Millions Recovered for Injury Victims
A car crash on Chicago’s busy roads or a trip and fall on a cracked sidewalk can change your life in seconds. You’re hurt. And bills are stacking up. Injuries, especially when they’re severe or life-changing, can bring high medical bills, income loss, and insurers that don’t want to pay adequate compensation.
That’s when you need a Chicago personal injury lawyer to stand up for your rights. Bradley Law brings deep knowledge of Illinois personal injury law and Cook County courts to help you maneuver the legal process. While you focus on healing, we focus on getting you justice and maximum compensation.
Don’t face the aftermath of an accident alone and risk leaving money on the table. Reach out to Bradley Law today for a free consultation.
Common Chicago Personal Injury Cases We Handle
When you’re injured in an accident, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Knowing when and where to find help is the first step. At Bradley Law, our Chicago, IL personal injury lawyers handle a variety of cases, such as auto and truck crashes, injuries caused by unsafe property conditions, and medical malpractice. Here are some of the most common personal injury cases we see in Chicago:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Chicago’s highways, like I-90 and I-94, are some of the busiest and most congested in the country. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the state saw almost 300,000 accidents in 2023, with Cook County accounting for the largest share.
Heavy traffic and complex intersections make accidents a regular occurrence in Chicago.
Crashes that involve commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, or rideshares can be too complex to handle without legal representation. You’ll need an attorney who understands the federal and state regulations governing commercial vehicles. Bradley Law works to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other defendants accountable so you don’t have to fight powerful insurance companies alone.
Our impressive track record with motor vehicle cases includes numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our injured clients and a record-breaking $14.25 million motorcycle accident trial settlement.
Premises Liability: Slip and Fall or Negligent Security
Slips and falls can cause serious injuries, with older adults particularly at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that one in four adults aged 65+ falls each year. Not all falls happen due to a property owner’s negligence. However, if you were injured on public or private property due to a hazard, like slippery floors or cracks in sidewalks, you could have legal recourse and qualify for compensation.
Injuries also happen when property owners neglect security. Evidence of negligent security includes broken locks, lack of lighting, or no surveillance cameras in areas where crimes are common. If you were assaulted or injured on someone else’s property, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
In a nutshell, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. If they don’t maintain their properties adequately or fail to provide proper security, and you are harmed, you could qualify for a lawsuit and damages.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims in Illinois often involve severe injuries. Common errors include surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and birth injuries. Medical malpractice cases can be complicated and involve several defendants, which is why they typically require expert witnesses and comprehensive medical knowledge in addition to legal expertise.
Workplace Injuries
Chicago is a hub for some of the most hazardous industries, like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in Illinois in 2023, there were 101,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry alone.
While workers’ compensation may cover medical expenses, it doesn’t address the full extent of an injured worker’s damages, like pain and suffering or loss of companionship. Bradley Law helps you explore all your legal options, which can include a personal injury lawsuit when a third party, like a contractor or property owner, is responsible.
Product Liability
Defective consumer products cause thousands of injuries nationwide every year. In fact, product recalls have been spiking recently, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If a defective or dangerous product caused your injury, Bradley Law can investigate and hold manufacturers accountable, even when they try to avoid responsibility.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of the most painful experiences for any family. When that loss is caused by someone else’s carelessness, whether in a car accident or due to medical negligence, families can seek accountability and financial support. While no amount of money can replace what you’ve lost, suing for wrongful death can help cover death-related expenses and ensure financial stability.
At Bradley Law, we provide compassionate, steady guidance and handle the legal details of your claim so your family can focus on healing. We’ll fight to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law.
Illinois Laws That Could Make or Break Your Personal Injury Claim
Understanding the crucial Illinois personal injury laws is essential for protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Here’s what every accident victim in Chicago needs to know:
- Two-Year Statute of Limitations. Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim, regardless of its strength.
- Modified Comparative Negligence Rule. According to Illinois’ comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, but only if your fault is 50% or less. Your compensation is then reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can only recover 80% of your damages.
- Local Government Claims Act. Claims against Chicago, Cook County, or other government entities have a shorter deadline (one year) and specific notice requirements. Failing to observe these additional administrative hurdles can sink your claim.
- Medical Malpractice Damage Caps. In the past, Illinois used to cap non-economic damages, but these caps are no longer in place. This means you can now recover the full extent of your losses in a medical malpractice claim in Chicago.
- Dram Shop Liability Laws. An important issue for those who were involved in a crash with a drunk driver: you could hold a bar or restaurant liable for injuries caused by over-served patrons.
This is just a glimpse of some of Illinois’ personal injury laws, but many other state laws could influence your case. A skilled personal injury attorney in Chicago understands how to work with these regulations to protect your rights.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Chicago Personal Injury Case
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s carelessness or recklessness, you deserve full compensation for all your losses. Knowing what your case is worth is crucial so an insurer can’t push you into a low-ball settlement offer. Here’s what you could be entitled to:
Economic Damages: Your Financial Losses
Economic damages represent the measurable financial impact of your injury. In addition to property damage, like car repair or replacement, such damages can include:
- Medical Expenses. You could qualify for all current and future medical costs related to your injury, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Medical devices and equipment, like crutches and prosthetics, should also be covered.
- Lost Wages. Lost wages encompass compensation for income you’ve lost while recovering, including salary, bonuses, and benefits. If your injury affects your future earning capacity, you can also recover lost future income.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses. Any out-of-pocket expenses you incur are compensable. This can include transportation costs, over-the-counter medications, household help, and others. Make sure to track all expenses and retain receipts.
Non-Economic Damages: Your Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the intangible losses that don’t have clear dollar amounts but could severely impact your life enjoyment:
- Pain and Suffering. You deserve adequate compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you’re experiencing due to an injury.
- Loss of Companionship. Loss of companionship damages are typically awarded when your injury impacts your ability to provide support and companionship to your spouse, children, or other family members.
Fight for Maximum Recovery with a Chicago, IL Personal Injury Lawyer
Don’t settle for less than what your case is worth. You didn’t choose to get hurt and deserve full compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize these damages, but Bradley Law can determine the true value of your personal injury case and fight aggressively for maximum recovery.
Common Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Chicago Personal Injury Case
Even the smartest accident victims can unknowingly damage their cases. The following mistakes can reduce your compensation or even sink your claim:
- Posting on Social Media. Insurance companies may monitor your social media accounts for posts that contradict your injury claims. Even innocent posts, like a photo showing you attending a family birthday, can be taken out of context and used against you.
- Accepting the First Settlement Offer. Initial offers are typically far below your case’s value. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your financial losses.
- Delaying Medical Treatment. Gaps in medical care give insurance companies ammunition to deny or reduce your compensation. They may argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident if you didn’t see a doctor right away.
- Giving Recorded Statements to Insurers. Recorded statements are often used against victims later, regardless of whether they were trying to be helpful and honest.
- Returning to Work Too Soon. Going back to work before you’re fully recovered can be used to minimize your lost wage claims and injury severity.
Why Choose Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago?
Insurance companies are not on your side. While you are in pain and recovery, they are already putting together a plan to minimize your compensation. At Bradley Law, we understand the challenges you’re up against when pursuing fair compensation for your injuries. We know how to fight for the justice you deserve.
Fighting Insurance Company Tactics
Here are some of the manipulative tactics an insurance company may use to cheat you out of compensation:
- Questioning the severity of your injury
- Exploiting gaps in your medical documentation
- Pressuring you into accepting a low-ball settlement
- Employing teams of experienced lawyers to fight your claim
We can level the playing field by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering compelling evidence, and aggressively negotiating with insurers who know we’re trial-ready. Time is critical in Chicago personal injury cases, as you have just two years from your injury date to file a lawsuit.
We Put Our Clients First
We believe that clients don’t just deserve exceptional legal representation, but genuine compassion und understanding. We’ve built our practice around our clients’ needs. Bradley Law puts your recovery first:
- No fees unless we win and you recover damages
- Personalized attention for every client
- Clear communication throughout the legal process
- Transparent updates on your case’s progress
Bradley Law: Trial Ready and Trial Proven
Insurance companies know Bradley Law prepares every case as if it’s going to trial.
We would never want you to settle for less or an insurer’s “last best offer.” This means negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement while preparing for trial. If insurance companies don’t offer what you deserve, we’re prepared to take them to court.
Award-Winning Results You Can Trust
Since 2002, Bradley Law has recovered over $100 million for clients, including record-breaking motor vehicle and wrongful death settlements. Founding attorney E. Ryan Bradley was recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for having the most reported winning cases in the state. Our track record underscores our dedication to achieving justice for injury victims.
Contact Bradley Law Today
Time is precious when you’re dealing with a personal injury case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you could receive the compensation and peace of mind you deserve. Get started today and contact us for your free case review.
Speak With An Attorney About Your Case
FAQs: Ask a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
Can I sue the City of Chicago for injuries caused by sidewalk defects?
It’s possible to sue the city, but claims against the government are not as straightforward as suing a private business. You’ll need to prove the city was responsible for maintaining that section of sidewalk and knew of the hazard. And you only have one year to file a claim. A skilled Chicago, IL personal injury attorney can help you navigate the city’s immunity rules and filing procedures.
What should I do immediately after a Chicago car accident?
First, check for injuries and call 911. Then exchange contact info with drivers and witnesses, take photos, and file a police report (even for a minor crash). And before talking to insurance adjusters, consider calling a lawyer to protect your rights.
When should I hire a Chicago personal injury lawyer?
If you’re seriously injured or an insurance company is giving you the runaround, hire an attorney immediately. They can negotiate better settlements and handle legal deadlines while you are recovering. Even if your case seems simple, a quick consultation can save you from making costly mistakes or even jeopardizing your compensation claim.
How long do Chicago personal injury cases typically take?
Every personal injury case is unique, and there is no average length. That said, simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries often settle within 6-12 months. However, those involving complex issues and catastrophic injuries can take much longer, especially if they go to trial.
Factors that determine the length of your case include injury severity, insurance negotiations, and whether a lawsuit is filed. Having an experienced attorney in your corner can speed things up and maximize your payout.
Do I need to go to court for a personal injury case in Chicago?
Most personal injury cases in Chicago settle without ever going to trial. However, hiring an attorney who is “trial-ready” gives you significant leverage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know Bradley Law is prepared to take strong cases to court if they don’t offer fair or timely compensation. If your case does go to trial, we handle all court proceedings and keep you informed throughout the process.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have enough insurance?
Many Chicago drivers carry only minimum insurance ($25,000 per person), which typically isn’t enough for serious or life-changing injuries. If the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, your own auto policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help cover your damages. Bradley Law investigates all potential insurance sources, including commercial policies in truck accidents, to maximize your recovery.
