Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago, IL

FAQs

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

  311 is the hotline of the Chicago Police Department for non-emergency situations. You can also call them at 312-746-6000.

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

  You can drop in the FOIA request in person at the Police Records Customer Service Unit of the Chicago Police Department at 3510 S. 111 Michigan Ave. Service is available Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays between 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. You can fax your request to 312-745-6948 or email it to foia@chicagopolice.org.

• What is the time limit in Chicago for filing a personal injury lawsuit?

  In Chicago, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the incident. If someone else's negligence causes you harm and you wish to seek the court for compensation, you have two years to submit a claim and any other required documents to the court. The time frame starts on the day of the injury-causing event.

• Can a Chicago personal injury case be resolved without a lawyer present?

  Yes. You can settle a Chicago personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer, but doing so has several risks. Keep in mind that the insurance carrier with whom you are interacting is quite experienced at analyzing and settling personal injury claims. No matter how intelligent you are, the advantage will always belong to the professional who regularly deals with personal injury lawsuits.

• How can a Chicago personal injury attorney aid you with your case?

  A Chicago personal injury attorney can assist with court case preparation to maximize compensation. To help persuade the insurance company or jury that you deserve reimbursement for your damages, they will gather the available information on your behalf, collaborate closely with expert witnesses, and eventually produce a persuasive legal argument supported by the facts.

• How do you establish liability in a personal injury case in Chicago?

  To establish liability in your Chicago personal injury case, you must prove the following factors: -Duty. The defendant was accountable to you or owed you a duty of care. -Breach. The defendant did not conduct fairly or breached their obligation. -Accidents. The real reason you were hurt was because of the defendant's violation. -Losses. Your injuries caused you to experience a loss, whether it was monetary or otherwise.

• What happens if your injury in Chicago was partially your fault?

  The modified comparative negligence rule is used in personal injury cases in Chicago to decide who is legally responsible. According to this law, if your proportion of shared responsibility is less than 50 percent, the compensation you will receive will be lowered by the amount of blame the court has given you. However, if the jury finds that you were more than 50 percent to blame for the mishap that caused their injury, you will not be entitled to compensation.

• 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.