What to Expect During a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois
On Behalf of The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C.
November 19, 2024
If someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injuries in Illinois, a personal injury lawsuit can be the avenue to secure the compensation you deserve.
Filing Your Lawsuit
After collecting evidence supporting your version of events regarding the incident, the first official step is to file your lawsuit. Under Illinois’ personal injury statute of limitations, the injured party has two years to file their lawsuit. Filing after this deadline passes could result in the court dismissing your case without a hearing. If that happens, you lose the right to pursue compensation in court.
Discovery
The discovery phase begins soon after the plaintiff’s initial complaint and the defendant’s response are filed. During this phase, both parties continue investigating the incident and begin sharing information. The goal of discovery is for the parties to have a complete picture of the incident and resulting injuries and a good idea of their opponent’s theory of the case before heading to negotiations or trial.
Settlement Negotiations
The majority of lawsuits end with a settlement. Settlements often benefit both parties by avoiding the risk of going to trial and being far more time and cost-efficient than fully litigating a case.
Your attorney will represent you in these negotiations with the insurance company and will seek a fair settlement that covers all of your accident-related losses.
Litigation
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawsuit will proceed to trial. Here, your attorney will present the evidence they collected in support of your claim and will seek the maximum compensation available.
After the trial, both parties have the right to appeal the verdict to a higher court.
Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries caused by another person’s actions or inaction in Illinois, contact The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles for a free initial consultation. One of our experienced personal injury attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options for recovery, and walk you through the personal injury claims process.
