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Power, Rogers & Smith: General FAQs from the Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago

Why should I have an attorney?
Attorneys, including personal injury attorneys in Chicago, are trained legal professionals who can explain the laws to you; help you evaluate your options; negotiate or mediate conflicts with other people; prepare letters, court forms, or other legal documents for you; and represent you in court. For those seeking compensation for a personal injury claim, many attorneys, including personal injury attorneys in Chicago, offer a free initial consultation in order to understand your particular matter and evaluate it.

What are the differences between civil and criminal cases?
There are several notable differences between civil and criminal cases. In a criminal case trial, the state, through a prosecutor, commences a lawsuit against a person who has committed a crime as defined by the legal system. Criminal cases are handled in criminal courts. A civil case is commenced by an individual who has been aggrieved or injured, and is handled in civil court. Unlike the criminal trial in which the focus is processing the accused, a civil case focuses on the damage done to the victim and on compensating him or her for physical, emotional, and financial losses. An individual can go to jail only in a criminal case, while in civil cases the remedy is often financial.

A civil action can obtain compensation for personal injury claims and other civil actions to pay for medical expenses, counseling, lost earnings and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Sometimes civil actions can be an option when a case is not viable for criminal prosecution.

These are the basic differences between civil and criminal cases. The personal injury attorneys of Power, Rogers & Smith represent those in Chicago seeking compensation for personal injury claims.

What documents should I bring with me when I meet with an attorney?
When meeting with any personal injury attorneys, it is important to bring as much information as possible when meeting with a lawyer. Try to write down everything that happened so as not to forget, and bring with you any documents that might be relevant to your matter, such as accident reports, medical reports, signed contracts, photographs, and any other written materials you might have regarding the matter. If you are seeking compensation for personal injury claims, this will allow your attorney to ascertain if your claim will be successful. If you have not collected any documents at the time of your first meeting, your lawyer should be able to get them at a later date.

What happens at my first meeting with the attorney?
You will tell the attorney everything that happened regarding your personal injury claim and provide any documents you might have. At the end of the discussion and meeting, the attorney should be able to let you know whether you have a valid legal claim or not.

What types of outcomes can I expect if the attorney accepts my case and it is filed in a court of law?
The case might settle or go to court for trial and verdict either by a jury of your peers or a judge. This process can take months or years, depending on your particular matter. If the case settles, then you will not have to go to trial and will receive compensation for your personal injury claim according to the terms of your settlement. If the case goes to trial, you might win at trial or lose. The decision to go to trial or to settle will be made together by you and your attorney.

If you understand the differences between civil and criminal cases, and you think you may have a civil case that could result in compensation for a personal injury claim, the personal injury attorneys in Chicago from Power, Rogers & Smith, offer a free initial consultation in order to understand your particular matter and evaluate it.