How do you know if you need
an Attorney?

1. Just ask. A good attorney will give you a free consultation to help you determine what type of claim you have and whether legal counsel will be of some benefit. Often times a person doesn't need an attorney.
2. Don't make a decision based on apprehension; make a decision based on information.

Some of the things that people are afraid of are these:

• Fear about how they will pay for an attorney. You can put this fear to rest. In virtually all personal injury claims you do not have to pay an attorney out of your pocket, rather the attorney is compensated only when you are compensated.


• Fear that they would have to file a lawsuit or go to court. Many cases never involve the filing of a law suit. Of the cases that are filed, the vast majority are settled before going to trial. You do have a say in what action is taken on your case.


• Fear of retaliation by an employer. This happens only rarely, and there are laws to protect you if an employer fires you for exercising your rights to see workers compensation in Illinois.
  Fear that some evidence in the case will make the claim impossible to win. Only a full examination of the evidence with your attorney will determine if the case is viable or not.


• Guilt. Many people feel that making a claim for damages is like asking for something they don't deserve. To get out of this guilt trap one must consider the issue from both sides. You carry car insurance to pay for damages if you hurt someone else, as required by law. So if they hurt you instead, wouldn't you expect to recover from their insurance? An employer hires you to do a days work-he doesn't hire you to do a days work AND experience a disabling injury. If you do have an injury, then workers compensation is there to cover you where your wages do not cover you. If you are hurt and the law offers a remedy, then you are receiving what you are entitled to under the law, no more or less.

Disclaimer:
All contents copyright 2001-2004 by Richard F. Sharrard, Sr. Attorney at Law. All legal rights reserved. The information contained on this website is not and should not be treated as legal advice or counsel. You should consult an attorney for questions involving your particular legal issues. The content of this site may only be used for your personal use, not for commercial distribution and any duplication must contain the copyright notice.