How can a Chicago personal injury lawyer help me?
The state of Illinois is one of the biggest personal injury states in the country. The median award for personal injury cases here is roughly 20% greater than other states. Cook County — the second-most populous county in the United States, thanks to Chicago — is the personal injury capital of the state. With the right Chicago personal injury attorney, you can recover a significant compensation if you’ve suffered an injury through no fault of your own.
Personal injury cases cover a wide variety of injuries, from dog bites to work injuries. As long as that injury is caused by the wrongdoing or negligence of another party, whether intentional or accidental, you can file a claim.
While upwards of 96% of personal injury cases never see a trial, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate filing deadlines, gather evidence and ensure you’re not taken advantage of. At Conexion Legal, we can connect you to an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney in our network. Contact Conexion Legal today by calling us at 1-800-201-1220, or write to us through WhatsApp for your free consultation.
How do I know if I need a personal injury lawyer for a claim in Chicago?
An attorney may or may not be necessary, depending on the amount of damage suffered and the complexity of the claim. In Chicago, small claims courts hear claims of up to $10,000, and Pro Se Small Claims Court — in which litigants represent themselves — only hear cases of up to $3,000.
These types of claims are filed if your injury is so minor that it does not result in serious injury or medical care. For more serious injuries — the average recovery for plaintiffs in Illinois personal injury cases is more than $1 million — or for injuries which may have long-term effects, you should consult a personal injury attorney.
Personal injury attorneys are equipped with legal knowledge and resources that you do not have, as well as the time to investigate the details of your claim and the parties at fault for your injury. If your claim involves an insurance company, statistics show that insurance companies pay out more than double when an attorney initiates a claim. Remember: Insurance companies representing at-fault parties have a singular goal — to pay as little as possible. An attorney can help you from being taken advantage of, and will ensure that all paperwork is filed by the appropriate deadlines.
If — like most personal injury cases — your case does not see a trial, a personal injury attorney can ensure that you receive the maximum settlement amount.
What damages can I claim in a Chicago personal injury case?
Generally, a successful personal injury claim can result in reimbursement for actual damages caused by the misconduct or negligence of the at-fault party. Actual damage is the amount required to fully compensate you and return you to where you would be had the damage never occurred.
These damages can include:
- Adequate and necessary medical care expenses
- Property damage
- Rental car costs (in the even of an auto accident)
- Lost wages
The law also provides compensation for future damages which stem from the initial injury. These can include medical and nursing expenses, physical and psychological therapy and long-term care.
If a disability results from the injury — if they can demonstrate that they are less able to earn a living due to the injury — a plaintiff is entitled to compensation for non-pecuniary damages. Non-pecuniary damages are damages which do not have a discernible, quantifiable monetary amount attached to them. They can include:
- Physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of confidence
- Disruption of the spousal relationship
In some cases, compensation may be awarded to a beneficiary’s family members, who are injured due to the loss of care, companionship, love and affection of their loved one.
At Conexion Legal, we have access to a wide network of attorneys. By calling us at 1-800-201-1220, or by writing to us through WhatsApp, you can receive free legal advice, and, if needed, we can connect you to an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney in our network.
El equipo de redactores de Conexion Legal está compuesto por un grupo de abogados especialistas en casos de accidentes de tránsito, laborales e inmigración para latinos. Cada miembro del equipo cuenta con amplia experiencia en su área de especialización, y todos ellos están comprometidos en ofrecer la mejor información y asesoramiento legal a la comunidad latina.
