Everyone is aware of the extreme flooding caused by catastrophic natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. However, even a heavy rainstorm can result in serious flooding. Flooding damages property, limits transportation and can even close down entire cities. Nevertheless, the serious risk to human health and safety is sometimes underestimated.
Floods pose a very serious health risk (aside from the obvious risk of drowning in floodwaters). Standing water can put people at risk of infectious disease as well as provide a natural breeding ground for mosquitos, leading to the spread of Zika and West Nile.
Furthermore, when people are injured or become sick during a storm, the rising waters can make it almost impossible to access health services in a timely manner. Those who rely on dialysis or specialized medications may face serious complications if they cannot access the medical services they require.
Other Hazards
Other serious hazards include electrocution from downed power lines, which may be hidden in standing water, contamination of drinking water, and mental stress leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, trouble sleeping, and the inability to carry on everyday activities.
During a period of flooding, the affected areas often see more car accidents, as well as more injuries of all kinds as people are placed in an inherently dangerous situation. When these injuries are caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, it is time to call on a qualified personal injury lawyer in Chicago.
Property Flooding
In addition to the large-scale flooding that affects entire cities or counties, there are also cases of buildings becoming flooded and injuries occurring due to negligence or improper maintenance by the property owner or landlord. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury due to a situation such as this, contact an experienced premises liability lawyer who can help you fully understand your legal rights.
Reach Out to Us
At Shea Law Group, we have handled thousands of personal injury cases, and many of them involved injuries sustained during a flood. When disaster strikes, it is more important than ever to know your rights. For an expert Chicago personal injury attorney, reach out to our dedicated legal team today. Call us at (877)-365-0040 or fill out a contact form to set up your free no-obligation consultation. You have nothing to lose as we never charge a fee unless we win you case for you.
