Illinois personal injury lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice for injured individuals. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, negotiation steps are not set in stone. Insurance claim adjusters have sneaky tactics and have been known to use intimidation and distort truth. Using negotiation steps can help maximize your injury settlement. Chicago personal injury attorneys will explain how to use negotiation tactics in this post.
The first step is to write a short letter indicating you were injured and may make a claim in the future. This is called a “letter of notification.” Next, write the “injury demand letter.” This letter formally opens the insurance claim. The injury demand letters lays the groundwork for all future negotiations while also making the first request for a specific amount of money. The specific amount should be within reason, yet higher than you expect to receive.
When the insurance company receives the letter, they will most likely send you a letter or call you telling you why your claim will not work. According to Illinois personal injury lawyers, they will question liability and try to de-emphasize their client’s negligence or fault. They may try to put part of the liability partly on you. If the medical bills show payments for any treatments they do not agree with such as extensive physical therapy or alternative medicine, this will come up. Most of the intimidation tactics will be used during this stage.
During the next step in the negotiation process, you will have a chance to respond and address their arguments. Chicago personal injury attorneys stress to defend your bills, your lack of liability and re-state your actual demand. At this point, the adjuster will make their first offer, generally very low. Their hope is that you are in a hurry for the money and will take the offer. Turn the offer down but give in a little bit. At times, the adjuster will take your next offer, if not they will produce another offer.
Remember, there are no negotiation rules that state you have to lower your offer. If the adjuster refused to settle for your lowest acceptable amount, keep turning their offers down. If they refuse your lowest offer, you may have to file a formal civil lawsuit, the last of the negotiation steps. If you have reached this step, contact an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer immediately.
Popularity: 40% [?]
Share This
The penalties of driving under the influence of alcohol are increasing in severity every year. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, or you cause an accident that results in injury or death you can be charged with a felony. Knowing your rights is imperative if you are stopped by a police officer who suspects you are intoxicated. In this post, Illinois personal injury lawyers will provide legal information about drinking and driving.
Most states have a dual system of drunk driving laws. The amount of alcohol in your blood to be conclusive of drunk driving is consistently being revised downward throughout the United States. According to Chicago personal injury attorneys, if your blood alcohol is under the legal limit you may still be charged with the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
If a police officer suspects you are under the influence of alcohol, he or she will ask you to answer questions or perform tests to evaluate your motor skills and balance. These tests are known as “field sobriety tests.” What many individuals do not realize is they are under no legal duty to take a field sobriety test. If stopped, your obligations for a moving violation are:
1) To show the officer a valid driver’s license and registration for the vehicle you are driving
2) If requested, take a test to determine your blood alcohol level
The three tests currently available to determine blood alcohol level is the breath test, blood test and urine test. Illinois personal injury lawyers recommend the urine test. Failure to take a test can result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year.
If you are pulled over, remember your rights and exercise them. Do not engage the officer in any friendly conversation or offer information. The less information provided, the less evidence that can be introduced at your trial later. Chicago personal injury attorneys recommend protecting your rights by insisting on them in a calm manner.
Popularity: 41% [?]
Share This
Anyone who has suffered a personal injury often face many hardships while seeking restitution. Many individuals avoid pursuing legal action due to the difficult and often disheartening road. If you have been injured, and feel another person or institute is partly or fully responsible in Illinois, personal injury lawyers are imperative.
Obtaining an early consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately after the injury or accident is crucial. A committed firm possessing both support teams and financial resources can turn what may seem like an impossible road to a journey worth taking. A successful conclusion is the primary goal of Illinois personal injury lawyers.
Medical expenses, time off work, permanent or short-term disabilities and pain and suffering can lead to financial hardship. Many injured individuals are forced into low settlement agreements. These unfair agreements are the result of defense attorneys and insurance companies carefully manipulating your actions and words along with facts of your case and your rights. Illinois personal injury lawyers will work to protect your rights and to obtain fair compensation.
Chicago personal injury attorneys strongly believe that justice is a right, not a privilege. They have each client’s best interest in mind and do not want to settle quickly out of court for reduced compensation. Settlements out of court can reduce a firm’s resources spent yet often provides unfair compensation.
If you have been the victim of an injury in Illinois, personal injury lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights regardless of the time and costs involved. The road to fair compensation can feel defeating without a skilled and experienced lawyer on your side.
Popularity: 55% [?]
Share This
When an individual becomes paralyzed, how he or she copes with the paralysis will depend on a number of factors explains a Chicago spinal cord injury attorney. These factors include what has caused the paralysis, which parts of the body are affected and whether or not additional symptoms exist. Difficulties that arise after an individual is paralyzed may be at their worst from the beginning, they may fluctuate or they may get worse over time. If you have been the victim of an injury that has resulted in paralysis, Illinois personal injury lawyers can help you fight for justice.
The direct effects of paralysis affect everyday tasks such as eating, washing, bathing, dressing and using the restroom. The ability to do things that were once taken for granted become difficult such as using a fork and knife, drinking from a cup or combing hair. The term “activities of daily living” is often used to describe these actions. Someone who has been paralyzed from the waist down may be able to do these tasks, yet suffer from problems relating to mobility such as getting in and out of a wheelchair or getting dressed. The direct effects of paralysis can be very troublesome to victims of spinal cord injuries according to Chicago personal injury attorneys.
The indirect effects of paralysis stem from the widespread effects on systems of the body. Changes can occur in circulation, respiration along with an altering of kidney and gastrointestinal systems. Changes to the tissues such as skin, bone and muscles can also be affected and cause great discomfort or pain among paralysis victims. Muscle spasms, swelling, pressure ulcers and blood clots are also common. Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers explain that most of the nursing care for paralyzed individuals is to minimize the complications of indirect effects of paralysis.
Individuals who have been victims of paralysis as the result of another person’s negligence often face a lifetime of challenges. Skilled Chicago spinal cord injury attorneys have represented many individuals successfully to help obtain compensation for injuries sustained. The effects of paralysis can be devastating and having a competent, compassionate Illinois personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial.
Popularity: 45% [?]
Share This
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury and/or have become paralyzed as a result, Chicago paralysis injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and proper compensation. In this post, Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers experienced in paralysis cases will explain immediate medical procedures to expect if you have suffered a spinal cord injury.
When an individual is first injured or paralyzed, the main priority is to stabilize his or her breathing, blood pressure and spinal column with a backboard and cervical neck collar. He or she is then brought to the nearest Trauma Center. During hospitalization, a variety of medications are generally used to control the extent of damage to the spinal cord. Neuro-protective therapies are often used to stop or reduce the immediate responses to the injury that can further cause spinal cord damage.
Physicians will next determine the level and extent of the injury or paralysis by using CT scans, MRIs or X-Rays. Once the patient is stable, final decisions on surgical interventions will be made explains Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers. If the vertebrae in the spinal column appears unstable, the doctor may perform a spinal fusion surgery. Ongoing research is being conducted that will give individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries more options in the future for treatment and rehabilitation.
Many victims suffer respiratory ailments. The lungs themselves are not usually affected by paralysis but the muscles of the chest, abdomen and diaphragm will not function. Even people with lower level spinal cord injuries may need ventilator assistance for short periods of time before they can breathe on their own. Age, level of injury and time spent on the ventilator can affect successful weaning off from a ventilator. Taking deep breaths and exhaling forcefully can be troublesome, especially for individuals who have been paralyzed. Chicago personal injury attorneys have represented many victims of spinal cord injuries that have difficulty breathing for years after the initial incident.
If you or someone you love has been paralyzed or the victim of any spinal cord injury, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
Popularity: 61% [?]
Share This
In Illinois, spinal cord injury lawyers approach catastrophic injury cases as unique from the beginning. When an individual is paralyzed in a personal injury accident, he or she needs a competent attorney to handle the injury case. Competent Chicago paralysis injury lawyers can provide paralyzed individuals with one-on-one legal counsel, reliable direction and compassion. If you have been injured and are paralyzed as a result, you need your rights and best interests protected.
As discussed previously, paralysis is the loss of function of one or more muscle groups. Usually, an individual is paralyzed as the result of a spinal cord injury, brain injury or a neurological disorder. When an individual experiences paralysis, he or she will lose feeling in the affected area either temporarily or permanently. The paralysis may stay within a certain
muscle group or migrate to other regions according to Chicago personal injury attorneys.
A variety of medical conditions can result in paralysis including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal bifida
If the injury was a result of another person’s negligence, Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers can pursue legal justice to help collect compensation for the catastrophic injury. Paralysis can be devastating and life-altering and an experienced, competent attorney is crucial to receive proper justice.
Popularity: 54% [?]
Share This
In the previous posts, Chicago brain injury attorneys have been discussing traumatic brain injuries. In this post, the three successive stages will be explained of severe brain injuries. Generally, symptoms of brain injury symptoms will progress through three successive stages:
- Coma
- Post-traumatic amnesia
- Recovery
Severe traumatic brain injuries generally result in a loss of consciousness, known as a coma. When in a coma, the individual shows no reaction when spoken to or touched and his or her eyes are closed. A coma can be brief or last for an extended period of time. The longer an individual remains in a coma, the greater the chance for permanent neurological damage. Illinois brain injury lawyers have represented many individuals who have recovered from a coma yet still suffer side effects from the injury.
The post-traumatic amnesia stage occurs when in individual attempts to communicate and responds with purposeful movement. Responding to commands such as closing the eyes or lifting a limb, speaking and gesturing are characteristics of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). During this stage, concentrating long enough to remember things is difficult. Chicago personal injury attorneys list the following common symptoms of PTA following a brain injury:
- Difficulty performing tasks such as reciting days of the week, months of the year or counting
- Answering the same question with different responses
- Inability to remember what happened in recent minutes, hours or days
- Staring blankly
- Losing train of thought quickly
- Attention shifts from one subject to another
This state of confusion is mainly cognitive impairment; thinking, perception, remembering and concentration. Disinhibition, behavior changes and impulsivity are common among individuals during this stage.
The recovery phase begins when a person begins to retain information. Depending on which areas of the brain were damaged, this stage can last weeks, months or years. Improvement can occur rapidly at first and generally slows until a recovery plateau has been reached.
Not all individuals recover from a traumatic brain injury. For those that do, the process may take years. If you have been the victim of any type of head injury, contact a competent Illinois brain injury lawyer today.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Share This
Most brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents and bicycle accidents. Not all brain injuries can be prevented; however, taking advantage of innovations that have been designed can help prevent becoming a victim of a traumatic brain injury. As discussed in previous posts, traumatic brain injuries can be result in life-changing consequences and even death.
Illinois brain injury lawyers report that an estimated 26% of the population neglects or resists using safety features such as seatbelts, child safety seats and automobile air bags. These features dramatically reduce the risk for serious injury and/or death after an accident. Chicago personal injury attorneys offer the following tips to help reduce or prevent serious traumatic brain injuries:
- Avoid driving under the influence of medications, drugs or alcohol
- Wear shoulder harnesses and lap belts 100% of the time
- Use properly installed child and infant safety seats
- Children under the age of twelve should always ride in the backseat to avoid airbag injuries
- Use a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle
- Adhere to proper speed limits
Although preventing traumatic brain injuries is not always possible, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Illinois brain injury lawyers have witnessed on multiple occasions the devastating effects of brain injuries and the long-term complications involved.
Popularity: 36% [?]
Share This
Tragically, many brain injuries occur as the result of negligence by another person. If you are suffering from a brain injury as the result of negligence, you need a skilled and competent Illinois brain injury lawyer to fight for your rights. Thousands of people are affected by traumatic brain injuries annually in the state of Illinois.
Chicago brain injury attorneys have been discussing the devastating effects of head injuries in the previous few posts. This post will highlight the different types of brain injuries:
- Early brain injury
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Hypoxic-ischemic injury
- Contusions
Early brain injuries and early complications can be either focal or diffuse. Focal brain injuries are generally confined to a specific part of the brain. Localized damage results that can normally be detected by an x-ray or ct scan. Diffuse injuries on the other hand are characterized by damage throughout many areas of the brain. Often times, the damage is microscopic and affects the axons (wires) that nerve cells use to communicate with each other.
Diffuse axonal injuries cause the stretching of blood vessels in multiple areas of the brain and a shearing of large nerve fibers. This injury causes bleeding (hemorrhage) and can trigger additional toxic substances in the brain in days after the initial injury. The result can be memory loss, inattentiveness, visual loss, weakness on one side of the body and disorganization, among other complications.
Hypoxic-ischemic injuries restrict the flow of oxygen from the blood, glucose and additional nutrients. Most victims of hypoxic-ischemic injuries face a poor prognosis, reduced cognitive function and/or memory loss reports an Illinois brain injury lawyer.
Contusions are bruises that can cause the destruction of brain tissue, swelling or bleeding. Symptoms of contusions include but are not limited to memory loss, loss of vision, coordination, abnormal sensations, behavior impairment and weakness. Contusions can leave permanent scars in brain tissue and therefore neurological impairment.
Contact a Chicago brain injury attorney today if you have further questions on traumatic brain injuries or have been a victim of this life-altering injury.
Popularity: 36% [?]
Share This
Traumatic brain injuries, also called head injuries are damage to the brain that results from head trauma. According to Illinois brain injury lawyers, all brain injuries are serious. Minor brain injuries do not always cause long-term effects. Severe brain injuries can cause life changing consequences such as coma or death.
Common signs of traumatic brain injuries include dizziness, vision changes, loss of balance, memory loss or headaches. Chicago brain injury attorneys urge anyone who experiences symptoms after suffering a head trauma should seek medical care immediately.
In the previous post, Chicago personal injury attorneys offered questions to ask about traumatic brain injuries. In this post, treatment for head injuries will be discussed along with questions to ask your doctor about treatment. Print out the following list to bring with you to your doctor or neurologist appointment.
- Will surgery be necessary?
- What does acute treatment involve?
- What different treatments are available for this type of brain injury?
- What treatments are available to prevent additional medical problems?
- What rehabilitation specialists will be involved?
- Where will the rehabilitation treatment (if necessary) occur?
- What disadvantages are associated with brain injury treatment?
- What benefits are associated with brain injury treatment?
- How can complications be prevented?
- If complications occur, how will they be treated?
- What will chronic brain injury treatment involve?
- What kind of social support networks are available?
- Are there social support networks for family members and/or caregivers?
This list provides potential questions to ask your doctor about treatment. Brainstorm any additional questions you may have prior to your appointment. Illinois brain injury lawyers stress the importance of learning as much as you can regarding your specific brain injury. Education is crucial to overcoming the devastating effects of any head injury. If you have additional questions, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today.
Popularity: 33% [?]
Share This
