Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

paper with personal injury law on it surrounded by gavel, glasses, and stamp pad.Personal Injury Lawyer Arlington Heights, IL

You or your loved one may have suffered personal injury due to the negligence of another party. Personal injury cases often have devastating results. The short and long-term impact can cause a number of complications in victims’ lives. If you have been in a personal injury accident, do not wait to take action as there could be compensation that you are entitled to receive. Contact Therman Law Offices, LTD today to schedule a free consultation. We can review the facts of your case and help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. If you have questions about personal injury law and the elements of negligence call (847) 744-8400. A personal injury lawyer Arlington Heights, IL trusts is here to help you and your family with your personal injury claims. 

Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

Why Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer? 

Hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make after suffering injuries during an accident. Too many people pass up on the opportunity to have a legal professional examine their case. When there is a chance at obtaining compensation, you should not skip it. If you hire a personal injury lawyer in Arlington Heights, IL you will have a legal professional on your side who can complete all the tasks related to your personal injury case. You will not have to request medical records, analyze medical bills, or conduct depositions. A highly experienced lawyer can do this difficult work for you so that you can put your sole focus on your recovery and wellbeing. With a lawyer at your side, you are free to focus on recovering physically and mentally. You will not need to go through the stress of handling a complex legal claim. A personal injury lawyer can handle the details of your case while you heal from your injuries and get back to your normal life.

Also, hiring a personal injury lawyer will help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. In many cases, personal injury victims do not receive the full amount that they are entitled to. Many insurance companies will give victims the lowest offer that they can get away with. Personal injury lawyers will make sure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company and will work for your best interest. If you hire a personal injury lawyer you will have someone who can negotiate with the insurance companies. Many insurance companies attempt to deny your claims altogether. If the insurance company does not attempt to deny your claims, the company may attempt to offer you a settlement amount that is far below the amount you deserve. It is always best to hire a lawyer to understand how to deal with insurance companies tactics so that they can deliver you the best possible case outcome.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer also enables you to focus on your recovery. After being injured in an accident you don’t want to deal with legal paperwork and filing deadlines. When you have a legal professional on your side you can focus on yourself and work on healing from your injuries. A personal injury lawyer will keep you updated on the most important developments in your personal injury case. 

Will I Have To Pay My Personal Injury Lawyer A Fee? 

Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay any fee unless your personal injury lawyer recovers a financial award for your case. If the personal injury lawyer does not recover any money then you do not have to pay any fee. 

Any fee assessed by your personal injury lawyer in Arlington Heights, IL will come out of your final settlement amount at the end of your case. Most personal injury lawyers charge a 33% fee of the total settlement amount. Attorneys’ fees and costs will also be deducted from the total settlement amount at the resolution of your case. 

You do not have to pay any fees at the beginning of your case or at the middle of your case. You will only be responsible for the fee at the end of your case. A personal injury lawyer must recover a financial award on your behalf for any fee to be assessed. 

Types of Personal Injury Cases

As a personal injury lawyer can explain to you and there are many types of cases that they frequently handle on a regular basis. Vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death accidents are just some of the few types of cases that they are familiar with. If you have suffered an injury that was due to the actions of another person, you should consider reaching out to a lawyer so that you can understand the basic facts of your case. You’re just some of the case without a lawyer can help you with:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Dog Bites
  • Slip and Falls
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death

Personal injury cases are often highly complex and they can be difficult to resolve on your own. With the help of a seasoned lawyer, you are much more likely to get the outcome that you deserve. Find out the facts of your case so that you can make the most informed decision about how to move forward. You may be more entitled to recover compensation than what you deserve. However, if you do not talk to a personal injury lawyer you risk losing out on a large amount of compensation.

Damages That You Can Recover 

Determining the exact damages that you’re able to recover for a personal injury case can be challenging. Meet with a personal injury lawyer so that they can explain to you what damages you are able to obtain. There are a range of economic and non-economic damages that you can obtain for your case. This includes medical bills, missed wages, pain and suffering, and many other types of damages. For a more detailed list of damages, talk to a lawyer now.

Bicycle Accidents

A personal injury lawyer Arlington Heights, IL clients recommend knows that while bicycling is a great form of exercise and recreation, it can also be dangerous. Illinois has traffic laws to protect city cyclists, but they still have to deal with a heavy flow of traffic and pedestrians. Many cities have bike lanes, but they are not always respected by vehicles or pedestrians. Cities pose special dangers to cyclists, but there are safety measures that cyclists can take to protect themselves.

Car Doors

Possibly the biggest difference, for cyclists, between cities and suburban or rural areas is the sheer quantities of vehicles on the streets. Car doors are one of the most common hazards in city cycling. Drivers and passengers open car doors unexpectedly, without checking for bicycles, and collisions result.

These kinds of accidents can be hard to avoid for cyclists riding close to parked cars. It is best to ride far enough away from stopped and parked cars so that if their doors are opened, they will not make contact with the cyclist. But it is not always possible to avoid that dangerous zone close to vehicles, so cyclists riding next to cars should slow down and look for brake lights and other signs of opening doors.

Hazards at Intersections

Intersections, traffic lights, and stop signs pose a high risk for city cyclists. Often, cars at a light or stop sign will look left for oncoming traffic, then turn right across a bike lane without checking for cyclists, which can result in serious collisions and injuries.

To avoid this danger, cyclists may pull in behind the first car in line while waiting for a light to change, making the bicycle visible to cars behind it and protecting the cyclist from an unexpected turn by the first car. Alternately, cyclists may wish to stop slightly ahead of the first car, again ensuring the cyclist’s visibility.

Cars also may unexpectedly turn right into parking spots, driveways, or parking lots. It is important to stay vigilant and maintain enough space to get out of the way of turning cars.

Passing Vehicles

An Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer understands that riding a bicycle amongst the city crowds, especially alongside faster cars, can be intimidating. It can be difficult for drivers to gauge a safe distance between their vehicles and bicycles, and they may not understand the danger they put cyclists in by passing close. One benefit of the congestion and traffic, though, is that vehicles generally travel at a slower rate, giving cyclists the opportunity to take control of the situation and claim their space on the road, as well as increasing the amount of time that cyclists have to react to a hazard on the road.

Blocked Bike Lanes

One benefit to city cycling is the bike lanes that are common on city streets. However, drivers sometimes park in the bike lane rather than looking for a real parking spot. This can be more than an inconvenience for cyclists. Cars parked or stopped in the bike lane can be a serious safety hazard if cyclists do not have enough time to see and avoid the parked cars, or if the cyclist must ride dangerously close to traffic to go around stopped cars.

Arlington Heights Personal Injury Infographic

Damages That You Can Recover

Judge or Jury Trial

A personal injury lawyer Elk Grove, IL clients trust knows that one important aspect of a personal injury trial is determining who will make the final decision regarding who wins the case. There are two options for rendering the verdict: the judge or a jury. In Illinois, you have the right to have a trial by jury in civil cases, including personal injury cases.

Jurors

In civil jury trials in Illinois, a jury is composed of 12 jurors. The judge calls a panel of prospective jurors, who are then asked questions by the parties during a process called voir dire. The questioning process allows the parties to make sure the jurors are unbiased and can make a fair decision.

The Role of the Jury

A jury’s duty in a civil case is to determine what the facts are and apply those facts to Illinois law. In any lawsuit, there are multiple perspectives and versions of what has happened. The jury’s role is to decide which party has the best facts and the best argument. To make this determination, they must examine all the relevant information, including witnesses, documents, and expert testimony. They then apply that information to the law that they have been given and decide who wins the case.

To inform the jury about the relevant law, the judge gives the jury instructions, explaining how to apply facts to the law and guide the jury in coming to a decision. Each side submits the instructions they think are most applicable to the case, and the judge chooses which instructions to give to the jury.

As an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer can explain, the verdict the jury reaches must be a unanimous one.

Costs

Parties to a civil case have the right to a jury trial, but if parties demand jury trials, they must pay for it. There is a non-refundable fee that is required when filing, as well as a daily fee per jury member. Currently in Illinois, that fee is $25 for the first day and $50 for each subsequent day or days.

Waiver

Jury trials in civil cases are optional, not mandatory. A party can waive the right to a jury by:

  • Failing to announce that a jury is required when filing the original lawsuit
  • Failing to pay the required initial fee, unless another party on the same side of the case has already paid
  • Failing to pay the required daily court costs

The court in its discretion may allow a jury trial even if the right has been waived.

Litigating a personal injury case is complex and difficult, but an experienced attorney can help you make such crucial decisions as to whether a jury trial is right for you.

The Dos and Don’ts of Personal Injury Claims

As a personal injury lawyer Arlington Heights, IL clients recommend can explain, if you were injured due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, Illinois law allows you to pursue for financial compensation for any losses those injuries have caused you to suffer. If you have never filed a personal injury lawsuit before, you probably have questions about the process. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Arlington Heights Personal Injury Law FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

If you wait to file your claim, you could miss the deadline. Every state has its own statute of limitations when it comes to personal injury cases. Under Illinois law, victims only have two years from the date of injury to file a claim for compensation. There are some cases where that timeframe is extended, but those cases are also rare and only apply in certain circumstances.

If you wait until after the statute of limitations to file, your claim will be dismissed. Once that date has expired, so too has your right to pursue damages against the at-fault party.

This is why it is important to file your claim as soon as possible, even if you do not know what the total cost of your losses will be yet. Your Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer will know how to navigate you through this process early on and ensure your right to pursue for damages is protected.

Do I Need to Keep All of My Medical Records?

It is important to save all medical documents related to your case. This includes each medical report, appointments, dates of diagnostic tests and results, treatment plans, etc.

In addition to any medical bills you receive, you should also save all receipts for any other expenses related to your medical care, including cots of medications, medical equipment, medical devices, and even transportation costs for getting to and from your medical appointments.

How Do I Pay All of These Medical Bills?

Even if you plan to file a personal injury claim, you still have to pay your medical bills. If you cannot afford your bills, you must discuss your options with your healthcare provider. The last thing that you need while trying to recover is the stress of overwhelming medical bills piling up and the providers’ billing department hounding you with collection calls.

One of the most common options that accident victims pursue is to agree to a medical lien, also referred to as a hospital lien.  The lien is an agreement between the victim and their healthcare provider. In this agreement, the medical providers and healthcare facilities agree to provide the victim with the medical care they need and the victim agrees to pay the amount of the lien from the proceeds they receive in their personal injury case. An Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer can help you with the medical lien process.

How to Communicate with the Insurance Company After an Accident

After an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you. No matter how nice and helpful the insurance adjuster may seem, remember that the insurance company cares about its bottom line first. Here are some tips for communicating with the insurance company.

  • Be polite. It is understandable that you may be flustered after an accident. However, you should avoid taking your anger and frustration out on the insurance adjuster. It will not do you any good. Take a deep breath and be polite. Treating the insurance adjuster with respect may entice him or her to handle your claim faster.
  • Only provide basic information. When speaking with an insurance adjuster, be careful not to say too much. You only need to provide basic information, like your name, phone number and address. You do not have to give any information about the accident, such as where and how it happened. Also, avoid talking about your injuries. Even if you have already been evaluated by a doctor, you don’t have to tell the insurance adjuster what types of injuries you sustained and the treatments you will receive.
  • Don’t accept a settlement offer. During your conversation with an insurance adjuster, you may be offered a settlement. While it may be tempting to accept the offer, you should never take an offer without discussing it with an Arlington Heights personal injury attorney first. You may not know the extent of your injuries yet and undervalue your case. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low ball settlements initially. They want to settle your claim for as little money as possible.
  • Avoid giving a recorded statement. The insurance adjuster may also ask you to give a recorded statement over the phone. You should never give a recorded statement because it serves you no benefit. In fact, providing a recorded statement can hurt your case. You might get nervous and say the wrong things. The insurance company will look to discredit you and devalue your claim.
  • Set limits. If you do not accept a settlement initially, the insurance company may continue to contact you. This can be quite a nuisance and cause you a lot of stress. That’s why you should make it clear from the beginning that you will not receive further calls. Direct them to speak to your attorney.
  • Take notes. After your conversation with an insurance adjuster, you should write down the details of the conversation in a notebook. Give these notes to your attorney later on.

If you need assistance with your personal injury case, you should schedule a consultation with an Arlington Heights personal injury attorney from Therman Law Offices, LTD today. 

What Kind of Damages Can I Expect To Recover?

After you have been in a personal injury accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensatory damages that you may be able to claim, as an Arlington Heights, IL personal injury lawyer can expect. Personal injury victims can be eligible to recover an extensive amount of damages for suffering injuries after an accident. Listing all of your damages accurately is critical in helping you get the amount that you deserve to be compensated for. Do not forget to include specific damages so that you can recover the fair and full amount you are entitled to get. Here are some damages that you can expect to recover as a personal injury victim with the help of a lawyer from Therman Law Offices, LTD.

Medical expenses

Getting treatment for your injuries is costly, and for many victims of personal injury accidents it results in hefty medical bills. From treatment to rehabilitative services, there are many expenses that you may need to end up paying for. Whatever kind of injuries that you have suffered as a direct result of the accident that you have been involved in, you can include them in your claim. Consider what kind of care that you need as you recover as well so that can be factored into your total costs.

Lost wages

Personal injury accident victims often must miss weeks or months of work. When you have terrible injuries, you are not able to go back to work for a long period of time. Your reduced and lost wages will be accounted for when your damages are calculated. Inform a lawyer about what amount you make and would have made so that they can fight for the compensation amount that you deserve.

Destroyed property

The amount of expenses for a personal injury accident can be staggering, especially if you had a lot of valuable items damaged or destroyed. If you have been in a car accident that resulted in a total loss of your vehicle, you may be eligible to recover thousands of dollars which can help go towards the cost of a new vehicle. If you have been in other types of personal injury accidents, you may have items such as cell phones, watches, jewelry or laptops damaged.

Pain and suffering 

As an experienced Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer can tell you, pain and suffering refers to the physical or mental stress that the victim endures as a result of the accident. This includes suffering from injuries as well as psychological conditions and disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The amount of compensation that you receive depends on what injuries you have suffered and how they have impacted your physical and mental health.

It can be difficult to understand what economic losses you can receive financial compensation without a highly qualified and experienced lawyer to support you. With their help and understanding of legal strategies, you can increase your final compensation amount. If you have any questions about what you can expect, a qualified lawyer can give you a more in-depth and personalized answer. Contact a qualified and highly experienced Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer at Therman Law Offices, LTD no if you need legal counsel regarding a claim.

Contact Therman Law Offices, LTD Today To Schedule A Free Consultation 

If you are seeking the assistance of a personal injury lawyer contact Therman Law Offices, LTD today. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer and learn more about the legal services we offer. If you have suffered losses due to injuries sustained in an accident caused by another party or parties, we will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve. 

Debunking Five Common Myths About Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you’re hesitant to speak with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL personal injury lawyer about your circumstances, you may be holding back because you’ve been misinformed about some aspect of the personal injury lawsuit process. By debunking common myths related to the personal injury process, the knowledgeable team at Therman Law Offices, LTD. hope to empower injury victims to seek legal guidance and to exercise their rights if they are entitled to compensation and justice under the law.

Myth One: You Can’t Recover Damages if You Were Partially to Blame

There is a tiny fraction of states in the U.S. that won’t allow injury victims to seek damages if they contributed to the cause(s) of their injurious circumstances in any way, shape, or form. Illinois is not one of those states. Instead, Illinois honors a legal theory that is commonly referred to as modified comparative negligence. This approach allows injury victims to seek damages against other negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous actors who contributed to the cause(s) of their harm, provided that the injury victim in question is 50% or less to blame for their circumstances.

Myth Two: Filing a Lawsuit Isn’t Worth Your Time

Oftentimes, personal injury victims understandably wonder if pursuing legal action is worth an investment of their finite and precious time and energy. In some situations – particularly when someone has only sustained very minor injuries and has incurred few costs as a result of their harm – filing legal action may not be worth a victim’s time. However, if your harm has resulted in significant injury, medical bills, lost wages, etc., chances are that pursuing justice is worth your time… if only to spare your family’s finances from the losses sustained due to another’s poor judgment.

Myth Three: Damage Caps Keep Victims from Receiving Justice

As a skilled Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer from our firm can clarify in greater detail, many states impose “damage caps” on the amount of compensation that an injury victim can receive as a result of their harm. Illinois used to impose such caps but they were overturned as unconstitutional in 2010. As a result, Illinois personal injury victims are only subjected to the federal government’s cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. All other damage awards are not restricted by caps in Illinois.

Myth Four: Every Injury Is Legally Actionable

Usually, only injuries that are caused by another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous choices are legally actionable. With that said, understanding this legal standard in context isn’t always easy. Speaking with an attorney can help you determine whether you have cause to file a lawsuit in civil court.

Myth Five: You Don’t Really Need an Attorney to Pursue Compensation  

If the stakes of your case are high enough to justify taking legal action, chances are excellent that they’re high enough that you’ll need the assistance of an experienced Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer to secure the maximum amount of compensation you’re rightfully owed. The civil justice system wasn’t built with self-represented litigants in mind. Thankfully, the dedicated legal team at Therman Law Offices, LTD. has the skill and experience that has allowed us to deliver for our clients again and again.

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