Below are some questions we are frequently asked, with typical answers.
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Q. How long have you practiced law?
Personal Injury Attorney James Ackerman has practiced law since 1986. Read more about James Ackerman.
Q. What type of cases do you generally handle?
Please see our complete list of Practice Areas in the right sidebar, and read more on our Practice Areas page, including Accident Victims Personal Injury Cases, Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Cases, and Workers’ Compensation Personal Injury Cases.
Q. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?
Please see About James Ackerman for an overview of experience.
Q. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed?
It varies with the type of case. For details, please visit Our Fees – Contingent Fees and Free Initial Consultations
Q. What is your approach or philosophy to representing a client and winning a case?
Read about our approach on our About Ackerman Law Office page.
Q. Will you tell me if there are alternative solutions for my case?
We always let clients know about as many solutions as possible.
Q. How will you let me know what’s happening with my case?
At Ackerman Law Office, we pride ourselves on our thorough, patient, responsive and respectful communication with our clients. We provide regular status updates and return phone calls within 24 hours. We send our clients copies of correspondence, pleadings and legal documents as part of our service to our clients. We believe our clients have the right to know about the details of their cases.
Q. What is the likely outcome in my case?
We like to get to know our clients and their situations in detail. If we think it’s not likely to result in a good settlement, then we won’t take your case; for more information please see Cases We Do Not Take. The likely outcome for a case we take will depend on the type of claim, who is responsible for the injury, and other factors.
Q. Is it likely my case will go to trial or settle before trial?
The great majority of cases settle before trial, by some estimates as high as 90%.
Q. Who will be working on my case?
James Ackerman and his staff, which normally consists of two secretaries. At Ackerman Law Office you will not get pawned off on another attorney. If James Ackerman accepts a case, he works on it himself. He believes in keeping his caseload small enough that he can do a good job for the clients he takes.
Q. What can I do to ensure a good outcome for my case? What are my responsibilities?
Keep Mr. Ackerman informed about your treatment. Make sure when you go to the doctor that you provide all the relevant information to the doctor
Q. I cannot afford an attorney, can you help me?
You can call the Legal Services of Illinois or see “Can’t Afford a Lawyer?“.
Q. What are a lawyer’s primary responsibilities?
Lawyers, by virtue of a state’s bar admission, are expected to both uphold the law and protect the rights of their clients. In addition to actually knowing the law, particularly within his or her practice area, an attorney must be able to communicate clearly with their clients, work competently to resolve their client’s needs, and be ethical in the performance of their overall handling of a case.
Q. Who should I contact about issues dealing with the conduct of a lawyer?
The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Board of Professional Responsibility handles issues of possible misconduct of lawyers.