If you were injured in an accident, you’re probably not sure what to do next. You probably are worried about your ability to work and provide for your family. If someone else is at fault for your injury, you should find someone to represent you in Chicago, such as an attorney from Lerner and Rowe. An injury lawyer in Chicago will take some of the burden off your shoulders and help you pursue a case for compensation to cover your losses.
Should You Pursue a Personal Injury Case On Your Own?
After a Chicago automobile accident the stakes are high. If you submit a claim to the insurance agency, they may try to force you to immediately accept a settlement amount. You might have suffered an injury you haven’t discovered yet. In this case, if you’ve taken out a claim from the insurance company, you’re generally stuck.
An experienced injury lawyer in Chicago will make sure that the personal injury claim amount is right within the law. If the claim isn’t enough to cover your medical expenses and other losses (such as missed work), you probably could pursue a claim through your attorney.
In a personal injury case, there is a steep legal curve that you must deal with. For example, the insurance company from an auto accident might have a claims adjuster. If the claim turns into a trial, you might need to meet deadlines and file paperwork in your case. For other types of personal injuries, such as a slip-and-fall or a dog bite, you might not know how to file a claim on your own.
The Moment the Clock Starts Ticking on your Personal Injury Case
In the state of Illinois, you have two years from the date of your injury. If you discover an injury later, you have four years from when the injury happened. Let’s say that you discover an injury three years after the accident. That means you have one year to file and pursue a claim. You need to find a personal injury lawyer, like one from Lerner and Rowe, the moment you know there is an injury. A personal injury lawyer in Chicago can move your case through negotiations and the legal system to help you get the settlement you deserve.
What Does Retaining a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago Do for You?
A personal injury lawyer does the things that you aren’t able to do easily on your own. Here are some of the areas where a personal injury lawyer in Chicago helps your case:
- Depositions: This is part of the discovery process in a civil trial. Depositions involve the taking of witness statements under oath, which require legal instruments like subpoenas. Generally speaking, a lawyer must do these things in a case.
- Case Law: There are generally past cases that can be used in a personal injury case as part of the argument. Lawyers will know these things and where to find them quickly. However, plaintiffs representing themselves would need to learn how to research legal precedents on their own, which is challenging without legal experience.
- Trial Procedures: Each court system has its own trial procedures and rules. There are deadlines to be met, rules that must be followed, and other obligations. A lawyer is better at conducting litigation than the plaintiff in these matters.
Some Guidelines for Finding an Injury Lawyer in Chicago
If you are injured in an accident, here are some guiding rules to help you:
- Speak to at least a few personal injury lawyers and make a list of the ones that you feel comfortable with.
- Find someone who specializes in personal injury law; generalist practices tend to be smaller and don’t specialize in one thing.
- Make sure that you take records of your case to the consultation. This will give you and the attorney an idea of your chances of taking the case to trial and if the fit is good for both parties.
A personal injury law firm in Chicago like Lerner and Rowe can help you further your case, meet deadlines, and determine whether you should settle or pursue a case.
Some Guidelines for Working with Your Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
Once you select a personal injury attorney, make sure that you stay open to communication. If your lawyer asks you for some information, it is best to react quickly because they may need it for a coming deadline. Checking in on your case from time to time is also a good rule to follow. There will be some dates where your appearance at court is required or in a negotiation. Make sure that you are aware of these dates. Also, familiarize yourself with any client software that the firm uses, as this will help you receive important communications about your case.
Does Hiring an Injury Lawyer in Chicago Guarantee a Victory In Your Case?
Hiring an attorney does not necessarily mean that you will win your case. It vastly improves your odds of having a favorable outcome in your personal injury case. An attorney might help you make some important decisions about your case, such as settling or going to trial. The majority of personal injury cases never go to trial and end in settlement. Your personal injury attorney in Chicago, such as Lerner and Rowe, will help you make important decisions about your case regarding these matters.
Lerner and Rowe’s Chicago injury lawyers are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and we’re available by phone at 844-977-1900. You can also reach us through our online form or LiveChat service.