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Posted Oct 28th, 2011
do i have a case

Additional Details:
i fell off a ladder doing drywall and ripped off my pinky finger. the doctor was not able to save
it. it was a side job and getting paid cash. i went up on the ladder to measure and the ladder
slipped out. as the ladder slipped i grab the steel suport and my finger got jam ripped off as i
fell. the floor was wet because snow was melt outside going into the garage because he didnt shovel
the driveway. i did talk to his insurance company , but the owner of the house told me to tell a
differnt story and i did. insurance guy said they would ony pay $1000.00. i didnt agree and stop
talking to him. i got the check two month later and cashed it. but i need more for my bills form the
injury what should i do or is there nothin to do. it happen jan 2010
Legal Topic Area: Personal Injury in IL

I think you are probably out of luck and will not be able to pursue your claim if you signed a release of your claim to obtain the $1000 check and/or if the check you signed contained language that you were releasing the claim. In any event, your summary indicates that your case would have been very difficult even without this issue. You have an obligation to check the area before using the ladder and probably knew of the condition prior to falling. This makes if very difficult due to the defenses of incurred risk and/or contributory negligence on your behalf. I would contact an Illinois attorney that handles personal injury cases to review the case prior making any decision however.


Answered on Jan 15th, 2012 at 1:04pm