Being injured because of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing is traumatic. The consequences can be devastating for you and your family. Meeting with an injury lawyer as soon as possible after the injury is the best way to learn about your legal rights and what you need to do to recover compensation for your financial losses, injuries, and other damages.
Questions to ask your Chicago personal injury attorney during a free consultation include:
What Is Your Experience Handling Cases Like My Case?
Attorneys may handle various personal injury cases or focus their practice on automobile accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, or premises liability. Ideally, you want to choose an attorney with substantial experience handling cases similar to your case.
You also want to choose a law firm with the resources and staff to comprehensively investigate the cause of your injury. Ask the lawyer about their success rate and average settlements in cases similar to yours.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Recover Money for My Accident?
Most personal injury cases settle without going to court. However, you want to ask the lawyer about their experience in court. The goal is to hire a personal injury lawyer who is an aggressive negotiator and an experienced trial attorney. Therefore, you know your attorney can adequately represent you whether your case is settled in a conference room or a courtroom.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney?
Many people do not consult a lawyer about an accident or injury because they believe they cannot afford to hire a lawyer. However, most Chicago personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee.
A contingency fee means you do not owe any attorneys’ fees upfront to hire an attorney. Instead, the attorney agrees to accept a percentage of the amount recovered for your case.
What Are the Steps Involved in a Personal Injury Case?
Each personal injury case is unique. However, each case begins with an investigation. The lawyer determines what caused your injury and who is responsible. The attorney gathers evidence proving causation and fault to establish liability.
Typically, the attorney prepares a settlement demand letter after you complete medical treatment. The insurance company for the at-fault party accepts or denies the settlement offer. In many cases, the insurance company makes a counteroffer for a lower amount, which beings the settlement negotiations.
If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement amount, your lawyer discusses filing a personal injury lawsuit. Whether settlement or filing a lawsuit is better for your situation depends on the circumstances and factors in your case.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Injured victims can recover compensation for economic damages, including medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. They can also recover money for their pain and suffering damages. In a few cases, a victim might receive punitive damages.
During the consultation, your personal injury attorney discusses the damages you could receive and what to expect from your personal injury settlement.
Call Now for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
We understand you have many questions about a personal injury claim. Therefore, our attorney will meet with you to discuss your case and answer all of your questions.
You do not have to handle your claim alone. Our legal team is here to help you get the money you deserve after an accident or personal injury. Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago personal injury attorney to discuss your case.