If you've suffered an injury that has left you disabled or burdened with medical debt, you may need the help of a personal injury attorney. Although this type of suit is not uncommon, there is plenty of misinformation about the subject that means many individuals have misconceptions about this type of lawsuit. Below is the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions about personal injury law.

4 Misconceptions About Personal Injury Lawsuits

1. They’re Frivolous

Most attorneys won't take a personal injury case if they don't think it has legal merit. Like most people, they don't want to invest time and effort into an endeavor that won't pay off. Thus, aside from outlier cases that are so rare that they make the news, most personal injury cases involve real injuries caused by actual negligence or incompetence.

2. You Don't Need a Lawyer Unless You Were Seriously Injured

Even minor injuries can result in costly medical treatment, and the wounds could worsen over time if they’re not properly treated. Moreover, if the injury was a result of wanton or irresponsible behavior, a lawsuit could encourage the responsible party — or their employer — to make changes and prevent others from being harmed in the future.

3. Personal Injury Lawsuits Are Too Expensive

In most cases, an accident attorney works on a contingency basis. This means they do not get paid unless you win your case. At that time, they take an agreed-upon percentage of the judgment or settlement amount. Thus, you don’t have to pay a retainer up front, as you normally do for criminal cases.

4. You Have Plenty of Time to File a Suit

Illinois limits the amount of time you have after an accident to file your case. The statute of limitations in the state is two years from the date of the injury. If the claim is against a city or county in Illinois, you have only one year. However, if you were unaware of the injury or illness until, for example, months after exposure to a toxic substance, the court may allow you two years after the "discovery date" to file.

For expert legal assistance with your personal injury case, contact Skinner & Associates, L.L.C. in Galesburg, IL. They have served clients in and around Knox County for more than 20 years. They also specialize in wrongful death and slip & fall cases. Visit their website to learn more about attorney James Skinner, or call (309) 343-9964 for advice from an experienced personal injury attorney.