Personal Injury Resulting From A Gunshot: Understanding Your Rights In Rockford 

(10/21) When you think of personal injury, the first thing that comes to your mind is a slip-and-fall accident. However, there are many other types of accidents that fall into this category, and in some cases, it can be a gunshot wound. In Rockford, Illinois, there are clear laws that determine how these cases are handled, from protections to compensations. Of course, the first thing you want to do after treating the injury is employ Rockford personal injury attorneys to help you navigate the situation.

Understanding Your Rights

Before you contact a lawyer, let's go through an overview of your rights and options, starting with the common types of injuries.

Illinois Statutes For Common Gunshot Injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries are covered in the Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/12-5, which addresses reckless conduct that results in bodily harm.
• Gunshot wounds that lead to Lacerations and puncture wounds are covered in the Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/12-1 as assault.
• A gunshot injury that leads to Broken bones and fractures may be considered aggravated assault based on the Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/12-2.
• When the injury leads to damage of the internal organ, it is covered by the Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/12-3 as battery.
• If the gunshot wound causes a severe disability like a spinal cord injury, it is covered in Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/12-4 as aggravated battery.

Note that the parameters for defining the injury vary and can't be covered in a single sentence. Rockford personal injury attorneys are in the best position to tell you which category your injury falls into and what recourse you should take.

Rockford-Specific Firearm Laws

While the laws above are for Illinois generally, there are some more specific laws for people living in Rockford as you'll see below.

• Discharging a firearm - According to Chapter 34, Article II, Section 34-31 of Rockford's ordinance, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within the city limit unless it is in self defense or during law enforcement.
   
• Reporting firearm theft - Learning about this law is important for anyone who owns a fireman. According to the Illinois state law (430 ILCS 65/), you must report stolen firearms as soon as you lose them. Otherwise, you may be held liable if someone uses that weapon.

Possible Compensation for Gunshot-Related Injuries

If you or anyone you know gets shut, you may be entitled to medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and emotional disability. In cases where it leads to permanent disfigurement or disability, you will also be compensated accordingly based on state law.

Conclusion