Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers in Smithton, IL

Accidents resulting in severe injuries or fatalities can have profound effects on victims and their families. The financial and emotional stress caused by mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain can be overwhelming. Our Smithton personal injury attorneys are ready to assist if you’ve suffered due to another’s negligence. We can guide you through the legal process and determine whether you are entitled to compensation.

Nelson & Nelson has handled various personal injury cases in southern Illinois, St. Louis, and St. Charles counties in Missouri for over four decades. Our legal team has successfully litigated cases in state and federal courts, including complex situations with well-funded adversaries.

Every personal injury case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Each client receives the personalized, skilled representation they need and deserve, regardless of case size or complexity. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free case evaluation.

What is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If an accident causes someone’s injury, another person or entity may be legally responsible for the resulting harm in a personal injury lawsuit. The responsible party’s insurance company may compensate for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and ongoing medical costs. Your personal injury attorney will negotiate with insurance companies and hospital lawyers in medical malpractice situations.

To initiate a personal injury case, you’ll need a personal injury lawyer to represent you in civil court proceedings. The court determines if others are legally liable for the incident and may issue a judgment accordingly. Parties frequently reach informal settlements in personal injury disputes before the court, with the duration varying based on injury type and extent.

Two likely outcomes for personal injury cases include:

• Formal Lawsuit: Initiated by an individual (the “plaintiff”) filing a civil complaint against another person, business, corporation, or government agency (the “defendant”).
• Informal Settlement: Parties, insurers, and attorneys typically settle disputes through negotiations, bypassing formal legal proceedings.

Personal Injury Claims Our Smithton Lawyers Handle

Our legal team handles a variety of personal injury claims, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other vehicular accidents.
• Defective Vehicle Accidents: Addressing auto defects like faulty seat belts, airbags, and braking systems.
• Construction Accidents: Handling accidents on construction sites, such as scaffolding incidents and machinery accidents.
• Premises Liability: Dealing with slips, trips, falls, and injuries on premises like stores, malls, and restaurants.
• Dog Attacks: Addressing injuries resulting from dog bites or attacks.
• Medical Malpractice: Representing clients in cases involving substandard medical care.
• Wrongful Death: Seeking compensation for fatalities caused by negligence or intentional acts.
• Class Actions: Representing large groups of injured parties treated as one “class.”
• Defective Products: Handling cases involving harmful or malfunctioning products.

Our attorneys work diligently to secure total compensation for injuries, investigate circumstances, identify liable parties, and negotiate settlements. We seek to resolve cases through negotiation but are prepared to advocate aggressively in court if needed.

How the Statute of Limitations Impact Personal Injury Cases

The statute of limitations is pivotal in the trajectory of personal injury cases in Illinois. It outlines a prescribed timeframe for individuals to file a lawsuit for compensation.

In Illinois, the standard statute of limitations is two years, with the clock starting to run from when the injury occurs. This temporal constraint underscores the urgency for injured parties to secure legal representation promptly. Failure to do so may forfeit their chance to pursue a claim, adding a layer of pressure to act swiftly.

As time passes, vital evidence and witness accessibility decrease, posing a heightened challenge in constructing a robust legal case. Understanding and following the statute of limitations is crucial for those pursuing justice and fair compensation in these states.

Exceptions to the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Some exceptions, known as tolling provisions, may extend the statute of limitations. If the injured party is a minor, the statute may extend until they reach the age of majority. Missouri residents involved in personal injury cases should promptly seek legal advice to understand exceptions and protect their rights.

Alleviate Stress Through Accessible Contingency Fees

At Nelson & Nelson, we understand the financial concerns of pursuing a personal injury claim. Our personal injury attorneys in Smithton offer services on a contingent fee basis. This means there are no upfront legal fees–you only pay us if you win your case. This commitment ensures access to justice for everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

We provide a complimentary case evaluation for injury victims, allowing you to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable attorney. If you decide not to file a claim, there is no cost to you. We operate on a contingency fee basis, collecting payment only upon successful compensation recovery.

Facing a large insurance company or corporation alone can be daunting. Nelson & Nelson has the experience and resources to level the playing field and protect your rights.

Smithton Personal Injury Attorneys You Can Trust

At Nelson & Nelson, we recognize that personal injuries can significantly impact victims and their families. We strive to make the legal process smooth and stress-free for you. Take advantage of our free consultations and case assessments to make informed decisions about your legal options.

Our personal injury attorneys in Smithon are ready to fight for your rights and the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation if another party’s negligence or recklessness caused injuries.