Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Ronaldson & Kuchler 205 West Wacker Drive Chicago Illinois
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Chicago Personal Injury Litigation Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect in Personal Injury Litigation?

Ronaldson & Kuchler, LLC Law Offices, accomplished in Chicago personal injury litigation, know that clients seeking compensation for accidental injury dread the additional stress of a lawsuit.  If you know what to expect from personal injury legal proceedings, you will be more confident that you can manage the process and achieve good results. (Return to top).

Do I need a lawyer?

Even if you intend to negotiate a settlement in your injury case, you do need a personal injury lawyer.  When you receive a first call from an insurance company or sit down in your settlement conference, expect to receive a minimum economic compensation offer.  You may be told that you are partially responsible for the accident, so you should receive only partial remuneration.  Your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering may be discounted.  You are likely to be pressured to accept the offer immediately.  It will be so much easier to stand firm, understand your rights, say exactly what you want, and get the settlement you deserve if you have excellent legal counsel (Return to top).

How do I choose a personal injury lawyer?

Before you hire a personal injury lawyer in Chicago or its nearby areas, research the law firm he or she works through.   Ask for information about the lawyer's experience.  Have a conversation with the personal injury lawyer about his or her education, training and experience dealing with injury cases similar to yours. Ask about the possible adverse consequences if your case is lost.  Get referrals from friends and colleagues in Chicago.  Look for an attorney who is forthright and communicates well.  If you like and respect your attorney, chances are other people will too, and you will have the best chance for a great settlement or favorable verdict (Return to top).

Do I have to pay your firm any money to start my case?

The answer varies depending upon the type of case. Some cases are based on a contingent fee contract, which means that you are not obligated to pay any attorneys' fees or costs unless and until there is a personal injury litigation settlement, verdict at trial or arbitration award in your case. Other matters are billed on an hourly basis and may require a retainer.  (Return to top)

Who pays the expenses of personal injury litigation?

Be sure you understand how you will pay the lawyer's fee and costs at the end of the case. When you retain a personal injury lawyer in Chicago on a contingent fee basis, the attorney advances all the expenses of litigation.  The client is responsible for such costs only if the case reaches a successful conclusion, when the costs expended are returned to the firm out of the recovery.  Hourly cases require that the client pay the expenses on an ongoing basis.  (Return to top)

How can I help my lawyers?

Experienced personal injury litigation lawyers know that the best chance for a good outcome is your cooperation.  The circumstances of your accident must be carefully examined to determine what kind of claim you should make.  The most important thing that you can do to assist in the prosecution of your case is to tell your lawyers all the facts and circumstances, including those facts that may not support your case.

Your personal injury litigation attorneys in Chicago will help you reconstruct the accident, put your experience into words, collect physical evidence, get medical records and interview witnesses. Proving liability and showing negligence are crucial areas to focus on in your claim.  Your tough law firm will establish fault in the cause of your accident. Determining damages is more involved than you might think.  A personal injury attorney who works strategically will help you identify special damages, general damages and punitive damages, all of which will influence the financial compensation you will seek. (Return to top)

Will I have to explain my accident to everyone?

Convincing evidence is crucial in negotiating a fair settlement or pursing a lawsuit.  If you are involved in an accident, it’s best to say little and observe much at the scene. 

It is absolutely important that you talk about your case only with your legal team, and that you not discuss the case with anyone else.  You are likely to receive phone calls from insurance companies, investigators, other attorneys, or anyone else asking about your case.  Do not provide those persons with any information; instead, immediately call your lawyer. (Return to top)

What are my responsibilities for my case?

You should take the lead in providing the important and necessary written documentation of your accident.   The law is about proof, and in personal injury cases, proof requires paper.  Keep all receipts, medical bills and records, pay stubs prior to the accident and accident reports related to your injury.  Keep an accident diary, recording everything you can remember about the accident, witnesses’ contact information, conversations with insurance agents, dates and times of medical treatments, and even how you respond emotionally in the days following the accident.  Take photographs of the scene, damaged property, and your damaged body.   Every piece of information you can give your personal injury attorney will expedite your case.  (Return to top)

What is the first step?

Your skilled personal injury lawyer swill help you compose an effective demand letter, setting out all the facts, alleging negligence and claiming damages, as well as your response to any offers of settlement.  (Return to top)

Who decides when and whether to settle or go to trial?

You, the client, should make all decisions concerning when and whether to settle or go trial.  Your lawyers will help you make an informed decision, but the ultimate choice will be yours.  If you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement, your legal representatives will file all court documents necessary to begin personal injury litigation. 

Your knowledgeable attorneys will be sure that insurance companies do not extend negotiations so long that the statute of limitation – the time you have to file a lawsuit - runs out. (Return to top)

Will I have to attend court hearings?

Possibly.  Most court hearings will not require you or the opposing party to attend.  However, you may be required to testify at an evidentiary hearing during the case and, if the case goes to trial, you will be required to attend and testify at the trial.  The attorney you choose to work with should be experienced in Illinois legal process.  He or she should know Chicago judges and their courtrooms.  The law requires that certain legal documents be filed with the court in a timely manner as part of the litigation process.  Ronaldson & Kuchler, LLC Law Offices have efficient techniques for the complex process of discovery, or the assembly of all documents and facts from both the plaintiff (you) and the defendant (the entity you seek compensation from).  In Chicago, we have a great track record for representing individuals in personal injury cases. We can litigate successfully, within the law, and without making costly mistakes. (Return to top)

If I have never been to court, what should I expect?

An assertive law firm prepares every case as if a jury will ultimately decide it in a courtroom. By the time your case is ready for trial, you will have spent a great deal of time with your lawyers and their staff so that you will know what to expect and what to do in the event that your personal injury case goes to trial.  Ronaldson & Kuchler, LLC Law Offices always make sure our clients are prepared for court, confident and calm.   That way, our clients can help us present the case as persuasively as possible.  (Return to top)

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Ronaldson & Kuchler, LLC Law Offices use all resources to bring cases to conclusion as quickly as possible, while also taking care that all cases are fully and properly prepared. Although a small percentage of cases may resolve in a few months, it may take several years for a case to reach a conclusion. The time required varies based on the type of case (for example, personal injury cases are usually resolved in shorter periods than class actions or medical malpractice cases), the number of parties involved, the complexity of the investigation process, the number of depositions, and the schedules of expert witnesses and judges.  (Return to top)

Ronaldson & Kuchler, LLC Law Offices, Chicago’s personal injury lawyers, serve clients in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties from their offices at 205 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL. Contact us at 1-866-603-6619 for an initial free consultation, or fill our contact us online form, and we will respond to you promptly.