Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Personal Injury Case?

 Posted on April 02, 2021 in Personal Injury

Illinois law allows individuals who are hurt by another party’s negligent or illegal conduct to file a personal injury claim and seek monetary damages. The injured person may be able to collect compensation for the financial and non-financial harm caused by his or her injuries including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is not a requirement for seeking compensation through a personal injury claim. However, successfully recovering damages through an injury claim is a very complicated and legally demanding process. An experienced personal injury attorney is an invaluable resource.  

Investigating Your Accident and Gathering Evidence

There are four basic elements in an injury claim. Proving each of these elements using persuasive arguments and evidence is key to getting the compensation you deserve. The elements include:

• Duty
• Breach of duty
• Injuries
• Damages

A skilled personal injury attorney who has secured favorable settlements and awards for previous clients will know what is needed to successfully demonstrate each of these elements. Personal injury lawyers are adept at finding evidence and using this evidence to strengthen the case against the defendant. An experienced personal injury attorney will also have access to various experts including accident reconstruction specialists and vocational rehabilitation professionals who can provide compelling testimony to further improve your case. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the more likely you are to successfully recover compensation.  

Representing You During Settlement Negotiations

Most personal injury cases are brought against an insurance company or a corporation such as a product manufacturer. The primary goal for any personal injury defendant is to eliminate or minimize their culpability and reduce the amount that they pay the plaintiff. Going up against an insurance company on your own is an intimidating and frustrating experience. When you work with a personal injury attorney, he or she handles communications and settlement negotiations for you. Your attorney can also represent you in court if your case goes to litigation.

Advocating on Your Behalf While You Recover

Perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring a personal injury attorney is the peace of mind that you gain. After a traumatic car accident or another injury-causing event, the last thing you need to worry about is stressful settlement negotiations and legal proceedings. Your personal injury attorney can handle your case from beginning to end so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.

Contact a Winnebago County Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured because of someone else’s reckless actions, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. A Rockford personal injury lawyer from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, can investigate your case, secure evidence, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and provide aggressive legal representation throughout your case. Call us at 815-215-7561 for a free consultation to learn more.

Source:

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