Personal Injury Lawyer Lake County, IL

If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may want to contact our Lake County, IL personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Our lawyers with Therman Laws Offices, LTD can help you pursue a timely claim against the negligent parties. Attorney Charles Therman is incredibly tough and fights for those who are seriously injured, having over 35 years of combined experience.

Actions to Take After a Personal Injury Accident

Surviving a personal injury accident can be a traumatizing experience. When you are still in the middle of processing what happened, filing a claim may be the last thing on your mind. However, knowing what to do beforehand can help you understand how to improve your chances of obtaining the outcome that you deserve and want. You should remember to take the following steps if you are ever in a personal injury accident so that you have what you need to file a claim. 

Report the Accident Right Away

Anyone who has been in a personal injury accident should report that accident as soon as possible. No matter what kind of accident you have been in, whether it was a pedestrian accident, slip and fall, car crash, or dog attack, you must report the event right away. If you believe that you have more severe injuries, see if someone else can call 911 and inform them of what happened. Do not leave the scene and wait for first responders to arrive so that they can provide you with further assistance.

Get a Medical Evaluation

If you were in a personal injury accident, you should be treated by a doctor, paramedic, or other medical professional as soon as possible. You may have injuries that you are not aware of, so having an evaluation is paramount. Do not refuse any medical attention because you should have medical records as part of your evidence. If you do, you can be questioned if you decide to file a claim because investigators will wonder why you did not seek medical attention sooner.

Gather Evidence

Collect as many pieces of evidence as you can if you are at the scene. Take many photos of the accident scene, any destroyed property, the debris on the ground, and your injuries. Organize all of your documents as well that may be relevant to your case, such as medical records and bills. It’s also helpful to include invoices and pay stubs if you have been forced to miss work as a result of the accident.

Prepare Your Legal Documents

You will need to fill out some forms and organize legal documents for your personal injury claim. If you need personalized assistance idling out your paperwork, you can reach out to a skilled Lake County personal injury lawyer who can review your paperwork to confirm that everything is filled out correctly.

Avoid Common Mistakes

If your injuries resulted from another party’s negligence, you deserve to be properly compensated. However, to receive fair compensation, you must build a strong personal injury case. Here are some common mistakes that could hurt your case. The first thing you need to do after an accident is report it to the proper authorities. For instance, if you were in a car accident, you would call the police. If you got hurt in a slip-and-fall accident in a grocery store, you would inform the grocery store owner/manager. They will file a report about the accident, which is important to have for your case.

After an accident, you might not feel that bad. However, that does not mean that you are not hurt. Sometimes injuries can take longer to show symptoms. That is why it is imperative to seek emergency medical care immediately. A doctor should evaluate your injuries and recommend the proper treatment. As a Lake County personal injury attorney can confirm, delaying medical care could put your health and injury case in jeopardy. If you want to pursue a claim for your injuries, know that there is a deadline. In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years. Once that deadline has passed, you are no longer eligible for compensation.

There is a good chance that the at-fault party’s insurance company will contact you after your accident. They may seem like they want to help and even offer you a settlement. However, you should never trust the insurance company. They only care about their bottom line and may try to pay you as little as they can get away with. Don’t provide details about your case and don’t accept a settlement offer without your attorney’s approval. Many people tend to share details about their lives on their social media accounts. If you are currently in the middle of a personal injury claim, you should avoid doing this. If you post a picture, for example, that makes it seem like you aren’t truly injured, it could harm your case.

Journeying Through Illinois Legal Terrain

When traversing the public and private spaces of Illinois unexpected accidents, such as slip and fall incidents, can unfortunately occur. The state of Illinois offers a set of legal standards designed to protect both accident victims and property owners, assuring that responsibility is justly allocated. 

Time Is Of The Essence

An important element in the aftermath of a slip and fall incident is Illinois’ statute of limitations. Injured parties have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. This timeline is stringent, and if one doesn’t act within this designated period, the chance to seek legal redress may be lost.

Understanding Comparative Fault

Illinois’ approach to determining liability is rooted in the concept of comparative fault. When an accident occurs, it’s not always straightforward who bears the responsibility. In some cases, the injured individual might also be partly at fault. For instance, if someone slips on a wet floor but is not paying attention because they were texting, they could be deemed partially responsible. If they’re found to be 20% at fault, their potential compensation would be reduced by that percentage. Notably, if one is more than 50% responsible, they might not be eligible for compensation.

Duty Of Care And Reasonableness

Property owners in Illinois owe visitors a duty of care. This means they must verify their property is reasonably safe. However, this duty is not unlimited. The law examines the “reasonableness” of the owner’s actions. Did the owner know about the potential hazard? Was there a legitimate reason for the obstacle’s presence? Was there an effort made to warn visitors? These factors play an integral role in determining if the owner upheld their duty of care.

Commitment To Justice

In the labyrinth of legal stipulations that define slip and fall accidents in Illinois, our Lake County personal injury lawyer emerges as a trusted ally. Our seasoned lawyers, well-versed in Illinois laws, are passionate about delivering justice, guiding each client with personalized attention, and making certain they’re aptly represented in their pursuit of rightful compensation.

Paving The Path To Resolution

In the wake of a slip-and-fall accident, emotions and uncertainties can run high. Managing the legal complications alone can be daunting. However, within Illinois’ detailed legal structure, those affected can find a route to justice and clarity. For anyone grappling with the repercussions of such an incident, it’s invaluable to have knowledgeable advocates by your side, professionals who understand the state’s unique legal nuances.

5 Ways You Can Seek Compensation for a Personal Injury

Our dedicated injury attorney will take the legal burdens off your shoulders following a personal injury. Suffering a personal injury can be a traumatic experience, impacting both your physical well-being and financial stability. You deserve to receive maximized compensation for all of your damages, and there are many factors you can receive compensation.

• Personal Injury Lawsuits

One of the most common ways to seek compensation for a personal injury is by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This legal action allows you to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence or wrongful actions. By proving that the defendant breached their duty of care and caused your injuries, you may be awarded damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

• Insurance Claims

Insurance policies, such as auto insurance or homeowner’s insurance, can provide compensation for personal injuries resulting from accidents. When you sustain an injury, you can file an insurance claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. This process typically involves providing evidence of the accident, medical records, and other relevant documents. If successful, you may receive compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other associated expenses.

• Workers’ Compensation

If you were injured while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. By reporting your injury to your employer and filing a claim, you can receive compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and permanent disability.

• Settlement Negotiations

In many personal injury cases, parties involved may choose to settle the matter outside of court through negotiation. This approach aims to reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement that provides compensation to the injured party without the need for a lengthy trial. Settlement negotiations can take place between the injured person’s attorney and the defendant or their insurance company. If successful, the injured party can receive a lump sum payment or structured payments to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

• Government Compensation Programs

In certain situations, there may be government compensation programs available for specific types of injuries. For example, victims of crimes may be eligible for compensation from state-funded programs that aim to assist crime victims with medical expenses, counseling, and lost wages. Additionally, in cases involving vaccine injuries, there are federal compensation programs designed to provide compensation to those who have suffered adverse effects from certain vaccines.

Lake County Personal Injury Infographic

Lake County Personal Injury Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 31 million Americans require medical treatment due to general injuries each year. More than 173,000 deaths result from unintentional injury. These accidents happen practically everywhere: on the road, in the workplace, in retail stores, and in any other location where people are going about their normal routines. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

Lake County Personal Injury FAQs

What steps should I take immediately after a personal injury accident to protect my rights and potential compensation claims?

Our team will emphasize how important it is to seek out medical help so that you can be treated right away after an accident. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, as delaying treatment can harm both your well-being and the strength of your legal case. If possible, document the accident scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and take photos to preserve pivotal evidence. It’s imperative to report the incident to the relevant authorities and, if applicable, your employer or property owner. Finally, consult with our personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options, and understand the steps required to pursue potential compensation claims effectively.

How can I determine if I have a valid personal injury claim and what factors are necessary for a successful case?

The validity of a personal injury claim can be a challenge to figure out because there are several key factors to consider. Generally, the success of your case hinges on three main elements: liability, damages, and causation. Liability involves proving someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing caused your injuries. Damages entail quantifying the losses you suffered due to the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Causation establishes a direct link between the defendant’s actions and your injuries. 

What are the various types of compensation available in a personal injury case, and how can I pursue them?

In a personal injury case, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. The specific compensation you can seek depends on the circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the applicable laws in your jurisdiction. 

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and how does it impact my case?

The statute of limitations, a legal timeframe set by state law, dictates how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit varies depending on your jurisdiction and the type of personal injury claim involved. Generally, it ranges from one to six years from the date of the injury or, in some cases, from the date of discovery of the injury. If you do not file a lawsuit within the timeframe, you may have to forfeit your right to seek compensation. To make sure you do not miss this pivotal deadline, it is paramount to consult with our legal team promptly. We can clarify the specific statute of limitations applicable to your case and take the necessary steps to initiate legal proceedings within the prescribed time. 

What role does insurance play in a personal injury case?

Insurance often plays a significant role in personal injury cases. Most individuals and businesses have liability insurance to cover injuries or damages they may cause to others. In many cases, your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to settle. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit. Understanding the nuances of dealing with insurance companies, including what to say and what not to say, is necessary. 

Therman Law Offices, LTD, Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer

8501 W Higgins Rd Ste 420, Chicago, IL 60631

Your Lake County Advocate for Personal Injury Cases

Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf. Contact a qualified and experienced lawyer who has assisted clients with their personal injury cases as soon as possible. The sooner that you meet with a lawyer to discuss your case and legal options, the more they will be able to help you. Ms. Kelli Mule joined our office in 2010 and is dedicated to helping those who have suffered a personal injury. If you have any questions at all about your case, they will be able to answer them in detail. For more information about legal services that are cost-effective and accessible, contact our qualified lawyers from Therman Law Offices, LTD near you right away