment from your injury. In addition to the above, you may have a third party lawsuit if the work injury was caused by the negligence or product of a company or person other than your employer. In any workers compensation case an important factor for the lawyer to consider is the degree of injury. It seems like you have a good workers compensation case based on your description. In any third party lawsuit the same factor is very important. You could have a strong lawsuit available to you as well. You should consult with an attorney if you have not already done so.

You could petition the court to obtain early access to the settlement funds, but most judges will not allow you to get to the money before your son turns 18. It is parents' legal responsibility to provide for their minor children until they become adults. Most judges make parents follow that rule.