Personal Injury FAQ
Illinois injury attorneys serving Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Kendall and Will counties
The attorneys at the Mevorah Law Offices answer questions that prospective clients frequently ask about personal injury accidents and liability claims.
My insurance agent says I don’t need a personal injury attorney to handle my claim. Is this correct? It is important to realize that your interests and those of the insurance company are at odds. The insurance company has attorneys protecting its interests, and you need an attorney to fight for you, too. It has been proven in case after case: Victims of personal injury accidents who have an attorney on their side have a greater chance of obtaining full and fair compensation than those without one.
If I am injured, when should I contact a lawyer? Ideally, you should contact a personal injury lawyer within 24 hours to ensure your claim is protected. While it might not be necessary to hire an attorney at the outset, it is important to consult with one as soon as possible to obtain legal advice and guidance that could make a difference in the outcome.
How much time after my injury do I have to file a lawsuit? In Illinois, the statute of limitation is generally two years. If your lawsuit is filed against a government entity, you will have a shorter time frame than if you sue an individual or company. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights to a claim.
Is it important to receive medical attention soon after an accident? Yes, preferably immediately after an accident. Making every effort to regain your health is your priority. Even in situations when you feel you might not have suffered a significant injury, you should get a medical opinion. It is not uncommon for injuries to appear days or even weeks after an accident. The credibility of your personal injury claim is directly related to medical facts and your care.
Am I allowed to discuss the cause of my injury with my doctor? Yes, it is important that your doctor know the cause of your injury to treat you properly and to relate the injury to the accident. If you case goes to trial, your doctor may be called upon for medical testimony and therefore must be informed of the cause of injury in order to provide credible statements on your behalf.
How much is my case worth? Until you completely recover from your injuries, it is nearly impossible to place a value on the damages you suffered. The value of your case depends on many factors: the cause of your injury, type of injury, amount of your medical expenses, extent of any permanent injuries and need for ongoing medical or assistive care.
How long will it take to resolve my injury claim? The types and complexity of personal injury claims vary. An attorney might be fortunate to resolve a case in days or weeks. On the other hand, a product liability or medical malpractice case could take years to reach a settlement or bring to trial.
|