We start by listening to our clients.
Below are some of the questions we receive frequently that we feel may be of help to any person beginning the process of obtaining the best legal care possible.
- If I am a victim of personal injury or a witness to an occurrence, do I have to give a statement?
Answer: You are not under any legal obligation to speak with an insurance adjuster or investigator for the opposing side. You need not speak to them all. Whether you are a victim or a witness, you have an absolute right to speak to an attorney prior to any such statement or interview as well as an absolute right to have that attorney present at the time of questioning. It is important to know the law because any statement taken will be designed to negate your claim.
- If I am a victim of personal injury do I have to sign an authorization to allow disclosure of my medical records or employment records?
Answer: You are not under any legal obligation to sign any authorizations without first consulting a lawyer. An insurance adjuster or investigator may tell you that you must sign these types of documents in order to have your claim processed. Once you sign these types of documents, you may be waiving your right to object to the disclosure of any irrelevant or private information that should not be disclosed in relation to your claim.
- If I am a victim of personal injury do I have to allow a claim adjuster to speak to my doctor?
Answer: You are not under any obligation to waive your right to the protection of the doctor-patient privilege. There is no reason that you must authorize an insurance adjuster, representative or investigator from the opposing side to speak to your physician or even to any member of your physician's staff.
- If I am the victim of personal injury can I select my own doctor?
Answer: You are entirely free to seek the care and treatment of the physician, primary care doctor, hospital or clinic of your choice.
- What if the insurance representative or claim adjuster is "being nice” to me and "cooperating” with me, should I still exercise my right to consult with an attorney?
Answer: Insurance companies train their adjusters and investigators to "gain your confidence” and make you feel like you do not need a lawyer or that if you contact a lawyer, it will result in delays or reduced recovery. This strategy is designed and tested to work to the benefit of the insurance company - not to your benefit. Consulting a lawyer to obtain an opinion as to your rights is always prudent.
Injured on the Job? If you have suffered a work related injury and would like some quick answers to questions about your rights and benefits under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act take a look at the pamphlet we published outlining some of the important areas of this law. Just click below.
All injuries are different and the facts and circumstances surrounding them are different. There may be multiple theories of law that can be explored to seek a lawful remedy for your injuries, losses and damages. You must know your rights. Remember, when you are speaking to an insurance adjuster or investigator, you are speaking to a professional who is trained in evaluating claims for recovery. Their goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company will have to pay or find a way to deny any payment at all. You cannot go wrong by trying to level the playing field and knowing the law. Talk to an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases to understand your rights. Contact us.
