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How do I know if I have a case?

If you have suffered an injury or illness due to another person’s negligence or intentional actions, you may have grounds for a personal injury case.

Every personal injury case is unique, so the best way to determine if you have a case is to speak with a qualified attorney. At Cook, Bartholomew, Shevlin, Cook & Jones, LLP, our experienced attorneys will assess whether you have a valid claim, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and provide fierce advocacy in court if necessary.

How much is my personal injury claim worth?

The value of your personal injury claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of your injuries, the severity of the damages you suffered, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

In general, personal injury claims include compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses: This could include bills related to hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and more.
  • Lost income: If you are/were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
  • Property damage: If your property, such as your car or bike, was damaged during the accident, you may be able to recover the costs of repairs or replacement.
  • Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident, as well as the impact that it has/had on your daily life.

Depending on the extent of these damages, you could be entitled to significant compensation through a personal injury claim.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

If you were partially at fault for the accident, it may affect your ability to recover damages in a personal injury claim. However, this will depend on the laws in your state and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.

Illinois uses the modified comparative negligence model to determine claim eligibility in personal injury cases. If you were partially at fault, you can still file a personal injury claim provided evidence indicates that you were no more than 50% responsible for the accident. The damages you collect will be reduced depending on the extent to which you were determined to be at fault.

Missouri is a pure comparative negligence state. Under this model, you have grounds for an injury claim if the other party was at fault to any degree. For example, if you were 70% at fault and the other party was only 30% at fault, you can still pursue a claim. The damages you collect would then be reduced based on your percentage of fault (70% in this example).

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?

The time limit for filing a personal injury claim will vary depending on the state where the injury occurred and the type of claim you are filing. The time limit is known as the “statute of limitations,” which sets a deadline for when the claim must be filed.

Should I accept the settlement offer from the insurance company?

When you file a personal injury claim, your insurance company’s number one goal is to protect their bottom line. For this reason, it is not always advisable to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company in a personal injury claim.

In many cases, the first offer may be lower than what you are entitled to receive, and accepting it may prevent you from recovering additional damages later on. It is best to consult with a personal injury attorney prior to accepting an insurance company’s offer to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Do I need an attorney to file a personal injury claim?

While it is possible to file a personal injury claim without an attorney, it is generally not recommended. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable legal guidance and support throughout the claims process to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also advise you on the value of your claim and the types of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What types of personal injury cases does your firm handle?

The experienced northern Illinois and Missouri personal injury attorneys at Cook, Bartholomew, Shevlin, Cook & Jones, LLP have a proven track record of results helping people obtain compensation in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.

Our Belleville personal injury attorneys handle complex claims involving:

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing a diverse clientele including individuals, families, workers, union employees, and other victims who have been affected by an injury or wrongful death. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, contact us online or over the phone at 618-235-3500. We do not charge legal fees until we recover damages.