“I cannot say enough about their attention to detail and respect for my privacy. I love these guys.”

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“Kellie Snyder and Mark Brown ARE AWESOME!!!!! I can’t express how much I am thankful and blessed to have had them as my attorneys.”

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“Outstanding knowledge and precise communication. Our case was complicated but we were guided through it with confidence, and we had a great result.”

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“Very knowledgeable, professional, experienced and easy to work with. He negotiated an excellent settlement for me.”

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“He’s even argued a case before the Illinois Supreme Court, which is pretty impressive. I highly recommend Mark Brown”.

Andy F

Step by Step: The Personal Injury Process

No one likes to think about getting hurt in a car accident, suffering a slip-and-fall injury at a store, or dealing with the consequences of a dog bite. Unfortunately, these personal injury incidents are all too common, and they can be confusing. How do you know where to begin?

If you or someone you love has been injured because of another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to know what to expect throughout the personal injury process. At Lane Brown, LLC, we’re ready to guide you step by step through the personal injury process.

Step One: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the better it will be for you. You may be tempted to handle this on your own, but remember there are professionals who can help guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim. They can also bring a lawsuit against whoever caused your injury on your behalf.

Lawyers also have access to resources such as medical experts who can provide insights into what happened

Step Two: Discuss the Details of Your Case

The second step of the personal injury process is to discuss details with your attorney. The legal issues vary based on your case’s complexity, but typically include:

What caused your accident
Who’s liable for your accident
Economic and non-economic damages you’re due
Whether the at-fault party claim you were partly at fault
Time limits that may impact your claim

Your attorney will explain how they plan on handling your lawsuit from beginning to end, including helpful evidence like medical records, police reports, or witness statements. Lawyers can also discuss potential outcomes in court if you don’t settle out of court beforehand.

Step Three: Preparing Your Deposition

A deposition is an out-of-court proceeding that comes before any trial in which a witness testifies under oath. It gives you and your legal representation the opportunity to ask questions.

A deposition preserves a testimony until trial so that they don’t have to testify twice. It can also help uncover what evidence and witnesses are favorable for you. To prepare for a deposition, make sure you have all information regarding what documents need to be collected by both sides before the actual day of taking depositions.

Step Four: Organize Evidence of your Personal Injury

Before you set foot in a courtroom or even speak to an insurance company during mediation, it’s vital to have all evidence of your personal injury organized. This can help you remember all the facts that prove your case, as well as help all parties understand what happened.

You should also bring copies of any medical records, police reports, photographs, emails, or texts related to your injury, and anything else relevant to your lawsuit.

Step Five: Accept a Settlement Offer to Go to Court

Your first option to recover compensation is to settle with the insurance company. They will offer a settlement, and you and your lawyer can determine whether it’s worthwhile to accept. If not, you may provide evidence that the offer won’t cover your needs.

If they fail to settle with you or deny your damages, your next step may be litigation. Your lawyer will be your legal representation in court.

The plaintiff and defendant will each bring witnesses forward to testify about what happened, who did what, and how it all actually happened on the day of your injury. The witnesses are then cross-examined by the opposing side’s lawyers. If the court decides their testimony is credible, they will be re-examined by their own lawyer as a way of reinforcing that credibility.

Any trial process can be grueling for both sides, but it provides an important opportunity for people who’ve been injured through no fault of their own to be compensated by those responsible for making them sick or injured in some way.

Once this is complete, the judge will determine whether you’re due compensation. That compensation should cover the costs of your recovery from the accident, giving you the financial support you need to focus on your health.

Get Guidance Through the Personal Injury Process

A personal injury attorney can make the personal injury process smoother, more efficient, and easier on you. You can trust that the lawyers at Lane Brown, LLC have your best interests at heart when handling negotiations with the insurance company or in court.

If you’re considering hiring an attorney for your case, start by contacting us for a free consultation. Call 312-332-1400 or complete the following online contact form.