At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we don’t just talk about getting results – we actually do. We earned the largest personal injury verdict for an individual in Illinois history – $64 million on behalf of an ironworker who was left paralyzed after a job-site incident.
If you suffered a back injury in Chicago, don’t trust your case to just any attorney – trust the best back injury lawyers in the state. Call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates at (800) 985-1819 today.
Steps to take after being hurt
Even though you might be scared, confused, and in pain after being hurt, it’s important that you try to follow these steps should you be injured in an accident as doing so could help your health and strengthen your case.
1. Find a safe place away from the source of injury
If possible, remove yourself from the source of the injury or from something that might cause additional injuries.
2. Perform a self-evaluation
The more you’re able to quickly assess, the more information you can give to the 911 dispatcher so that appropriate emergency personnel are dispatched to the scene.
3. Call 911 and ask for an ambulance and the police
Tell the dispatcher what happened and give them as much information as you can about your injuries. When emergency personnel arrive, follow their recommendations regarding the care or treatment you need.
4. Collect evidence
If you can safely take photos or videos of the scene, the damage that was caused, and your injuries, do so. These pictures could be a huge help in proving you weren’t at fault for the accident and in proving that your injuries were caused by the accident.
You should also get the name and contact information of any witnesses, then give that information to your Chicago personal injury attorneys.
5. Keep a written or digital record of your experience
The clearer a picture you can paint of your suffering, the better your chances are of getting all the money you deserve.
7. Visit your primary care physician or specialist
If you weren’t transported to the hospital from the scene of the accident, get to a medical professional as soon as possible so you can find out the true extent of your injury and get the treatment you need.
8. Speak with an attorney
Hire a lawyer as soon as possible so they can get to work on your behalf and work towards obtaining full compensation.
Don’t miss the deadline to file your claim
The deadline to file a personal injury claim, also known as the statute of limitations, is two years in Illinois. You won’t be able to file if you let this deadline pass.
Possible damages you can claim
“Damages” is the legal term for monetary losses stemming from an accident that results in an injury. Examples of damages include the following.
Economic damages
Economic damages are those that come with a bill, invoice, or receipt. They include expenses like:
- Medical bills, including ambulance rides and follow-up doctor’s visits
- Medication
- Lost wages from being unable to work
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are much more challenging to prove because they’re subjective. It’s hard to put a “price tag” on the pain you’re experiencing or on the emotional issues you’re dealing with in the aftermath of the accident. It takes a very skilled, seasoned lawyer to be able to do this.
How to find the right lawyer for your needs
Check online reviews of the Chicago back injury attorneys you’re thinking of hiring. You’ll get a good idea of what previous clients think about those lawyers. Make sure that you ask questions during your consultation to ensure the attorney and their team will provide you with the personalized care, attention, and communication you need.
We’ll fight the insurance company to get you maximum compensation
Check to see the track records of the firms you’re considering. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we defeat insurance companies on a regular basis, even those with lawyers who are considered the “defense lawyer of the year.” We fight tirelessly in order to help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.
Parties who may be liable for your injury
Depending on the type of accident that injured you, there could be several parties you can sue. Skilled Chicago back injury attorneys know how to pursue all liable parties to obtain maximum compensation for their clients.
How our attorneys prove liability
We’ll investigate the incident to gather critical evidence that may be used to determine liability against each liable party. Possible evidence can include phone records, surveillance camera footage, and witness statements.
Back injury lawsuit process
The following are the critical steps of any personal injury lawsuit.
1. Legal consultation
The consultation is where the attorney determines if you have a strong case, and where you decide if you’re comfortable choosing that lawyer for your representation.
2. Accident investigation
The investigation is critical to your chances of obtaining compensation. It needs to begin as quickly as possible so that much-needed evidence doesn’t disappear such as surveillance footage.
3. File a demand for compensation
Your attorney will notify all liable parties regarding how much money each of them owes you. This notification comes in the form of demand letters.
4. Negotiation
The demand letters usually serve as the starting point for negotiations. Insurance companies don’t like going to court, so they’ll likely engage in settlement negotiations but are unlikely to offer a fair settlement right away. Your attorney will fight for a fair and reasonable settlement that’s consistent with the injuries you’ve sustained, the expenses you’ve incurred, and the treatment you’ll need in the future.
5. Take the case to trial
Although most cases end in settlement, there are some instances where an insurer wants to take its chances at trial. In other instances, the insurer might be unreasonable, so your attorney might advise that you proceed with trial because that’s the only way you’ll collect rightful compensation. Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys are ready to provide the solid proof needed to prevail in court.
Why it’s important to visit the doctor
Back injuries can be unpredictable and are oftentimes much worse than they initially seem. You need to see a doctor to know for sure what kind of treatment you need. Seeing a doctor will also help your case since it will provide proof of your injuries and medical expenses.
Cost of hiring a Chicago back injury lawyer
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates won’t charge you a penny out-of-pocket — we only get paid if we win your case. If we are successful, we’ll receive a percentage of your settlement or jury award.
Why hire Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates?
You have a lot of choices when it comes to Chicago back injury attorneys, but the skill and compassion of the lawyers with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can’t be outdone. We won’t stop until we’ve done everything we can to give you the best possible chance of getting every dollar you deserve.
Our Chicago back injury lawyers are here to help
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates invites you for a free consultation to discuss your injury with a Chicago back injury attorney. You can also contact us online or even speak with us right now on LiveChat, located in the lower right corner of the screen. Even if you do not wish to retain an injury attorney in Chicago, we can set you on the right path for free.
Most of our lawyers have more than 30 years of experience. We have an outstanding track record in helping our clients and creating a strong trust relationship, as you can see in our success record. Please call us at (800) 985-1819 to see how we can get you started on your path toward recovery.