T:
312.346.5297
F:
312.346.5299
E:
jk@jklaws.com
180 West Washington, 8th floor Chicago, Illinois 60602
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What is a personal injury?
A personal injury claim involves an injured person (the plaintiff) seeking compensation from the person or entity that caused the injury (the defendant).
Before any recovery can be made, the Plaintiff must prove three (3) elements:
- Liability - the Defendant is at fault for the injury;
- Causation - the Defendant was a direct and proximate cause of the injury;
- Damages - the Plaintiff suffered some kind of damage (monetary, pain and suffering, and/or lost wages)
How long will it take to get a settlement?
Many personal injury claims are resolved without the filing of a lawsuit and the vast majority of personal injury claims are settled prior to trial.
At the Law Office of James Kottaras, we focus our efforts in obtaining a speedy and satisfactory resolution of our clients’ claims.
We will proactively engage with the Defendants’ insurance adjuster and/or attorneys to provide all the necessary documentation
and the most compelling arguments for a quick resolution. We understand that most people would rather not deal with insurers
or their attorneys, having to go to Court and having to spend months or even years awaiting a settlement or jury verdict.
However, there are certain instances when a quick resolution is neither possible or advisable.
Unfortunately, there are several “sub-standard” insurers who refuse to engage in good faith
settlement discussions and prefer to simply stall until the Plaintiff either gives up his claim or settles
the claim well below its actual value. There are also certain injuries, such as spinal cord or brain injuries,
which are more serious in nature and require several months, or sometimes years, before the injuries become “quiescent” (in remission or stabilized).
In such cases, we will pursue your claims with the most firm and unwavering determination to ensure that you receive a satisfactory recovery.
What can I do if I want to purse a personal injury claim?
If you have been involved in an accident, here are several helpful hints that will protect your interests:
- Be cooperative with the police and provide your insurance card/information when requested;
- Contact your insurance company, in writing if necessary, to report the claim (in case the Defendant is un-insured or under-insured);
- Take down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses;
- Never admit fault;
- Do not discuss your claim with the Defendant’s insurer or attorney;
- Do not sign any documents from the Defendant’s insurer or attorney, without first consulting with your own legal counsel;
- Keep copies of all medical records, bills and pharmaceutical bills;
- Take photographs of any visible injuries and property damage to your vehicle;
- If your injury is more severe and chronic, keep a diary of your daily activities and pain level and lost time from work or impairment from other activities;
- Call the Law Office of James Kottaras for a free consultation.
