Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Springfield

FAQs

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

  Dial 217-788-8311 (voice) or 217-789-2186 (TDD) to reach the Springfield Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  You can file a request for police reports related to your case at the Springfield City Clerk’s office. You must submit a Freedom of Information Act request in writing, online, or in person. The initial 50 pages are free, and every additional page is $0.15 per page. Records are available five business days after the requested date.

• Who is responsible for injuries suffered on private property in Springfield?

  A property owner in Springfield may be held liable for injuries suffered as long as the victim can prove the following:

  • the reason for the victim's injury was a dangerous condition that the owner of the property allowed to remain
  • the property owner was aware of the hazardous area
  • the property owner had ample time to remedy or correct the problem before the harm occurred

  However, property owners can assume that visitors will take reasonable precautions to avoid injury from open and evident threats.

• Can you seek personal injury claims if you are hurt at a Springfield fitness club?

  Yes. The Illinois Premise Liability Act posits that if you get hurt in a Springfield fitness center because of the owner's carelessness, you can sue for damages. The law also states that owners of commercial properties must take all safety measures to keep their customers safe. So, gym owners must make sure that their clients are not in danger when they exercise on the premises.

• Can you claim compensation if you are bitten by a dog on private property in Springfield?

  Yes. An individual can obtain monetary compensation for injuries when bitten by a dog on private property in Springfield. The Animal Control Act does not recognize the dog's lack of prior bite history as a defense. The owner can be held accountable as long as the individual did not provoke the dog. In most cases, the homeowner's insurance coverage should pay for damages incurred resulting from a dog attack or bite while on the owner's property.

• Can you still seek compensation if there were no witnesses to your Springfield construction site accident?

  Yes. Even if there were no witnesses to the accident that occurred at the construction site in Springfield, you are still able to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries and damages. Your legal case will be decided based on the severity of your injuries, not on whether or not there was a witness to those injuries.

• Who pays compensation in a Springfield product liability case?

  Companies that design, manufacture, distribute, and sell dangerous or defective products may be liable for damages in Springfield. In addition to monetary compensation, courts may order the defendant or their insurance company to take corrective measures, such as recalling a product or giving warnings about potential hazards. The amount of compensation will depend on the harm caused by the product and the financial hardships incurred by the victim.

• 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.