From car accidents and dog bites to assault or medical malpractice, several types of personal injury cases that negatively impact millions of Americans each year. If you’ve recently suffered a personal injury and are considering filing a lawsuit, then you might believe you have a strong idea of the process and potential outcomes.
Unfortunately, several misconceptions about personal injury cases can affect your lawsuit or your belief that you have grounds to file a lawsuit. This guide lists a few misconceptions and tries to correct them.
I Was Injured Too Long Ago
If the date of your injury happened several months ago, or you were just diagnosed with a complication from your original injury recently, then you may assume that you cannot file a lawsuit. In Illinois, there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit. This limitation starts at the date of your injury, or the date you were diagnosed with a condition that was directly related to this injury.
Although you have two years to file a civil lawsuit, it doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. You also don’t have to wait until your medical treatment is over before you file a lawsuit.
Filing a Lawsuit Is Too Costly and Time-Consuming
Another common misconception that might make you avoid filing a lawsuit is the idea that legal proceedings are too costly and it will take several months or years before you receive any compensation. Several factors impact the cost and time it takes to complete a personal injury case. However, in most cases, it is well worth the effort.
Your attorney will take care of most of the work for you. The most you will need to provide to the case is a deposition, some medical visits, and conversations with your attorney. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork, investigation, and conversations with the other party’s attorney and insurance provider.
I Can Rely on My Regular Lawyer to Handle the Case
From a probate attorney to handle your parent’s estate to the real estate attorney you hired to help you sell or purchase a home, there are several different types of lawyers who specialize in very specific fields.
Understanding the intricacies of personal injury law takes years of training and experience. For this reason, you do not want someone who specializes in any other field to handle your case.
I Don’t Need an Attorney’s Assistance
In addition to relying on the wrong type of lawyer, another common misconception is that filing a personal injury lawsuit is easy. Unfortunately, attempting to file a civil lawsuit against an individual, small company, or massive corporation is very complicated, and your lack of experience could cost you thousands in compensation that you deserve.
Some of the many reasons you should hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case include:
The extent of your injuries is severe. Suffering a catastrophic injury can impact your ability to support yourself and family, or enjoy the things in life you love. When your family’s future is at stake and you are entitled to years of lost wages, contacting an attorney is the best option.
The personal liability is in question. In cases where your personal liability in the accident is called into question, hiring an attorney is the best option. Illinois has comparative fault laws that will impact your compensation. According to these laws, the court might determine that the injured party is partly responsible. For example, if you are found 15 percent responsible, then you will receive 15 percent less compensation.
Dealing with the insurance company. An insurance company’s job is to save money. Adjusters will use several tactics, including offering a seemingly-large initial settlement, that can compel a confused individual to accept less money than they deserve.
Do not allow these common misconceptions about the ease of handling a civil lawsuit to keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.
I’ll Affect Someone’s Financial Well-Being
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is a very difficult decision, especially if worry that you might be financially destroying another individual or entity. Typically, you will not financially impact an individual because they typically don’t pay for your damages. Instead, an insurance provider pays out the money.
If you are injured and another person is at fault, then filing a personal injury lawsuit is your right. Filing a lawsuit is the best way to protect your family’s financial future and ensure that the guilty party is found liable for their behavior or negligence.
Several misconceptions and myths associated are with filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you have any further questions, then contact the professionals at Shay & Associates Law Firm. We can help you with your case, advocate for you, and help you get the compensation you are entitled to.