What Are the Steps Involved in an Illinois Personal Injury Case?

 Posted on March 10,2021 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

When an individual is injured because of another party’s actions, the injured person may have a right to pursue financial compensation for their damages through a personal injury case. Many personal injury claims are brought against the at-fault party’s insurance company. While personal injury cases vary substantially from case to case, most personal injury cases involve the same basic steps. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, car accident, workplace accident, slip and fall, or another injury-causing incident, speak to a personal injury attorney to learn more about what may be involved in pursuing compensation for your damages.

Retaining Legal Counsel and Investigating the Cause of Your Injury

Once you decide on a personal injury lawyer, the first steps that he or she will likely take will be investigative in nature. Your lawyer will need to know how you were injured, the severity of your injuries, and whether another party’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing may have caused the injuries. Your lawyer will then begin to gather evidence to support your claim such as police reports, videos and photographs, and witness statements.

Demanding a Settlement

Many people assume that all personal injury cases involve filing a lawsuit. However, some injury victims are able to receive a settlement without needing to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will send a letter demanding compensation for your injuries to the insurance company or other opposing party. Typically, the opposing party responds with a counteroffer. Your lawyer and the opposing party may negotiate back and forth until a satisfactory settlement is reached. If the opposing party refuses to offer a reasonable payout, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit.

Steps Involved in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

A lawsuit is initiated by filing a complaint or petition with the court that describes your case against the defendant. The defendant has the opportunity to respond by either admitting or denying the claims brought against the defendant. The parties then begin the “discovery” phase in which they gather evidence and facts about the case. Most personal injury lawsuits are settled before the case goes to trial. However, some cases proceed to a civil trial in which a judge or jury decides the outcome of the case.

Contact a Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer

Your personal injury lawyer is responsible for building your claim against the at-fault party, filing court documents, negotiating a settlement, advocating for you in court, and representing your best interests. The Waukegan personal injury attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Learn how we can help you by setting up a free consultation today. Call 847-662-3303.

Source:

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf