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Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys
Have you or someone you love suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence? The Chicago personal injury attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. With over 40 years of experience and more than $2.5 billion recovered for our clients, we have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to handle even the most complicated personal injury cases.
Need our assistance? Call our office at (312) 999-9999 to chat with a representative at any time.
Why Choose GWC When Looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago, IL?
Our clients turn to us not only for our record of results, but for the way we handle their cases. We are available around the clock, ready to answer questions when you need us most. Since we work on a contingency-fee basis, you pay nothing for our services unless and until we win your case.
What also sets us apart is the balance we strike between resources and personal attention. We have the size and strength to take on the toughest defendants, but we still give every client the one-on-one care their case deserves. That commitment has earned us a proven reputation in and out of the courtroom, and it’s why so many Chicagoans choose GWC in their most difficult times.
We Win Cases
Types of Chicago Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At GWC Injury Lawyers, our Chicago, IL personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in many case types. We understand that each case is unique, and we approach every client’s situation with the personalized attention it deserves. Our areas of expertise include:
- Construction Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Airplane Accidents
- ATV Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Mesothelioma
- Wrongful Death
- Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect
- Police Brutality
- Slip and Fall
- Trip and Fall
If the negligence you experienced is not listed here, don’t worry. Our lawyers handle cases related to all forms of negligence. Our team is prepared to stand up for your rights and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Understanding Illinois Personal Injury Laws
What Is Negligence in Illinois?
In Illinois, negligence is essentially the failure to act with reasonable care, and when that failure causes harm, the injured party may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. To succeed in such a case, the law requires that four things be proven.
First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant had a legal duty of care — an obligation to act in a way that would not put others at risk.
Next, it must be established that the defendant breached that duty by behaving in a way that a reasonably cautious person would not have under similar circumstances.
That breach must then be directly connected to the injury, both in fact (meaning the harm would not have happened without the defendant’s actions) and in law (meaning the harm was a predictable outcome of those actions).
Finally, the plaintiff must demonstrate real damages, whether in the form of physical injuries, emotional suffering, financial losses, or even property damage.
Finally, the plaintiff must demonstrate real damages in the form of physical injuries. These damages may also encompass other losses related to the physical injuries, such as emotional suffering, financial losses, and property damage.
At GWC Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chicago attorneys understand how to connect these elements into a compelling case. We work tirelessly to prove negligence and show the full impact it has had on our clients’ lives.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are situational exceptions and nuances to be aware of.
Cases Against Government Entities
Claims against state or local government entities must typically be filed within one year.
Medical Malpractice
For medical malpractice cases, the statute of limitations is usually two years from the date the patient knew or should have known of the injury, but no more than four years from the date of the medical error. For minors, the statute doesn’t begin until they turn 18.
Cases Involving Minors
For most personal injury cases involving minors, the two-year clock doesn’t start until the minor turns 18.
Construction Injuries
Many construction injuries are governed by the usual two-year statute of limitations. In certain situations, however, claims for injuries sustained on a construction site can be filed up to four years after the date of the injury.
Discovery Rule
The statute of limitations may be extended if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent. The clock starts when the victim knew or should have known about the injury.
In all cases, it’s crucial to consult with a Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines. At GWC Injury Lawyers, we can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and take prompt action to protect your rights.
Comparative Negligence in Illinois
Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This rule can significantly affect your ability to recover damages in a personal injury case. Here’s how it works:
- You can recover damages if you’re not more than 50% at fault for an accident
- Your compensation is reduced according to the percentage of your fault
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
This rule makes skilled legal representation even more important. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys will often try to shift more blame onto the injured party to reduce their liability. At GWC Injury Lawyers, we work diligently to present evidence that minimizes our clients’ fault and maximizes their potential compensation.
Types of Compensation in Illinois Personal Injury Cases
In Illinois, injury victims may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Understanding these different types of compensation is crucial for ensuring you receive a fair settlement or verdict.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible financial losses that are easily calculated. These include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modification expenses
- Transportation costs for medical treatment
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and relate to the personal impact of the injury. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium (recoverable by the spouse of the injured party when the injury impacts the marital relationship)
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These serve to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are rare and subject to specific legal standards in Illinois.
At GWC Injury Lawyers, we work tirelessly to ensure applicable damages are identified and accurately valued in your case. We understand the long-term impact that injuries can have on your life, and we fight to secure compensation that truly reflects the full extent of your losses.
What to Expect After Contacting GWC
Your Case Evaluation and Investigation
When you reach out to GWC Injury Lawyers, we begin with a free case evaluation. In this consultation, we’ll review the facts of your situation, explain your legal options, and discuss the potential value of your claim. From there, our team conducts a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to build the strongest possible foundation for your case.
Negotiation and Trial Preparation
Once your case is underway, you won’t have to worry about dealing with insurance companies or opposing attorneys. We handle all of that for you. While we work to negotiate a fair settlement, we also prepare your case for trial. This strategy ensures that if negotiations fall short, we are ready to present a compelling case in court.
Support and Results
Throughout the process, our priority is to pursue maximum compensation, factoring in both your immediate expenses and long-term needs. Just as importantly, we provide ongoing support and guidance, answering your questions, addressing concerns, and offering reassurance when you need it most.
