Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Aurora

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Aurora, Illinois?

  Call the Aurora Police Department at 630-256-5900 for non-emergency dispatch.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Aurora, Illinois?

  To obtain police reports, visit the records division in the lobby of the police station, which is at 1200 E. Indian Trail in Aurora. For more information, send an email to recordssupportstaff@aurora.il.us or call 630-256-5720. Incident reports, excluding crash reports, can also be obtained online at the city of Aurora's FOIA Request System portal.

• Which court handles personal injury claims in Aurora?

  The Kane County Circuit Court handles personal injury claims in Aurora and those within Northeast Illinois. It is located at 100 S 3rd St. in Geneva. The court also handles small claims and the jury and non-jury trials and arbitration of personal injury cases. To learn more about court rules, call 630-232-3400.

• What types of compensation can those suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in Aurora recover?

  Compensation for past and future medical expenses incurred from procedures, therapy, or rehabilitation can be recovered from individuals in Aurora who are suffering from traumatic brain injuries. In addition, TBI victims can secure compensation for pain and suffering, their diminished quality of life, and permanent disability. TBI can typically result from falls, truck accidents, medical negligence, sports activities, and workplace incidents.

• What are some of the things you should look for in a contingency fee contract given by a personal injury law firm in Aurora?

  You should always check that the lawyer signing the contract is the one you want to represent you, especially when you hire a large law firm in Aurora. Confirm how much the lawyer will be asking you under the contingency fee arrangement. Usually, in personal injury cases, lawyers will ask for around 33% to 40% of the settlement amount or judgment award. Check what case-related costs will be covered by the law firm or will be paid by you.

• Is there a statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits connected to child sexual abuse cases in Aurora?

  Starting in 2017, there is no time limit as to when child sexual abuse victims in Aurora can file personal injury lawsuits. Cases before 2017 saw victims required to file lawsuits within five years of being aware of the harm inflicted by the abuse or before their 38th birthday.

• What cases in Aurora fall under personal injury law?

  If a person in Aurora gets injured due to medical malpractice, vehicular accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents, a claim for compensation can be filed under the area of personal injury law. Cases involving defective products, construction accidents, and dog bites fall under personal injury law. In addition, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by family members of deceased victims and is part of a personal injury claim.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.