Personal Injury Lawyer Chicago

If you have been injured, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

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Empowering Recovery with Chicago's Personal Injury Advocates

A Chicago personal injury lawyer provides vital services to those trying to recover a sense of stability after a serious injury or loss has occurred. This service is more than legal counsel; it is the feeling of calm that results from knowing that a powerful team of advocates is completely focused on making those responsible pay for their errors.

Representing injured clients across the United States

Meyers & Flowers, headquartered in Chicago, has built a nationwide legal advocacy practice on the foundation of seeing that our clients obtain full financial compensation for many classes of preventable injuries.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have a formidable reputation for taking on huge multinational corporations, insurance companies and employers.

We have won large settlements and trial awards that not only benefit individuals, but often result in wide sweeping improvements in safety procedures connected with the defendant industry.

woman with crutches getting out of a car with a broken leg

Removing the Stress of Seeking Compensation

We are proud of our record of wins for our clients. Many of them come to us feeling hopeless at the thought of confronting a team of hard core opposition attorneys, thinking they are on their own after an injury has completely changed their lives. Our clients are relieved to learn they have a world class personal injury law firm backing their claim.

$24 Million

Largest verdict in Kane County on behalf of the family of a woman who suffered pulmonary arrest and permanent brain damage as a result of medical negligence

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$325,000

DuPage county settlement with Carol Stream beauty school for scalp burn

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$200 Million

Settlement on behalf of 40 people killed in a train explosion in Lac-Mégantic, Canada

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$12 Million

Medical malpractice settlement for a 7-year-old boy after his physicians negligently failed to diagnose and stop his seizures.

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$1.58 Million

Recovery for injured construction worker

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$7 Million

Resolution for Six-Year-Old Boy Hit by Negligent Semi-Truck Driver

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$3.5 Million

Awarded to 25-year-old man injured in a semi-truck collision

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$5 Million

Chicago firefighter killed in line of duty

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$1 Million

Settlement for Aurora Man Injured by Negligent Truck Driver

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How Do You Decide Whether or Not a Case Goes to Court?

At Meyers & Flowers, we have deep trial experience, and in negotiating settlements with the opposing party’s defense lawyers. You can be completely confident that your rights and interests will be protected. With the assistance of our litigation team at Meyers & Flowers, the value of your claim will be carefully and thoroughly evaluated to determine the actual value, including:

Economic Damages: Financial losses associated with the injury, including medical costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and other losses.
Non-Economic Damages: These damages are typically the largest portion of a personal injury claim, and relate to pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, emotional anguish, etc.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, the actions of the responsible party were so outrageously reckless, lacking any regard for the safety of others, that compensatory damages can be pursued as punishment for those actions.

The Fundamentals of a Personal Injury Case

Personal injury covers a wide range of injuries including physical damage and emotional stress. This body of the law allows individuals to seek financial compensation for damages caused by intentional or unintentional negligence.

The basic premise is that individuals, corporations, medical personnel and many others have an acknowledged duty to provide a safe environment or to provide services that cause no harm.

While money alone cannot fully compensate for pain, emotional stress, loss of a loved one, or an altered lifestyle, it can help to get one’s life back on track.

A Look at the Personal Injury Process

When you’re seeking justice in a personal injury case, you deserve to trust that you’re in the right hands. At Meyers & Flowers, we have extensive experience with personal injury suits, having successfully argued hundreds of cases. We’ll walk you through every step of the process:

Your Consultation

This is our first meeting, during which we’ll get to know the details of your case and begin to formulate a specific plan for moving forward. We’ll help you figure out what types of compensation you might be entitled to, and get you started down the road to justice.

Document Filing

Filing all of the necessary documents is the first proper step in the suit process, which we’ll take care of on your behalf.

Discovery

This is the part of the process during which the plaintiff (you) and the defendant (the other party) will formally exchange evidence. We’ll send the other party a list of questions, requests for documents, and so forth. This helps us build our case.

Motions and Hearings

Before the trial properly starts, both sides have a chance to file for motions and hearings that might impact the outcome of the trial, or the process by which it proceeds altogether. An example of this might be one side arguing that certain evidence be deemed inadmissible, or arguing that there’s not enough evidence to bring the case to trial altogether.

Negotiations

In most cases, attorneys will attempt at reaching a settlement before the trial actually begins. If both parties can come to an agreement, the trial can potentially be avoided. If not, the trial proceeds.

Trial

During your trial, we’ll argue your case compellingly, doing our best to convince a jury that the defendant is liable for the damages and owe you the compensation we’re demanding.

Collections and Appeals

When a settlement or verdict is reached, your attorneys will then set about collecting and distributing the compensation from the defendant. In some cases, the defendant can also file post-trial motions, or appeals, each of which can potentially change the outcome of the trial after the fact.

EXCEPTIONS TO ILLINOIS’S STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims may be extended in various situations, such as when:

The injury or its cause was not immediately known
The injured party is a minor or legally incapacitated
There are latent or delayed symptoms
There is fraudulent concealment by the defendant
Filing a claim against a government entity
Criminal charges are involved
Tolling agreements are made
There is continuous medical treatment
Bankruptcy proceedings are underway

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Tireless representation for every client

Meyers & Flowers is serious about obtaining fair and meaningful financial compensation and aggressively prosecutes each personal injury case to a satisfactory conclusion. Many cases are settled out of court particularly when it is clear that the defendant was negligent. Our Chicago case preparation team is considered among the best in the preliminary steps leading up to trial. While we try to avoid expensive trial costs, we are always fully prepared and willing to escalate to trial. A Meyers & Flowers Chicago personal injury lawyer is fully equipped to confront an opponent of any size including managing large class action and mass tort actions from our Chicago base, representing thousands of clients across the United States.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CHICAGO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Experience and Expertise

Find a lawyer or law firm with extensive experience in personal injury law and a history of success in cases like yours. Specializing in personal injury cases means they know the rules, procedures, and tactics inside and out.

Reputation and Reviews

Consider the lawyer's reputation in the legal community and read reviews from past clients. A good lawyer will have positive feedback and a strong reputation for being ethical and professional.

Resources and Team

Consider the resources and support staff available to the lawyer or firm. A strong legal team can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your case by doing thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and providing comprehensive legal support.

Communication and Accessibility

Choose a lawyer who communicates well and keeps you updated on your case. They must be responsive to your questions and available to discuss your concerns throughout the legal process.

Trial Experience

Even though many personal injury cases are settled out of court, having a lawyer with trial experience is valuable. They should be ready to take your case to trial if needed and have a good track record in court.

Client-Centered Approach

Look for a lawyer who puts your best interests first and fights for your rights. A client-centered approach means they take the time to understand your unique situation, tailor their strategies to your needs, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.

Success Rate

Ask about the lawyer's success rate in getting reasonable client settlements or verdicts. A high success rate shows the lawyer's ability to achieve positive outcomes and maximize compensation for injured individuals.

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CHICAGO AREA ACCIDENT STATISTICS

In 2020, Chicago witnessed over 100,000 motor vehicle crashes, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. Approximately 30% of these accidents involved alcohol-impaired driving, contributing significantly to the severity of injuries. (Source: Illinois Department of Transportation)
Chicago ranks among the top cities with high pedestrian accident rates. In 2020, over 2,000 reported pedestrian accidents resulted in injuries and fatalities. Factors contributing to pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, failure to yield, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. (Source: Chicago Department of Transportation)
Chicago has seen a rise in bicycle accidents, with over 1,500 reported incidents in 2020. Lack of designated bike lanes, driver negligence, and door zone accidents (where cyclists are struck by opening car doors) are common factors in bicycle accidents. (Source: Chicago Department of Transportation)

Personal injury cases

Every personal injury case arriving at our office is unique and our personal injury attorneys in Chicago are fully versed in all aspects of the laws governing these types of cases. We routinely represent clients, individually and also through large group legal suits for injuries arising from:

Defective Medical Products

Hip replacement devices
Knee replacement devices

Every year, thousands of people are injured by defective medical devices and products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posts yearly lists and summaries of the most serious recalls of defective medical products with a reasonable chance of causing serious health problems or death. Consumers who have been injured by defective medical products may be eligible to recover compensation for their losses.

xray of a hip

Defective Prescription Drugs

A defective prescription drug is one that causes physical, psychological, or emotional harm. Drugs can be defective due to improper labeling, insufficient warning, or a defect in the drug itself. Unfortunately, it can take years to discover that a drug is dangerous, at which point many people have already suffered harm.

Auto and Truck Accidents

Often requires identification of multiple defendants

When a large commercial truck collides with a much smaller passenger vehicle, it can cause serious or fatal injuries for the passenger vehicle occupants. Truck accidents are complex cases involving federal regulations and multiple potentially responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, the trucking company, a truck parts manufacturer, or a company responsible for maintenance of the truck. Learn more about truck accident legal coverage or car accident legal coverage.

airplane crash

Aviation Accidents

Airplane crashes
Helicopter crashes
Hang glider crashes
Drones

Aviation accidents occur much less frequently than auto accidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports a total of only 808 aviation accidents nationwide in 2016. When they occur, however, plane crashes can cause serious or fatal injuries. After a tragic aviation accident, it is important to have an attorney with experience representing your interests. Airlines and their insurance companies have their own best interests at heart.

workers in hard hats

Workplace Injuries

Often regulated by State Workers Compensation Boards

If you are covered by workers’ compensation (as most workers are), you should receive benefits for a work-related injury, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If should be a simple matter to receive your benefits after an on-the-job injury, but, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Our dedicated legal team has years of experience and a successful track record handling workers’ comp cases. You can rely on us for assistance if things don’t go smoothly with your workers’ compensation claim.

Woman with her hand held in front of her

Sexual Abuse

Employer or co-worker abuse
Teacher abuse
Clergy abuse

Sexual abuse is becoming an increasingly serious problem. The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that someone in America is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. An average of 321,500 people age 12 and older become victims of sexual assault or rape every year. Sexual abuse victims have a right to seek compensation in a court of law, even if they were too afraid to report the abuse when it occurred. Learn about sexual abuse legal coverage here.

Train and Cruise Ship Accidents

Collisions
Food poisoning
Assault

Hard-working people go on cruises and travel to relax, unwind, and get away from it all. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries often occur on cruise ships and trains. Train accidents are caused by human factors, track defects, equipment defects, and signal defects. As trains are powerful machines with tons of fast-moving iron and steel, collisions can have devastating consequences.

Personal injury on a cruise ship can result from loss of power, fires, food-borne illnesses, slip and fall accidents, crime and assault, or full or partial sinking of the ship. Cruise ship accidents and injuries are complex cases governed by maritime law, which includes federal regulations, international treaties, and case law.

If you have been hurt on the job or suffered injury caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, Meyers & Flowers is here to help. Our team of seasoned trial lawyers has a history of success recovering substantial awards and settlements for our clients.

COMMON PERSONAL INJURIES PEOPLE SUFFER IN CHICAGO

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a range of injuries, from whiplash and fractures to severe head trauma and spinal cord injuries
Slip and fall accidents can lead to injuries such as broken bones, sprains, back injuries, and head injuries, particularly among older adults and during icy or wet weather conditions
Medical malpractice cases encompass a wide range of injuries caused by healthcare professionals' negligence, including surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and infections acquired in healthcare settings
Workplace accident injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and occupational diseases

Dog bites and animal attacks resulting in puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and emotional trauma
Assault and violence-related injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to more severe trauma
Construction site accidents leading to serious injuries and fatalities
Product liability injuries include burns, cuts, poisoning, and other injuries requiring medical attention

HOW DO I PROVE FAULT IN MY PERSONAL INJURY CASE?

Proving fault in a personal injury case typically involves establishing four key elements: duty, breach of duty, injuries, and losses.

Duty of Care

Duty of care refers to an individual or entity's legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid harming others.

To prove fault, you must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This duty can vary depending on the circumstances. For example:

Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely
Doctors have a duty to provide competent medical care
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors

Laws, regulations, industry standards, and common-sense behavior expectations may provide evidence of a duty of care.

Breach of Duty

Breach of duty occurs when the defendant fails to uphold their duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly.

You must demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty of care, meaning they did not act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. This could involve actions such as:

Speeding
Failing to follow safety protocols
Neglecting property maintenance

Evidence of breach of duty may include the following:

Eyewitness testimony
Expert opinions
Surveillance footage
Accident reports
Any relevant documentation

Injuries

Injuries refer to the physical harm or damages you suffered as a result of the defendant's breach of duty. You must prove that you sustained actual injuries directly caused by the defendant's actions or negligence.

Some examples of evidence of injuries include the following:

Medical records
Diagnostic tests
Treatment plans
Photographs of injuries
Testimony from healthcare providers

Losses (Damages)

Losses, also known as damages, encompass the financial, physical, and emotional harm you experienced due to your injuries.

You need to demonstrate the specific losses you incurred, such as:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage

Supporting documentation includes:

Pay stubs
Repair estimates
Receipts
Expert testimony on future medical needs or lost earning capacity
Your testimony about the impact of the injuries on your life

For example, in a car accident case, you might establish fault by showing that the defendant (another driver) had a duty to drive safely, breached that duty by running a red light, causing a collision that resulted in your injuries (such as whiplash and a broken arm), and led to losses like medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income from missed work, and pain and suffering.

PARTIES WHO MAY BE LIABLE FOR YOUR INJURY

People who caused your injury through their actions, like a careless driver in a car crash, a property owner not keeping their premises safe, or a healthcare provider giving poor care
Companies can be responsible for injuries from their products, unsafe places, bad hiring or training, or not following safety rules
For example, a faulty product hurting someone, a business not keeping people safe, or a construction company not keeping the workplace safe.
Employers can be responsible for work-related injuries through workers' compensation, especially if the injury is due to unsafe conditions, lack of training, or employer negligence
Workers' comp laws vary by state but generally cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault

Government agencies can be responsible for injuries caused by their mistakes or bad behavior, including accidents on government property, road problems causing car accidents, or injuries from government employees doing their jobs
Property owners and landlords must keep their premises safe for visitors and tenants and can be responsible for injuries from slippery floors, broken stairs, poor lighting, or lack of security
Healthcare providers can be responsible for injuries caused by medical mistakes, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication errors, or neglect in patient care
Companies that make or sell faulty products can be responsible for injuries caused by those products, including design flaws, manufacturing defects, and not giving enough warnings or instructions for safe use

WHAT COMPENSATION AM I ENTITLED TO AFTER A PERSONAL INJURY?

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial losses incurred by the injured party due to the accident or injury. These damages are quantifiable and can be calculated based on actual financial costs or losses incurred due to the injury. Examples include:

Compensation for past and future medical treatment related to the injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive devices
Reimbursement for income lost due to the injury, including wages from missed work, reduced earning capacity, and potential future income if the injury affects your ability to work long-term
Compensation for damage to your property, such as a vehicle in a car accident or personal belongings affected by the injury incident
Reimbursement for other financial losses directly caused by the injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications, and domestic help during recovery

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages in personal injury law pertain to the intangible losses suffered by the injured party, which are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms. Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are subjective and do not have a specific monetary value, making them more challenging to calculate.

Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injury, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues resulting from the incident
Compensation for the loss of ability to participate in activities, hobbies, or aspects of life that you enjoyed before the injury due to physical limitations or emotional trauma
Compensation for the impact of the injury on your relationships with family members, including loss of companionship, intimacy, and support
Compensation for visible scars, disfigurement, or permanent disabilities resulting from the injury, affecting your appearance, mobility, or quality of life

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional harm by the defendant, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar misconduct in the future. These damages are separate from compensatory damages and are meant to send a message rather than directly compensate the injured party.

DOES ILLINOIS HAVE CAPS ON THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES RECEIVED?

No, Illinois does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. However, it's important to note that Illinois does cap punitive damages, three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded or $500,000, whichever is greater.

Medical malpractice cases in Illinois have specific caps on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which are set at $500,000 against healthcare providers and $1,000,000 against hospitals. These caps apply only to medical malpractice cases and not other personal injury claims.

Additionally, Illinois has comparative negligence laws, which means that if the plaintiff is found partially at fault for their injuries, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their percentage of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is found 20% at fault for an accident, their compensation may be reduced by 20%.

WHAT SEPARATES MEYERS & FLOWERS FROM OTHER PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRMS?

Our firm boasts deep trial experience, crucial in personal injury cases that may go to court. Attorneys at Meyers & Flowers are skilled in both negotiating settlements and vigorously advocating for clients in the courtroom, earning a formidable reputation for securing large settlements and trial awards for our clients.

Moreover, our comprehensive approach allows us to address diverse client needs effectively. We prioritize client satisfaction and take a personalized approach to each case, working tirelessly to secure fair and meaningful compensation.

Beyond securing financial compensation, Meyers & Flowers is dedicated to seeking justice for our clients. We advocate for accountability, fair treatment, and positive outcomes that restore clients' lives as much as possible after an injury or loss.

Simply put, Meyers & Flowers' combination of experience, success, client-centered approach, and commitment to justice distinguishes us as a leading personal injury law firm.

Other Types of Personal Injury Cases

The attorneys at Meyers & Flowers in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law

What should I do after an accident?

The first and most important action after an injury accident is to get medical attention and follow the prescribed therapy. The second action is to engage the services of a qualified personal injury attorney. Do not provide a statement to an insurance company, lawyer, or party representing the at-fault party as you may damage your case.

Why should I choose Meyers & Flowers?

Our litigation team represents the injured in a wide range of injury cases, including vehicle accidents, defective product cases, malpractice, abuse, workers’ compensation, consumer fraud, and others. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, or if a family member passed away due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, you can trust our Chicago personal injury lawyers to pursue justice and full compensation for you.

What is personal injury?

Personal injury is defined as any physical or emotional injury sustained by an individual through the negligent or reckless act of another party. The bottom line for personal injury is that individuals, employees, businesses, governments and other entities have a legal role to ensure an environment under their control is reasonably safe, or the products they manufacture are safe for consumers. Meyers & Flowers has the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers and resources to aggressively investigate the details of every case and pursue just compensation for our clients, no matter what it takes.

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?

Clients likely have valid personal injury claims if they were harmed due to another person's negligence or intentional actions.

What is negligence, and how does it relate to personal injury cases?

Negligence is the failure to act reasonably, and it's crucial in personal injury cases because it establishes fault for causing harm.

How is compensation determined in personal injury cases?

Compensation in personal injury cases is determined based on factors like the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

Do I need an attorney for my personal injury case?

While not mandatory, having an attorney is highly recommended for your personal injury case to protect your rights and negotiate fair compensation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

The time to file a personal injury lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from one to six years. As such, clients should consult with an attorney to ensure that they meet the deadline.

Can I pursue a personal injury claim even if I was partially at fault for the accident?

In most cases, clients can still pursue a personal injury claim even if they are partially at fault. Many states allow for proportionate compensation based on comparative negligence laws.