Free Personal Injury Consultations in Chicago

After an accident leaves you injured and overwhelmed, the thought of calling a lawyer can feel intimidating. You might wonder what actually happens during that first phone call or meeting. Understanding the consultation process helps you feel prepared and confident when reaching out for legal help. A free consultation gives you the chance to learn about your rights, explore your options, and decide if legal action makes sense for your situation.

At Cooney & Conway, our Chicago-based injury lawyers have advocated for countless victims of car accidents, slip-and-falls, dog bites and other personal injuries caused by another party’s negligent actions. We know all too well that many victims feel uncomfortable calling a law firm. When you are trying to recover from serious injuries while also having to consider potential legal actions, it can be very overwhelming.

This blog answers some of the key questions many victims and their families have about the free consultation we offer. Our team makes every effort to make the consultation process straightforward and pressure-free. We want to give you the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Need Legal Help After a Personal Injury? Call Cooney & Conway for a FREE Consultation Today (800) 322-5573

What Is a Free Consultation and Is It Really Free?

Yes – when you call or come in for a free consultation at Cooney & Conway, there is absolutely no cost to you. It is a free opportunity to meet or talk by phone with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the incident that caused your injury. During this meeting, one of our attorneys will listen to your story and ask questions. Once we have sufficient information, we explains your legal options, and answers your questions. This meeting is confidential, and there are no hidden fees or charges for this initial conversation.

At Cooney & Conway, like most personal injury law firms, we offer you a free case review, because we accept cases on contingency. This means we take the risk up front on your behalf, and we only get paid our fees if win your case. A free consultation is beneficial to you and to us. For you, it is an opportunity to find out if the attorney is a good fit. From a law firm’s perspective, it provides us an opportunity to determine if your case has merit. From a business perspective, we want to take cases that we believe we can win.

While we hope you choose Cooney & Conway to represent you, there is no obligation to hire us after your consultation. Think of it as a fact-finding mission where you gather information to make an informed decision about your next steps.

How Soon Should I Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer After My Accident?

The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Your attorney needs time to build a compelling and strong case on your behalf. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses forget details, and important deadlines can pass without you knowing. Most personal injury lawyers recommend calling within days or weeks of your accident, not months.

In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting until the deadline approaches puts you at a serious disadvantage. It gives your attorney little time to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or negotiate the compensation you deserve.

Hiring an attorney early on means you have legal guidance to help you avoid common mistakes that can cost you thousands or more. When we manage your case, we communicate with third parties, including the insurance company, on your behalf. We guide you throughout the legal process, protecting your interests and making sure you avoid mistakes that could give the insurance company room to devalue or deny your claim.

Calling sooner means your lawyer can guide you on documenting your injuries properly and dealing with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim by getting you to accept a quick settlement.

What Will My Lawyer Ask Me During the Consultation?

Your lawyer needs to understand the full picture of your accident and injuries to evaluate your case properly. To accomplish this, they will ask detailed questions about what happened and how it has affected your life. These questions help them determine if you have a valid claim and estimate the potential value of your case.

Some of the questions you may be asked include:

How did the accident happen and who was involved?
Where and when did the accident occur?
What injuries did you suffer?
What medical treatment have you received?
Are you still receiving medical care?
How have your injuries affected your work and daily life?
Did you miss time from work?
Have you spoken with any insurance companies?
Do you have photos of the accident scene or your injuries?
Were there any witnesses to the accident?

What Details and Documents Do I Need for My Consultation?

You don’t need to have every document organized before calling, but gathering key information helps your lawyer better evaluate your case. Bring whatever you have available, and don’t worry if some items are missing. Some of these items apply more to a car accident, but most of these details or documents apply to any type of personal injury:

Police report or accident report
Medical records and bills from your treatment
Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
Insurance information for all parties involved
Contact information for witnesses
Documentation of lost wages or time off work
Correspondence with insurance companies
Any citations or tickets issued to the at-fault party after the accident

How Long Does a Personal Injury Consultation Take?

Most personal injury consultations last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case. Simple cases with clear liability might take less time, while complex accidents involving multiple parties or severe injuries may require a longer discussion.

We take the time needed to understand your situation and answer your questions. A Cooney & Conway, we give you our full attention; we don’t want you to feel rushed. Our goal is to answer your questions and make sure you leave with a clear understanding of your options.

Understanding Personal Injury Lawyer Fees in Illinois

At Cooney & Conway, like most personal injury lawyers in Chicago, we accept injury cases on contingency. For you, this means there are no out-of-pocket costs you have to pay upfront. We only paid if we successfully resolve your case through a settlement or trial verdict. The standard contingency fee for a personal injury case in Chicago ranges from 33 percent to 40 percent of your final settlement or jury-award verdict.

This arrangement levels the legal-playing field, making it legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. You do not pay hourly fees, retainers, or costs while your case is pending. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe nothing for their services.

Some firms may charge for case expenses like court filing fees, expert witness costs, or medical record retrieval. At Cooney & Conway, we explain our fees when you hire our services. We welcome your questions, so ask away, and make sure you understand any costs you might be responsible for during your consultation.

What Happens After Your Free Consultation?

After reviewing your case, we will explain whether we believe you may have a valid claim (a case we think we can win) and outline the next steps. If you have. a case and you choose our firm to represent you, we will provide you with a written agreement that explains our fees, your responsibilities, and what to expect during the legal process.

If we feel your case does not have legal merit, we will tell you honestly. We may suggest other resources or options that would better benefit your situation. Not every accident results in a viable lawsuit, and a good attorney will only take cases they believe they can win.

Essential Qualities to Look for in a Chicago Personal Injury Firm

Choosing the right lawyer is often the difference between a successful outcome and a disappointing result. Look for specific qualities and experience to help you find a lawyer that can benefit you in your current situation.

Experience with Your Type of Case

The lawyer you choose should have a proven track record handling cases similar to yours. Car accident cases differ from medical malpractice or slip and fall claims, so specialized experience matters.

Strong Track Record of Results

Look for a firm that can point to specific settlements and verdicts they’ve achieved for clients. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they show the lawyer’s ability to fight for maximum compensation.

Resources to Handle Complex Cases

Personal injury cases require investigation, expert witnesses, and sometimes lengthy litigation. Make sure your lawyer has the financial resources and support staff to properly handle your case.

Clear Communication Style

Your lawyer should explain legal concepts in plain English and keep you updated throughout the process. If they don’t take time to do this in a free consultation, they are unlikely to communicate better once you hire them. You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that you understand what is happening with your case.

Contingency Fee Structure

Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency bases, which means you pay no fees unless they win. Be wary of lawyers who ask for money upfront or charge hourly fees for personal injury cases.

Why Call Cooney & Conway After a Personal Injury in Chicago

After being injured by another party’s negligence, the last thing on your mind is dealing with the legal aspect. Having an experienced attorney manage your case, means you can focus on your physical recovery and let them guide you on continuing your medical treatment, tracking your medical costs, documentating your injury recovery progress, and dealing with insurance companies.

At Cooney & Conway, we help injured victims every day, something we have done for decades. We have a proven history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, and we are prepared to work tirelessly on your behalf. We are deeply committed to helping you recover the compensation you need and deserve. While most cases are resolved with a settlement, we are always prepared to go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.

>Contact Cooney & Conway when you want a law firm that gets you results. (800) 322-5573