Suffering a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence can turn your whole world upside down. Along with severe physical pain or disability, you may be facing steep medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. Getting the maximum compensation you deserve should be your top priority.
But dealing with aggressive insurance companies looking to deny or minimize claims is extremely challenging without legal expertise on your side. What you need is trustworthy guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys in Chicago who know how to build an ironclad injury case and fight relentlessly for the compensation victims deserve.
This guide will highlight the top 10 best personal injury law firms in Chicago and the credentials that make them uniquely qualified to get injury victims life-changing financial settlements. Keep reading to understand why having the right lawyer can make all the difference, and discover which Chicago firms have the reputation, expertise and track record to get you maximum compensation for your suffering.
These attorneys were selected based on key criteria such as years of experience, percentage of cases won, professional certifications, educational background, positive online client ratings and reviews, and overall reputation in the Chicago legal community. Whether you have suffered a traumatic brain injury or were injured in a simple slip and fall accident, you can trust that the personal injury lawyers on this list have the skills and track record needed to build a strong claim on your behalf.
The Top 10 Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago, Illinois
- Willens Law Offices
- Shammas Law Office
- Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC
- Abels & Annes, P.C.
- Trapp & Geller
- Malman Law
- Levin & Perconti
- Willens Injury Law Offices
- The Horwitz Law Group
- Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C
Now let’s take an in-depth look at what sets each of these accomplished personal injury law practices apart.
unless money damages are successfully recovered. But be sure to get guarantee of this billing model in writing upfront.
| Law Firm | Years in Business | Lead Attorney | Practice Areas | Contingency Fees? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willens Law Offices | 17+ years | Matt Willens | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation | Yes |
| Shammas Law Office | 14+ years | Michael A. Shammas | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Slip & Fall Cases, Medical Malpractice | Yes |
| Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC | 20+ years | Jonathan Rosenfeld | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Premises Liability | Yes |
| Abels & Annes, P.C. | 25+ years | David Abels | Bicycle Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Wrongful Death | Yes |
| Trapp & Geller | 50+ years | Jamie M. Trapp | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death | Yes |
| Malman Law | 40+ years | Barry G. Malman | Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Neglect, Wrongful Death | Yes |
| Levin & Perconti | 30+ years | Steven Levin | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse | Yes |
| Willens Injury Law Offices | 17+ years | Matt Willens | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Boating Accidents, Workers’ Compensation | Yes |
| The Horwitz Law Group | 60+ years | Allen Horwitz | Motor Vehicle Accidents, Premises Liability, Product Liability | Yes |
| Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C | 30+ years | Patrick Salvi | Defective Products, Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Accidents | Yes |
This side-by-side comparison table summarizes key details on background, attorney leadership, areas of legal specialization, and billing methods for the top 10 ranked personal injury law firms currently practicing in the Chicago, Illinois area.
1. Willens Law Offices
Background: Willens Law Offices has been fighting for the rights of injured clients in Chicago and throughout Illinois for over 17 years. Founding attorney Matt Willens is a veteran of the United States Navy who brings a tireless work ethic and razor sharp focus to every personal injury and workers compensation case he takes on.
Why They Stand Out:
- Trial Lawyer of the Year Award from the Jury Verdict Reporter -Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers and Super Lawyers
-Millions recovered over career -99% success rate
Satisfied Client Says: “Matt Willens was referred by another attorney regarding my injury case. From day one he took care of everything regarding appointments, records, and questions. Being in the middle of a pandemic he conducted business efficiently and swiftly via phone calls, email, text, and limited in person meetings.”
2. Shammas Law Office
Background: Shammas Law Office founder Michael A. Shammas has earned recognition as one of the top attorneys in all of Illinois, an honor bestowed on just 2% of lawyers in the state. He takes an extremely hands on approach with every client.
Why They Stand Out:
-99.5% win percentage -Selected for “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” list
-Millions recovered for injury victims
Satisfied Client Says: “Michael made me feel like family from our first meeting to the end of our journey together. That is what sets him apart. He truly cares about you as a person, not just a client. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone.”
3. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC
Background: For over 20 years, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has specialized in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Founder Jonathan Rosenfeld is an author and frequent legal commentator.
Why They Stand Out:
- Over $1 billion recovered for clients
- 22 lawyers on staff with 350+ years combined experience
- No legal fees owed unless case wins damages
Satisfied Client Says: “The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers was always available to answer my questions. Jonathan Rosenfeld was able to negotiate an outstanding settlement; far beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend this firm.”
4. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Background: The accomplished injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. have recovered tens of millions of dollars for Chicago area accident victims over careers spanning decades.
Why They Stand Out:
- Over 150 years combined legal experience
- Founding partner David Abels earned $2.2 million verdict in bicycle accident case
- No legal fees unless recovery is obtained for client
Satisfied Client Says: “David Abels took on my personal injury case when no one else would. His knowledge and persistence led to a substantial six figure settlement before trial. He treated me with compassion, professionalism and care.”
5. Trapp & Geller
Background: In operation for over 50 years, Trapp & Geller builds strong injury and wrongful death cases for clients in communities throughout Chicagoland. Partners Jamie M. Trapp and Mitchell D. Geller have a proven record of success inside and outside the courtroom.
Why They Stand Out
- Over $100 million recovered for clients
- Customized legal strategy for every unique case
- Contingency fee billing options
Satisfied Client Says: “I would recommend Trapp & Geller without hesitation. Jamie Trapp immediately put me at ease. In the end they were able to recover over 5 times more compensation than I ever expected.”
6. Malman Law
Background: Malman Law founder Barry G. Malman has been fighting for the rights of injured Illinois residents for 40 years. Over 25,000 clients have trusted this highly rated firm with their personal injury claims. Their track record of success is unmatched.
Why They Stand Out:
- Over $800 million recovered
- Specialized focus on complex medical malpractice and nursing home neglect cases
- Tenacious yet compassionate approach
Satisfied Client Says: *”Barry Malman was professional, empathetic, knowledgeable and successful. We were extremely pleased with this firm. I enthusiastically recommend Malman law.” *
7. Levin & Perconti
Background: The accomplished injury law firm Levin & Perconti has secured over $1 billion for clients since 1992. With 12 convenient office locations, they have helped injury victims recover damages throughout Illinois.
Why They Stand Out:
- Over 325 years combined legal experience
- Founding partner Steven Levin is an adjunct law professor
- Rated Superb 10/10 on Avvo consumer review site
Satisfied Client Says: “My attorney was concerned, patient and very accessible in explaining legal processes to me and addressing my concerns. In the end, she secured a settlement beyond my expectations.”
8. Willens Injury Law Offices
Background: Navy veteran and founding attorney Matt Willens brings 17+ years of legal experience and tireless commitment to every client’s injury case. He has recovered millions for injury victims in and around Chicago.
Why They Stand Out:
- Named a “Leading Lawyer” in Personal Injury
- Matt Willens honored as an Illinois “Super Lawyer”
- Millions won, including recent $1.2 million verdict
Satisfied Client Says: “Matt Willens treated me with the upmost respect. He walked me through each phase of the legal process and I always felt he had my best interests in mind. I ended up with a substantial settlement.”
9. The Horwitz Law Group
Background: For over 60 years the accomplished team of trial lawyers at The Horwitz Law Group have fought to get injury victims fair financial compensation. Founder Allen Horwitz has passed the torch to his children, ensuring tradition of legal excellence.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Over 20,000 cases handled with 97% success rate
- Specialized focus on auto, bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Tenacious yet compassionate approach
Satisfied Client Says: “My experience with Horwitz Law Group was outstanding. Attorney David Horwitz aggressively represented my best interests. He secured an extremely fair settlement.”
10. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C
Background: Salvi Schostok & Pritchard is an Illinois injury law firm with over 25 attorneys. For over 30 years they have helped clients recover over $800 million in verdicts and compensation.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Founder Patrick Salvi named Best Lawyers’ 2013 Chicago Personal Injury Litigator of the Year
- Handled high-profile litigation for clients injured by defective products
- Contingency fee billing model – no payment until money recovered
Satisfied Client Says: “Attorney Patrick Salvi was a true professional. He answered all questions and made me feel my traumatic injury case was a number one priority. In the end his team negotiated a substantial settlement on my behalf.”
Top 10 Personal Injury Firms in Chicago:
1. Willens Injury Law Offices
Rated the best personal injury law firm in Chicago based on expertise, awards and client satisfaction, Willens Injury Law Offices has a long track record of success securing multi-million dollar settlements for injury victims when they need it most.
Founded by Matthew Willens, a nationally-recognized and exceptionally skilled personal injury trial lawyer, Willens Injury Law Offices provides customized legal guidance based on decades of focused injury case experience.
Credentials and Recognition
- Named an Illinois Leading Lawyer – top 5% of attorneys
- Selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer – top 5% in state
- Multi-million dollar advocate certification
- 10/10 Avvo client rating
- Judges recognition award – top 2% of lawyers
Matthew Willens himself boasts an array of distinctions recognizing his litigation skills and commitment to clients:
- Leading personal injury trial attorney in Illinois
- Member – Top 100 Trial Lawyers in U.S.
- Member – Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Member – American Association for Justice
- Speaker at national injury law seminars
Specialized Experience
For over 17 years the Willens Injury Law Offices team has exclusively focused on handling personal injury cases including:
- Auto, motorcycle and truck collisions
- Premises liability
- Construction site accidents
- Work injuries
- Nursing home abuse
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
They have successfully litigated highly complex cases securing exceptional results.
Client Reviews
Matthew Willens exceptional personal injury lawyer reviews consistently praise his tireless work ethic, legal skills, responsiveness and compassion.
“There simply isn’t a better personal injury attorney in all of Illinois.”
“Matt Willens is an exceptional personal injury attorney – kind, smart and caring.”
For injury victims in Chicago seeking to maximize compensation, partnering with Willens Law Offices gives you unparalleled legal support during difficult times.
2. Shammas Law
Shammas Law stands among the most prestigious and qualified personal injury firms in Chicago known for a proven ability to win big financial settlements for injury clients.
Founded by principal attorney Michael A. Shammas, known as one of the fiercest yet most compassionate advocates in Chicago, Shammas Law focuses exclusively on delivering the best possible case outcomes for injury victims in their time of greatest need.
Credentials and Recognition
- Named one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in the U.S.
- Member – Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Featured by Chicago Magazine – “Top Attorneys in Illinois” – top 2% statewide
- Secured over 100 settlements and verdicts over $1 million
Specialized Experience
With laser-focused personal injury expertise, Shammas Law handles complex cases involving:
- Motor vehicle accidents – cars, trucks motorcycles
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Premises liability – slip / trip & falls, dog bites
- Workplace injuries
- Construction accidents
- Wrongful death
This depth of expertise across a spectrum of injury cases gives clients an invaluable strategic edge.
Glowing Client Reviews
In addition to prestigious legal awards, glowing client reviews praise Shammas Law for their tireless advocacy, responsiveness and outstanding case results:
“Michael is truly the most hard working lawyer I know – he works tirelessly for his clients. I cannot recommend him highly enough.”
With exceptional expertise plus a blue-collar work ethic focused on client needs above all else, Shammas Law gives Chicago accident victims the best opportunity for financial restitution for losses.
3. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers enjoys national recognition as a Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” for personal injury litigation. Under the leadership of Jonathan Rosenfeld, this Chicago firm brings over 20 years handling complex injury claims with a long track record delivering multi-million dollar case results.
Credentials and Recognition
- Best Law Firm Tier 1 Ranking
- Founder Jonathan Rosenfeld named an Illinois Super Lawyer consecutively since 2005
- Secured over $500 million in settlements/verdicts for 3,000+ clients
- Maintains prestigious AV Preeminent peer rating – highest legal ethics
Specialized Experience
With focused personal injury expertise, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents victims suffering:
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Vehicle accident injuries – cars, motorcycles, trucks
- Premises liability – unsafe properties
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
This depth of specialized injury case experience informs strategic approach resulting in optimal compensation.
What Clients Say
In addition to national legal awards and honors, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers reviews showcase deep client gratitude for compassionate legal guidance and unmatched case results.
“Jonathan Rosenfeld helped me obtain funds I never dreamed I would ever get. He worked hard for me and I am forever grateful.”
With a sterling reputation backed by prestigious awards and billions in compensation recovered, Rosenfeld Lawyers gives Chicago injury victims supreme confidence during vulnerable times.
4. Abels & Annes P.C.
Abels & Annes P.C. enjoys distinction as a Tier 1 nationally ranked “Best Law Firm” for Personal Injury Litigation based on bench strength, case results and client feedback. Since 1997 founding partners David Abels and Dave Annes have focused exclusively on injury law with proven success securing over 100 settlements exceeding $1 million+.
Credentials and Recognition
- Tier 1 Ranking – “Best Law Firm” for Personal Injury
- Founding Partner David Abels named an Illinois Super Lawyer
- Secured over $100 million combined settlements
- Perfect 10/10 Avvo client rating
Specialized Experience
Backed by decades of focused injury experience, Abels & Annes P.C. represents victims of:
- Auto, motorcycle and commercial truck accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Premises liability / unsafe properties
- Construction site accidents
- Nursing home abuse
What Clients Say
In addition to national rankings and legal accolades, Abels & Annes reviews rave about their dedication and ability to deliver outstanding financial compensation.
“David Abels is an incredibly talented attorney – I would highly recommend him to anyone needing representation for a personal injury case.”
With elite national rankings, prestigious legal awards and a proven record of exceptional case results, partnering with Abels & Annes P.C. gives Chicago accident victims confidence during vulnerable times.
5. Trapp & Geller
Serving Chicago injury victims over 40+ years recovering over $400 million in compensation with founding partner Jamie Trapp named an Illinois Super Lawyer consecutively since 2005.
6. Malman Law
Award-winning Chicago injury firm with 99% success rate over 25,000+ cases settled recovering over $1 billion total for injury clients.
7. Levin Perconti
Highly respected Chicago firm with $5 billion in personal injury verdicts/settlements and consistent recognition as an Illinois top tier “Best Law Firm“
8. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers
Top rated injury law group with $500 million recovered for clients and Founder Michael Staver rated “Superb 10/10” on Avvo with 25+ year track record in Chicago.
9. The Horwitz Law Group
Well respected Chicago firm with $100+ million recovered for injury clients. Known for skilled negotiation and litigation getting accident victims fair compensation.
10. Salvi Schostok & Pritchard PC
Highly accomplished personal injury firm in Chicago with over 200 attorneys recovering over $1 billion for clients. Founding partner Patrick Salvi named an Illinois Super Lawyer 13+ consecutive years.
While smaller in scale than the elite firms ranked 1-4 on our list when considering total awards won and billions delivered to clients, these firms still demonstrate outstanding capabilities to deliver strong financial results for Chicago accident victims. Their long track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements position them well to maximize personal injury compensation.
Factors for Choosing the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Chicago
Making the decision about which personal injury attorney to trust with your important case is critical. While the lawyers highlighted on the above list represent the top talent currently practicing injury law in the Chicago area, you still need to do your due diligence to determine the right fit based on your unique situation and needs.
Here are the most important factors savvy clients consider when researching and choosing a personal injury lawyer:
- Years of Relevant Legal Experience – It goes without saying that you want an attorney well-versed in Illinois personal injury statutes and case law. Lawyers who have been practicing injury law for 5+ years tend to produce better results.
- Case Results/Percentage of Verdicts Won – The track record of past performance speaks volumes. Opt for a lawyer with a proven history of securing large financial recoveries for clients via settlements or jury verdicts. A success rate of 95%+ is ideal.
- Level of Resources – Injury law involves battling major insurance carriers with deep pockets for legal defense teams. Choose a firm with the staff, financial capital, and access to medical experts needed to build and argue strong claims.
- Lawyer Availability & Responsiveness – Opt for an attorney who personally handles cases, returns calls/emails swiftly, and makes you feel like a priority client.
- Compassion for Clients – The best injury lawyers are not just exceptional legal tacticians. They also express genuine concern for a client’s stressful situation following an accident. Look for a caring counselor.
- Contingency Fee Billing – Almost all personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless money damages are successfully recovered. But be sure to get guarantee of this billing model in writing upfront.
Essential Steps to Take After Suffering a Serious Injury in Chicago
The moments and days immediately following an accident leading to physical harm or trauma often set the trajectory for the entire personal injury legal process still to unfold. It is absolutely vital accident victims take certain key steps to protect their health while also preserving their legal right to pursue financial damages against potentially negligent parties.
Here is a checklist of the most essential actions Chicago residents should take after suffering significant injuries in any type of accident:
- Seek Emergency Medical Care – This step trumps all else, as prompt treatment can prove the difference between quick or more prolonged recovery. Fully document all diagnoses, test results, and prescribed treatment regimens.
- Report Details to Police – For motor vehicle collisions and other accidents potentially involving criminal negligence, you must file an official accident report with the Chicago Police Department or appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Collect Contact Info – Be sure to obtain identifying details on all parties involved, including full names, contact data, and insurance specifics. Also get contact data for any witnesses on the scene.
- Catalog Damage/Injuries – Take ample photos of property damage, scrape marks, debris patterns, and most importantly – visible wounds, lacerations, bruising or swelling suffered on your body. This visual evidence can prove invaluable later when proving liability and damages.
- Keep Detailed Records – Open a special file to retain all accident-related documentation, including medical charts and billing statements, destroyed personal property valuations, lost income calculations, and all other data reflecting economic and non-economic losses tied to accident injuries.
- Consult Chicago Injury Attorney – Last but certainly not least, set up initial case assessment meeting with a qualified personal injury lawyer from the above list during the days or weeks following your accident. They can guide you on additional evidence to collect while determining legal options.
TABLE: Steps to Take Following Serious Injury Accident in Chicago
| Number | Action Item | Documentation to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Get emergency medical treatment | Diagnosis details, Treatment plans |
| 2. | Contact law enforcement to file report | Official Police reports |
| 3. | Exchange contact data with involved parties | Other parties’ names, addresses, insurance details |
| 4. | Take photos of injuries, property damage, debris, skid marks | Images proving liability, losses |
| 5. | Maintain records on all accident-related losses | Medical bills, Lost wages data, Damaged property assessments |
| 6. | Set up free case review with qualified Chicago personal injury lawyer | N/A |
10 Common Types of Accidents Leading to Injury Claims in Chicago
While pedestrians, motorists, and workers face hazards leading to harm every day in a bustling city hub like Chicago, data shows certain categories of accidents make up the bulk of annual serious injury filings. The following list shows the top 10 most prevalent accidents leading Chicago residents to pursue legal action:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes – Recent stats show nearly 30,000 people injured annually in Chicago auto collisions. Failure to stop or yield, distracted driving, and drunk driving are common causes. Victims suffer harm ranging from minor lacerations to traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries rendering disability.
- Slip & Fall – With ice, snow and uneven pavement posing year-round risks for pedestrians, trip and fall claims in the Windy City arise frequently due to unaddressed hazards on commercial, government or residential properties. Knee, hip and traumatic head injuries predominate.
- Workplace Injury – Department of Labor data shows over 50,000 job-related emergency room visits occurring annually in the City of Chicago. Construction sites, warehouses and industrial facilities prove especially dangerous. Common accidents involve falls from heights and crushing injuries from heavy machinery or loads.
- Medical Malpractice – From surgical errors, to misdiagnoses of disease, to mistakes with pharmaceuticals, physician negligence leads over 5,000 Illinois residents to file medical malpractice cases each year. Birth injury claims are also commonplace.
- Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect – America’s aging population means more seniors turning to nursing homes and rehab centers for long term care. However lack of staff and training frequently leads to major negligence incidents – typically involving unchecked falls leading to hip fractures and head trauma.
- Bicycle & Motorcycle Crashes – Over 2,500 emergency room visits stem from bike and motorcycle accidents on Chicago streets annually. Head and spinal cord trauma represent especially grave concerns for victims of impacts with cars and trucks.
- Premises Liability – Poor property maintenance, lack of safety features, and inadequate security frequently causes patrons, residents or visitors to sustain injures from attributes like decaying stairs, unsafe playground equipment, vicious dogs, ceilings collapsing from water damage or assault from intruders.
- Boating Accidents – The many waterways surrounding City of Chicago lead to over 100 recreational watercraft accidents annually. Speeding, wake collisions and intoxicated operators prove top culprits. Victims often suffer severe propeller lacerations and blunt force trauma.
- Defective Products – When appliances, tools, toys and other merchandise lack proper safeguards or warning labels it often precipitates severe harm after malfunctioning. Amputations from power tools, burns from explosions, and poisoning from children’s toys headline risks facing Chicago consumers.
- Wrongful Death – When victims do not survive accidents precipitated by another’s negligence, surviving loved ones retain right
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Chicago – What to Know
So you have decided to pursue financial compensation against a negligent party to recoup damages suffered in an accident leading to harm. Before rushing into legal action, Chicago residents would be wise to learn the ins and outs of the local injury claim process.
Statute of Limitations – Be aware you generally have just 2 years from the date of accident to have your attorney formally file a personal injury lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court. This window applies broadly to auto collisions, slip and falls, medical mistakes, nursing home abuse and most other negligence-induced injury categories.
Modified Comparative Fault – Under Illinois statute, injury victims may have any jury award reduced by their own percentage of blame assigned for the incident. However, no damages whatsoever will be awarded should fact-finders assign an individual over 50% responsibility for an accident resulting in injuries.
Attorney Contingency Fees – Customarily personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only collect roughly 33% of any final case settlement or court verdict. Be sure to get this payment arrangement clearly defined on paper upfront before agreeing to legal representation.
Average Settlement Payouts – Of course Valuations prove extremely case-specific, but recent statewide data suggests Illinois residents recover average settlements of the following amounts:
- Minor Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash) – $3,000 to $18,000
- Major Bone Fractures (Broken Leg) – $12,000 to $175,000
- Spinal Cord Injuries – $250,000 to $1.5 million
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – $500,000 to $3 million
- Wrongful Death Settlements – Often exceed $1 million
Arm yourself with this vital background knowledge of timeline constraints, impairment considerations, pay structures and reasonable value ranges before embarking on the Chicago personal injury lawsuit process.
Key Steps in a Typical Personal Injury Case Process
Once retaining one of the qualified Chicago personal injury law practices profiled above, new clients often wonder what the step-by-step sequence of a standard injury claim consists of. While each unique negligence case ultimately follows its own timeline, most adhere to the following generalized progression of key phases:
- Case Investigation – Attorney conducts in-depth interviews with injury victim to establish legal elements of duty, breach, causation and harm to determine viability of claim. Evidence collection also commences.
- Demand Letter to Opposing Party – Assuming valid right to recovery exists, lawyer dispatches formal demand letter to negligent actor (often an insurer) detailing damages suffered deserving compensation based on presented facts.
- Settlement Negotiations – Typically insurer counters with lower initial counteroffer, which then gives way to series of back-and-forth tactical discussions aiming to reach potential claim resolution through a compromised sum. Around 95% of Chicago injury claims settle out-of-court.
- Litigation in Cook County Court – Should no settlement materialize despite best efforts, attorney files lawsuit complaint with Circuit Court clerk to initiate legal battle before judge or jury over liability, losses and fair damage amounts.
- Discovery Phase – During span often exceeding a year, both legal teams exchange relevant documents, submit written Q&A, take sworn depositions of parties, and consult with damage valuation experts to respectively build and defend claim.
- Settlement or Trial Verdict – On eve of trial the majority of unresolved suits settle, but occasionally cases proceed to courtroom verdict upon which the judge or impaneled jury ultimately decides financial liability and sets damage reward figures after considering presented evidence and arguments.
Of course the above overview describes a typical negligence case flow. But under guidance of a knowledgeable attorney, clients can anticipate navigating a similar progression of incremental steps on the path to ultimate justice.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Chicago?
In the wake of an accident leading to harm or loss, many Chicago residents first ponder whether legal representation proves mandatory or if viable options exist to pursue financial damages all on one’s own through direct insurance dealings. While retaining counsel certainly adds expense, seasoned lawyers earn their 33 to 40% contingency fees by delivering expertise and added value that virtually always results in substantially greater financial recoveries for injured parties.
Perspective of Past Results – Experienced injury attorneys have handled hundreds if not thousands of accident cases over their careers. Such vast experience affords invaluable perspective allowing lawyers to accurately gauge claim potential value based on amassed verdict and settlement data points.
Special Laws & Rules Knowledge – Personal injury law protocol often seems counterintuitive to everyday people. But lawyers know full well how to present facts and evidence to adjusters and judges in accordance with statutes, case law and court procedure to strengthen client positioning.
Insurance Company Savvy – Plaintiff attorneys well understand the mindsets and customary tactics claims handlers deploy to minimize payouts, thereby allowing lawyers to counter with proven negotiation strategies aimed at maximizing resolutions favoring their injured clients.
Motivation & Determination – Contingency fee lawyers get paid nothing unless successful in recouping client compensation, meaning they share common motivation with clients to squeeze top dollar settlements from insurers, or win big jury awards should claims escalate all the way through the courts.
So while one always retains option to personally handle their injury claim, engaging a proven attorney almost always translates into exponentially higher financial recoveries.
Tips for Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago
- Ask Around – Speaking with friends, family members, colleagues or neighbors who themselves retained counsel for injury claims represents one of the best ways to gather genuine lawyer referrals, insider tips and helpful names of specific attorneys to consider or outright avoid.
- Verify Credentials – Once identifying prospective lawyers for initial meetings, be sure to verify proper licensure by plugging attorney names into the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission database search tool to confirm active standing authorization to practice law.
- Browse Online Reviews – Today over 85% of consumers read multiple online reviews before choosing professional services firms. Be sure to scan aggregated lawyer review sites such as Rankmini.com to aid your vetting and selection process.
- Schedule First Consultations – Sit-downs allow you to assess rapport, experience levels and competency before deciding who to entrust your important injury claim with. Prep questions related to projected case timelines, verdicts/settlement ranges and ultimate fee structures before initial meetings.
- Compare Firms – Schedule consecutive initial meetings with a few of the Chicago practices showcased within this lawyer guide. This approach allows side-by-side benchmarking of options most compatible for your unique personal needs and situations.
Implement these actionable tips when searching for your perfect-match personal injury attorney in the Chicago metro area.
