What kind of cases do personal injury lawyers handle? People seek the help of a personal injury lawyer when they require legal aid and representation in cases such as car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and product liability, among others. These lawyers work toward obtaining compensation for the victims. Shindler & Shindler Injury Attorneys represent individuals who have sustained personal injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury and are looking for compensation, call (847) 933-4448.
There are several common types of personal injury cases in Illinois, including slip-and-fall accidents, car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and product liability. Each type has unique considerations and requirements for a successful claim.
A person getting injured on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions could result in a slip and fall case. The property owner may be held accountable for the harm caused. Slip and fall injuries can occur due to various dangerous conditions, such as torn carpeting, poor lighting, narrow stairs, changes in flooring, wet walkways, and broken public sidewalks. To be eligible for compensation, the plaintiff must have suffered an injury, regardless of how minor it may be. The medical expenses incurred due to the injury will be used to claim economic damages.
To determine legal responsibility for slip and fall injuries, you need to prove that the property owner knew about the dangerous condition that caused the accident. A dangerous condition is one that presents an unreasonable risk to a person on the property. The owner or possessor must have either:
You can recover damages if you’re in a car accident caused by another’s recklessness. Drivers must operate safely to avoid causing injuries; if they don’t, they’re liable for the accident victim’s losses. Common causes include distractions, speeding, and DUI. Evidence like accident reports, medical records, and witness accounts can prove fault.
Truck accidents are another cause of motor vehicle accident cases. The most common truck accident injuries may be more severe than those of a normal car crash.
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is hit by a vehicle, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and public transport. If you are the victim of such an accident, you may be able to claim damages in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the proper standard of care, resulting in injury. Common examples are misdiagnosis, surgical malpractice, and birth injuries. Malpractice can be committed by any healthcare provider with whom you have a patient/provider relationship. When a medical professional agrees to treat or advise you, a patient/provider relationship is formed. Hospitals can also be liable for inadequate staffing or faulty equipment. Victims can file a claim against healthcare professionals who provide substandard treatment.
Product liability lawsuits are legal actions taken against manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, or retailers for injuries or damages caused by their products. These lawsuits typically arise from defects in design, manufacturing, or marketing, and can involve a wide range of products, from household appliances to pharmaceuticals.
The foundation of product liability law rests on the principle that companies have a duty to ensure their products are safe for consumers when used as intended. When this duty is breached, resulting in harm, victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. These lawsuits can be complex, often involving extensive investigations, expert testimony, and negotiations between parties.
Product liability lawsuits underscore the importance of consumer safety and accountability in the marketplace, shaping product development, regulation, and corporate responsibility practices.
In Illinois, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to someone else’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. In any situation where the deceased person could have filed a personal injury claim, a wrongful death lawsuit can be brought. Simply put, a wrongful death case can be considered as a type of personal injury lawsuit, where the injured person is not available to pursue his or her own case in court. Instead, someone else must file a claim on behalf of the deceased person. In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file a wrongful death claim.
If you’ve been in an accident, it’s best to consult a personal injury lawyer immediately. The legal process can be overwhelming, and the role of a personal injury lawyer is to help you navigate this process, determine if you’re entitled to compensation, build your case and maximize your compensation.
A personal injury lawyer’s first step is to provide a private consultation to clients. During this phase, the lawyer evaluates whether the case can be resolved through litigation or mediation. The lawyer gathers crucial information to assess liability and damages, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This information helps build a strong foundation for the client’s injury claim.
To determine the viability of an injury claim, a personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident and gather evidence to bolster the client’s assertions. This may include visiting the scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting relevant documentation. A lawyer may also hire expert witnesses to strengthen the case. This investigation is crucial to establishing the other party’s liability.
Your personal injury attorney will gather medical records, establish liability, and work with you to create a narrative about how the accident impacted your life. This information will be compiled into a demand letter and submitted to the insurance company. Negotiations will then begin to reach a settlement.
Personal injury cases are often settled through negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who advocate for their clients during settlement discussions. Their objective is to obtain the maximum compensation possible, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If a settlement cannot be reached in your personal injury case, your attorney may need to initiate a lawsuit on your behalf. Your personal injury attorney will represent you throughout the process, including discovery, depositions, mediations, motions, and ultimately a trial until a resolution is reached.
When searching for a personal injury lawyer, finding someone you feel comfortable with and who can help you get maximum compensation is important. Here are some considerations when evaluating attorneys for your case.
It is important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to increase your chances of success in your case. An experienced lawyer has encountered various obstacles related to personal injury law and knows how to tackle them efficiently. From handling complex catastrophic injuries to dealing with manipulative insurance companies, a lawyer knows the ins and outs of the process. Therefore, ensuring that the lawyer you hire regularly handles personal injury cases is crucial. Just like you wouldn’t go to an eye doctor for heart problems, you should choose a lawyer who works in personal injury law rather than someone who mostly practices in other areas of law. With experience, an accident lawyer is likely to be familiar with the type of personal injury case you bring to him or her.
The relationship between a client and his or her attorney is of utmost importance. You must feel comfortable with how your lawyer communicates with you and treats you before you decide to hire him or her.
Your ability to communicate with your lawyer is critical to the outcome of your case. You should consider whether your attorney truly listens to you, explains things in a way you can understand, and is willing to keep you informed and take your input into account before making significant decisions in your case.
Your lawyer’s willingness to listen, ability to explain progress in simple terms, and good relationship with you could influence your satisfaction with his or her approach to your case, and reduce the stress of legal matters.
It’s crucial to have a conversation about the financial aspect of the attorney-client relationship to avoid surprises later on. Some helpful questions to ask include:
It’s important to do your research before selecting a lawyer. Not every personal injury lawyer has the qualifications to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. If you have experienced a personal injury and are searching for the right lawyer, contact us at Shindler & Shindler Injury Attorneys for assistance.
