What Are the Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Sometimes, injuries are so severe or limiting that victims come to the conclusion that they need compensation to be able to move forward. Luckily, Illinois law provides a course of action for those who have been injured because of someone else’s negligent actions.
That course of action is filing a personal injury lawsuit. But that process requires several important steps to help ensure that you’re fairly and fully compensated.
For more information on the steps to filing a personal injury claim, see below.
Document Your Injuries and Damages
After you’ve been injured, time starts moving quickly. You might have been rushed to the hospital, or the pain might have been so great that you could do nothing but stay in bed for days or weeks.
Still, it’s important to make note of your injuries and the resulting hardships you’re facing. This information will be critical to filing a strong personal injury lawsuit. To recover compensation, you will need proof of your suffering and who caused your accident.
When possible, take photos of injuries and damage, write down injury-related expenses, and see a doctor to create a medical paper trail.
Consider Hiring a Lawyer
While evidence of your injuries is important, it often isn’t enough to win your lawsuit. It’s unfortunate, but the other side will do everything possible to disprove your side of the story.
That’s why many injury victims hire a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer in Illinois. An attorney will know how to further support your claim and fight for it at the negotiation table or in court.
Build Your Claim
Once you’ve teamed up with a lawyer, much of the struggle to build your claim will be out of your hands. However, it will be important to be open with your attorney and work with him or her to make sure your personal injury claim accounts for every hardship you’re facing.
This process involves a lot of paperwork. Your attorney will handle that, and a good lawyer will keep you updated on each step as it’s completed.
Once your claim is bulletproof, your lawyer will file it and await the response of the negligent party or insurance company. Depending on the other side’s response, your lawsuit may be settled for a reasonable amount or be taken to court, where your attorney will fight for every cent you’re owed.
Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
While not all personal injury cases will enter a courtroom, it never hurts to get qualified input from an attorney who has handled countless cases.
To discuss the next steps forward with your claim, contact a personal injury lawyer at Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC today. Call us at 815-656-4600 or fill out the form below to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation.
