PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION

If you suffer personal injuries as a result of a traffic accident, a slip and fall accident, or as a result of the intentional conduct of another, you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries. In many instances, particularly with regard to traffic accident or slip and fall injuries, the potential defendant is insured over this type of loss. The insurance company may make efforts to contact you and settle your personal injury claim BEFORE YOU ENGAGE AN ATTORNEY. Let’s face it, insurance companies are in business to make money. Although the insurance company protects itself from losses by collecting premiums in advance from the insured, more profits can be gained by the company settling claims for less than the amount of compensation that you may be entitled to receive.

Preliminary Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

• Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your claim, and in all cases before speaking to the other parties insurance adjuster or claims representative
• Obtain all necessary medical treatment and retain all treatment bills
• Gather evidence in the form of photographs, diagrams, and names address, and phone numbers of any witnesses

DON’T:

• Discuss the facts of your accident with anyone other than your attorney
• Provide an insurance adjuster or claim representative with a statement in any form
• Agree to settle your case for immediate cash
• Put off treatment of any injuries pending your case. Your health is the most important issue
• Get frustrated because you have not been contacted to resolve your case by the insurance company

The process of personal injury litigation can be a long and costly process. In order to receive the fair and just compensation that you are entitled to under Illinois law, it is important that you obtain competent legal representation.