In discussing personal injury law, it would be helpful to begin by explaining exactly what a personal injury lawyer does for his or her clients. Basically, personal injury lawyers provide legal representation to individuals who have been injured in an accident. This is an area of the legal profession known as tort law, and it includes both negligent and intentional acts that lead to the injury of another person. The ultimate objective is to secure financial compensation for the injuries that have been suffered.
The Types of Personal Injury Cases
Quite often, personal injury cases involve some kind of accident. It could be a truck accident, a car accident, a mass transportation accident, aviation accident, boating accident, bike or motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident, among other cases.
In addition, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and negligence, construction accidents and workers compensation, and wrongful death also fall under the rubric of personal injury law.
The Types of Compensation for Personal Injury
If you have been injured in an accident you may well be entitled to receive compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. The compensation could cover such things as loss of income, loss of your earning capacity, medical expenses, loss of the benefits of a family relationship (known as a loss of consortium), loss of companionship, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
The Responsibilities of a Personal Injury Lawyer
It should be obvious that no two cases are exactly alike and given that fact the activities of a personal injury lawyer will certainly vary from case to case. However, some of the things a personal injury lawyer might do to secure the compensation to which you, the plaintiff, are entitled might include the following.
- Gathering evidence – A personal injury lawyer will compile evidence related to the plaintiff’s claim. This work could include finding witnesses and securing their statements regarding the incident. Additional evidence could include things such as medical reports, records, and bills, employment records, and accident reports. This evidence can help determine who was responsible for the accident, as well as the compensation to which the plaintiff is entitled.
- Conducting discovery – This is another part of gathering evidence related to the case in question. Discovery may involve sending interrogatives to the defendant asking for information, and it can also involve deposing witnesses and experts.
- Sending demand letters – After thoroughly investigating a case, the personal injury lawyer may send a letter to the defendant’s insurance company stating the facts of the case and demanding payment for the damages caused by the defendant.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – In addition to demanding compensation for the damages caused by the defendant, the law office of the personal injury lawyer may also handle all communications between the plaintiff and the defendant’s insurance company. One objective is to prevent the injured party from doing anything to compromise their claim for damages.
- Preparing pleadings – If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer to settle the case, the personal injury lawyer may submit a complaint to the defendant. This complaint states the amount of damages the plaintiff is seeking, and the defendant usually has 30 days from the date of receiving the complaint to respond to it.
- Representing their client at trial – If an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached, the personal injury lawyer will provide representation in court. As they are familiar with all court procedures, they can make sure that their client’s case is fully explained and fairly adjudicated.
Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers
From this brief summation you can see that if you have been injured in an accident in Illinois you may be faced with a host of questions and issues, including the payment of medical bills and recovery of lost wages, to name only two.
To make your way through these issues and receive the compensation to which you are justly entitled, you need expert legal representation, and the firm of Crosby & Crosby Law can provide that assistance. Personal injury is one of our practice areas, and our law firm has helped thousands of our clients secure the compensation to which they are entitled. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting your legal rights and providing the compassionate care and support that your case deserves.
If you have been injured in an accident, we urge you not to delay. Contact the personal injury law firm of Crosby & Crosby today to schedule your initial free consultation and legal advice regarding your injury claim.
