Accidents that cause severe physical injuries could wreak havoc on the lives of the injured person and their family. In addition to the challenges of healing from a serious injury, there might be financial pressures, concerns about returning to work, and changes to close personal relationships. Fortunately, a trustworthy attorney could help you out.
If you were injured in an accident, and someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to it, you could be entitled to reimbursement for your losses. A Dixmoor personal injury lawyer could lead the effort to secure appropriate compensation and free you up to focus on your physical recovery.
Negligence is the failure to behave as cautiously or responsibly as a reasonable prudent person would if faced with similar circumstances. A negligent person does not act intentionally to harm but causes harm through their carelessness.
Negligence often underlies many different kinds of accidents that could cause injury. Motor vehicle crashes, falls, industrial accidents, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, defective products, workers’ compensation claims, and animal attacks could all result from someone’s negligence. The law makes the negligent person responsible for compensating an injured person for the losses they suffer.
Even when the plaintiff was also being negligent, it could still be possible for them to pursue damages from the defendant(s). Illinois law bars a negligent plaintiff from receiving damages only if they are more than 50 percent responsible for an accident. A Dixmoor accidental injury lawyer could advise an injured person on whether seeking damages is an option in their particular case.
Many injured people believe that their claim is straightforward and that the negligent party’s insurance company will cooperate to resolve their claim fairly. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth.
The adjusters and lawyers who work for insurance companies will try to minimize their company’s liability. They will not hesitate to take advantage of an injured claimant by stonewalling, lowballing, or using other unfair tactics. Some will even assert that the claimant is faking their injury.
When the claimant has a local personal injury attorney representing them in negotiations, the process is typically smoother. When a claimant brings in a professional, it signals that they intend to defend their right to fair compensation for their injuries. Faced with the credible threat of a lawsuit if they do not negotiate in good faith, insurance company representatives are more likely to offer a reasonable settlement.
In the immediate aftermath of a severe injury, there could be a tendency to delay seeking financial compensation. Understandably, the injured person and their family might feel their efforts are best directed toward healing the injury and adapting to any permanent disability it caused. However, a claimant has the best chance of securing a fair settlement if they begin working with a legal professional as soon as possible.
A Dixmoor attorney could handle all communication with the insurers, relieving the plaintiff of that burden. In addition, investigating the accident and securing important evidence is best accomplished immediately afterward while the witness’s memories are fresh and physical evidence is available. An experienced advocate could intervene with creditors and point a plaintiff toward medical care and resources that they might not be able to find on their own.
Finally, 735 Illinois Consolidated Statute 5/13-202 allows injured people only two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit seeking damages for personal injuries. A plaintiff who does not file their suit within that timeframe loses their right to seek redress from the courts, regardless of the merits of their claim. Having professional representation could help ensure that the plaintiff files suit before the statute of limitations expires.
The laws regarding negligence and damages are complicated. You need a capable advocate who knows the law and how to properly assess how much in damages you are entitled to receive.
If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you could have a strong ally in a Dixmoor personal injury lawyer. To preserve your rights to full and fair compensation, schedule a consultation as soon as possible.