Question 1

What Constitutes Personal Injury in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

In Chicago, a personal injury occurs when someone is harmed because another person failed to act with reasonable care. These injuries often result from everyday situations, such as traffic accidents, unsafe property conditions, medical errors, workplace incidents, or neglect in care facilities, but they also share a common thread: the harm was preventable.

Question 2

What to Do Immediately After Sustaining an Injury in Chicago

Accepted Answer

After an injury, the actions taken early on can affect both recovery and any potential personal injury claim. While every situation is different, consider doing the following:

Seeking medical attention, even if injuries do not seem serious at first, since some symptoms take time to appear
Keeping medical records and documentation related to the injury and any follow-up care
Taking photos of the scene, injuries, or conditions involved, when possible
Gathering contact information from witnesses or others who may have seen what happened
Holding onto incident reports, receipts, or other records connected to the event
Being cautious about providing detailed statements to insurance companies or other parties before understanding the full impact of the injury
These steps can help protect your health and preserve important information that may be critical when filing a personal injury claim later.

Question 3

What if I’m Partially at Fault for My Injury?

Accepted Answer

Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule to determine fault or shared responsibility in personal injury cases. Under this rule, you cannot recover compensation for your damages if the court decides you’re more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. You can recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault.

Question 4

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

The deadline for filing a personal lawsuit in Chicago can vary, depending on the nature of the case and the circumstances. If you’ve been injured, we encourage you to contact a Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible so they can help you meet the relevant deadlines.

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Illinois is generally two years.

Question 5

What Compensation Am I Entitled to for a Personal Injury?

Accepted Answer

Under Illinois law, injury victims can receive both economic and non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Monetary damages are actual, measurable financial losses you’ve incurred because of your injuries. Non-economic damages are types of harm, such as pain and suffering, that don’t have a specific dollar amount assigned to them.

Question 6

When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Accepted Answer

It’s always best to seek representation immediately after suffering an injury. Evidence will become less reliable and harder to find the longer you wait, potentially weakening your case. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys are available today for a free case evaluation.

Question 7

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

Accepted Answer

A personal injury claim is a demand for compensation made by someone harmed by another’s negligence. If the responsible party or their insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, an injury victim can file a lawsuit to pursue their claim in court.

Question 8

How Do I Know How Much My Case Is Worth?

Accepted Answer

Every personal injury case has a different value based on the unique circumstances involved. Factors like the nature and extent of your injuries, the type of accident, the extent of the defendant’s wrongdoing, the strength of the evidence, the impacts on the victim’s life, and who was responsible can all influence the size of your potential award.

Question 9

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

Accepted Answer

Every case is unique and so are the timelines. Depending on the situation and the complexity of the details, your personal injury case can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year to resolve. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers can analyze your case and estimate how long it might take.

Question 10

What Is the Process of Filing a Claim for Injuries?

Accepted Answer

First, your attorney will build a strong case by investigating and gathering evidence, such as medical records, bills, photographs, video, police reports, and other relevant information. They will then notify the responsible party and their insurance company and begin settlement negotiations.

Question 11

Do I Have to Go to Court to Settle an Illinois Personal Injury Claim?

Accepted Answer

If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, your attorney may take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Most resolve before trial, but our attorneys aren’t afraid to fight for you in court if necessary.

Question 12

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Hiring our Chicago personal injury attorneys doesn’t cost anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we get paid a percentage of your award. You won’t owe us anything unless and until we win your case.

Question 13

Does Illinois Have Caps on the Amount of Damages Received in Personal Injury Claims?

Accepted Answer

Illinois currently has no laws imposing damage caps on personal injury compensation. In 2005, Illinois did set a limit on non-economic damages. However, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned that law in 2010, ruling it was unconstitutional. The Court ruled that decisions regarding damages should be the purview of judges and juries.

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