Chicago, IL Personal Injury Lawsuit | Claim Timeline

The Personal Injury Lawsuit Timeline in Chicago, IL | BL Personal Injury Attorneys

After being injured in an accident in the Chicago, IL area, it's natural to wonder how long the legal process will take. At BL Personal Injury Attorneys, a premier personal injury attorney law firm in Chicago, IL, we believe in keeping our clients informed. While every case is unique, understanding the general timeline can help manage expectations. Our experienced attorneys guide you through each stage, from initial consultation to final resolution, always fighting to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Have questions about the legal process? Call BL Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago, IL for a free consultation.

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Guiding You Through the Process in Chicago, IL

Our Chicago, IL legal team is committed to clear and consistent communication. We ensure you understand what is happening at every stage of your case and are always available to answer your questions.

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Experienced Trial Lawyers

While most cases settle out of court, our Chicago, IL attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who are always prepared to take your case to a jury if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. This readiness gives us a powerful advantage in negotiations.

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A General Personal Injury Case Timeline in Chicago, IL

The path of a personal injury claim in Chicago, IL is not always linear, but it generally follows several key stages. The team at BL Personal Injury Attorneys will manage this entire process for you.

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Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Investigation (Days to Weeks)

It starts with your free case evaluation. We listen to your story, review the initial evidence (like police reports), and determine if you have a viable claim.

If we take your case, we immediately begin a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and officially notifying all relevant parties and insurance companies that we represent you.

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Stage 2: Medical Treatment and Reaching "Maximum Medical Improvement" (Months to a Year+)

This is often the longest and most important phase. You will focus on your medical treatment and recovery.

We cannot know the full value of your claim until your medical condition has stabilized and we understand the full extent of your injuries and any potential long-term needs. This point is called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

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Stage 3: The Demand and Negotiation Phase (1-3 Months after MMI)

Once you have reached MMI, we will gather all your medical records and bills, documentation of lost wages, and other evidence.

We will then draft a comprehensive "demand letter" and send it to the insurance company, detailing the facts of the case, your injuries, all your damages, and making a demand for a specific settlement amount.

This typically begins a period of negotiation with the insurance adjuster. The majority of cases are resolved at this stage.

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Stage 4: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will discuss with you the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit in the Chicago, IL court system.

This does not mean your case will go to trial. Filing a lawsuit simply moves the case into the formal litigation process.

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Stage 5: The Discovery Phase (Several Months to a Year+)

After a lawsuit is filed, both sides formally exchange information through a process called "discovery." This can include written questions (interrogatories), requests for documents, and sworn testimony (depositions).

Negotiations often continue throughout this phase, and many cases settle here.

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Stage 6: Trial (Rare)

If no settlement can be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome. Only a very small percentage of personal injury cases go to trial. The attorneys at BL Personal Injury Attorneys are always prepared for this possibility.

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About Our Chicago, IL Law Firm

At BL Personal Injury Attorneys, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for our Chicago, IL clients in the most efficient manner. We understand that a long, drawn-out legal battle is stressful. Our local team leverages its experience and reputation to push for fair and timely settlements, but we never compromise on fighting for the full value you deserve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it take so long to get a settlement?The primary reason is the need to wait until your medical treatment is complete to know the full value of your medical bills and future needs.
What if the insurance company offers me money right away?Be very cautious of quick offers. They are often an attempt to get you to settle for a low amount before the full extent of your injuries is known.
What should I not do after an accident?Do not admit fault, do not give a recorded statement to the other insurer, and do not post about your accident or injuries on social media.
What kind of cases do you handle in Chicago, IL?We are a full personal injury attorney law firm handling car accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, dog bites, and more.

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Get a Clear Understanding of Your Case in Chicago, IL – Call BL!

Let us help you navigate the legal system. The team at BL Personal Injury Attorneys will manage your case from start to finish. Call us now for a free consultation in the Chicago, IL area.

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Customer Reviews

"BL Personal Injury Attorneys was so patient in explaining the entire legal timeline to me. They managed my expectations and were always honest about the process. A great law firm for anyone in Chicago, IL."

– Gloria W.

"I was ready to give up, but my attorney at BL kept fighting. They were prepared to take my case all the way to trial, and that preparation led to a great settlement. They are true fighters for their Chicago, IL clients."

– Yun C.

"The communication from BL was excellent. They kept me updated at every stage of my case, so I always knew what was happening. It made a long process so much less stressful."

– Maurice T.

Chicago, IL Insights: Population,
Zip Codes, Influence, and Service Areas

Chicago (/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ i shih-KAH-goh, locally also /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/ shih-KAW-goh; Miami-Illinois: Shikaakwa; Ojibwe: Zhigaagong) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and the third-most populous in the United States after New York City and Los Angeles. With a population of 2,746,388 in the 2020 census, it is also the most populous city in the Midwest. As the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S., Chicago is the center of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Zip Codes in Chicago, IL that we also serve: 60018 60649 60641 60640 60643 60642 60645 60644 60647 60646 60616 60617 60614 60615 60612 60613 60610 60611 60618 60619 60827 60661 60660 60638 60639 60634 60636 60637 60630 60631 60632 60633 60605 60604 60607 60606 60601 60603 60602 60609 60608 60106 60659 60652 60653 60656 60657 60654 60655 60651 60623 60622 60621 60620 60626 60625 60624 60629 60628 60707 60499 60664 60666 60668 60669 60670 60673 60674 60675 60677 60678 60680 60681 60684 60685 60686 60687 60688 60689 60690 60694 60695 60696 60699