The moments after an accident can seem like they’re happening in slow motion. If you’ve been injured in an incident that was not your fault, an Elgin, IL personal injury lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help you determine your legal rights and options.
Accident victims often have the right to take legal action to seek recovery for their losses. However, the process can be complex, particularly if the injuries are severe or the cause of the accident is unclear. Fortunately, our attorneys have extensive experience representing accident victims, and we’re prepared to take your case on next.
Accident Victims We Serve in Elgin
When an accident occurs where someone is injured, and someone else is to blame, there is the potential for a personal injury claim. Because there are so many different types of accidents, our attorneys separate those incidents into what we call practice areas. Below are some of the most common practice areas we cover for injury victims:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Sexual Assault
- Construction Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Slip and Falls
- Product Liability
- Social Security Disability
The list above is not comprehensive. If you were involved in a different type of accident, you could still have an injury claim. Our attorneys can review what you’ve been through and help you decide how best to proceed based on your unique situation.
Common Accident Injuries
The type of accident you were in, your prior health status, and the severity of the accident can have an impact on the injuries you sustain. Remember to always seek medical attention when you’ve been injured so you have a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some of the most common injuries we see clients deal with include soft tissues injuries, broken bones, lacerations and contusions, and back injuries. In many cases, victims can establish a treatment plan with their doctor, take time off of work to heal, and eventually get back to their previous way of living.
In some instances, however, the injuries are more severe. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord trauma can result in permanent disabilities or lifestyle changes. These types of injuries are costly and can result in years of medical care and extensive bills.
Recovering Compensation for Accident Losses
No matter what type of accident you’ve been involved in, it’s likely your losses are extensive. Injury victims typically have to deal with medical expenses, lost wages, property loss, emotional trauma, and more.
If you choose to pursue a claim against the person or entity you believe is responsible for what happened to you, your attorney will investigate what happened to you, collect evidence to prove negligence, and value your claim.
When it comes to valuing your claim, your lawyer will collect documents like medical records, hospital bills, lost wage statements, and any applicable receipts to ensure they can value the calculable part of your claim accurately—which is referred to as your economic damages.
There’s also potential for noneconomic damages. If your injuries were severe, painful, or will be long-lasting, your attorney can seek compensation for pain and suffering. These damages are harder to calculate, as they’re more subjective. To accurately total noneconomic damages, your lawyer will consider the severity of your injuries, what the future implications could be, and what similar cases have valued for in the past.
While most personal injury claims resolve in a settlement via negotiations, it’s not always possible to be offered a full and fair settlement deal. If you find yourself in that situation, your attorney can explain the lawsuit process and what it would mean to go to court to seek a verdict from a judge or jury.
Elgin: A City in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago
Approximately 35 miles northwest of Chicago, Elgin is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Illinois. With just over 100,000 residents and natural beauty, it’s a desirable place to live and work.
Elgin’s parks and preserves are popular spots for residents and tourists. A variety of wildlife and plant life can be found on hiking paths and biking routes. Some of the most popular spots are Poplar Creek Preserve, Trout Park, Lords Park, and Spring Creek Valley Preserve.
In addition to its beauty, Elgin boasts outstanding education facilities and medical care. Public and private schools are available, as well as two local hospitals.
While Elgin is a fine place to live, accidents do happen. Thomas Law Offices is dedicated to helping accident victims in and around Chicago, including the Elgin area. If you’ve been injured, we’re prepared to help.
How to Maximize Your Recovery With an Elgin, IL Personal Injury Lawyer
While just working with an attorney significantly improves your chances of recovering total compensation for your losses, there are other steps you can take to ensure you receive all that you are entitled to.
To start, make sure you seek medical attention for your injuries and follow through with your doctor’s recommendations and treatment plan. If you fail to do so, the opposing party’s insurance company could say your injuries are not as severe and, therefore, not worth as much.
You’ll also want to keep track of documents like medical records, hospital bills, and other applicable paperwork, so your lawyer has easy access to it. While they will investigate your situation and get the information they need, the process will go faster if you’re able to provide more info upfront.
Keep in mind that your claim is subject to Illinois’s statute of limitations. You only have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If you fail to do so, you’ll render yourself ineligible for any amount of recovery.
Contact Thomas Law Offices
The sooner you get in touch with an Elgin personal injury lawyer, the better your chances will be of pursuing a successful claim. To get started, schedule a free case evaluation with our firm. Contact us today to learn more.
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