Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury

We are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue proper actions against those responsible for their harm. Mr. Ackerman has extensive trial experience and is willing to take matters to court when fair settlements cannot be reached, always acting in the best interest of the client given their situation. Whether you have been injured in a car or truck crash, in a work-related accident, or due to a medical provider or nursing home’s negligence, our firm can help you determine your next legal steps.

As a personal injury lawyer in the Springfield Illinois area, Jim Ackerman understands that a serious injury as a result of another party's actions requires considerable efforts in recovery that can leave you with substantial medical bills and time missed from work. Personal injury claims are most often based on the legal theory of negligence, which applies when one party breaches their duty of care to a victim. Most personal injury cases in Illinois must be filed within the two-year statute of limitations set by the state, but exceptions exist for some claims. Consulting an experienced attorney at Ackerman Law Office can help make sure that your rights are preserved after you have been injured.

Car Accidents

Car accidents often lead to injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, brain injuries, paralysis, and even death. In fact, in 2014, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported that over 84,000 individuals were injured in traffic-related incidents statewide, many of which were due to another driver’s negligence. Victims injured by another motorist’s careless actions, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or violations of traffic rules, may be entitled to compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses, as well as punitive damages in some situations. At Ackerman Law Office, our Springfield personal injury attorney can assist you in determining the scope of your injuries to make sure that you receive the financial support that you need.

Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents are commonly caused by a truck driver’s careless actions, including operating their vehicle despite extreme fatigue, rushing to meet a deadline, improper braking, or driving under the influence. Defective parts, such as faulty brakes, can also be a factor contributing to a truck crash. Claims arising from a truck collision sometimes involve complex issues, since trucking companies may argue that they are using independent contractors rather than employee drivers in an effort to limit liability. Additionally, collecting and presenting evidence in these cases requires a thorough knowledge of the relevant federal and state regulations, the technical features of the truck and its components, and the interactions among the various parties involved. Springfield personal injury lawyer James Ackerman has a strong track record of success in dealing with these complicated issues on behalf of clients.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or another health care professional does not exercise the accepted standard of care within their field of practice, leading to a patient’s injury. Malpractice can take the form of prescription errors, surgical errors, birth injuries, and misdiagnoses, among other situations. Proving a medical malpractice case involves consulting medical experts, examining a patient’s history, and deciphering complicated medical records. Our firm has the resources to make sure that those responsible for your harm are held accountable.

Nursing Home Negligence

When entrusting a nursing home with the care of an elderly loved one, we assume that the facility and its staff are acting appropriately in providing for the resident. However, unfortunately, nursing home negligence is still all too common in Illinois. Signs that a nursing home is mistreating your loved one may include sudden, unexplained weight loss, bed sores, changes in mood or behavior, lack of hygiene, and overmedication symptoms. If you believe that your family member is not receiving proper care, you should contact a personal injury lawyer at our Springfield firm to find out more regarding your options.

Workers’ Compensation

When you are injured at work, certain actions must be taken to ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled from your employer. In Illinois, workplace accidents resulting in injuries must be reported to an employer within 45 days of their occurrence, and documents regarding medical treatment as well as a disability need to be retained. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, people injured on the job are entitled to lost time benefits, medical expenses, and lump-sum payments if the injury has resulted in a permanent disability. Third-party lawsuits against a non-employer party responsible for your injuries may also be a possibility to consider, depending on the circumstances. A workers’ compensation lawyer at Ackerman Law Office can answer any questions that you may have after sustaining an injury at work.

Estate Planning and Probate

Ackerman Law Office also assists clients with estate planning services and matters that arise in probate proceedings. Planning how your assets should be dispersed when you pass away, or establishing the appropriate trusts and living wills to protect your loved ones and your wishes, is an important undertaking. Our firm works with clients to identify their goals and execute plans that serve their interests. We also assist clients in navigating the potentially complicated process of probate to ensure that a loved one’s wishes are properly carried out.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Springfield or Seek Assistance with a Probate or Estate Matter

James Ackerman has been named one of the Top Attorneys in Illinois by Super Lawyers, Law and Politics, and the publishers of Chicago Magazine, accolades that he strives to uphold in each client interaction. If you are an Illinois resident who has questions regarding a legal issue associated with a personal injury claim, a workers’ compensation matter, or estate planning or probate, contact us to learn more about our services. Our firm represents residents of Urbana, Champaign, Taylorville, Decatur, Mount Zion, Hillsboro, and Virginia, as well as other areas of Cass, Champaign, Christian, Logan, Macon, Montgomery, and Peoria Counties. Call our office toll-free at (888) 889-1977, or locally at (217) 789-1977, or contact us online to speak with an attorney today.