Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Palatine

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Palatine is (847) 359-9000.

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

  The Police Records Section of the Palatine Police Department handles all police records and reports. You can get a copy of a police accident report online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/home by providing your case number. You also may fill out the form at https://www.palatine.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/160/Police-Department-Freedom-of-Information-Act-Form-PDF?bidId= and submit it to a police FOIA officer at 595 N. Hicks Road.

• In Palatine, can you sue the federal government if your injury is their fault?

  Yes, anyone in Palatine can sue the federal government if they are injured on federal property or by a federal employee. The Federal Tort Claims Act needs the person who was hurt to file a claim with the government agency and get a response that the claim was denied before they can sue in federal district court. If you were injured due to the federal government's fault, you need to file via the government’s Standard Form 95 and present supporting documentation of your accident.

• Can you sue a property owner in Palatine if you fall on black ice?

  Palatine residents are mandated to remove any snow that has fallen between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. by 10 p.m. on the same day. If the snow covers a five-foot-wide path on the sidewalk, they must also shovel that area. If an ice-related slip occurs, the victim must prove that the ice was the proximate cause of their injury, and the owner may be held liable if they have made no effort to clear the snow and ice from the sidewalk or parking lot.

• How do insurance companies, judges, and, juries compute the settlement amount for pain and suffering in Palatine?

  Insurance companies, judges, and juries use different methods in determining the amount of pain and suffering a personal injury victim in Palatine should get. The value of economic damages is multiplied by a variable in the multiplier method. The variable can be anywhere between 1.5 and 5, depending on the factors that affect the injury's severity or how likely the victim is to recover. In the per diem method, a monetary value is computed by multiplying the number of days the victim has suffered by a certain monetary value.

• Are photos helpful for a car accident claim in Palatine?

  Yes, it is important to take photos and even videos of a car accident scene at Palatine. It is extremely risky to rely on memory alone to remember details about the accident because memories can be affected by the stress response. Try to get as many photos as possible from different angles and positions. Include shots of the license plates of all the cars involved in the crash, damages to the cars and yours, the scene of the accident, relevant street signs or traffic lights, and the surrounding businesses.

• Can you file a lawsuit if a family member was killed in a car accident in Palatine?

  In Palatine, close family members can file a wrongful death action against the driver who is at fault for a car accident. Eligible next of kin that can file a lawsuit may be the decedent’s spouse or children. If the decedent does not have a surviving spouse or children, the state law permits distant relatives like parents and/or siblings.

• 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.