If you’ve been injured in an accident in Illinois, you may be considering pursuing a personal injury case to compensate you for your injuries, medical bills and lost wages. While the process may seem overwhelming, understanding each step can help ease some of the anxiety. At The Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, we guide you every step of the way, ensuring you understand what to expect.
A Summary of Illinois Personal Injury Lawsuits
Below is a guide to an Illinois personal injury case process, from filing your claim to resolving your case.
Step 1: Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
The first step in a personal injury case is to hire an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney. A skilled lawyer will help gather evidence, build your case, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. At The Law Firm of Daniel E Goodman, we offer free consultations to help determine if you have a case.
Step 2: Investigation and Filing the Lawsuit
Once you’ve hired a personal injury attorney, they will begin an investigation. This involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical bills and records of medical treatment, photos,lost wages information and witness statements. Once you have completed your medical treatment, your attorney will prepare a letter to the insurance company detailing your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and will request an amount to settle your case. If an offer is not made or the amount of the offer is insufficient to compensate you, your attorney will then file a complaint and begin litigation of your case.
Step 3: The Discovery Process
During the discovery phase, both sides (your attorney and the defendant’s legal team) exchange information related to the case. This includes oral discovery in the form of depositions, where witnesses and involved parties give sworn testimony as well as written discovery, which includes questions that each party must answer as well as providing documents related to the case. The goal is to gather as much information as possible to strengthen your claim.
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement Talks
In many personal injury cases, both parties may agree to a settlement before the case goes to trial. Settlement negotiations involve your attorney and the defendant’s attorney discussing an agreement to compensate you for your injuries. While many cases are settled at this stage, sometimes a fair offer is not tendered and the case then proceeds to trial.
Step 5: Trial (If Necessary)
Your case may go to trial if a satisfactory settlement offer cannot be reached. Your Illinois personal injury lawyer, like the highly experienced attorneys at our firm, will represent you in court, presenting evidence and expert witnesses arguing on your behalf. The trial process can be lengthy, but your lawyer will work to ensure the best outcome for your case.
Step 6: Resolution and Compensation
Whether through settlement or trial, the final step is resolution. If your case is successful, you’ll receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will guide you through the process of obtaining these funds.
How Much Does It Cost to Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
At The Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, hiring an attorney to handle your personal injury case doesn’t require any upfront costs from our clients. We operate on a “contingency fee” basis with our personal injury clients, meaning we only receive attorney’s fees if your case is resolved, either through settlement or trial. This means there’s no payment to our firm unless your case is resolved.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?
Some personal injury claims in Illinois are resolved swiftly, but depending on the parties involved and the specifics of your situation, it may take a few years to resolve your case. If the insurance company or other involved parties are unwilling to offer a fair settlement, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be the only way to seek compensation.
At the Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, we make sure to communicate with you throughout the pursuit of your case so that all your questions are answered.
Contact The Law Office of Daniel E Goodman Today
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, don’t navigate the legal process alone. If you need a personal injury lawyer in Illinois, contact The Law Office of Daniel E Goodman today for a free consultation.
Our experienced team of Illinois personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.