Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered harm due to another party’s negligent actions, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden that follow a serious injury can feel overwhelming. You deserve justice and fair compensation to help you rebuild your life.

At Cooney & Conway, we seek justice for injured victims every day, something we have been doing for decades. During that time, we have secured billions in compensation for our clients, helping them to move forward following a devastating injury.

Not sure if you have a legal case? Take advantage of the free, no-risk case review we offer. We can answer your questions, learn more about the accident that caused your injuries, and discuss your legal options.

Worried about cost? Our trusted Chicago law firm accepts injury cases on contingency. This means you pay no fees or costs up front to engage our services.

Call our Cook County law office for a free case review. (800) 322-5573

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury cases in Chicago require showing that someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused your injuries. These cases involve situations where another party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to your harm.

Valid personal injury claims in Chicago typically involve someone who owed you a duty of care, violated that duty, and caused measurable harm as a result. Illinois law recognizes various scenarios where one party may be liable for injuries suffered by another.

The four essential elements required for a valid personal injury case include:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act reasonably toward you or avoid causing you harm.
• Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to fulfill their duty of care through action or inaction.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual harm, including physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

Every personal injury case presents unique circumstances that affect potential compensation. Factors that influence your recovery amount include the severity of your injuries, long-term impact on your life, clear evidence of negligence, insurance policy limits, and your own potential share of responsibility under Illinois comparative negligence rules.

The Illinois legal system allows injured victims to pursue various types of compensation depending on their specific situation. Your Chicago personal injury case may include recovery for:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future costs of treatment, rehabilitation, medication, and medical equipment.
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and potential future earnings if your ability to work has been diminished.
• Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace damaged personal property.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort.
• Emotional Distress: Recovery for psychological impact such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation for inability to enjoy hobbies, activities, and relationships.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Additional compensation for lasting physical impairments.

Who May Be Liable for the Accident That Caused My Personal Injury?

Determining liability in personal injury cases involves identifying all parties whose negligence contributed to your injuries. Multiple parties may share responsibility for the same accident.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Drivers, vehicle owners, employers of drivers on company time, vehicle manufacturers, and government entities responsible for road maintenance may all bear liability for crashes on roadways.

Premises Liability Incidents

Property owners, managers, tenants, and maintenance companies have duties to maintain safe premises for visitors.

Workplace Accidents

Employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and third-party vendors might share responsibility for injuries sustained at worksites.

Medical Malpractice

Doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities can be held accountable for negligent care that harms patients.

Product Liability

Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and component suppliers may face liability when defective products cause injuries to consumers.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.

Some exceptions exist that may extend or shorten this timeframe. Claims against government entities may only have a one-year statute of limitations. Cases involving minors typically extend the filing deadline until the injured person turns 18.

Missing these deadlines can result in the dismissal of your case regardless of its merit. Consulting with a Chicago personal injury attorney promptly after an injury helps ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.

Should I Call a Lawyer or the Insurance Company First?

We recommend seeking legal help before calling the insurance company, keeping in mind that there are deadlines for notifying your insurer after an accident has happened. Calling an attorney first means you have legal representation from day one, which can help you avoid critical mistakes that could damage your claim.

Speaking with a Chicago personal injury attorney before communicating with insurance companies provides several important advantages:

• Prevents you from making statements that could harm your claim
• Ensures proper documentation of all injuries and damages
• Provides accurate valuation of your claim before accepting offers
• Handles all communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf
• Prepares your case thoroughly from the beginning
• Protects your rights throughout the entire claims process

Accidents That Often Lead to a Personal Injury

Personal injury claims in Chicago arise from numerous scenarios where another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct results in harm. Understanding common accident types helps identify potential liability issues.

Car Accidents

Vehicle collisions on busy streets and highways frequently cause serious injuries resulting from negligent driving behaviors.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Property hazards within commercial and residential areas lead to injuries when owners fail to maintain safe premises.

Medical Malpractice

Errors by healthcare providers and medical facilities can result in serious patient harm.

Workplace Accidents

Construction sites, factories, and other workplaces present various injury risks to employees.

Product Liability Cases

Defective products reaching consumers can cause injuries despite normal and intended use.

Truck Accidents

Commercial vehicle crashes on routes like I-90, I-94, and I-290 often result in severe injuries due to size disparity.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Chicago’s urban environment creates risks for pedestrians and cyclists sharing roadways with motor vehicles.

Nursing Home Abuse

Vulnerable seniors in Illinois care facilities may suffer injuries from neglect or intentional mistreatment.

Common Types of Injuries From Personal Injuries

Personal injury accidents can result in a wide range of physical and psychological harm that impacts victims’ lives. Understanding these injuries helps demonstrate the full impact of negligence.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

From mild concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries can permanently alter cognitive function and quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.

Broken Bones

Fractures often require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods that limit mobility and independence.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons may cause chronic pain even after initial healing appears complete.

Burns

Thermal, chemical, or electrical burns can cause permanent disfigurement and require multiple surgeries.

Internal Injuries

Damage to organs may present delayed symptoms but can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

Psychological Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression frequently accompany physical injuries after traumatic accidents.

First Steps to Take After an Accident That Injures You

The actions you take immediately following an injury can significantly impact your health outcome and your ability to recover compensation. Protecting both your physical well-being and legal rights requires prompt, strategic steps.

• Seek immediate medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions worsen over time or have delayed symptoms.
• Report the accident to property owners, managers, police, or appropriate authorities to create an official record.
• Document the scene by taking photos of hazards, property damage, and visible injuries if possible.
• Collect contact information from witnesses who observed the accident or conditions that caused it.
• Preserve evidence including damaged clothing, products, or other items related to the injury.
• Follow all medical advice and attend all recommended follow-up appointments.
• Keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, missed work, and how injuries affect daily life.
• Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance representatives.

Need Legal Help After a Personal Injury? Call Cooney & Conway Today

A personal injury can disrupt your life in countless ways—physical pain, emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and lost income create overwhelming challenges. You deserve dedicated legal representation from attorneys who understand Chicago personal injury law and have a proven record of success in securing fair compensation for injured clients.

Cooney & Conway offers compassionate, strategic legal counsel to injury victims. Our attorneys bring decades of experience navigating Cook County courts and negotiating with insurance companies to each case we handle. Call our Chicago office today at (800) 322-5573 to take the first step toward justice and recovery.