Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Personal Injury In Illinois
Last updated on October 14, 2026
If you’ve been in an accident and you need to file an injury claim to seek compensation, the legal process can feel confusing. At Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger Trial Lawyers, we aim to give you straightforward answers so you can make informed decisions about your recovery. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get from clients in Chicago and across Illinois.
How Do I Know If I Have A Personal Injury Case?
If you were hurt or lost money because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you likely have a personal injury claim. To prove your case, our lawyers must show that the responsible person owed you a duty of care, broke that duty and caused your injuries. During a free consultation, we review police reports, medical records and witness statements to see if you have grounds for legal action.
How Much Will It Cost To Pursue A Case?
You won’t pay anything upfront when you work with us. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay legal costs or attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict. We cover all expenses, including court filings, medical expert reviews and accident reconstruction, so that you can pursue your case without financial risk.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation For My Injuries?
How long it takes to get compensation depends on several things, like how serious your injuries are, how long your treatment lasts, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate. Simple personal injury claims may settle in a few months, but more complex cases with severe injuries or disputed fault can take much longer.
In Illinois, the typical time limit for filing a personal injury claim after an accident is two years. However, in certain cases, this deadline is shorter. For instance, if your claim is against a government body or its employee, you may have only one year to file, depending on your situation.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, hospital, or healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care and causes injury or death. Common cases include surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, medication errors and birth injuries. Because Illinois law requires complex medical evidence and expert witness statements, our trial lawyers work closely with top medical specialists to build a strong case.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your claim depends on all your economic and noneconomic damages. Factors include medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Instead of accepting quick, low offers from insurance companies, we work with experts to determine the true, long-term financial impact of your injury.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Personal Injury Claim?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but negotiating with insurance companies on your own often results in lower payments. Adjusters are trained to reduce claims or deny responsibility. Experienced legal advice helps you file your claim correctly and gather the right evidence.
With our firm, you get direct representation from partners who will defend your rights every step of the way.
Schedule A Free Personal Injury Consultation
Our trial attorneys work hard to obtain the highest possible financial compensation for the medical treatment you’ve received, the income you’ve lost, and your emotional distress. Because we work with medical specialists and financial experts to determine the full, long-term effects of your injuries, our firm is fully committed to your complete recovery.
Call us at 312-957-8807 or use our online form to set up a free, confidential consultation.