If your life has been upended because of an accident you didn’t cause, a Waukegan, IL personal injury lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can look into your rights and options.
Injury victims in Illinois deserve the best possible chance of recovery. At Thomas Law Offices in Chicago, our attorneys are well-versed in all areas of personal injury law, and we’re prepared to help you get your life back in order as quickly as possible.
The claims process can seem confusing, which is why it’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side. When you first reach out to us for legal representation, we’ll start by determining what type of claim you’ll be filing.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Managing the consequences of an accident on your own isn’t easy. Even with family and friends by your side, you may still be worried about financial losses and unmanageable pain. While only a doctor can help you with pain management, our attorneys are here to help you get those financial losses taken care of.
Accident victims come to us for a variety of different claims. The claim you file will be based on any applicable state laws, as well as the evidence we collect on your behalf. Some of the most common personal injury claims our lawyers handle include the following:
- 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
That list is not comprehensive. If you’ve been involved in a different type of accident, we can still sit down and determine if you have grounds for a claim. If you decide to move forward with the legal process, you’ll want a general understanding of how the process works.
Understanding the Injury Claim Process
When you reach out to our office, we’ll start by reviewing what you’ve been through and your ultimate legal action goal. Then, if we feel you have a valid claim and you want to start moving forward, we’ll have you bring in any and all relevant documentation, photographs, medical records, and reports so we can start our investigation.
The goal of our investigation will be to prove negligence on behalf of the alleged at-fault party. In legal terms, that involves establishing a duty of care, showing how that was breached, explaining your injuries, and revealing the losses those injuries caused.
Once we feel we have all of the information we need to present a strong case on your behalf, we’ll notify the opposing party. In most injury claim situations, the opposing party will attempt to settle the claim through negotiations. If you feel the offer is fair, we can review the official terms and move forward with acceptance. If not, the next step would be to file a lawsuit in court.
The court proceedings can extend your case drastically. With your lawyer by your side, however, you won’t have to worry about deadlines or the strength of your case. Your attorney will ensure the evidence is there to present to the judge and jury that shows how the defendant injured you. No matter how your personal injury case proceeds, our attorneys will be by your side the entire time.
While your lawsuit could dissolve into negotiations and a settlement throughout the process, making it all the way through the process will result in a verdict from a judge or jury. Depending on the result, you will either receive your money via your lawyer after papers are finalized or you can file an appeal if the verdict is not in your favor.
What It’s Like to Live in Waukegan
Known as the City of Progress, Waukegan is one of the oldest communities in Illinois. The area is a hub for education and rich history. With nearly 90,000 residents, the city is a popular spot for families to settle down outside Chicago.
While Waukegan is often picturesque, that doesn’t stop accidents from happening there. If you’ve been injured in the area and need help, we’re here. Thomas Law Offices prides itself on representing injury victims all over Illinois—including Waukegan.
How to Maximize Your Recovery With Waukegan, IL Personal Injury Lawyer
When it comes to valuing your injury claim, your Waukegan attorney will consider several factors. First, they will look at your economic losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage costs, and other applicable expenses. Then, they will look at your noneconomic losses, like pain and suffering.
While economic damages are easier to calculate because they’re based on real numbers, noneconomic figures are based on subjective losses like pain and the impact of the accident on your life. Your lawyer will look at the severity of the accident and how it affected you, as well as what similar claims have settled for in the past.
While most claims settle via negotiations, that might not be the best way to maximize your compensation. If the insurance company or opposing party is unwilling to come to a reasonable agreement, you have the option of pursuing a lawsuit in court. While this will extend the life of your claim, but it may be the only way to get a favorable verdict.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you’re ready to get your life back in order and hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries, get in touch with a Waukegan, IL personal injury lawyer from Thomas Law Offices. We’ll review your situation and help you decide how to proceed to protect your future.
The sooner you get in touch with our law firm, the better your chances will be of recovering full and fair compensation. To learn more about your options, contact us today.