Aurora Personal Injury Lawyer

Aurora Personal Injury Attorney

Your personal health and safety are your business. You should be able to be in control of your body and your safety at all times. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. In many situations, other people’s actions put us at risk, whether we consent to it or not. Sometimes, there is nothing that can be done about this fact of life. In other situations, you can take action when you are hurt.

Personal injury law allows you to take legal action against individuals who hurt you through negligence or malice. Though this is not a replacement for safety, it can help you to heal and recover from your injuries. It can also help to support your family while you heal.

Though this area of the law is very broad, it is extremely important. Personal injury cases can be the difference between healing from an injury and suffering in the long term. These cases can also ensure other people do not befall the same accident and fate that you have endured. Personal injury is an essential part of our justice system.

With the help of an experienced Aurora personal injury attorney, you can build a personal injury case and ensure that you have the financial support that you need to heal and move forward.

Cheney Galluzzi & Howard: Your Aurora Personal Injury Law Firm

There are many different personal injury firms in Aurora. However, our team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard is the most qualified and experienced choice. We provide our clients with comprehensive personal injury claim services to give them the best chance at winning the compensation that they deserve. Our experience in the field allows us to approach your personal injury claim from all angles and develop an argument that is airtight and in your favor.

Though we are ruthless in the courtroom, we understand that personal injury cases are incredibly vulnerable for our clients. This is why we approach each situation with compassion, empathy, and patience. We are here to support you during this time, and we never lose sight of what is really important in this case. When you work with us, your well-being is our top priority.

We believe strongly that individuals who harm others should be punished for their hubris and negligence. Our track record reflects this belief and proves our passion for achieving justice for each of our clients.

What Is a Personal Injury Case?

As mentioned, personal injury is a broad facet of the legal system. This field encompasses any situation in which one person gets hurt or injured because of another person’s negligence, poor decisions, or malice. The victim of these situations is entitled to take legal action in the form of a personal injury case. If the victim wins, they earn a settlement that is commiserate with their suffering and the extent of their injuries. It is important to understand that these cases rely on proving that negligence occurred. This can happen in many different ways, but it most often involves failing to follow the law.

The settlement that results from these cases is often calculated based on the individual scenario. The compensation should cover things like:

• Time spent off work while healing
• All medical bills associated with the injury
• Pain and suffering
• The cost of learning a new trade or switching careers if the injury prevents the victim from performing their old job

This amount can add up quickly, resulting in a significant settlement if you win.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

Many people believe that their situation is so straightforward that they do not have to hire a personal injury attorney for their case. This is not accurate or recommended. Though your situation may seem cut and dry to you, your opponent’s attorney will do everything that they can to prove that it is complicated. In doing so, they can ruin your case by introducing a reasonable doubt into the jury’s minds. If the jury doubts that your opponent hurt you through negligence, then they cannot convict, and you lose your settlement.

There is a lot on the line for victims in personal injury cases. If you win, your medical bills, rehabilitation, and time off of work are likely covered. If you lose, you might be personally responsible for these costs. Many families cannot afford this kind of unexpected financial burden. This can mean you have to seek low quality medical care, must forgo medical care at all, or even face poverty.

Finally, it is important to remember that you will be recovering from your injury during your court case. The recovery process is essential, and you must give yourself time and space to heal. If you have to build and argue your own case, you are putting unnecessary pressure and stress on your own shoulders. This can impede your healing.

Types of Personal Injury Claims

As mentioned, there are many different kinds of personal injury claims. This industry encompasses all scenarios in which one person hurts another person, except when the injury is a mutual mistake or act of nature. Because of this, there are many different types of personal injury cases.

Car and Motorcycle Accidents

The most common type of personal injury case is vehicle accidents. This is because riding in or driving a vehicle is a daily occurrence for most people. With this volume of traffic, accidents are bound to happen.

A personal injury case is warranted when a car or motorcycle accident occurs because of a driver’s negligence. In the context of vehicles, negligence encompasses any situation in which the driver is not following the rules of the road. Examples of driving negligence include:

• Speeding
• Using the phone while driving
• Engaging in distracted driving
• Getting involved in road rage
• Failing to follow road signs and traffic signals
• Tailgating
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, both illegal and legal

These are just a few examples of the ways in which a driver may act negligently on the road. If one of these actions causes an accident, the negligent driver is responsible for any damages that occur.

Truck accidents are often especially serious, as the size of semi-trucks makes them capable of causing serious damage. Motorcycle accidents also tend to be serious, as the rider does not have the protection of a car’s frame and body.

Premises Liability and Slip and Fall

When you go to public spaces like restaurants, stores, theaters, and bars, there are certain standards that the establishments must meet to legally host customers. If they fail to meet these standards, they are neglecting the law and are liable for any resulting injuries.

Slip and fall accidents are common. They occur when a facility’s floors are not dry and safe to walk on. This can occur after cleaning, because of weather outside, or any number of other situations. If a facility’s floor is wet, the owners or managers are responsible for posting clear signage and warning customers of the hazard. If they do not and someone falls, they are responsible.

Slip and fall injuries are not the only type of premises liability case. Other situations include:

• Failing to clear isles of debris and tripping hazards
• Neglecting to maintain a facility
• Omitting signage that indicates dangerous or off-limits areas

Businesses must follow safety rules to have customers. If they do not, you are entitled to receive compensation for the suffering that they caused.

Dog Bites

Though dogs are usually friendly pets, they can turn vicious without warning or cause. Though you cannot hold a dog legally accountable for their actions, you can hold its owner accountable for its negligence. It is a dog owner’s job to control their pet and ensure it does not bite or hurt anyone. If they neglect their responsibilities, you can seek compensation.

Dogs are not permitted to bite people in most situations. The only situations in which a dog bite is not punishable are:

• You are trespassing on the dog’s property, and they are defending their home.
• You provoked the dog.

In all other situations, you are within your right to file a dog bite personal injury claim.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, personal injury cases can be fatal. If a victim succumbs to their injuries, the family of the deceased has the right to file a wrongful death case. Though this is under the personal injury umbrella, the process and compensation are often different from other cases.

The settlements in wrongful death cases do often cover medical expenses for the deceased, if applicable. This may occur if an individual was in the hospital before they passed away from their injuries. However, the settlement should also cover the individual’s funeral and burial expenses as well as the family’s lost income. If the deceased was a major earner for the household, the compensation may be significant to make up for it.

Though this process cannot bring a loved one back to life, it can offer some support and comfort as you grieve. In some situations, such as in the event of drunk driving, your wrongful death case may prevent the perpetrator from repeating their offense and hurting others.

What to Expect From Your Aurora Personal Injury Attorney

Many people do not know what to expect from their attorneys. This results in many people working with subpar legal representatives.

When you are looking for an attorney, it is important to be sure that they:

• Listen to your story and ask important questions
• Communicate properly
• Believe in your case
• Discuss their fee structure openly and honestly
• Have a good track record in cases like yours

Do not be afraid to ask for references if you feel unsure about an attorney. It is best to be sure that you are comfortable with your attorney rather than settling for someone who will jeopardize your case.

FAQs

Q: At What Point Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle?

A: Though you should be prepared to go to court, many personal injury cases settle far before trial. In many situations, the offender does not have ample proof to refute your claim and opts to come to an agreement before the court gets involved. Though you may have to compromise a bit on your settlement, you can save on litigation fees if your opponent settles.

Q: What Do Lawyers Do for Their Clients in a Personal Injury Case?

A: During your personal injury case, your attorney will be responsible for assembling evidence to prove your opponent’s negligence. They will likely look for photos and video footage of the event and the aftermath. They may also contact witnesses to get a clearer picture of what occurred. They will also help you to file necessary paperwork and meet deadlines so that your case can proceed.

Q: What Should You Look for When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?

A: Reputation and experience. It is important that your personal injury attorney has direct experience in cases like yours. Because personal injury law is so broad, having general experience does not necessarily mean that they know how to fight your case. Be sure that they have direct experience.

Reputation is important to ensure your attorney is legitimate and good at their job.

Q: How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid?

A: Personal injury settlements can be paid as a lump sum or a structured settlement. The latter usually means a monthly payment or ongoing payment plan. By doing this, you avoid some taxes. No matter how your settlement is paid, though, you will need to compensate your attorney. In many situations, this means giving them a percentage of your settlement, whether it is monthly or as a lump sum.

Q: How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

A: All settlements are different and depend upon how severe your injuries are. If you are severely hurt, you may receive more money to compensate you for increased medical care and suffering. If you have a small injury, on the other hand, the settlement is likely to be smaller. Settlements can be in the millions, with the average being approximately $20,000.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

For many years, our team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has been representing individuals and families who have been hurt by other people’s negligence. We are here to do the same for you and give you the best chance at financial support during this difficult time.

For more information on how we can help, contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today.