Chicago IL Personal Injury Attorney | Chicago, IL Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois

Work with an experienced Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Now

Have you or a family member been the victim of negligence or reckless conduct by another person or a company, resulting in personal injury? It is important to contact a local Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible.Severe personal injuries are crippling. If you are a victim, you should not be carrying the burden of paying for your recovery. Skilled Chicago personal injury attorneys know how to go after the parties responsible for your injuries so that you can start your personal road to recovery.By taking just a few seconds to fill out the questionnaire on this site, you will start the process of moving forward – potentially working toward legal action, and ultimately, your road to recovery.

Get the help you are looking for: Chicago injury lawyers

A serious accident that causes personal injury creates a ripple effect: your lifestyle can drastically change, bills can pile up, stress can often seem beyond your control, and too often, the party responsible for causing your injuries may deny that they are responsible for paying for the harm they have caused. An experienced Chicago accident attorney likely has handled a case similar to yours, and certainly helped victims with the same stresses that you are going through right now. A local Chicago accident lawyer can protect you from parties who wish to make you settle for less than you deserve. In the event that you have already been short changed by an insurance company, your Chicago lawyer may be able to protect you under the Illinois insurance bad faith laws. Under the Illinois bad faith laws, insurance companies may be required to pay the victim’s attorney fees, in addition to facing additional fines by the court.  

Want to know more about a particular type of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer?

Chicago injury attorneys generally cover a wide array of personal injury cases. The types of cases listed below are just a few examples of claims that your typical injury attorney may take to trial. To learn more, click on any of the following.

1. Chicago Product Liability Lawyers  
2. Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers
3. Chicago Maritime Lawyers
4. Chicago Car Accident Lawyers
5. Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers
6. Chicago Premises Liability Lawyers
7. Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers
8. Chicago Government Liability Lawyers
9. Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers
10. Chicago Workplace Injury Lawyer

How to Start the Road to Physical & Financial Recovery

1. Without question, safety and health are the most important primary concerns. If you have been injured, it is critical that you seek medical attention first before doing anything.
2. The next step: meet with a local Chicago personal injury lawyer. Speaking with an attorney regarding your accident will enhance the likelihood that you will preserve valuable testimony (witnesses), file your claim in a timely manner, and generally manage your case better from the beginning.
3. Lastly, be sure to document all of your expenses and any information pertinent to the accident in question. This way, you will have a good foundation of information to hand over to your local Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer during your free initial consultation.

If you have an automobile accident within Cook County and need to obtain your accident report, here is a list of helpful numbers:

1. Chicago Police Department, 1718 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60616. Phone: (312) 745-4290
2. Cook County Police Department, 50 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois  60602. Phone: (312) 603-6444

What do Chicago Injury Lawyers Prove in Court?

In every case, your Chicago personal injury lawyer will have to prove either that the other party was legally at fault or negligent. What is the rule in Illinois? Illinois has what is called a modified comparative fault standard. In Illinois, plaintiff’s need to know that they will be barred from recovery, in most cases, if they are more than 50% at fault for causing their own injuries. For any percentage that the plaintiff is at fault for, up to 50%, his or her recovery will be reduced by that amount. For example, if the plaintiff gets into a car accident with another car, each party having $100,000 in damages, but the plaintiff is 30% at fault, then the plaintiff can only recovery $70,000. If the plaintiff were 51% at fault, then he or she is barred from receiving any compensation.

Types of Personal Injuries Suffered by Victims

Personal injury attorneys are generally well acquainted with many different types of injuries. Some of the most common injuries that experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys see include: Spinal Injury, Burn Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Amputation, Wrongful Death, Shoulder Injury, Whiplash, Knee Injury, Herniated Disc, Depression, Chemical Burns, Leg Injury, Open Head Injury, Paralysis, Loss of Eyesight, Neck Injury, Lung Cancer, Skull Fracture, and closed head injury, just to name a few.

Examples of Types of Accidents        

The range of claims that Chicago PI lawyers can handle covers a broad spectrum:

1. Chicago car accidents
2. Negligence cases in Chicago
3. Chicago on the job injury accidents
4. Chicago truck accident injuries - Involving Illinois trucking regulations and federal truck safety standards
5. Explosions in Chicago
6. Chicago medical malpractice lawsuits
7. Chicago product liability lawsuits
8. Chicago dangerous drug recall lawsuits
9. Chicago maritime accidents
10. Chicago slip and fall cases
11. Chicago premises liability cases
12. Chicago dog bites & Chicago dog mauling injuries
13. Government liability cases
14. Liability for Recreational Boating Accidents involving:
    1. Careless operation
    2. Reckless operation
    3. Overloaded or too many people in the boat
    4. Impaired Boat Operators
    5. Injuries from Skiing
    6. Alcohol usage or drug usage by boat operator

Personal Injury Damages

Depending on the nature of your particular claim, you may be entitled to different types of damages for your injuries. The usual gamut of injuries across the country include:

What do qualified Chicago Injury Lawyers charge?

Importantly, most any accident victim can afford to retain a qualified Chicago Trial Lawyer, even if you have absolutely no money. The reason: it is a generally accepted practice that Chicago injury attorneys work for a “contingency fee”. What is a contingency fee? A contingency fee is one where the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, either by settlement or at trial. In other words, your Chicago injury attorney is getting paid for his or her fees is “contingent” on his or her winning your case. To know if a local Chicago personal injury attorney will take your case for a contingency fee, you will need to discuss the facts of your case with an attorney. All initial consultations obtained through this website are absolutely free.

What legal costs/expenses? And are they different from Attorney Fees?

Legal costs & expenses are often treated very differently than your attorney’s fees. Therefore, when you enter into an agreement, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Attorney fees are what your attorney charges for his or her services. Legal costs & expenses are those costs incurred by your attorney to move your case forward. Examples include: court filing fees, expert witness fees, postage, court reporter fees, etc. When meeting with your Chicago Injury Law Firm, be sure to discuss the difference between fees and expenses. As well, ask your Chicago personal injury attorney how fees are calculated if you win, and how expenses are paid for. These kinds of questions are important to both you and your lawyer.

Chicago Automobile Collision Lawyers

Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a serious car accident, you will want to immediately work with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney to represent your interests. Serious car accidents take their toll physically, emotionally, and financially. Often overlooked is the stress that is caused by trying to recover money from a recalcitrant party who caused the injury or their insurance company. Chicago vehicle accident attorneys fight these battles so that you can focus on your recovery.

The amount of recovery depends on the facts of each case. No Chicago auto injury lawyer can guarantee a recovery. The total damages awarded in car accident will depend on the type and degree of the injuries sustained in the crash. Your attorney may need to call expert witnesses to prove your case – in addition to making tactical decisions about where to file your lawsuit. If your case is in Illinois state court, your Chicago accident lawyer will work with the Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure and Illinois Rules of Evidence; and if in Federal court, that means your Chicago car injury lawyer will work with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence. Serious injuries resulting from a car wreck can change the course of your life. Head injuries like a hematoma, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can affect an individual’s motor skills and memory. Other injuries, such as: broken bones, whiplash, paralysis, and severe burns affect mobility and one’s ability to work and lifestyle.

Car crashes can occur in a variety of ways: head on collisions, side swipes, rear ending another car, defective auto design, faulty brakes, etc. In a court of law, your Chicago car wreck lawyer will have to prove your injuries were caused by the fault of the other driver – often requiring your attorney to recreate the scene of the accident. This is where a strong familiarity with different types of auto accidents can be an advantage for a legal professional. If drunk driving was involved in your accident, your Chicago car wreck attorney will certainly need to take that factor into account.

Truck Accidents: 18 Wheeler, Semi, & Big Rig

Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys, Chicago 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys, & Chicago Semi Truck Accident Attorneys

Semi Truck & 18 wheeler crashes account for an overwhelming percentage of the serious accidents that occur in our country today. If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in a car accident involving a big rig, it is extremely important to work with an experienced Chicago truck accident law firm who knows how to handle these complex cases.

Reasons to work with a qualified Chicago semi accident attorney

A substantial amount of specialized knowledge about the trucking industry and the state and federal laws is often required to appropriately handle a serious truck accident case. Generally, this means you will need the help of an experienced Chicago big rig wreck attorney who has likely tried these types of cases before. The laws that govern the trucking industry can be highly specific. Your Chicago truck accident lawyer’s familiarity with the customs and the regulations surrounding the trucking industry can be tantamount to your success. For example, he or she must be well-versed in the FMCSA if you were hit by an interstate trucker.For example, in commercial truck accident cases in the United States involving alcohol, there are special laws meant to protect passengers and other drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA) sets a lower BAC limit for commercial drivers, making the legal limit 0.04, half the 0.08 BAC limit for non-commercial drivers. Moreover, a commercial truck driver may be tested at random for drug or alcohol use before, during, or after driving a commercial vehicle. Specific Illinois State laws may also apply to a commercial truck accident. For these reasons, it is imperative to retain the services of a qualified Chicago 18 wheeler injury lawyer.

In addition to federal regulations, there are a number of Illinois state regulations governing large trucks and truck accidents. They are found in the “Illinois Commercial Transportation Law"

Medical Malpractice & Physician Negligence

Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney: Chicago Medical Malpractice lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence or mistreatment of a medical facility, doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider, you have rights. Medical facilities are some of the most trusted institutions – we rely on them to heal us when we are sick, and to care for us when we are vulnerable. That is why it can feel like the ultimate betrayal when these institutions become the cause of harm and mistreatment – rather than a place of healing.

Unfortunately, medical malpractice is not uncommon. Do not hesitate if you need to speak with a local Chicago medical malpractice lawyers – your health and future well-being may rely on it. Chicago medical malpractice lawyers know how to review your medical records, interview appropriate medical experts, and negotiate your claim with the healthcare facility, their corporate affiliates, and their insurers. Learn more about Illinois medical malpractice laws here. Are punitive damages available in med mal cases in Illinois? No, by statute, punitive damages are not available in med mal cases in Illinois.

Nursing Home Malpractice Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois

The professionals who oversee our elderly and disabled population have a serious responsibility to take care of our most vulnerable citizens. When healthcare professionals violate that responsibility they must be exposed – not only to protect the current victim, but also to protect future victims. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to nursing home negligence, contact a local Chicago nursing home negligence attorney today. There is absolutely no excuse for elderly abuse.

Boat Accidents – Accidents on the Water

Chicago Admiralty Attorneys: Chicago Maritime Attorneys

Injuries that occur on navigable waters require the help of a trained maritime attorney: a local Chicago maritime lawyer.Maritime cases are unique for a number of reasons. For example, the law governing maritime actions is not always that of your state’s law. Indeed, there are maritime laws that apply only to maritime cases. As well, there are unique procedural and statutory devices that apply in many maritime cases. Hiring an attorney who understands these distinctions is very important for you and the success of your case.

Chicago Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys – Injuries on Cruise Ships

Accidents occurring on a cruise ship can be a very scary experience. Once aboard the vessel, you and your family are under the supervision and control of the cruise boat captain and his or her crew. Unfortunately, bad things can happen aboard a cruise ship. A vessel can become a very dangerous place in an instant – whether from negligence, unsafe conditions, or reckless conduct by a crew member. If you have been injured aboard a cruise ship, it is critical that you contact an experienced Chicago cruise ship injury lawyer to discus your case and protect your rights.

Recreational Boat Accident Lawyers: Pleasure boats & Jet Skis

Pleasure boat accidents occur more frequently in the great lakes region than in most other places in the United States. Unfortunately, a good time can quickly turn into a nightmare when tragedy strikes on the water. In many cases, victims cannot seek medical attention soon enough – rescue on the water can be difficult, and time consuming. If you or a loved one is the victim of a pleasure boat accident, there are experienced Chicago pleasure boat accident lawyers who can represent you in a court of law.

Defective Products

Chicago Product Liability Law Firm: Chicago Dangerous Product Law Firm

If you have suffered from a serious injury due to a negligently designed product, a defective product, or an inherently dangerous product, then you will need to meet with a Chicago products liability lawyer to discuss your case. These cases are not easy to win – they often require a lawyer who is versed in these types of cases (often involving industrial research, intensive discovery, and the use of experts). If you are the victim of a dangerous product, it is important that you begin legal action as soon as possible.

Traumatic injury from defective products are a serious threat to public safety. The threat seems to be getting bigger with each passing year. For example 10 of the largest 50 verdicts in the U.S. came from product liability lawsuits. Hopefully as time passes on, companies will begin to take these injuries more seriously than a “mere cost of doing business”. It is understandable that some people may not feel comfortable immediately thinking about filing lawsuits right after suffering a serious injury as a result of a defective product. However, it is important to contact a local Chicago product liability attorney as soon as you can. Often, if there is a very dangerous product on the market, it is important that the victims stand up to the company who made the product – in order to prevent future injuries from occurring to the public. You can learn more about Illinois defective product laws here.

Chicago Drug Recall Attorneys: Chicago Defective Drug Attorneys

Dangerous drugs account for a growing number of personal injury claims in the United States. Despite efforts by the federal government to police the trustworthiness of the American pharmaceutical market – bad drugs inevitably make it into the marketplace. If you or a loved one has suffered due to one of these drugs, contact a local Chicago drug recall lawyer to discuss your case today.

Workplace Injuries: Injuries on the Job

Illinois Worker’s Compensation: Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyers

If you were injured on the job, you may qualify for worker’s compensation. Under the laws of the state of Illinois workers compensation laws provide a remedy to workers who are injured on the job. The nice thing about workers compensations is that in most cases, you will be entitled to money regardless of whether your employer was at fault. By working with a Chicago Illinois Workers Comp. Lawyer you can move your case forward – seeking needed medical attention, determining the benefits you need, and getting your case forward in front of the workers compensation panel.

Railroad Employee Injuries: Chicago FELA Lawyers

If you are a railroad employee who has been hurt on the job, then you may have a viable case under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (the FELA) against your employer. Chicago railroad employee accident lawyers protect injured workers who become seriously injured due to employer negligence: injuries resulting from improper training, improper equipment or unsafe equipment, injuries resulting from violations of safety regulations, and injuries resulting from unsafe working conditions, just to name a few.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney: Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Illinois wrongful death statute protects families who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or company. When an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer brings a wrongful death suit, the attorney is helping the aggrieved family member[s] by holding the persons or companies who are responsible for your loss accountable for what they have done. The Illinois wrongful death statute permits the next of kin and the surviving spouse to bring a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. These family members can recover for their financial and emotional damages (grief, sorrow, and mental suffering). In Illinois, before the wrongful death statute may be commenced, the decedent must have been able to bring a lawsuit for his or her injuries if he or she had survived. That means that if the decedent was legally barred from filing a civil suit, then so shall the surviving spouse and next of kin. Contact a local Chicago wrongful death attorney today.

Lawsuits Against the Government: Suing the Government for Personal Injuries

Chicago Government Liability Lawyers: find a local Chicago government negligence lawyer today

Do not make the mistake of assuming that because you or a loved one was harmed by a government entity that you have little chance of winning your case. Government entities are sued all the time because, just like any large company, they are capable of injuring others at any given moment. Regardless of whether you were injured by the county government (Cook County), the City (Chicago), California, or by the Federal Government, you have rights under the law. Contact a local Chicago government injury lawyer today.

Government liability: When can you sue the government?

Private citizens frequently sue both the state and federal government. State government entities include the city (here, Chicago), the county (Cook County), and the Illinois state government. Governments harm individuals in many of the same ways that private companies do: employee negligence, product liability, premises liability, and dangerous government activity. Depending on which entity (federal government or Illinois state government) caused your injuries, your Chicago government negligence attorney may have to file your case under the Federal Tort Claims Act (the FTCA), or the Illinois government liability statute.

Premises Liability: Slip and Fall Accidents: Trip and Fall Injuries

Chicago Trip and Fall Lawyers, Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyers, & Chicago Premises Liability Lawyers

In Illinois, landowners have a duty to take reasonable care of their property to protect visitors. This duty can include the requirement that the landowner make reasonable inspections of their property, and remedy unreasonably dangerous conditions. Too often, unsuspecting visitors and patrons are injured on another person’s or another company’s property. In the case of retail stores, one of the most common causes of injury is spills that have not been cleaned up promptly. If you have been injured due to another’s negligent care of their property, it is important to discuss your case with a Chicago premises liability lawyer.

Proving Your Slip and Fall Case May Require a Seasoned Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer with Experience in Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability cases can be difficult to prove even though you may think there is no question that a dangerous condition on another person’s property caused your injuries. Often, the challenge in a premises liability case is proving that your injury was actually caused by the dangerous condition. Proving causation usually requires experts in court who can testify about the nature of your injury – and how that injury was caused by the dangerous condition. Experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyers understand these nuances, and how to employ them to your benefit in court. Learn more about the Illinois premises liability act here.

Dog Bite Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois

If you have been the victim of a serious dog attack, you have rights under the law. It is all too common that dogs that should be more carefully monitored are left alone to attack innocent people. In some cases, dog bites occur from otherwise “friendly” animals. If you have suffered from serious injuries due to a dog bite, there are experienced Chicago dog bite attorneys who are standing by to help you now. You can learn more about Illinois dog bite laws here.

Chicago personal injury lawyers serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Burbank, Calumet City, Carol Steam, Carpentersville, Channahon, Chicago, Cicero, Crystal Lake, De Kalb, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, East Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Glenview, Gurnee, Hammond, Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lancing, Lockport, Lombard, McHenry, Mt. Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, North Chicago, Northbrook, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Oswego, Rockford, Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Tinley Park, Vernon Hills, Wilmette, Woodstock, Zion, areas in the vicinity of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and other communities in Cook County and Dupage County.