Finding the right lawyer after suffering a traumatic brain injury can feel overwhelming. You’re likely facing mounting medical bills, inability to work, and difficulty caring for yourself or loved ones. An experienced brain injury attorney understands these struggles and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. This guide shares tips for choosing a top-notch brain injury lawyer in Chicago.
Focus on Brain Injury Specialization
Start by looking for lawyers concentrating specifically on brain injuries. General personal injury lawyers may not have specialized knowledge of neurology, rehabilitation costs, and building strong negligence and liability claims in brain trauma cases. Ask prospective lawyers the percentage of their practice dedicated to brain injuries and comb through online reviews to check their reputation with past brain injury clients.
Verify Local Experience and Expertise
Make sure to choose a Chicago brain injury lawyer with extensive knowledge of state laws and Chicago courts. Check they have a track record of success litigating brain injury lawsuits in Chicago and getting favorable recoveries and settlements for clients. Local lawyers’ familiarity with judges, opposing counsels, and the unique Chicago jury pool can further strengthen your case.
Evaluate Resources to Build a Strong Case
Examine the lawyer’s resources to determine if they have the means to undertake expensive litigation which often continues for years after a brain injury. Large investigation teams, relationships with neurology and rehabilitation experts, and litigation financing plans are essential to build a compelling claim. Ask detailed questions about how they would construct a strong case on your behalf.
Prioritize Clear Communication and Trust
Schedule initial consultations with a few top Naperville personal injury lawyers to meet the attorney in person and make sure you feel comfortable with their approach. Personality plays a part as your lawyer needs to feel like someone in your corner you can trust through an arduous legal process while coping with a traumatic injury. Discuss your specific situation to determine if the lawyer believes you have a strong case and understands the full extent of damages to pursue.
Confirm Track Record of Favorable Settlements
Also weigh factors like their level of experience, success record with past injury cases similar to yours, specialist certifications and memberships, and peer reviews and awards. Top brain injury lawyers build sizable case value by accounting for all financial, physical, and emotional hardships stemming from the injury. This includes steep medical bills, lost income and future earnings, specific therapies and equipment, and pain and suffering damages.
Understand Fee Structures and Cost Expectations
Finally, understand the lawyer's fee structure to avoid surprise bills. Reputable traumatic brain injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and they receive an agreed upon percentage of your eventual settlement or court award. However, they typically deduct costs for experts, record gathering, and more from settlement checks. Getting all financial expectations in writing brings confidence and clarity moving forward.
