Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Evanston

FAQs

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

  The Evanston Police Department's non-emergency contact number is (847) 866-5000.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report, you can either go to the Evanston Police Department located at 1454 Elmwood Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, or the Evanston Records Bureau situated at 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. However, if you are looking for police reports other than traffic accidents or incident reports, you will need to file a Freedom of Information Act request through this link: https://evanstonpdil.policetocitizen.com/Home.

• What must be proven in a product liability case in Evanston?

  The four elements that you need to prove to succeed in a product liability claim in Evanston are:

  • You utilized the product as intended or in a predictable manner.
  • A defect existed in the product. You may assert a defect on one of three grounds: faulty or careless design, a manufacturing error, or a failure to provide adequate warnings.
  • You sustained a loss or injury.
  • Your injury was directly attributable to the defect.

• After a drunk driving incident in Evanston, can you bring a lawsuit against a restaurant or bar?

  In Evanston, licensed alcohol vendors can be held accountable if they serve someone who later causes injuries. This is due to the "Dram Shop Law" in Illinois, which holds institutions liable for serving alcohol to someone who causes injury in a drunk driving accident. However, if the accident only damages your car and you are uninjured, the restaurant or bar is not responsible for any damages.

• How can you maximize the amount of money you get in an Evanston personal injury claim?

  You can use these methods to maximize your Evanston personal injury claim:

  • Collect evidence such as photographs, witness testimony, medical bills, and records of lost wages.
  • Comply with all doctor-recommended treatments to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and increase your compensation.
  • Discuss injuries and their effects honestly, without exaggerating or downplaying them.
  • Do not accept the first offer, as it is usually a lowball offer.
  • Be mindful of non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and permanent scarring.
  • Stay off social media.
  • Hire a qualified personal injury attorney.

• Who are eligible to file a medical malpractice claim in Evanston?

  An individual who sustained injuries due to medical malpractice can file a lawsuit in Evanston. The victim's family member may file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf if a medical error led to the victim's demise. Similarly, a child's parent or legal guardian may bring legal action on their behalf if a medical mistake causes them harm.

• How long will it take to resolve your Evanston wrongful death case?

  It depends. Wrongful death claims in Evanston do not have a fixed timeline and can take varying amounts of time to resolve. A typical approach to resolving such disputes is through settlements with insurance providers, which can last for months or even years. If insurance carriers refuse to offer a fair settlement or deny the claim, the family may need to launch a wrongful death lawsuit, which can dramatically extend the time frame. Though difficult, this may be the only option to get the family's due.

• 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.