Chicago, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3100

Chicago, IL 60611

Call (312) 967-0000

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States by population and undoubtedly one of its greatest. With a rich history dating back to 1837 and amazing contributions in architecture, food, sports and much more, Chicago has a style all its own. Despite concerns about security and air quality, the city continues to progress: In 2014, it was host to a record number of tourists from all around the world. All in all, things are getting better for the Windy City.

Still, it’s important for residents and visitors alike to be vigilant about their personal safety. One of the best ways to make sure your rights are protected is to know the right personal injury law firm to call in a crisis. Every year, people all around the United States are involved in personal injury cases. An accident can happen in a heartbeat, causing injuries with long-term medical and financial repercussions. You have to react quickly!

How do you know if you have a personal injury case? There are two main building blocks. One is that you suffered harm. There are several different aspects or degrees of harm that you could suffer as the result of personal injury:

• Direct physical damage that results in medical bills or long-term healthcare concerns.
• Damages to your personal property, such as to your vehicle, home, or belongings.
• Loss of income, particularly lost wages resulting from a recovery period after injury.

Harm to one’s reputation, in the form of slander or libel, can also be considered a personal injury case. However, these are much more rare than the kinds of cases that involve direct physical injury. Likewise, you have a little bit longer to respond to situations of libel or slander than you do to cases where you were physically harmed. When you are hurt by the carelessness or negligence of another person, time is truly of the essence.

Steps to Take When You Believe You Have a Personal Injury Case

In the wake of an injury, you might need time to think and decide what steps to take next. That said, it’s important to get started as soon as you can. First and foremost, a Chicago personal injury attorney can provide you with critical advice. Even if you decide not to pursue your case, you can go forward knowing that you have the facts you need to make an informed decision. A good attorney does what it takes to help you make the right decision for your needs.

Speaking to an attorney is not the only important step you can take, however. You should also visit a doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor can help assess your medical condition and let you know what the anticipated treatments and recovery times are. This helps establish the costs you might face as you navigate your personal injury — which impacts how much money you may be eligible to receive in compensation if you decide to go to court.

A person’s memory can be shaky in the days following an accident. That being the case, you may want to write down what you recall about the situation. This helps clarify your thinking and may protect you from making contradictory statements over time. Of course, you should not share your recollections with anyone except your attorney. While you can communicate the basic facts to family, it is a good idea to refrain from discussing your case in detail.

Depending on the circumstances, a Chicago personal injury attorney might advise you to take other important steps. For example, if you have been involved in an automotive collision where you were one of the drivers, it might be a good idea to get your vehicle looked at by a mechanic. This can clarify the extent of the damage to your property and, in some circumstances, might help rule out mechanical failure as a contributor in your case. Specifics will vary, so you should bring up any concerns you may have with your attorney.

The Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Personal Injury Case

One thing you should definitely avoid doing is making any statements to authorities or other parties in the case without the presence and advice of an attorney. One of the first things that any Chicago personal injury lawyer will do for you is make sure all outside communication is handled for you. This helps protect you from making statements that may abridge your rights.

Many people have never had an attorney before and might feel nervous about working with one. Here in Chicago, The Doan Law Firm’s leading personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you. If you’ve been harmed through another’s actions, there’s never a reason to go it alone. Call or email The Doan Law Firm for the help you need.