Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer
At Patel Law, PC, we know how quickly a personal injury can throw your life off course. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, and mounting financial stress. If you’ve been injured in a car accident on Lincoln Avenue, slipped on a wet surface at a Charleston grocery store, or were hurt at work in a warehouse or school, our Charleston personal injury lawyers are here to help you seek justice and compensation.
Recovering from an injury takes time, and dealing with insurance companies on your own can make things worse. Our legal team provides trusted support and aggressive advocacy from the start, ensuring that your case is handled with care and determination.
Common types of injuries in personal injury cases
Injuries can range from minor to life-changing. At our Charleston office, we help clients who have experienced soft tissue strain, broken bones, and head trauma due to falls, traffic accidents, and unsafe premises. Some injuries may be immediately obvious, while others develop over time and require ongoing treatment.
We commonly handle cases involving:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Burns caused by heat or chemicals
- Deep cuts or lacerations
- Wrongful death in fatal accidents
Whether you were injured in a vehicle crash or a slip and fall, we will work to understand your injuries in full, consult with your medical providers, and help calculate the short-term and long-term impact on your life.
Where injuries happen in Charleston
Charleston is home to busy roads, active shopping centers, and a large university campus—all of which present risks for injury. Auto collisions frequently occur at intersections along Lincoln Avenue and University Drive, especially near Eastern Illinois University and Route 130. Pedestrian injuries are also more likely near student housing, crosswalks, and bike lanes.
Locations where we often see injury claims include:
- Intersections on Lincoln Ave and Route 130
- Sidewalks near EIU and student areas
- Apartment complexes and off-campus housing
- Grocery stores and retail parking lots
- Fast food and dine-in restaurants
- Warehouses and school campuses
- Public parks and bike trails
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Campus and public event venues
No matter where your injury happened, we will investigate thoroughly, preserve critical evidence, and build a strong case aimed at full compensation.
Illinois personal injury laws that apply to your case
If your injury occurred in Charleston, your case falls under Illinois state law. Victims of negligence have important rights, but they must act within the legal timeframes and understand how liability is determined under Illinois statutes.
Statute of Limitations
Illinois law allows two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13‑202. Missing this window can result in losing your right to pursue any compensation.
Comparative Negligence
Under 735 ILCS 5/2‑1116, Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is less than 50 percent. However, your award will be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
Damages Available in Personal Injury Claims
A successful personal injury claim in Charleston may include both financial and non-financial damages. These damages are meant to cover medical bills, income loss, pain, mental suffering, and more.
Typical damages include:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow-up doctor visits and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Damage to your vehicle or other property
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Each case is different, and our job is to ensure every category of loss is fully documented and presented in your claim.
What makes Patel Law, PC the right choice
Our firm has built a solid reputation across Central Illinois by providing excellent results with personal service. At Patel Law, PC, we don’t treat your injury case like a number. We take the time to understand how your life has changed, and we develop a personalized strategy to maximize your recovery.
As a local firm familiar with the Coles County court system, we offer insights and experience that many larger firms simply cannot. We prepare every case for the possibility of trial, and insurance companies know we won’t settle for less than your case is worth. Our contingency fee model ensures that you don’t have to worry about legal fees unless we win your case.
The legal process and what to expect
If you’ve never filed a personal injury claim before, the process might feel intimidating. We’re here to make it clear, simple, and manageable from start to finish.
Step 1: Free Case Review
We begin with a no-cost consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal rights.
Step 2: Investigation
Our team collects documentation including police reports, photographs, medical records, and witness accounts to support your claim.
Step 3: Demand and Negotiation
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit to preserve your claim.
Step 5: Discovery and Mediation
We exchange evidence with the opposing side and may engage in mediation to try to resolve the case before trial.
Step 6: Trial
If necessary, we present your case in court with thorough preparation and experienced trial advocacy.
Step 7: Resolution and Recovery
We assist in collecting your compensation and handling any outstanding medical bills or liens so you can move forward.
We remain accessible throughout the process, providing updates and answers to your questions. You’re never left wondering where your case stands.
Charleston, IL Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
You typically have two years from the date of the injury to file suit. Some exceptions apply, but waiting too long can end your case.
Can I still get compensation if I was partly responsible?
Yes. Illinois allows recovery as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault. Your damages will be reduced based on your share of fault.
Will my case go to court?
Many claims settle before trial. But if a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case before a jury.
What do I pay if I lose my case?
Nothing. We only get paid if we win or settle your case. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee.
Are pain and suffering covered?
Yes. Non-economic damages like pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are often part of a personal injury award.
Serving Throughout Charleston
- Ashmore Estates area
- Lincoln Avenue Corridor
- EIU Campus District
- Fox Ridge State Park area
- Northwest Charleston
- Old Town Historic District
- Lake Charleston area
- Salisbury Street neighborhoods
- Southside Charleston
- Country Club Heights
Contact Patel Law, PC today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in Charleston because of another person’s negligence, do not wait to take legal action. The sooner you get an experienced attorney involved, the better your chances of recovering full compensation. Call Patel Law, PC today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you take the next step toward healing and justice.
