Do I need a lawyer?
No one plans on being injured or losing a loved one. When such an unfortunate event does happen it can place you in a very stressful and unfamiliar position. On top of the physical pain and mental grief you may experience, medical bills may start to mount and your income may be greatly affected. Insurance claims adjusters may also start to call you wanting to take a statement from you or to try and settle your case. Keep in mind the adjusters are professionals who work for the insurance companies. As you might imagine, their interests are rarely consistent with your best interests. You should consult with an attorney before communicating with the insurance carrier's claims adjuster.In determining whether you need a lawyer, factors such as the seriousness and cause of the injury must be considered. In order to determine whether you need a lawyer, we will need to discuss your particular claim. Each case should be evaluated individually.
If we feel you will not benefit by retaining a lawyer, we will tell you.
Do I have a case?
It is impossible to comment on whether you have a viable case without knowing the circumstances of your potential claim. There are many factors to consider in evaluating whether you have a valid case. Among them is when the injury occurred. You should always keep in mind that there are time limits within which you must file a lawsuit. The time limits are spelled out in what are known as statutes of limitation. If a case is not filed within the appropriate statute of limitation, it will be permanently barred. Other major factors to consider are the liability and potential award you will receive. We invite you to call us and speak confidentially with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your situation. At the conclusion of that conversation, we will advise you as to whether we feel you have a case which should be pursued.(back to top)
How does a lawsuit work?
A lawsuit begins with the filing of a complaint. The complaint sets forth the allegations or reasons why the injured party, the plaintiff, is entitled to recover money damages from the defendant, the person or entity being sued. The defendant then has the opportunity to file a response to the complaint. Once the defendant answers the complaint the parties are deemed to be at issue. At that point the discovery phase of the case begins. Discovery is conducted to ascertain the facts of the occurrence and the extent of the injuries and damages sustained. As a plaintiff, your involvement in the discovery stage will consist of reviewing and signing answers (prepared in cooperation with our office) to written questions referred to as "interrogatories" and, most likely, appearing for a deposition in which oral questions will be asked. Likewise, the defendant will answer interrogatories and appear for a deposition. Witnesses and medical providers may also be required to appear for a deposition. If needed, expert witness discovery is then conducted. Upon completion of the discovery stage, the case will be ready for trial.The filing of a lawsuit does not mean your case will not settle.
In fact, the vast majority of cases settle without a trial.
However, at Latherow Law Office we prepare each
and every case as though it is going to proceed to trial. Defense attorneys
and insurance company claims adjusters know that is how we handle our cases and that
the only way the case is going to settle is for you to be fully compensated for
your loss.
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What kind of compensation can I expect?
Placing a value on an injury or the death of a loved one can be extremely difficult and involves the consideration of many factors. Generally, compensation for an injury is determined under Illinois law by assessing the nature, extent, and duration of the injury. While the amount of compensation in a wrongful death case is determined by the amount of money which will fairly and reasonably compensate the next of kin for what the law refers to as the "pecuniary loss" sustained. The only way to truly evaluate what compensation to which you are entitled is through a thorough and complete analysis of all the relevant factors involved. At Latherow Law Office we do just that. Our experienced attorneys understand the physical pain, the emotional hardship, and the financial difficulties which can accompany an injury or the loss of a family member. We also understand that each case is truly unique and must be viewed in light of its own special circumstances. It is with this understanding that we handle each and every case.(back to top)
How long will my case take to resolve?
The length of time a case takes to resolve depends on the complexity of the case, both factually and in terms of the injury involved and where the lawsuit is filed. Keeping in mind that cases may settle at any time, even without the filing of a lawsuit, cases normally average one to two years from the date of filing suit to trial. As you might suspect, more complex cases, such as medical malpractice, products liability, and aviation cases, tend to take longer to resolve. The more complex cases in Cook County currently average roughly 2 ½ to 3 ½ years from suit being filed to the time of trial. Cases can also be advanced for trial on a more expeditious schedule when issues of age, health, and financial concerns dictate. At Latherow Law Office we strive to resolve each case as quickly as practical while at the same time maximizing the recovery you are entitled to under the law. We invite you to contact us so that we may discuss your potential case. At that time we will be in a better position to provide you with more information as to how long you should expect your particular case to take to resolve.(back to top)
