What is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit is a legal dispute that occurs when someone is injured or harmed due to another person or business’s negligence. In such cases, the responsible person or business’s insurance company should compensate the injured individual, covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, and ongoing medical costs.
How It Works
There are two likely outcomes for personal injury cases, depending on the circumstances:
- Lawsuit: A formal personal injury case begins when an individual (the “plaintiff”) files a civil complaint against another person, business, corporation, or government agency (the “defendant”). The complaint alleges that the defendant’s negligent or irresponsible actions caused personal harm and economic damages. This process is known as “filing a lawsuit.”
- Settlement: Most disputes over fault for an accident or injury are resolved through negotiations between parties, insurers, and attorneys. This settlement process typically involves reaching an agreement where both sides agree to forgo further legal action. Instead, they resolve the matter by agreeing on a specific amount of compensation.
In either situation, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is a good idea. Preserving evidence, performing investigations, managing negotiations, and working on liens and medical reimbursements all require experience and expertise.
Types of Belleville Illinois Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims encompass many situations, from car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents to workplace injuries. Regardless of the circumstances, our legal team is well-equipped to handle your personal injury claim. We help you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Our attorneys fight hard to ensure you receive total compensation for your injuries. We’ll investigate the circumstances, identify liable parties, and work to secure payment for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
We seek to negotiate a favorable settlement with the other side and bypass litigation. If the other side refuses to negotiate reasonably, we will advocate for you in both state and federal courts.
How the Statute of Limitations Can Impact Personal Injury Cases
The statute of limitations plays a crucial role in shaping personal injury cases in Missouri and Illinois. It sets a specific time frame for an injured party to file a lawsuit for compensation.
- The usual standard statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Illinois is two years. Under Illinois statute, the clock begins to run when the injury is sustained. Of course, there are exceptions. Seeking professional legal advice as soon as possible is the best practice.
- In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is five years from the incident date. Failure to file a lawsuit within this timeframe may result in losing the right to pursue a claim and obtain compensation. Of course, there are exceptions. Seeking professional legal advice as soon as possible is the best practice.
The statute of limitations significantly impacts personal injury cases. It requires prompt action and legal representation after an accident or injury. Failing to act promptly may result in losing the opportunity to hold responsible parties accountable and receive deserved compensation. As time passes, crucial evidence and witness availability may diminish, posing challenges to building a strong case.
Personal Injury FAQ
