FAQ2020-07-14T21:01:39+00:00

FAQ’s

What does it cost for Raymond & Raymond, Ltd., to investigate a potential claim?2020-07-14T20:13:40+00:00

We don’t charge anything unless you win. Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. works on a contingency basis. This means we do not charge up-front for our investigation, filing fees, costs, etc. We do not charge by the hour. In the event that a positive result is achieved, such as a case is settled or a verdict is obtained, only then will a client be charged the costs and fees from the recovery. Lawsuits are expensive and at Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. we keep our clients advised as to the expenses incurred so that our clients have all of the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their case, including settlement talks.

Will bringing a lawsuit against a medical person negatively impact the local medical community?2020-07-14T20:21:56+00:00

We’ve heard this argument and strongly believe it is false. Most of our clients’ main reason for pursuing a lawsuit is to make sure what happened to them does not happen to anyone else. Nearly all medical workers are covered by professional liability insurance. It is the job of the insurance company to receive premiums from the medical provider while paying out as little as possible to injured people. These insurance companies then hire the defense attorneys who represent the medical workers in court. Often times the insurance companies will refuse to settle within their policy limits for years despite a genuine meritorious claim against them. Therefore, although it may be uncomfortable for a medical professional to be involved in litigation, it is often more of a question of whether or not their insurance company is willing to fully compensate the injured person. At Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. we believe that a medical professional’s mere inconvenience pales in comparison to the injured person whose life is changed forever. We also only bring righteous cases that have been fully vetted by other medical professionals. We believe that the best way to ensure medical care does not fall below the standard is to fiercely advocate on behalf of our clients who are victims of below average care and demand the insurance companies fully compensate our clients for their injuries.

How long will it take to recover for my injuries?2020-07-14T20:23:07+00:00

There is no one size fits all answer to this question. The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do turn toward an eventual outcome. At Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. we only accept righteous cases, which means that each case is fully vetted prior to being filed. In order to fully investigate a potential claim it is necessary to obtain all of the necessary medical records, conduct interviews, and have the potential case reviewed by one or more physicians familiar with the treatment at issue. Once a case is filed it is not uncommon for the case to take three or more years until trial. Pursuing litigation can be a long drawn-out process and we believe it is important to advise our clients of this at the outset. The decision to pursue a lawsuit should not be taken lightly. There is also a statute of limitations in Illinois that bars personal injury and medical malpractice cases from being brought after a certain amount of time has passed. To make sure a potential claim is not barred by the statute of limitations, and to ensure justice is met as soon as possible, it is important to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.

What types of injuries are recoverable?2020-07-14T20:24:17+00:00

At Raymond & Raymond, Ltd., we represent people who have been physically injured and suffered both mentally and physically from their injuries in medical malpractice and catastrophic personal injury cases.  The Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions allow for compensation from the following:

  • Loss of normal life (both past and future);
  • Disability (both past and future)
  • Pain & Suffering (both past and future);
  • Medical Bills and related expenses (both past and future);
  • Loss of Income / Lost Wages (both past and future);
  • Wrongful Death;
  • Loss of Society (a family’s loss for a deceased relative); and/or
  • Emotional Distress.

The justice system in Illinois is already set up to compensate injured people.  We tirelessly fight for our clients to recover the maximum amount in each of the above categories to achieve full compensation for their injuries and/or loss. We get to know our clients on a personal level so that we can clearly communicate the extent of our clients’ injuries with the goal of full compensation.  A personal injury lawsuit is usually the only way a person can achieve full-compensation for their injuries, and can almost always only be brought once.  At Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. we pay close personal attention to our clients’ cases and utilize our years of experience to build a case that focuses on the individual client’s circumstances.

Should I order an autopsy if I believe a loved one died due to medical negligence?2020-07-14T20:24:59+00:00

Yes, an autopsy can be helpful in order to determine the cause of death.  Autopsies used to be ordered more frequently and we believe autopsies are ordered less by physicians in order to avoid any potential liability.  As medical malpractice attorneys we largely build our case around what is written in the medical records.  These records are written by medical personnel that may be at fault, and are often written in a self-serving manner.  An autopsy gives the opportunity for a physician not involved in the care and treatment at issue to conduct an investigation into what may have caused a death.  However, if you did not order an autopsy there still may be ample evidence in the medical records that portray a meritorious case, so it is still a good idea to contact an attorney to investigate the potential case as soon as possible.  With autopsies being performed less and less, our firm is experienced with seeing through self-serving medical records and can connect the dots to provide answers and eventually full compensation.

An attorney already turned my case down. Is it even worth it to contact your firm?2020-07-14T20:25:25+00:00

Yes.  We have accepted numerous cases that were turned down by other law firms and have achieved favorable results.  Just because one attorney did not wish to represent you, does not mean you do not have a case.  Attorneys can turn down cases for multiple reasons.  Medical malpractice in particular is complicated and expensive, which may be a barrier to certain attorneys.  At Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. we look at each incoming case with fresh eyes, even another attorney has turned a potential case down, we are undeterred.  At the very least, if we cannot represent someone in a lawsuit, we believe we can provide a client with answers as to why something occurred.  The important thing to remember is that in Illinois the statute of limitations bars individuals from brining claims after a certain amount of time has passed.  Therefore, even if an attorney turned down a potential case it is important to contact another lawyer as soon as possible.

If you have additional questions, please contact us for a free consultation.