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Ten Questions to Ask an Illinois Personal Injury Attorney
We are experienced Illinois attorneys who will help you find the best personal injury lawyer for your case. Please contact us at 312-346-5320 to talk to an attorney for free. We help everywhere in Illinois.
When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence—whether from a car accident, slip and fall, sexual abuse, or another incident—it’s important to find an attorney who truly knows how to handle your type of personal injury case. While many lawyers say they handle these cases, not all of them have the experience, communication skills, or resources to get the best result for you.
To help you choose the right lawyer for your case, we’ve put together a list of ten important questions to ask before making a decision:
- What percentage of your practice is focused on personal injury?
Ideally, the attorney should focus exclusively on personal injury cases. This tells you they’ve likely seen a range of case types, know how insurance companies operate, and are up to date on changes in the law. Be wary of attorneys who dabble in multiple practice areas and only occasionally take on injury cases. If they list divorce or criminal law on their website, there are likely better choices for you.
- Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
Not every case is the same, but you want to know that your lawyer has dealt with similar injuries or fact patterns. Whether it’s a rear-end crash, a fall on ice, or a case involving a commercial truck, experience with similar circumstances can make a huge difference in how effectively your case is handled. A trucking accident is different than a car accident. Sexual abuse lawsuits have unique requirements. You don’t want your case to be one of the first types your attorney has handled. In other words, being a personal injury lawyer does not mean that the attorney can handle every injury case that walks through the door, at least not better than others. We will help you find the best one for your unique facts.
- Who will actually handle my case day to day?
At many law firms, the person you meet at the consultation isn’t the person who does the real work. Make sure to ask whether your case will be handled by an experienced attorney or passed off to a junior associate or paralegal. You have the right to know who will be responsible for advocating on your behalf. And it should an attorney, not a paralegal or secretary.
- How will we communicate throughout the case?
Will your attorney call you with updates? Will you be expected to email or text? Ask what to expect in terms of response time and how you’ll be kept in the loop. Timely, clear communication can help avoid confusion and make you feel confident that your case is being taken seriously.
- What is your experience dealing with the insurance company or defendant in my case?
Personal injury attorneys with experience in your area will often recognize the names of local insurance adjusters or defense firms. If the lawyer has worked with the same insurance company or hospital group before, they may have insight into their negotiation strategies and tendencies.
- Will I have to pay any case expenses out of pocket?
All personal injury attorneys should work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Similarly, all firms should front the costs for things like medical records, expert witnesses, and court filing fees. Ask whether you’ll ever be responsible for any of these costs and what happens if the case is unsuccessful. If they are asking for upfront fees, it’s likely a red flag.
- What is your plan for how to move my case forward?
The lawyer should be able to explain their strategy for your case—whether that means trying to negotiate an early settlement, filing a lawsuit right away, or waiting on additional medical information. They should be able to give you a rough timeline and explain what to expect at each stage. That can change, but the game plan should be something they discuss with you.
- What’s the potential value of my case, and what can affect that?
No attorney can give you an exact number (and it’s a red flag if they do), but an experienced one should be able to explain how damages are calculated in personal injury cases. That includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Ask how things like shared fault or pre-existing conditions might affect the outcome. Beware lawyers who promise high dollar amounts before they know the extent of your injuries or how much insurance might be available in your case.
What Clients Are Saying
"Took a chance"
I didn’t know where to turn to or where to go. I took a chance and ended up with a lawyer that looked out for me at every turn and still is available to me.
"Fast response"
Wow, what a fast response! You got me on the right track.
- What can I do to help strengthen my case?
Your cooperation and involvement can make a big difference. A good attorney will explain what you should be doing—like following your doctor’s orders, avoiding social media posts about the accident, and gathering documentation. This is also a good time to ask whether surveillance or an independent medical exam (IME) might be part of the case.
- Is there anything I’m missing or not thinking about?
This question invites the attorney to share anything important you haven’t already asked. It could relate to deadlines like the statute of limitations or preserving evidence or something else. A helpful lawyer will take this opportunity to give thoughtful, practical advice.
The right law firm could be the difference of not just winning and losing, but also potentially the difference of millions of dollars. The bottom line is that you should feel confident in the attorney you choose. If you’d like help finding an experienced personal injury lawyer for your situation, contact us any time at 312-346-5320. We help people all over Illinois.