Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Cicero

FAQs

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

  The police non-emergency line in Cicero is 708-652-2130.

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

  The police hold office at 4901 W. Cermak Road while online records searches are possible at https://recordsfinder.com/police/il/cicero/.

• What are the usual reasons behind birth injuries in Cicero?

  Birth injuries in Cicero are linked to asphyxiation and paralysis due to physicians' negligence, according to civil tort attorneys. Infections by microbial agents are possible and tied to improper screening for a mother's existing conditions. Mistreated maternal conditions also complicate delivery and range from diabetes to anemia.

• What are exemplary damages in Cicero's personal injury cases?

  Exemplary damages in Cicero are the same as punitive damages and are awarded to plaintiffs to punish a defendant. These are akin to fines in criminal law but are civil in nature. The court awards these sums to punish individuals and corporations who have committed a negligent or deliberate act that is so egregious that the judge wants to make an example of the defendant to discourage similar behavior.

• Should a quick settlement offer made by the employer's insurance company be accepted by a Cicero construction worker injured after falling off an unsecured scaffold?

  It is not advisable to immediately accept an insurance company's initial offer in Cicero following a construction accident or any personal injury matter. Insurers have an interest in releasing as little money as possible and will usually downplay the extent of the victim's injuries to justify reduced awards. It is better to go to a lawyer and enter into formal negotiations with legal assistance.

• May a plaintiff in Cicero receive damages from a pharmaceutical company that has made a cold medication that has no warning labels indicating that increased heart rates are a side effect?

  Yes. If a plaintiff in Cicero has suffered from elevated heart rates because of a cold medication, which lacked a warning label, damages might be recoverable. Manufacturers must accurately depict the potential harm caused by a product, and this principle extends to medicines. If it was known that the medication increases heart rates, this information must be printed on the product packaging.

• Why is it advisable for the riders of electric scooters in Cicero to wear a helmet even if there's no state law requiring one?

  Electric scooters are like motorbikes, wherein riders residing in Cicero and elsewhere have little protection from other cars and environmental hazards. Even if there are no laws requiring the use of safety headgear, the elevated odds of severe head trauma and wrongful death should inspire individuals to use common sense even without legal compulsion. It also lowers the odds of being accused of comparative fault and receiving lowered damages.

• 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.