Lidov & Block LLC, Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Chicago and its neighboring communities for over 40 years
Lidov & Block LLC Personal Injury Attorneys FAQ's
Lidov & Block LLC Personal Injury Attorneys FAQ's
How long will it take to resolve my case?
While the staff of Lidov & Block LLC work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible, there are many obstacles that most personal injury cases must pass through before your matter can be fully resolved. It may take as little as a couple of months to resolve your case, or as long as several years. The amount of time that it takes to resolve your case depends on many factors including the type of case, the details of the case, the nature and extent of your injuries, the involved insurance company and the variables that effect your case. Rest assured that Lidov & Block LLC are working to professionally resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Does filing a lawsuit mean I’m going to trial?
Not necessarily. Many cases are settled without a trial. Lidov & Block LLC know that insurance companies and defendants will try to offer the smallest settlement amount possible. Our attorneys will work to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve, whether or not that means accepting a settlement offer or going to trial.
How much does it cost to have my case reviewed by your attorneys?
Lidov & Block LLC offers prospective clients a free initial consultation. During this consultation, our highly experienced and professional attorneys will evaluate your case and provide you with high quality legal advice on how best to proceed with your legal matter.
What is “negligence”?
Negligence occurs when someone fails to act responsibly. This may either mean that a person's actions were careless or reckless or that the person's failure to act was responsible for injuring you. In either case, if you have been injured due to someone else's negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Is there a statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit?
Yes, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within a certain time period following the injury. Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed in court within 2 years of the accident date. Vehicle property damage claims must be filed within 5 years, while claims of slander or libel must be filed within 1 year.
If you have been injured, it is important that you act quickly before the statute of limitations expires - and before evidence gets lost.
If a settlement is offered, who decides if I should settle or go to trial?
Only you can make decision to settle or go on to trial. A Lidov & Block LLC Attorney can provide you with the highest quality of legal advice available, but at the end of the day the decision is solely your own.
I think I’ve been misdiagnosed. How can I be sure?
There are certain warning signs that the diagnosis you've received may be incorrect. For example, if you have requested a specific test but your doctor has not performed it, or if you are not responding to treatment the way you should, your condition may have been misdiagnosed. The only way to be sure is to get a second opinion from a doctor with equal or superior qualifications.
What does premises liability mean?
The term premises liability refers to the duty of care that property owners owe to guests. There are different standards of care for different kinds of guests: business owners are more responsible for their customers than homeowners are for their visitors. However, business owners and homeowners alike have a duty to address potential hazards on their property and warn guests of any risks.
What is comparative negligence?
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows you to win compensation for an injury even if you are partially responsible for the accident. The damages you can be awarded will be adjusted to reflect your share of the blame. For example, if you are 20% responsible for an accident, and the other party is 80% responsible, they may be ordered to pay for 80% of your medical expenses. In Illinois, you can only file a personal injury claim if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. If a judge or jury determines that the accident was primarily your fault, your claim may be denied.
Do I need an attorney to file a lawsuit?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney before filing a personal injury claim. However, your chances of winning fair compensation without legal assistance are very slim. Even if you have legal experience, it is very difficult to evaluate your own case objectively. A qualified attorney can provide the outsider's perspective you need to make fully informed choices or decisions.
What kind of results should I expect?
Depending on the details of your claim, you could be entitled to different kinds of compensation, also known as damages. The objective behind awarded damages for personal injuries is to help you restore your life to the life you had before the injury took place.
Damages are divided into three different categories:
Actual: The financial costs directly related to your injury. This includes medical bills, property repair, missed wages, loss of earning potential, and so on.
Non-economic: Compensation for other losses you have suffered. This can include physical pain, emotional suffering, disfigurement, loss of companionship and more.
Punitive: If a jury decides that your actual and non-economic damages are not fair compensation for your experience, they may add punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant for gross negligence or malice.
