Am I Hurt Badly Enough to Sue?

 Posted on November 11, 2025 in Personal Injury

After an accident, many people wonder whether their injuries are "serious enough" to take legal action. You might feel unsure about whether to call a personal injury lawyer or just let insurance handle it. This is an important question, and you do not have to answer it alone. An experienced Mount Prospect personal injury lawyer can review your case for free and help you understand your options.

If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, whether in a car crash, at a business, or in a hospital, you may have the right to seek compensation. Call 312-236-2700 to find out.

How Serious Do Injuries Need to Be to File a Lawsuit?

You do not need to be permanently disabled or in excruciating pain to have a valid personal injury case. The key question is whether your injury caused real harm that affected your life. That can mean physical pain, lost income, medical bills, or emotional stress. For example:

• Car accidents: Even a "minor" crash can lead to whiplash, back pain, or concussions that take weeks or months to heal. You may not notice symptoms right away, but medical care can be very expensive.

• Slip and fall or premises liability: If you fell on unsafe flooring, icy sidewalks, or poor lighting, you could have broken bones, torn ligaments, or head injuries. Property owners must keep their property safe for visitors.

• Medical malpractice: When doctors or nurses make careless mistakes, the results can be life-changing. These cases often involve long-term or permanent harm.

If your injuries have left you with medical expenses, time away from work, or long-term discomfort, it is worth talking to a lawyer.

What if My Injuries Seem Minor at First? Can I File a Lawsuit Later? 

Many injuries do not show up right away. You might feel okay after a car crash, only to wake up sore or dizzy the next morning. Soft tissue damage, concussions, and internal injuries can take days to appear. That is why it is so important to see a doctor immediately after any accident, even if you feel fine.

In Illinois in 2025, you have two years from the date of the injury to start an insurance claim or lawsuit. However, evidence to build a strong case often does not last that long. The sooner you start your case, the better odds you have of recovering compensation.

How Do I Know If I Should File a Lawsuit or Insurance Claim for an Injury?

Most injury cases start with an insurance claim. You may file a claim with your own insurer or with the at-fault party’s insurance company. But insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.

A lawyer can review your situation and help you decide whether an insurance settlement is fair or if filing a lawsuit makes more sense. Every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on the facts of your accident and the impact it had on your life.

Call a Mount Prospect, IL Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or any other accident, you deserve answers. Even if you are not sure whether your injuries are "bad enough" to sue, it costs nothing to find out.

Call Adler Injury Law, Ltd. today for a free consultation with an experienced Cook County, IL personal injury attorney.