If you can’t reach a fair settlement with an insurance company after an accident, you may need a Chicago injury lawyer to help you pursue a civil lawsuit. This is a more complicated process because it involves proving negligence on the part of the other party. Whether you were injured via an auto accident, defective product, or another type of incident, your lawyer’s burden will be the same.
Establish That a Duty of Care Was Breached
Your lawyer’s first responsibility is to prove that the other party owed you a duty of care. This simply means that they were responsible to ensure your safety to a reasonable degree. For example, a driver is obligated to follow the traffic laws to ensure the safety of others on the road. If they run a stop sign or speed, they’re breaching their duty of care.
Show That the Breach Caused You Harm
The next step is to show that the other party’s action or inaction directly caused the accident in which you were injured. A driver who runs a red light and strikes your vehicle has directly caused the accident. In a slip and fall accident, your fall may be caused by the store owner’s inaction if a spill or trip hazard wasn’t corrected.
Prove That You Suffered Financial Damages
The final step is for your Chicago injury lawyer to prove that the accident caused you to suffer damages that can be measured in financial terms. This may be the easiest part to prove since medical records can establish your injuries and the cost of the care you will need.
If you’ve been injured through the fault of another, visit Shea Law Group today as they have team of experts that stand by your side.
