Illinois Statute of Limitation’s Impact on Chicago Personal Injury Cases
An individual who suffers a personal injury in Illinois, and decides to file a lawsuit to recover money damages for his or her pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs faces a two-year statute of limitations. What that means is that, in most circumstances, the injured party must begin the lawsuit no later than two years from the date when he or she first found out about the injury and became aware of who caused it. Any suit filed more than two years after that date would most likely be dismissed if the defendant raised the statute of limitations as a defense.
Statutes of limitations are laws that limit the time within which a person may bring a lawsuit. The
length of time allowed varies depending on the type of lawsuit, and varies from state to state.
When people are injured, their first priority is generally to seek treatment and to manage the upheaval caused by the injury in their everyday lives. They are also often advised not to reach any premature settlements related to their injuries, since the full extent of the injuries may not be clear right away, and the medical bills may still be adding up. However, waiting too long
to file a lawsuit or negotiate a settlement may mean that the injured party will run afoul of the statute of limitations and get no relief for their pain and losses.
If you have suffered a personal injury in Chicago or the surrounding areas and are interested in understanding and pursuing your right to be compensated for it, you should contact an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney right away. An experienced attorney will be able to help you understand the laws at issue, evaluate the strength of your claim, gather the evidence that you will need to prove it, prepare for a possible trial, and negotiate the best outcome for your situation.
Whenever you have been injured or harmed by the negligence of another person, you may consult VanPopering Law Offices immediately. Our attorneys practice in the greater Chicago area, including Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, and all surrounding suburbs--as well as in northwestern Indiana. Please use our toll-free hotline for a free consultation to make sure that your medical bills are paid and covered, that you do not suffer financially through any lost wages, and that your insurance company will pay for future treatment relating to your injury.
