Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

Phillips Personal Injury Attorneys, in downtown Chicago, Illinois, has helped injured individuals and their families for over 75 years. If you have been injured in an accident (vehicle collision, at work, in a hospital, or by a defective product), or been the victim of negligent or wrongful actions by a healthcare provider, we know you have a lot of questions, and we are here to help.

Contacting our personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Offices for a free consultation is always a great idea. However, we know from experience that the answers to the questions below can be helpful in getting started on holding those responsible for your injuries accountable.

From offices in Chicago, the attorneys of Phillips Law Offices offer the highest quality legal services to the injured and their families throughout Illinois. Call 312-346-4262, or contact us online today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys about your case.

Legally, the term “personal injury” is a very broad one. It relates to any type of accident or occurrence that results in a bodily injury. The types of personal injuries Phillips Law Offices has litigated include such things as:

Pain and suffering includes harm caused by physical injury and mental suffering experienced through avoiding activities you engaged in prior to your accident.

Remember, insurance companies usually put profits before people. No matter how nice an insurance agent may seem, their job is to see you get as little as possible in compensation. This is why they are not likely to explain all of your legal rights, identify all potential areas for which you might be entitled to damages, or value correctly how much you deserve.

Only a good lawyer can fully protect your interests and be a powerful advocate in negotiations or at trial. It is in your best interests to only provide your contact information to an insurance company until you consult with a lawyer. In fact, the more significant your injuries, the more imperative it becomes to seek legal counsel before providing any statement or information to the insurance company.

Every case addresses three issues:

An experienced personal injury lawyer reviews and interprets your case information to determine the appropriate value for your claim:

The goal is fair and adequate compensation for your injury and an experienced attorney will know what a reasonable jury would award. The strength of lay and expert witness testimony will likely influence the amount.

No reputable law firm can, should or will make a guarantee. What we tell clients is that we will not take your case unless we think it has a good chance to succeed. We also tell them that we love to win and our record speaks to our talent at obtaining results for those we represent.

Our goal is to keep you informed about your options and what to expect. We treat every client with compassion, and respect, and will give you a fair assessment of your case—time it will take and types of damages you could receive—based on our years of experience with injuries similar to yours that have settled or had jury verdicts.

About 95 percent of personal injury cases filed are settled before trial. That said, we are trial lawyers.

Know that while most cases settle before trial, this usually happens after both sides have prepared their cases. And, while there is no way of predicting how long your case may take because every case is unique, lawsuits generally last about two to four years from filing to trial.

What all this means is that while the rewards can be significant, and you should allow us to constantly fight to get you what you deserve, you will need to be patient. We would like you to focus on getting healthy, while we focus on getting you the justice, peace of mind and compensation you deserve.

We charge on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay us anything unless there is a settlement or a winning verdict at trial. Our fee when we win your case is usually one-third (33.3%) of the total recovery plus “case costs” which we will clearly explain when we meet to discuss your potential case.

Do I even have a case?

If you were hurt because someone else was careless, you might have a personal injury case. For example, if someone ran a red light and hit your car, or you slipped in a store because the floor was wet with no warning sign, you could have a valid claim.

To know for sure, a personal injury lawyer can review what happened, look at your injuries, and help you figure out if there’s enough evidence to move forward with a case. It’s always better to ask than to guess.

What is my case worth?

Every case is different, but the value of your case usually depends on how badly you were hurt, how much money you lost (like medical bills and missed work), and how the injury has affected your life.

A lawyer will look at things like your pain, future treatment costs, and whether your injuries caused long-term problems. There’s no fixed amount, but an experienced attorney can give you a general idea based on similar cases.

How long will a lawsuit take?

Personal injury lawsuits can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. If your case is simple and the insurance company cooperates, it might settle quickly. But if there are disputes, it could take longer.

Lawsuits take time because there are many steps: gathering evidence, negotiating, maybe going to court. A lawyer can help speed things up where possible, but it’s important to be patient while building a strong case.

What questions will be asked in a deposition?

A deposition is like an interview under oath. You’ll be asked questions about how the injury happened, your medical treatment, your job, your health before and after the accident, and how the injury has affected your life.

Your lawyer will prepare you ahead of time. The other side’s lawyer isn’t trying to trick you—they’re just gathering information. Be honest and take your time answering.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In most personal injury cases in Illinois, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations.

If you wait too long, you could lose your right to get any compensation. It’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement?

Not always. Insurance companies often try to settle for as little money as possible. Their first offer might not cover all your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Before saying yes, have a lawyer review the offer. A fair settlement should take care of both current and future costs related to your injury.

Do I really need a lawyer?

You’re not legally required to have a lawyer, but it helps a lot. Personal injury laws can be complicated, and insurance companies have lawyers working for them.

Having your own lawyer levels the playing field. They’ll fight to get you the money you deserve and handle the paperwork and stress so you can focus on healing.

What should I bring with me for my first meeting with a lawyer?

Bring anything related to your injury. That includes medical records, hospital bills, accident reports, photos of your injuries or the accident scene, and letters from insurance companies.

If you missed work, bring proof of that too. The more information you have, the better the lawyer can understand your case and help you.

What should I expect during the first meeting with a personal injury lawyer?

The lawyer will ask questions about how you got hurt, what medical treatment you’ve had, and how your life has been affected. They’ll also explain how the legal process works and whether they think you have a strong case.

This meeting is usually free. It’s a chance for you to ask questions too—like how they get paid or how long your case might take.

What Happens in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

First, your lawyer gathers evidence like medical records, witness statements, and photos. Then they try to settle the case with the insurance company. If a fair deal can’t be reached, they file a lawsuit.

After that, both sides exchange information (this is called discovery). There may be depositions, negotiations, and finally, a trial if needed. Many cases settle before going to court.

What Is Considered a Personal Injury?

A personal injury is any injury to your body, mind, or emotions caused by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing. It can be from a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or even medical malpractice.

If your injury caused you pain, medical bills, or time away from work, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

What Type of Case Is a Personal Injury?

Personal injury cases are civil cases, not criminal. That means you’re asking for money (compensation), not jail time for the person who caused your injury.

Common types include car accidents, truck accidents, slips and falls, workplace injuries, and product defects. They’re usually based on the idea that someone acted negligently and caused harm.

Do I Always Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Not always. If your injury is very minor and you didn’t miss work or need much medical care, you might be able to handle the claim on your own.

But for serious injuries, or if the insurance company is being difficult, a lawyer can protect your rights and make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is strict.

There are a few exceptions, like for minors or certain government claims, but in general, it’s best to act fast. If you’re unsure, a lawyer can tell you exactly how much time you have.

Where Is Located Phillips Law Offices?

Phillips Law Offices is located in Chicago, Illinois. Our main office address is 161 North Clark Street, Suite 4925, Chicago, IL 60601.

We help people with personal injury cases throughout Illinois and have been doing it for many years. If you’re nearby, you can schedule a consultation with us. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.88479288375672, -87.63079064829671