October 4, 2024 | Personal Injury
The Chicago Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. Every year, 50,000 people run 26.2 miles on the streets of Chicago, and onlookers celebrate and cheer them on.
Running the Chicago Marathon is an incredible achievement. However, it comes with significant risks. Every year, runners and onlookers are injured at the Chicago Marathon. If you are planning to run or watch the marathon, you should have a plan in case you are injured.
If you are hurt, you can call a Chicago personal injury attorney for advice.
Common Injuries At the Chicago Marathon
Running a marathon is very physically taxing. Even runners who have trained for years are at risk of getting hurt during the race.
In our experience, athletes tend to suffer from the following types of injuries:
- Pulled or strained muscles
- Sprained ankles
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Knee injuries
- Joint injuries
- Blisters
- Foot injuries
- Bruises and lacerations
- Dehydration and exhaustion
- Hyponatremia
- Overheating
However, runners aren’t the only ones at risk of getting hurt during a marathon. Spectators are also injured while watching the marathon every year.
Spectators regularly suffer from the following:
- Crush injuries
- Bruises and cuts
- Sprains and broken bones
Whether you are hurt while running or watching the Chicago Marathon, you should always seek help for your injuries.
Steps To Take After Getting Hurt At the Chicago Marathon
If you are a runner injured during the race, you should take the following steps to protect yourself from further injury:
- Stop running and move off of the course if possible
- Reach out to on-course medical personnel for help
- Yell out or signal for help if you are unable to move
- Comply with the medical teams’ instructions
- Stop racing if necessary
After you have received initial medical treatment at the marathon, you should go to a doctor for a follow-up visit. The doctor will evaluate your injuries and prescribe a treatment. Depending on how seriously you are hurt, the treatment may involve surgery, prescription medication, or physical therapy.
If the injury happened because of someone’s negligence, you will also need a medical record to support your future claim for damages. Going to a doctor as soon as possible will help create a record that you can use during negotiations or at trial.
Common Causes of Injuries At the Chicago Marathon
There are many different reasons that someone will get hurt at the Chicago Marathon. Ultimately, it depends on who was injured and how it happened.
Some of the most common causes of injuries are:
- Large and unruly crowds
- Confusing and unsafe traffic patterns
- Potholes or obstructions in the course
- Insufficient runner training
- Slips and falls
- Lack of safety barriers
- Poor crowd regulation
- Inadequate water stations
- Car accidents
Depending on how you are injured, it may be a complete accident or the result of someone’s negligence.
Sometimes, another runner, spectator, or the marathon organizers are responsible for their injury. If you think that you were hurt because of negligence, a Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you collect damages from the appropriate party.
A Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Damages
The best way to collect damages after getting hurt at the Chicago Marathon is to talk with a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Most attorneys offer a free consultation so you can learn about your rights after an injury. Once hired, they charge a contingency fee so that you don’t have to pay unless you win the case.
If you hire a lawyer, you may increase your chances of recovering compensation, especially if you are trying to hold the marathon organizers responsible. A lawyer can help you identify insurance policies and get in contact with the right parties at a large organization. It’s better to consult with a lawyer and find out if you have a case than to suffer through the pain.
Contact our Personal Injury Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400