Legal systems across the US are incredibly complicated; Chicago is no exception. There’s a reason lawyers have years of graduate school and then have to pass a special exam unique to each state in which they wish to practice! Like doctors, most lawyers specialize in a specific type of case.
Personal injury lawyers handle cases such as wrongful death, medical malpractice, car accidents, nursing home abuse, worker’s compensation, premises liability, product liability, rideshare accidents, and more. While each of these shares some characteristics and paperwork, they all have unique processes to follow. One thing all personal injury suits have in common: the plaintiff was injured or lost a loved one due to the defendant’s gross negligence or malicious actions.
Seeking medical attention is your top priority in these cases. However, once you or your loved one are cared for, it’s time to seek justice.
Reasons Why You Want a Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take in a personal injury case is to hire a local, experienced, knowledgeable attorney. Below, we’ll discuss why a lawyer is so important and how to hire the best one for your case.
Knowledge of State and Federal Law
A local personal injury attorney will have in-depth knowledge of any laws related to your case. for instance, did you know that employers in Illinois are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance? Or that personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of two years, but workers’ comp claims need to be filed with your employer sooner?
Resources in Chicago
A local lawyer will have connections throughout the city. Medical experts for witness testimonies, doctors for second opinions, and disability advocates to help with transition are just a few types of professionals your attorney has worked with before.
A Strong Team
Attorneys work in tandem with their teams. Their legal assistants and staff members help to ensure that your paperwork is filed correctly and on time while also ensuring you receive prompt communication throughout your claim, settlement, and potential case. They operate as a smooth machine, so you don’t have to buzz around like a bee trying to do everything yourself.
A Calm, Assuring Presence
If you are dealing with a personal injury case, odds are you’re either hurt, helping someone who is, or grieving the loss of a loved one. A qualified attorney can offer you peace of mind during a trying time, so you can focus on yourself, your family, or your injured loved one.
A Wizened Negotiator
In personal injury cases, you are often up against insurance adjustors and attorneys working for the defendant and for themselves. Their main goal? Save money. Lowball offers and lump-sum negotiations are par for the course in their negotiation handbook. A lawyer on your side will help you calculate what expenses qualify for compensation and negotiate on your behalf with the other team to ensure you get what you are due. Medical expenses aren’t the only damages that qualify for compensation.
A Nuance Navigator
A personal injury lawyer can help you determine exactly what type of case you have. Perhaps you only know what happened and have the medical bills to prove it— that’s all an experienced lawyer needs to help you narrow down details to determine who is liable and what type of case they need to build.
How to Choose a Great Lawyer
Chicago has plenty of fantastic and skilled personal injury lawyers. A simple google search brings up pages and pages of law firms. So how do you choose the right lawyer for your case? We’ll lay out some tips to help you decide.
Strong Web Presence
First and foremost, a potential personal injury lawyer should have a professional website and a social media presence. You can tell a lot about a company by the type of web presence they have. Their site should be easy to navigate and informative; it should also offer straightforward contact options.
Specializations
Double-check that the law firm you are researching handles personal injury cases. If you know exactly what type of case you have, check specifically for that sub-category. You want a lawyer familiar with your needs who can tailor their approach to your claim.
Successful Settlement Record
Displaying settlement records on a website may seem boastful, but it’s meant to be a reassurance. Evidence that the law firm in question has won these cases before and can do so again. The more successful settlements, the more experienced the team.
Reviews, Referrals, and Testimonials
Nothing beats feedback from previous clients, but you should never trust one site alone. You can compare reviews on sites like Google and Yelp to get a complete picture. You can also check with national organizations such as NOLO or HG to find a local lawyer who meets their standards.
Free Consultations
Another great tool at your disposal is free consultations. The majority of personal injury lawyers in Chicago offer you a no-obligation meeting to meet with them and discuss your case. You do not need to immediately retain a lawyer after a consultation. Instead, schedule talks with a few firms and then decide which you got along with the best.
The Help You Need, the Justice You Deserve
A Chicago personal injury attorney is your best friend during a claim and potential case. They will gather evidence, speak with experts such as doctors, negotiate with the opposition, and represent you in court should negotiations fall through. An experienced attorney is more than a guide— they’re an ally. You need someone on your side during the process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve and that the person responsible is held accountable. You aren’t just after a ‘big pay day’; you’re securing your economic survival and protecting future victims.
Most personal injury settlements cover medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and more. They’re not about getting rich— they’re about providing for families during hardships caused by someone else. If you believe you have a personal injury claim, please seek out attorneys in your area for advice and representation.
