Bloomington Personal Injury Lawyer
At Patel Law, PC, we understand how a personal injury can disrupt your life, your finances, and your future. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident on Veterans Parkway, slipped in a store near Eastland Mall, or suffered an injury at work, our Bloomington personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We bring years of experience, local knowledge, and a results-driven approach to every case we handle.
We know that after an accident, you are dealing with more than just physical pain. You may be missing work, facing overwhelming medical bills, or unsure about how to move forward. Our team is here to guide you through the process and protect your rights at every stage.
Common types of injuries in personal injury cases
People involved in accidents in Bloomington often suffer a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include whiplash and soft tissue damage, often seen in rear-end vehicle collisions. We also frequently handle cases involving broken bones, which can occur in both motor vehicle accidents and slip and fall incidents. More serious accidents may result in spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, both of which can lead to long-term disability.
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Wrongful death due to fatal accidents
Other types of harm we see include internal injuries, lacerations requiring stitches, and burns resulting from fires or chemical exposure. In fatal cases, we assist families pursuing wrongful death claims to hold negligent parties accountable.
Where injuries happen in Bloomington
Injuries happen everywhere, but some areas in Bloomington see more personal injury incidents than others. Car accidents frequently occur near busy intersections such as Towanda Barnes Road and Empire Street. Slips and falls often take place in grocery stores, shopping centers, or restaurant entryways, particularly during winter when snow and ice create hazards.
- Road intersections (especially near State Farm headquarters)
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Grocery stores and big box retail chains
- Construction sites
- Area schools and playgrounds
- Apartment buildings and residential properties
- Bars and entertainment venues downtown
- Pedestrian crosswalks
- Public parks
- Restaurants and fast food establishments
Workplace injuries are another major concern, especially in construction zones and industrial areas on the outskirts of the city. Public places like Miller Park, Constitution Trail, and local schools also present risks for accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or children. Wherever your injury happened, our attorneys will help investigate the cause, determine liability, and pursue fair compensation.
Illinois personal injury laws that apply to your case
If you were injured in Bloomington, your case will fall under Illinois personal injury law. One of the most important things to know is the statute of limitations. Illinois generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to pursue compensation entirely.
Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13‑202. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed and you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Comparative Negligence
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2‑1116. You can recover even if you are partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is less than 50 percent. Your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent responsible, your recovery is reduced by 20 percent.
Damages Available in Personal Injury Claims
Compensation in Illinois personal injury cases typically covers medical expenses, lost income, and future treatment needs. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish especially reckless or intentional behavior.
Victims may seek several types of damages including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (e.g., vehicle repairs)
- Loss of consortium in fatal cases
A qualified Bloomington personal injury lawyer will ensure all potential damages are identified and pursued.
What makes Patel Law, PC the right choice
Patel Law, PC has built a strong reputation in Central Illinois by delivering results for injured clients while maintaining compassionate, responsive service. We are a local law firm with a deep understanding of Bloomington’s legal environment, courts, and community. Clients appreciate that they work directly with an experienced attorney rather than being passed off to support staff.
We take each case seriously and prepare every file as if it may go to trial. Insurance companies know this and are more likely to offer fair settlements. Unlike some firms that focus on volume, we focus on value—delivering personalized representation and fighting hard for the maximum possible recovery in every case. Our clients never pay upfront. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you only owe attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you. This allows injured people to access high-quality legal services regardless of their current financial situation.
The legal process and what to expect
When you contact Patel Law, PC, we begin with a free consultation to learn the details of your accident and injuries. From there, we investigate your case thoroughly, collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available surveillance footage. If necessary, we consult with medical or accident reconstruction experts to support your claim.
Step 1: Free Case Review
Contact us for a free consultation. We evaluate your case, determine liability and damages, and recommend the best course of action.
Step 2: Investigation
We gather evidence like accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and surveillance footage. We also work with expert witnesses if needed.
Step 3: Demand and Negotiation
Once we understand your damages, we prepare a demand package for the at‑fault party or insurer. We negotiate to achieve fair compensation, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations stall, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate Illinois court before the statute of limitations expires.
Step 5: Discovery and Mediation
During discovery, both sides exchange information through depositions, document requests, and interrogatories. We may attend mediation or settlement conferences to resolve the case outside court.
Step 6: Trial
If no agreement is reached, we proceed to trial. Our team prepares thoroughly with witnesses, exhibits, and persuasive arguments to make your case before a jury or judge.
Step 7: Resolution and Recovery
After winning a verdict or reaching a settlement, we help you collect your award. We also help manage liens and liens from healthcare providers and accountants to maximize your net recovery.
Once we understand the full scope of your injuries and damages, we typically present a settlement demand to the insurance company. Many cases are resolved at this stage through negotiation. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved. We will answer your questions, explain your options, and ensure you are never left wondering what comes next.
Bloomington, IL Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Illinois?
You typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Exceptions may apply for minors or cases involving delayed discovery of the injury.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50 percent responsible. Your recovery will be reduced based on your share of the fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case.
Can I recover for pain and suffering?
Yes. Illinois law allows injury victims to recover non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Serving Throughout Bloomington
- White Oak
- Fox Creek
- Founders’ Grove
- Eagle Crest East
- Brookridge
- Highland Park
- Old Farm Lakes
- Tipton Trails
- Bloomington Heights
- Rollingbrook South
Contact Patel Law, PC today
If you or someone you love has been injured in Bloomington due to someone else’s negligence, the time to act is now. The sooner you involve a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and securing fair compensation. Let Patel Law, PC put our experience to work for you. Call our office today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
