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Personal Injury Attorney in Columbia

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About Carlson Bier Associates

At the junction of competence and empathy stands Carlson Bier, a prestigious personal injury law firm renowned in Illinois. We firmly believe that those who have suffered as a result of others’ negligence shouldn’t carry the burden alone. With expertise stemming from years of diligent practice, our trial-seasoned attorneys are skilled at bringing justice to victims and their loved ones within Columbia’s community. The complexities surrounding personal injury cases necessitate not just legal mastery but also profound dedication and empathic understanding – qualities we’re proud to embody at Carlson Bier.

Championing your needs is our commitment; securing fair resolutions—our specialty.

We meticulously analyze every dimension of your case, fabricate tailored strategies around clear objectives for improved outcomes because you deserve no less than exceptional representation. Our unwavering mission: delivering successful verdicts that mirror your concerns, uphold your rights, secure your future.

For matters as crucial as personal injuries demand optimum advocacy – choose wisdom shaped by experience – choose Carlson Bier when it truly matters! Affliction has its time and place; allow us guide you through these periods with ease because fighting on behalf gets easier with us by your side.

Meet Our Attorneys
About Carlson Bier

Personal Injury Lawyers in Columbia

When it comes to personal injury claims in Columbia, no one handles them with more dedication and legal prowess than Carlson Bier. Our attorneys specialize in a wide range of injury-related cases including accidents, slips & falls, wrongful death, medical malpractice and workers’ compensation among others. With years of successful litigation experience behind us and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcome for our clients right at our core, we are well placed to provide the legal support you seek tirelessly fight for your rights. We pride ourselves on not just offering representation but guiding you through complex processes with utmost transparency – making what could be overwhelming into something manageable. Trust among lawyers isn’t given lightly; trust is earned–choose Carlson Bier as your devoted advocates during this difficult time. Choosing Carlson Bier means choosing victory wrapped in compassion.

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Attorney Services in Columbia

Areas of Practice in Columbia

Bike Mishaps

Proficient in legal assistance for individuals injured in bicycle accidents due to others's lack of care or risky conditions.

Flame Burns

Extending expert legal advice for victims of major burn injuries caused by mishaps or carelessness.

Hospital Negligence

Providing dedicated legal support for clients affected by medical malpractice, including surgical errors.

Items Accountability

Taking on cases involving dangerous products, supplying professional legal services to customers affected by faulty goods.

Nursing Home Misconduct

Protecting the rights of elders who have been subjected to misconduct in aged care environments, ensuring fairness.

Stumble & Stumble Mishaps

Skilled in tackling slip and fall accident cases, providing legal assistance to sufferers seeking restitution for their losses.

Childbirth Traumas

Providing legal assistance for loved ones affected by medical carelessness resulting in childbirth injuries.

Automobile Accidents

Accidents: Concentrated on assisting sufferers of car accidents get just remuneration for hurts and losses.

Motorbike Collisions

Focused on providing legal assistance for victims involved in scooter accidents, ensuring justice for losses.

Semi Crash

Providing experienced legal support for clients involved in lorry accidents, focusing on securing fair compensation for losses.

Worksite Collisions

Dedicated to representing employees or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to recklessness or misconduct.

Cerebral Damages

Dedicated to providing compassionate legal support for clients suffering from cognitive injuries due to negligence.

Dog Bite Injuries

Specialized in tackling cases for victims who have suffered damages from canine attacks or wildlife encounters.

Jogger Mishaps

Committed to legal representation for pedestrians involved in accidents, providing comprehensive support for recovering claims.

Undeserved Loss

Working for relatives affected by a wrongful death, providing caring and experienced legal services to ensure fairness.

Spine Harm

Expert in assisting victims with backbone trauma, offering dedicated legal services to secure settlement.

Testimonials from Clients

Your Success Is Our Success

Notable Appellate Wins

Moruzzi v. CCC Servs., Inc., 2020 IL App (2d) 190411, 171 N.E.3d 61
Background: Insured motorist filed action against insurer for declaratory judgment seeking construction of automobile insurance policy issued to insured and that was in effect when insured was injured by an underinsured driver. The Circuit Court, DuPage County, Bonnie M. Wheaton, J., granted the insurer's motions for summary judgment. Insured appealed.Holdings: The Appellate Court, Zenoff, J., held that:1 medical payments reduction clause in automobile insurance policy conflicted with underinsured motorist provisions so as to render reduction clause ambiguous, and thus medical payment benefits were deductible from insured's damages;2 law firm representing insured did not create common fund or common funds when it reached settlement with underinsured motorist, and thus law firm was not entitled to recover fees under common-fund doctrine; and3 collateral estoppel did not bar automobile insurers from litigating whether common-fund doctrine applied in insured motorist's declaratory judgment action.Affirmed in part and reversed in part.
Maier v. CC Servs., Inc., 2019 IL App (3d) 170640, 132 N.E.3d 795
Background: After insured, who was injured in automobile collision with another driver, recovered full liability limits of driver's policy, she filed amended complaint for declaratory judgment against her own automobile insurer, alleging that insurer breached contractual duty to pay for insured's damages in accordance with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in insured's policy and that insurer acted in bad faith in denying insured such coverage. The Circuit Court, La Salle County, Troy D. Holland, J., granted the insurer's motion to dismiss claims as time-barred. Insured appealed.The Appellate Court ruled that neither the insurer nor the insured could add amended policy provisions to the court record. It was decided that the policy's requirement for a written arbitration demand applied to both uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. The court found that a letter from the insured's attorney to the insurer wasn't a valid arbitration demand nor a proof of loss to toll the statute of limitations. Finally, the insurer was permitted to use the defense based on the two-year statute of limitations period. The court's decision was affirmed.
Econ. Premier Assurance Co. v. Country Mut. Ins. Co., 2021 IL App (1st) 192364-U
Holding: The circuit court's order that granted defendant's motion for summary judgment and denied plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment was proper where defendant had no duty to indemnify its insured with respect to the underlying complaint and therefore plaintiff was not entitled to recover against defendant on its subrogation or unjust enrichment claims; affirmed.
Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Westerheide, 2023 IL App (5th) 220343-U
Holding: The court affirmed judgment of the circuit court granting summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff where the defendant failed to make a written demand for arbitration within two years from the date of the accident as required by the underinsured provisions of the defendant's automotive insurance policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Olsak, 2022 IL App (1st) 200695, 216 N.E.3d 291
In a complex legal case, an insurer sought to avoid defending or indemnifying a hockey player under a policy issued to the player's stepfather after the player was sued for assaulting his coach. The initial Circuit Court ruling favored the insurer, but the Appellate Court reversed this decision, leading to a protracted legal battle. Ultimately, the Appellate Court determined the insurer was liable only up to the $3 million policy limit and found the insurer's four-year delay in seeking a declaratory judgment to be reasonable. This case highlights important aspects of insurance litigation and policy limit liabilities.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Durkin Elec. Co., Inc., 2022 IL App (1st) 210293-U, appeal denied, 199 N.E.3d 1187 (Ill. 2022)
Holding: The circuit court's order that denied plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment and found that defendant was an additional insured under the policy was proper. The circuit court's order that denied defendant's motion for summary judgment and found that plaintiff did not have a duty to defend or indemnify defendant under the policy was proper; affirmed.
Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Groen, 2017 IL App (4th) 160028, 69 N.E.3d 911
Background: Uninsured motorist (UM) carrier brought action against insured for declaratory judgment that it owed no benefits since workers' compensation received by insured exceeded policy limits. The Circuit Court, Sangamon County, Chris Perrin, J., entered summary judgment in favor of the carrier. Insured appealed.Holdings: The Appellate Court, Harris, J., held that:1 employer's medical payments entitled carrier to setoff, and2 setoff clauses were enforceable.Affirmed.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Frobish, 2021 IL App (3d) 190473-U
Holding: Allegations in the underlying complaint that a township employee caused property damage by excavating and digging out a ditch failed to impose a duty to defend under township employee's individual farm insurance policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Jones, 2018 IL App (1st) 173154-U
Holding: The judgment of the circuit court of Cook County is affirmed; plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment on its claim for a declaratory judgment that it has no duty to defend or indemnify its insured against the underlying complaint because the loss claimed in the underlying complaint is subject to an exclusion. The court held that it would also enter judgment for plaintiff because the underlying complaint does not allege an “occurrence” causing bodily injury within the meaning of the policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Schmitt, 2021 IL App (5th) 190173-U
Holding: The appellate court reversed and remanded the judgment of the circuit court where plaintiff had no duty to defend its insured and thus was not stopped from raising policy defenses to coverage for the underlying tort action contained in the amended declaratory action.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Livorsi Marine, Inc., 222 Ill. 2d 303, 856 N.E.2d 338 (2006) (the late Keith Carlson)
Liability insurer brought action against insureds for a declaratory judgment based on failure to provide timely notice of lawsuits against them. The Circuit Court, Cook County, Stephen A. Schiller, J., entered judgment for the insurer. Insureds appealed. The Appellate Court, Wolfson, J., 358 Ill.App.3d 880, 295 Ill.Dec. 665, 833 N.E.2d 871, affirmed. Leave to appeal was granted.Holdings: The Supreme Court, Garman, J., held that:1 if the insurer did not receive reasonable notice of an occurrence or a lawsuit, the policyholder may not recover under the policy, regardless of whether the lack of reasonable notice prejudiced the insurer, overruling Rice v. AAA Aerostar, Inc., 294 Ill.App.3d 801, 229 Ill.Dec. 20, 690 N.E.2d 1067, and Cincinnati Insurance Co. v. Baur's Opera House, Inc., 296 Ill.App.3d 1011, 230 Ill.Dec. 624, 694 N.E.2d 593, and2 insured did not need to prove that it was prejudiced by delayed notice of lawsuits.Affirmed.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Personal Injury Lawyer FAQ

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide you with legal expertise, representation, and support. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, gather necessary evidence, calculate fair compensation, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Additionally, having a lawyer increases the likelihood of securing a higher settlement or award.

You may need a personal injury lawyer if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm, and you are seeking compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights and interests.

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or award. Typically, they will take a percentage of the compensation received, usually around 25-40%. It’s essential to discuss fees upfront and read the fee agreement carefully.

Personal injury lawyers handle a range of cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, product liability, workplace accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death cases.

After a personal injury accident, prioritize your safety and seek immediate medical attention. Report the incident to the relevant authorities and collect evidence, including photographs and witness information. Avoid discussing fault or signing any documents from insurance companies without consulting a lawyer. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions or special circumstances that can alter this timeframe, so it is essential to consult with a lawyer promptly.

To prove a personal injury case, you may need medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and any other evidence that can substantiate your claim. Your lawyer will help gather and present the necessary evidence to support your case.

The personal injury lawsuit process generally includes consultation, investigation, negotiation with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit if necessary, discovery, trial, and settlement or judgment. The duration and complexity of each case can vary, and having a lawyer can help streamline the process and ensure all legal protocols are followed.

The chances of winning a personal injury case depend on the specific circumstances of your case, including the evidence available, the degree of negligence involved, and applicable laws. An experienced lawyer can help evaluate your case and advise you on your chances of success.

It is challenging to state an average settlement amount as each case is unique and depends on various factors such as the severity of the injury, medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of negligence. A personal injury lawyer can help assess your case’s value based on these factors.

The time it takes to settle a personal injury case can vary widely, from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules. Most cases settle before reaching trial, but some may require litigation.

If offered a settlement, do not accept or sign anything without consulting your lawyer. Insurance companies often offer lower settlements initially. A lawyer can review the offer, negotiate on your behalf, and work to secure a fair settlement.

If your settlement is denied, consult with your lawyer to discuss the next steps, which may include filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. A lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.

If you lose your case, you typically won’t receive any compensation for your injuries or damages. Discuss the possibility of an appeal or other legal options with your lawyer.

Typically, if you lose, and your lawyer is working on a contingency fee basis, you do not have to pay attorney’s fees. However, you may still be responsible for certain costs, such as court fees or expenses related to case preparation. Review your fee agreement carefully to understand your obligations.

To find a good personal injury lawyer, seek recommendations from friends, family, or professional associations, research online reviews and ratings, and schedule consultations with prospective lawyers to discuss your case and assess their experience, approach, and compatibility.

During your consultation, ask about the lawyer’s experience with cases similar to yours, their success rate, their fees and payment structure, their availability, and their proposed strategy for your case.

 In your first meeting, expect to discuss the details of your case, your legal options, and potential outcomes. Bring all relevant documents and be prepared to answer questions about your case. The lawyer should explain the legal process, fees, and what to expect moving forward.

Communication preferences should be discussed during your initial consultation. Lawyers usually communicate through emails, phone calls, or meetings, and should provide regular updates on your case’s progress.

To help your lawyer, provide all relevant information and documents promptly, attend all medical appointments, follow your lawyer’s advice, and communicate any new developments or concerns.

Compensation may include economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages aimed at punishing particularly egregious behavior.

Damages are calculated based on economic damages like medical bills and lost income, and non-economic damages, which are subjective and may include pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. A lawyer can help determine the fair value of your claim.

Generally, compensation received for personal physical injuries is not taxable, but there may be exceptions, such as interest on the award or compensation for lost wages. Consult with a tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations.

Winning a case against a trucking company can be challenging due to complex regulations and the involvement of multiple parties. The outcome will depend on the specifics of your case and the evidence available. Consult with an experienced lawyer for an assessment of your chances.

Damages for slip and fall accidents depend on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost income, and the degree of negligence involved. Consult with a lawyer to assess the potential value of your case.

Consider using your settlement to cover any outstanding medical bills, rehabilitative services, or other injury-related expenses, and invest the remainder judiciously. Consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice based on your individual circumstances.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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