Is there anything I can do to help my case before I talk to an Illinois personal injury attorney?
Record everything. Keep track of hospital bills and any losses suffered as a result of the accident. Write down details about the accident and any information acquired from people who were involved in the accident or witnesses to the accident. If there are witnesses who might be able to help you prove your claim, then it is important to have their information to contact them.

When should I call a lawyer after I have been injured?
That depends on what happened to you, but before you speak to an attorney, if you are injured or not feeling well you should seek medical attention. No matter how big or how small a case may be, there is nothing more important than your health. A delay in treatment could cause your situation to get worse. After you have sought medical attention is then the time to find a personal injury lawyer in Illinois.

Can I recover any money if I partly caused my injury?
Usually you can recover some type of compensation, depending the degree of fault between the parties. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can help you determine whether or not you have a viable case. How much can I recover for a personal injury claim in Illinois?This depends on the circumstances of the injury. A good personal injury attorney can assess your unique situation to provide more insight into that question. Often that question can not be answered right away. Despite what you may hear from others, it is not easy to get a large recovery and these cases are often complex and can take a long time.

How does my Illinois attorney and the insurance company or jury determine what I will recover?
Many things are taken into consideration: medical expenses, lost wages because of the accident or inability to work, emotional damages, disabilities or disfigurements, and damaged property. For a more detailed explanation please contact us so we can assess your specific situation.

What is the time limit in Illinois on filing a lawsuit for a personal injury claim?
There is a limited time from the date of the accident that you can sue to recover damages, depending on the type of claim that you want to pursue and the defendant. This is called a statute of limitations. In most instances the time limit against municipalities or other Illinois government entities is shorter than it would be against a private individual or company. In addition some time limits can be extended based on a discovery date and others are very strict. Bottom line is that if you want to even consider a personal injury case of any kind it is a good idea to speak with an Illinois lawyer as any delay could bar your case forever. Ignorance of a time limit to file is not a valid excuse in Illinois no matter how strong your case may be.

What are general damages and economic damages in Illinois personal injury law suits?
In an Illinois personal injury case, economic damages refer to monetary losses, which can include lost wages and medical bills, for example. General damages are non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and inability to perform your marital duties.

How long do I have to file a malpractice lawsuit in Illinois?
This depends on the statute of limitations. A statute of limitations tells us the length of time someone has to file a lawsuit or be barred from filing a claim. Each state has a different statute of limitations and many times it depends of the circumstances of the case when dealing with personal injury claims. In Illinois, the period may be as short as one year or as long as eight years. It is very important to be aware of the statute of limitations in your state because this will determine your time limit as to when you have to file in court. If this information is not obtained, the time period could expire making it impossible to file a lawsuit. An Illinois attorney would be able to look at the details of your individual case and tell you how much time you have to file.

Have I waived my rights to file an Illinois medical malpractice case because I signed a consent form?
A consent form does not give an Illinois health care provider the right to commit medical malpractice. The health care provider still has the duty to meet the standard of care associated with the treatment.

How long does an Illinois medical malpractice lawsuit take?
Like any lawsuit, it generally depends on the case. Medical malpractice cases in Illinois are complex and time intensive. They require medical experts as witnesses and can often take years. As a result it is best to have your case reviewed by an attorney as soon as possible. This is true for almost all types of medical malpractice cases whether they be in a large city like Chicago or a smaller town in rural Illinois.

Do all Illinois medical malpractice cases go through lengthy trials?
Not all Illinois malpractice cases go to court. Once again, it depends on the situation, and many times it is possible to reach a settlement outside of court.

What should I do first if I think I have an Illinois medical malpractice case?
It is best to speak to an Illinois attorney. Potential medical malpractice cases are complex and require expert analysis. An Illinois lawyer is able to look into the situation and confer with medical professionals to determine if you have a malpractice case that is worth pursuing.

What is the Illinois law on the statute of limitations for an employee filing an Illinois workers' compensation claim?
Under Illinois law, an employee generally has the later of three years from the date of his accident or knowledge of the injury or two years from the last payment of compensation to file a claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Note, there are some exceptions to this rule.

When does an employee, under Illinois law, become covered by Illinois workers' compensation?
Under Illinois law, an employee is covered by workers' compensation as soon as he begins his employment.

Can an employee lose his job for filing an Illinois workers' compensation claim?
No, under Illinois law, an employer cannot fire or discriminate against an employee for filing such a claim.

What injuries are covered by Illinois workers' compensation laws?
Under Illinois law, any injury which occurs out of and in the course of employment is covered by Illinois Workers' Compensation laws. This includes injuries that are caused, aggravated or accelerated by the employment, even if there is a pre-existing condition.

Can a worker file for Illinois workers' compensation benefits if they do not live in Illinois?
Yes as long as they can show that Illinois has jurisdiction over their case. They can show this by proving that the accident happened in Illinois, the principal place of employment is in Illinois or the contract for hire was in Illinois. If the accident was in Illinois then the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission will have jurisdiction. For the other factors an analysis by an Illinois workers compensation lawyer is required